COME, SIT, STAY Canine Etiquette

07/12/2025

YOUR DOG/S' AGE IN HUMAN YEARS...The metric has changed!! No longer can we apply the 1 dog year equals 7 human years. Here is an article with an AGE CHART that explains this.

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-to-calculate-dog-years-to-human-years/?utm_source=meta&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=aff&utm_content=dog-years-bc&utm_id=6367224130233&utm_term=6367224131433&fbclid=IwY2xjawLU0g1leHRuA2FlbQEwAGFkaWQAAAX69ePy0WJyaWQRMUJueE5sdk5hSG1vMjlVMmsBHjqLSG2BmAQxWJGFwXIO3owBAOU_GVmer_WoQ3LxCapXrAR2JNevyx_ZJ54H_aem_S1eWoJv8e-Zqf8YX0k4zzQ&campaign_id=6367224130233&ad_id=6367232915633

Learn how to calculate dog years into human years with this helpful chart, and find out how researchers came up with the numbers.

07/09/2025

ALL DOGS NEED A JOB!! This is more true & necessary than you may think, sincerely! Your dog will be happier & mentally & emotionally healthier. It is also easier than you may think to give &/or teach your dog "a job". For example, think of something your dog already does & it isn't something you taught them to do, they just do it. Take a bit of time & consider how you can change the dynamic of that endeavor. Meaning, redefine what that job means. You may even tweak it a bit. First you would have to attach yourself to the existing behavior, then start some tweaking. Suddenly, it's a JOB to your dog. They do LOVE having a job, especially when the "pay scale" is quite good...LOL!!

Your dog doesn't have to be the next Jessie. But, your dog & you can be happier & have loads of fun together!! My article ALL DOGS NEED A JOB explains a lot about why this is so important & why the dogs love it. I give examples of how you can take different functions, activities, behaviors & redefine them for your dog so they are "a job". I hope you will take a moment to read this article & possibly share it with others. Here is the LINK: http://www.thedogspeaks.com/artjob.htm Below is a video of Jesse, who has really perfected the art of "having a job/s". His first 2 videos can be viewed at the end of this one. Here is the link to Jesse's videos: https://www.youtube.com/embed/PztO-OvzRyg?rel=0

Presenting, Useful Dog Tricks 3!! Whoever said tricks can't be useful? Jesse's back, and this time he tackles chores that most humans wouldn't find enjoyable...

07/04/2025

HAVE A HAPPY & SAFE 4TH OF JULY...I hope everyone will truly consider why July 4th is so important. God Bless you all & may this 4th fill you up with LOVE OF COUNTRY...OUR country...the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. May God bless the USA. I can loudly proclaim that I am "PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN"!!!

07/03/2025

HOW TO SAVE YOUR DOG FROM HEATSTROKE...Always err on the side of caution with your dogs in the heat. Keep in mind that even when it may not seem that warm to us, it can dramatically affect the dogs. They do not sweat, except for the pads of the feet. Their ONLY manner of cooling themselves is to pant. Know how to determine if your dog is overheated & the steps to take immediately. My dogs always loved to sun themselves. In the Texas heat & humidity, I watch the clock & set a timer to be safe, so I can bring them inside, even when they want to stay out longer.
Here is a link to an article you may find interesting.

Heatstroke in dogs is a medical emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention. But what are the common causes, symptoms, and treatment? Our vet experts explain everything you need to know about dog heatstroke—and how to keep your pet safe.

07/03/2025

YOUR DOG'S TONGUE IS A KEY INDICATOR OF BEING "OVER HEATED" OR "OVER EXERTED"!! Dogs are only able to "cool" themselves via "panting". When panting, a dog's tongue will hang out of their mouth. Initially, the tongue will just "hang loosely". As their internal body heat increases, the tongue will become more rigid because it swells...especially the last portion of the tongue. At this juncture, you will notice the tongue becoming deep pink to red.

The last portion of the tongue becomes more "rounded & curled upwards" than the rest of the tongue...similar to a spoon. You should pay close attention because your dog is extremely over hearted. This same presentation "can" also occur in cooler temps, but when the dog is "over exerted". When this is occurring, you will also notice the dog's lips pulled back like in a big, wide grin.

This is not a good condition for your dog & you should take measures to allow/help your dog a chance to cool down.
If not, you could face a serious situation. Please watch for the various signs of heat or exertion that can compromise your dog's well being.

You would want to get them into the shade or into the house. Give tap water (temp wise)...ice cold water to drink is not good at this stage. You can use damp towels (or spritz) on the tummy, under the neck, & PAWS...again, the water should be like tap water. FYI: The dog's can only cool themselves to any large degree is via panting. Their paws are the ONLY place the dog's sweat.

CAUTION: When your dog is outside, especially in the sun...even when not overheated & you want to keep them from doing so...DO NOT spritz of put water on their backs. When the back is wet & the dog is in the sun...their back becomes like a SAUNA!!!!!! Use the things mentioned above to help keep them cool. And, above all...do NOT walk your dog on any hard surfaces at all!!!!

SIDE NOTE: If your dog is "not" over heated nor over exerted & is panting heavily, your dog is likely experiencing some physical issue such as discomfort, pain, illness, fever. Also, "extreme" stress or emotional distress can cause this behavior.
(www.thedogspeaks.com)

07/02/2025

It is important that people SEE the damage our dogs' "paw pads" will suffer when walking on HOT surfaces!!!

07/02/2025

WITH THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER QUICKLY APPROACHING...TAKE CAUTION WHEN WALKING YOUR DOG/S!!! Some people think because a dog's paws are thick & have a tough, calloused type appearance, that they are immune to hot surfaces. This is not true!! Walking on HOT surfaces is uncomfortable, painful, & can cause injury to their paw pads!

Please be aware of just how HOT walking surfaces become in hot weather. If you need to have your dog sit or down, please make sure it is in a shaded area or at the very least grass as opposed to asphalt, concrete, or wood. Yes, wood gets very hot. Their rumps & stomachs can be easily burned in hot temps!! (www.thedogpseaks.com)

07/02/2025

SUMMER HEAT "REMINDER"!!! We all need to flood the zone with the "heat issues" posts!!! Please do not leave your dog/s in your car even if you think you will only be gone 5-10 minutes OR you think it is NOT "that hot"!! Please consider "sharing" this with others. (www.thedogspeaks.com)

06/27/2025

THUNDERSTORM &/OR FIREWORKS ISSUES!!! A couple of times a year, I make a post on thunderstorms & fireworks. This is one of those times. We have lots of thunderstorms AND...The 4th of July is right around the corner. So, NOW...is the time to try & find help for your dog/s if they experience anxiety or sheer panic/terror. It is the time to check into things that can help your dog/s!!!!

Thi is so important, don't wait until the last minute!!

PREPARE "NOW" FOR...thunderstorm issues & fireworks issues your dog has. Please take time...now, before the fact...to determine HOW to best HELP your dog/s endure upcoming thunderstorms or fireworks with the least amount of stress/anxiety as possible. First off, if you have an outside dog, PLEASE bring them indoors. Most dogs who have issues with storms or fireworks, their issues/reactions go beyond fear & panic. They experience utter, sheer TERROR!!!

All they know is they have to "get away" from what is happening. They will do anything. Chew out of a wood fence, dig under a fence, try to dig out of a concrete run bloodying their paws. If indoors & crated or fenced, they will grab at the wires with all their might & can damage their mouths & teeth. Claw at any confinement & damage their paws. Indoors...many dogs will try to escape any confinement. In their efforts to escape the noise that is causing their terror, they can hurt themselves & cause damage to the house.

For all of their physical traumas, the emotional trauma is every bit as severe or worse!! Even indoors when you are home, the dogs will often pace, pant, whine, cry. Owners know their dog can't help it...but, as it goes on & on...even the best of owners will often lose patience. This compounds the dog's trauma/terror level beyond description!! Be aware that leaving your dogs alone can also add to their terror levels.

There are "natural" approaches that can help some dogs. I have found that Melatonin is very helpful. It may take more than would normally be needed to calm your dog in other circumstances. There is no magical amount. I had a 60 # lab who only need 1/2 of a 3 mg. Melatonin. But, a 15 # Westie required 9 mg. to get any relief at all.

Some dogs are helped by Rescue Remedy. Some dogs are helped by DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromones). Sometimes, a dog can benefit from a Thunder shirt. I have had much input about these working to some degree or a lot! All of these seem to have a range of efficacy from one dog to another. Some are not helped at all. Others, helped "some", others...are helped a lot. I know there are many things out there that can help. A newer item that can help if the dog's issues are related to the SOUNDS are "ear muffs" for dogs! The one I am familiar with is called Mutt Muffs.

Please take time to develop a multi-tiered "game plan" as to how to help your dog. The television, radio, CD volume can help mask the noises to a degree. Years ago, before all the newer approaches...it was recommended to use a bit of Mineral Oil in each ear to coat the eardrum & muffle the noises. Mineral Oil is also a natural cleaning agent.

If your dog has a very severe, extreme reaction to fireworks & thunderstorms & you have not found a more natural approach to helping them that "works"...you may want to talk with your Vet & have a Rx medication on hand to help. These can include Xanax, Diazepam (Va**um), or Ace Promazine. NOTE: If going this direction, I prefer Diazepam or Xanax. Personally, I do not like Ace but, if this is the only option, talk to your Vet about the lowest possible level to start your specific dog at & to what level you can increase it IF needed to help. Further, when using any of these, I recommend using the med the first time when you are home so you can observe how the med. affects your dog. I like to try things the first time when the issue is NOT occurring. Just so I can observe my dog's reaction to the med without the extraneous aspect of the problem.

SILEO is a newer medication for NOISE REACTIVE DOGS. I personally know many people who reported good results. Some Vets may also prescribe Trazadone which is rather sedative for the dogs, but could possibly work if needed. Better to have the plan to help your buggers...so, start now!!!

You really need to provide help to your dog because every time they experience the "terror", it reinforces & validates their fears. Each exposure to the fear/terror inducing catalyst exacerbates their fear/terror & cause an increased response level!!

06/27/2025

THUNDERSTORM &/OR FIREWORKS ISSUES!!! A couple of times a year, I make a post on thunderstorms & fireworks. This is one of those times. We have lots of thunderstorms The 4th of July is almost here. So, NOW...is the time to try & find help for your dog/s if they experience anxiety or sheer panic/terror. It is the time to check into things that can help your dog/s!!!!

This is so important, you don't want to wait until the last minute!!!

PREPARE "NOW" FOR...thunderstorm issues & fireworks issues your dog has. Please take time...now, before the fact...to determine HOW to best HELP your dog/s endure upcoming thunderstorms or fireworks with the least amount of stress/anxiety as possible. First off, if you have an outside dog, PLEASE bring them indoors. Most dogs who have issues with storms or fireworks, their issues/reactions go beyond fear & panic. They experience utter, sheer TERROR!!!

All they know is they have to "get away" from what is happening. They will do anything. Chew out of a wood fence, dig under a fence, try to dig out of a concrete run bloodying their paws. If indoors & crated or fenced, they will grab at the wires with all their might & can damage their mouths & teeth. Claw at any confinement & damage their paws. Indoors...many dogs will try to escape any confinement. In their efforts to escape the noise that is causing their terror, they can hurt themselves & cause damage to the house.

For all of their physical traumas, the emotional trauma is every bit as severe or worse!! Even indoors when you are home, the dogs will often pace, pant, whine, cry. Owners know their dog can't help it...but, as it goes on & on...even the best of owners will often lose patience. This compounds the dog's trauma/terror level beyond description!! Be aware that leaving your dogs alone can also add to their terror levels.

There are "natural" approaches that can help some dogs. I have found that Melatonin is very helpful. It may take more than would normally be needed to calm your dog in other circumstances. There is no magical amount. I had a 60 # lab who only need 1/2 of a 3 mg. Melatonin. But, a 15 # Westie required 9 mg. to get any relief at all.

Some dogs are helped by Rescue Remedy. Some dogs are helped by DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromones). Sometimes, a dog can benefit from a Thunder shirt. I have had much input about these working to some degree or a lot! All of these seem to have a range of efficacy from one dog to another. Some are not helped at all. Others, helped "some", others...are helped a lot. I know there are many things out there that can help. A newer item that can help if the dog's issues are related to the SOUNDS are "ear muffs" for dogs! The one I am familiar with is called Mutt Muffs.

Please take time to develop a multi-tiered "game plan" as to how to help your dog. The television, radio, CD volume can help mask the noises to a degree. Years ago, before all the newer approaches...it was recommended to use a bit of Mineral Oil in each ear to coat the eardrum & muffle the noises. Mineral Oil is also a natural cleaning agent.

If your dog has a very severe, extreme reaction to fireworks & thunderstorms & you have not found a more natural approach to helping them that "works"...you may want to talk with your Vet & have a Rx medication on hand to help. These can include Xanax, Diazepam (Va**um), or Ace Promazine. NOTE: If going this direction, I prefer Diazepam or Xanax. Personally, I do not like Ace but, if this is the only option, talk to your Vet about the lowest possible level to start your specific dog at & to what level you can increase it IF needed to help. Further, when using any of these, I recommend using the med the first time when you are home so you can observe how the med. affects your dog. I like to try things the first time when the issue is NOT occurring. Just so I can observe my dog's reaction to the med without the extraneous aspect of the problem.

SILEO is a newer medication for NOISE REACTIVE DOGS. I personally know many people who reported good results. Some Vets may also prescribe Trazadone which is rather sedative for the dogs, but could possibly work if needed. Better to have the plan to help your buggers...so, start now!!!

You really need to provide help to your dog because every time they experience the "terror", it reinforces & validates their fears. Each exposure to the fear/terror inducing catalyst exacerbates their fear/terror & cause an increased response level!!

06/22/2025

IS YOUR DOG A "TALKER"? I absolutely LOVE what I call "the talkers". However, when a "talker" has a DEEP, booming "voice" some of their various vocalizations can be misunderstood. Some growlie noises are often part of their vocalizations/communications. We want our dogs to listen & understand OUR communications (human speak). I believe WE should try to understand THEIR communications (dog speak). BTW, the more you engage, acknowledge your dog when they "tell you their story &/or express their feelings", the more you will learn & understand about your dog's communication paths. Consider that even when your dogs "bark" their pack "alert", I always acknowledge their alert, thank them & then, ask them to "no bark, good no bark". This will enrich your relationship! Here is the link to my Chapter: GROWLS...UNDERSTANDING....
http://www.thedogspeaks.com/artgrowlsounds.htm

06/21/2025

MY "MAGIC TOUCH" TECHNIQUE!! I want to share with you a technique I developed years ago to help my Rocket who had times when he spiraled out of control due to his neurological problem (similar to the "stimulation" form of Autism. This helps with normal dogs in a variety of situations & circumstances. When your dog is triggered into an out of control response/behavior or super excited & keeps revving up:

1) Cup one hand on your dog's back, right behind their withers (shoulder blades). Use your thumb & fingers to create an upside down "U" shape on the back.

2) Apply slight to moderate pressure.

3) Simultaneously, place your other hand (full open palm) on your dog's fore chest (right below their neck & shoulders). This is the fullest area/spread of the chest.

4) Apply slight to moderate pressure as with your other hand.

5) You do not have to speak to them. If you do talk to them, use a low tone & calming tone. Let your voice "reflect" the emotional state you wish them to experience. A higher pitched or lilting tone actually stimulates the dogs.

This really does work. You will be able to feel their body "un-tense"/relax. Often you & others will be able to "see" the tensions release from their body. Now...once you sense, feel, or see the tension release...use a low, calming to say, good boy or good girl. Hope some of you find this as helpful as many of my clients, friends, & family members.