Pawsitive Dog WI

26/08/2024

26/08/2024

Have you ever noticed how in a multi-dog household, it’s a full-on bark-fest the second they spot an intruder? That is, unless you’ve got that one oddball who couldn’t care less.

Emotional contagion, that is, the uncanny ability of dogs in picking up and sharing emotional states (such as excitement, fear or stress), tends to spread like wildfire, especially when the dogs live together and detect something out of the ordinary.

Just as dogs can share their feelings, they can also share their behaviors, which are often the outward expressions of emotional states.

Social facilitation is a term used to depict how dogs can influence other dogs. Dog behaviors may increase or decrease as a result of the impact of the other dog's presence.

In a nutshell, emotional contagion spreads emotions, while social facilitation spreads behaviors.

23/08/2024

https://wix.to/zYceOOb
Click on our newsletter. Classes coming up in River Falls & New Richmond

August 2024 * Pawsitive Dog * [email protected] * 715-808-4384

22/08/2024

Wisdom from a cat

21/08/2024

Our newsletter, Pawsitive Tails, is done!

August 2024 * Pawsitive Dog * [email protected] * 715-808-4384

20/08/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/qfFeDFkS35z82ANU/

15/08/2024

A must see on Netflix, the documentary Inside the Mind of a Dog.
Photo of my dog, Eddie O. Johnson to get your attention. I adopted Eddie 3 years ago as an adult dog. He has a weekly job at the Heritage Court in Hammond shmoozing (visiting) residents for pets and hugs and paws crossed, will also be starting a Reading Program at the Hammond Library this winter for kids. He is a dog that loves people and is at his calmest when being touched. 😄 His bond with me is sooo strong. And, oh how he loves life!

13/08/2024

Downloadable E-book

11/08/2024

PUP Holder.❤

31/07/2024

What is a "Sniffari"?🐶

Sniffaris are dog-led walks! They're a fantastic enrichment activity that can be done in just about any low-traffic area. Not only will this help burn energy, but allowing our dogs to make decisions and think independently can help them build confidence in different situations. It also gives us a chance to stop and take a breath along with them AND allows our pups to do a natural, essential behavior for their mental and physical well-being.💙

30/07/2024

[NOTE: This photo is just picture of a pond in the summer. NOT a picture of a pond with the toxin.] Cyanobacteria can have many different looks, including not being visible at all. Link to Kentucky Division of Water for more photos and information: https://eec.ky.gov/Environmental-Protection/Water/Monitor/Pages/HABS.aspx #:~:text=Harmful%20Algal%20Blooms%20Division%20of%20Water&text=A%20harmful%20algal%20bloom%2C%20or,skin%20in%20animals%20or%20humans.
"Death follows minutes to hours after exposure to a small amount of this toxin." As the weather gets hotter, ponds can start to have "algae blooms." The water itself can look like pea soup, or like green paint is spread on the surface of the water. Sometimes it is not visible at all. Some of these blooms are cyanobacteria, which can produce potent toxins. Dogs are exposed when they wade in the water and either drink the water directly, or lick it off themselves when they come out. There is no antidote; treatment is supportive and many dogs don't survive. If you believe your dog has been exposed, bathe him immediately. If he has any symptoms, bring him right in to a veterinarian. See comments for more information about signs and treatment. (Most ponds that look like this are not dangerous, but it is not possible to tell which ones are toxic and which ones aren't except by having the water tested; If in doubt, keep pets out.) Edited to add links to more pond phots.

24/07/2024

Best funny today 😁😂

20/07/2024

❤️🐾❤️🐾❤️

15/07/2024

CULTIVATING CALMNESS

We teach our dogs all sorts of things, but maybe don’t realise that teaching “calm” is also an important behaviour that has so many positive applications for both us and our dogs.

“Calm” can be defined as the absence of agitation or excitement; a feeling of tranquility; serenity and peace. These feelings are so often lacking in both our lives and that of our dogs.

Besides teaching dogs to settle on a mat or in another place or capturing and rewarding calm behaviour, here are some other ways to promote calmness.

Scenting or sniffing is a really effective and simple way to promote relaxation. It lowers the pulse rate and creates feelings of wellbeing.

Chewing is another powerful relaxation tool. Dogs use the chewing to relieve stress, frustration or anxiety. Chewing has a calming effect on the adrenal-pituitary axis in the brain which triggers the release of endorphins. It’s like self-medication for stress or anxiety.

Relaxing music that is specifically made for dogs can also work well, especially with dogs that get over excited in a car or have storm or firework fear.

When playing an exciting, high-energy game with your dog, take frequent breaks before starting up again to help your dog wind down and become calmer.

Aromatherapy, ear or other types of massage are other ways to help create calmness.

Cortisol holidays are also really important after a stressful event to prevent trigger stacking and allow cortisol levels to return to normal.

Conventional wisdom says that the ability to remain calm is a character trait that most of us lack, but Neuroscience teaches us that remaining calm under pressure is not an inborn trait, but a skill that needs to be learnt, practiced and managed and this applies to our dogs as well.

11/07/2024

04/07/2024

READ THIS. ARE YOU STRESSING YOUR CANINE PAL?
Aversive dog training methods rely on force and intimidation, both negatively impact a dog's brain chemistry and welfare.
This treatment of dogs causes stress, leading to the release of cortisol and adrenaline, which can result in anxiety and fear. Over time, chronic stress may impair the dog's ability to learn, develop trust, and form healthy bonds with their guardian.
Increased stress also suppresses serotonin production, a neurotransmitter crucial for mood regulation, ultimately diminishing the dog's overall well-being and happiness.READ

03/07/2024