COME, SIT, STAY Canine Etiquette

05/03/2025

SPRING HAS SPRUNG...(sorry this is a tad late)...Make sure nothing in your yard has!!!!!!! Use this weekend look around your yard, inch by inch, foot by foot & make sure that all is okay! Wood fences can deteriorate during the wet, snow, cold (especially for long periods!). The same can occur with metal or wire.

So, check your fences visually, but also physically. Push on all sections of fences or barriers, pay close attention to the base of wood fences. Make sure nails have not stared to work out of wood. Dogs can raise up & catch a paw. They can cut their paw or snag a nail. Be sure to reinforce or replace any rotting wood or weakened wood. Be sure there is no metal or wire has come loose or rusted out.

Check all of your fence latches! Check areas for standing water that is dirty or stagnant. When spending time outside, your dogs could lap up the nearest water. If you have a shed or place where you store things, make sure the door is securely fastened so your dogs can't get in.

Honestly, I cannot stress enough how important the Spring "yard check over" is to the safety of your dogs!!! (www.thedogspeaks.com)

04/20/2025

MAY EVERYONE HAVE A VERY "BLESSED" EASTER...and, keep in your heart what Easter is a remembrance of.

04/17/2025

A DOG'S "WILL"...I got this in on my FB page & wanted to share it with everyone. Some may have seen it, others may not. When I read it (short), it was powerful. I broke down with the last sentence. It still brings me to tears when I think about it & my babies I have lost through the years.

04/12/2025

A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF TEETH CHATTERING/TEETH CLACKING....This article is very informative. I thought it would be good to share because many people think this behavior is odd (which it is) & often will think it is CUTE. It is best to understand the most common aspects of teeth chattering/teeth clacking. IF you have a dog who exhibits this behavior, it would be good to read this & grasp what to watch for & why.

04/04/2025

THE EASY WAY TO ASSESS IF YOUR DOG IS OVERWEIGHT...While your dog is "standing" on all four, lightly run your hands along both sides of your dog. Just past the rib cage, there should be a slight, noticeable "tuck IN". Now, run your hands along the underside of your dog (chest/tummy area). At the end of the rib cage, there should be a noticeable "tuck UP". The tuck IN & the tuck UP...creates your dog's "waistline", so to speak.

When there is NOT a "tuck IN & tuck UP", if the sides & the underside remain even behind the ribcage, your dog is a bit overweight & could stand to lose a bit. However, when the area behind the ribcage is NOT slightly "tucked in or up", but "pooches OUT" (sides &/or undercarriage), then your dog is overweight.

Keep in mind...there are medical/health issues that can cause your dog's weight gain. You may need to discuss your dog's weight. As with people, when a dog carry excess weight, some common issues that can occur are arthritis in their joints, the increased possibility of an ACL/CCL tear or injury. The number one cause for a dog to develop Diabetes is being overweight. This is just like the #1 reason "people" develop Type 2 diabetes is being overweight. There are many other causes, but weight is significant.

We should all be aware if our dog suddenly gains weight. If they have started "eating" a larger amount of food, OR different foods...I would consider if your dog has access to the other dog's food. Even if they have never bothered it before, it can start. This could be that the heavier dog is "hungrier"...which can come from being on steroids or other meds OR certain medical issues. However, the other dog may NOT be eating their food normally. That could be say...tooth or mouth issue, tummy issue, and some medical issues can cause a dog to lose their appetite. This is one of the reasons I am not a fan of "free feeding". It removes a major way to insure both dogs eat THEIR food ONLY.

FINALLY, we always have to consider if we OR friends or family members are sneaking human food to your dog beyond what they normally eat!!!!

NOTE: If you have a sleek (short haired") dog (think Labs, etc)...you can often tell just by looking at them if they do or don't have a "waist". It is even easier if the dog is a deep chested breed/dog. If the hair is like an inch or more...you will have to use your hands to check for the "tuck IN" & the "tuck UP" to determine if they do or don't have a "waist".

04/04/2025

IS YOUR DOG OVERWEIGHT??? Here is an article that will give you some valuable information about dogs who carry too much weight or more than is healthy for their size, build, & breed. I will make another post that describes how YOU can determine if your dog is overweight. PLEASE read this article & then also check for my post regarding how YOU can determine if your dog is good on their weight or carrying too much weight & what that can mean health wise for your bu**er!!!

Obesity in dogs can put your pet at risk for all types of health issues. Here's what to know about obesity in dogs and how your vet can help.

03/31/2025

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A DOG "REVERSE SNEEZES"...This is an article from the AKC which is very informative. The article discusses "how" to stop the episode. My technique, through the years at dog events when this is occurring with a dog, I ask the owner if I can help their dog. They always say yes. I cup my hand over the dog's muzzle (mouth & nose). This limits the amount of air they are trying to get by inhaling repeatedly. I came up with this because I likened their response during an episode to a person who is "hyperventilating" & the person uses a paper bag to limit the intake of air. And, as the article mentions, I massage their throat as I am doing this. It has always worked.

Here is the link to the article:

During a reverse sneeze, the dog will suddenly stand still, extend its head, and produce a loud snorting sound. Here's why your dog reverse sneezes.

03/20/2025

IS YOUR DOG STUBBORN OR NOT?? Stubbornness is more a human trait/concept than a dog trait/concept. Consider that for the most part, when a child or adult has a stubborn streak...that is basically a "choice" by the human. The thing is it is contradictory for a dog to "choose" to be stubborn (not comply).

Dogs are part of our pack (or out on their own, then a dog/dog pack). There is always a pack leader or whatever term you want to apply. The dogs instinctually know it is essential to remain in the "good graces" of your pack leader. Consequently, it doesn't compute that a dog would "choose" to ignore or disobey.

When your dog has always been in tune with you due to your relationship, pack dynamic & they suddenly are NOT reacting or complying with normal things...this is not a choice. There IS a "reason". No matter how irrational their behavior is at that moment in time, you must recognize that it IS "their reality" at that moment in time!!! It could be health or possibly on a walk, the dog senses a snake or other danger & refuses to move forward. If the dog has been playing or investigating their environment in their yard or on a walk, their body systems are being stimulated. Then, when it is time to come into the house, the dog refuses or slow walks it...goes into the yard & does their business & comes into the house. Of course, there should always be a "reward". I mean, to leave all that fun just to go inside where things are more sedate (aka boring)...we need to make it worth it to them.

So, when they comply...the reward (treat or tossing their favorite ball, etc, etc) WILL be expected!!! If you happen to forget the "reward", say phone rang or whatever...you will feel their eyes boring into you. Often times, sitting by the treat or toy area...LOL...

Here is an absolutely excellent article regarding the stubborn discussion.

Dogs that don't listen or obey are called stubborn dogs, but there are often simpler reasons for their behavior such as confusion or distractions.

03/18/2025

DOES YOUR DOG WAKE IN "ATTACK MODE" WHEN ACCIDENTALLY TOUCHED/NUDGED (by you or another dog) WHEN SLEEPING IN THE BED WITH YOU?? When I say "attack mode, that could mean they wake growling, snarling, lunging, or literally snapping/biting at you or the other dog. There are many things that can account for why this is happening in a specific dog that is beyond what training or behavior modification can resolve. For these instances, I came up with something that has allowed many wonderful, loving & loved dogs to continue to sleep with their owners.

[NOTE: It is very common for our aging/senior dogs to start having sleep variances which can exhibit with some aspect of what I am addressing. Additionally, dogs (any age) who are having a medical, health issue can also become more reactive in certain circumstances.]

Get a "bumper sides" dog bed for the dog & train your dog to sleep in the bed. By a bumper sides bed, I mean the dog beds with raised sides as opposed to a flat dog bed. The raised sides prevent you or another dog from accidentally making physical contact with the dog.

To train your dog to sleep in "their bed" ON the bed, I recommend placing a piece of your worn clothing (like a worn t-shirt turned inside out) in their bed or you could rub a towel or whatever against your body (so it is heavily scented). Select the place for the bed. Then, do several training sessions during the day where you call the dog up on the bed & coax (using a treat) them into "their new bed" & reward (treat & praise). Call them off the full bed & then back up & repeat. Do a couple of repetitions for each little training session. Use a specific command like bed or place.

Do this process off & on for a couple of days & that should be enough to help the dog learn this is their new bed & their place to sleep. Certainly each night coax your dog up & into their bed. It shouldn't take long before the dog will not only acclimate to this new place, but will also realize it keeps them safe & comfortable.

BTW, if you have any dog that you just want them to sleep with you, but one specific place on the bed...you train that the same way. You would place a towel or mat or flat dog bed wherever you desire & train it the same way I have discussed here.

NOTE: When contacted with any undesirable/unacceptable bed sleeping behavior, I do always make sure that there is NOT a basic behavior issue involved that needs to be addressed. [NOTE: There can be a health issue or aging issue that can also benefit from the Bumper Bed approach I have discussed.]

03/11/2025

EVER WANT TO JUST REACH OVER, TOWARD YOUR DOG'S HEAD AREA & THEY BOB OR MOVE THEIR FACE/MOUTH TOWARD YOUR HAND?? This may not be a big deal to some. Personally, I like to reach out to my dog & not have that reaction. But it is super common. Think about when someone goes to pet/greet your dog & they put their hand over the top of the dog & the dog follows that hand with their head/muzzle/mouth & sometimes "snapping at the air" toward the hand in motion.

There is no intent to bite, nothing incorrect about the way the dogs react to anything, including our hand moving toward them. This is especially true when a hand is moves "over the top" of the dog's head. Here is my suggestion...put the back side of one of your hands in front of the dog's muzzle. The dog's head/muzzle will hone/focus in on that hand...while you move the other hand to pet them or do whatever. Maybe you just need to hold their head still while you check on something or apply topical flea stuff. Regardless, this really, really works! Give it a try.

This will also work for some dogs who tend to always roll over when you move your hands toward them & this can make it difficult to pick the dog up or even just pet or "check" their sides or back. Using this technique does help with some of these auto-rollover dogs.

YOUR SENIOR DOGS will have a reaction like this, especially when their "eyesight" is diminishing. This is different to the other things I have described. Senior dogs can become reactive or highly reactive when anything moves toward their face because of the eyesight issue, including actually snapping toward whatever is approaching their head/face area. Another example is when you reach to snap a leash onto their harness. The FOCUS approach can really help to offset this reactiveness.

Additionally, when dogs need medication in their ears or eyes...after a time they can resist wanting that done to them. You can't blame them for that reaction at all. Kids react the same way in this situation. However, they need the medication! So, we need to help it be less stressful for them & US. When we are doing anything, the dogs are reactive to...I never get upset with them & we always have a HUGE celebration & special treats when the deed is done!!! This is also very helpful for the dogs in these situations!!!

[Never "call" your dog to you when you are going to do something unpleasant. Rather you want to go to them. The reason is we need our dogs to ALWAYS "come" when called. If there are repetitive instance when the dog really dislikes x, y, or z...and, we CALL them to us...before long the dog will hesitate or not come in ANY situation because they will be "suspicious", expecting the worst anytime we call them.]

Depending on the situation...you might want to use a treat in your "focus" hand to increase their focus level. But, for regular situations...the back of your hand as the focal point will work. (www.thedogspeaks.com)

02/16/2025

WHITE NOISE MACHINES CAN HELP YOUR DOG IN NUMEROUS CIRCUMSTANCES...In circumstances when your dog experiences stress/anxiety this is a proven way to help your dog. I used white noise way back when I was doing "hypnosis" for people to help them in similar circumstances. This is before I even considered it for the dogs. The white noise would help the person be more susceptible to the hypnosis process. Quite a few years ago, I started using it for the dogs. This is an excellent article (AKC) that explains what & why this is very useful for the dogs. BTW, the machines now come with various calming, soothing noises/sounds selections.

I really believe this article will give you another tool to help your dogs in many different circumstances. As a side note, I have slept with a white noise machine going all night, for years. It helped with my sleeping difficulties. Once they first came out with white noise "machines", they were plug ins. The last many years, you can get them using batteries. When those came out...I would travel with one for ME & MY DOGS in hotel rooms!!! Truly, this is an excellent article. I hope everyone will read it. Here is the link:

White noise machines emit a constant, ambient sound meant to soothe anxious dogs. They're best used in combination with other training methods.

02/03/2025

HUNDREDS OF YEARS OF DOMESTICATION OF DOGS WITH HUMANS HAS RESULTED IN THEM DEVELOPING A "MUSCLE" OVER THEIR EYES THAT ALLOWS THE DOGS TO MIMIC OUR FACIAL EXPRESSIONS!! Many months ago, I read an article about this. However, I didn't save the article at the time. Today, I got in another article that addresses this very topic. I think everyone will be very intrigued by this information.

I have known for many years that the dogs are very adept at "mimicking" our actions & expressions. But, when I read the first article & now this one...it was so amazing that the dogs have actually "developed" a special muscle over their eyes that allows for a lot of their facial expressions. This actually now passes through their DNA!!

This article was in TEAM K-9:
Do you know why your dog's gaze can melt your heart instantly? The secret lies in a fascinating evolutionary adaptation that's uniquely canine – their eyebrows! Today, we're exploring how these expressive features have revolutionized the way dogs communicate with humans, making them not just pets, but irreplaceable family members who understand us on an emotional level.

A Muscle That Changed Everything
In a groundbreaking study, researchers discovered that dogs possess a specialized muscle called the levator anguli oculi medialis – a feature absent in their wolf ancestors. This tiny muscle, which evolved over thousands of years of domestication, allows dogs to create those irresistible "puppy dog eyes" by raising their inner eyebrows. The implications are extraordinary: dogs who could better communicate with humans through facial expressions were more likely to be selected for breeding and care, leading to the development of this unique evolutionary advantage. Even more fascinating, this muscle development varies among breeds, with some showing stronger expressions than others.

The ability to make these expressions isn't just cute – it's crucial for modern dog-human relationships. Dogs use this muscle up to five times more frequently when humans are present, suggesting a deliberate attempt at communication. This discovery helps explain why we feel such a deep connection when spending time with our dogs, whether we're out for a walk or relaxing together at home.

The Science of Emotional Manipulation (In the Best Way!)
Your dog's eyebrow movements trigger the same nurturing response in humans that we experience when looking at infant faces. This isn't coincidental – it's an evolved mechanism that helps dogs form deeper bonds with their human families. When dogs raise their inner eyebrows, they're actually making their eyes appear larger and more infant-like, triggering an unconscious caregiving response in humans.

This manipulation is so effective that studies show people are significantly more likely to adopt dogs from shelters who make this expression frequently. Understanding this communication is crucial – when your dog raises their eyebrows while making eye contact, they're actively trying to engage with you emotionally. Missing these signals can lead to missed opportunities for bonding and potential misunderstandings in your relationship.

The Language of Eyebrows: A Communication Guide
Your dog's eyebrow movements form part of a sophisticated emotional language. Rapid eyebrow movement often indicates excitement or anticipation, while sustained raised eyebrows typically signal focused attention or emotional connection. Understanding these subtle differences can transform your relationship with your dog.

This communication becomes particularly important during training sessions. When your dog maintains eye contact with raised eyebrows, they're showing peak engagement – the perfect moment for teaching new commands. However, if you consistently miss these signals, your dog might become less expressive over time, potentially affecting your bond and training effectiveness.

Building Stronger Bonds Through Understanding
The discovery of dogs' unique eyebrow muscles has revolutionary implications for training and bonding. When you respond to your dog's eyebrow movements with positive attention, you're reinforcing their natural communication instincts.
The key is consistency: regular eye contact sessions with your dog can strengthen your bond dramatically. Set aside dedicated time each day for face-to-face interaction. Watch for their eyebrow movements and respond with gentle praise or affection. This practice not only enhances your emotional connection but also helps your dog feel more secure and understood in your relationship.

Fascinating Fact of the Day!
Research shows that dogs' eyebrow-raising behavior increased by an astounding 500% when humans were present versus when they were alone! Even more intriguingly, domestic dogs raise their eyebrows significantly more than wolves, even when raised by humans from puppyhood. This suggests that this trait isn't just learned behavior – it's hardwired into our dogs' DNA through generations of evolution alongside humans.