Mishy and her Mutts

30/06/2025

Jack Russell Galore ❤️
And Snitch, the 🐑🐕🐾

28/06/2025

Cozying up for another stormy day in CT 🥶💜🐾

23/06/2025

Do your research before adopting a specific breed 💜

Everyone who is thinking of getting dogs should read this because you need to understand this reality:

***I am a 21st century dog.***
-I'm a Malinois.
Overskilled among dogs, I excel in all disciplines and I'm always ready to work: I NEED to work.
But nowadays I get asked to chill on the couch all day everyday.

-I am an Akita Inu.
My ancestors were selected for fighting bears.
Today I get asked to be tolerant and I get scolded for my reactivity when another approaches me.

-I am a Beagle.
When I chase my prey, I raise my voice so the hunters could follow.
Today they put an electric collar on me to shut up, and you make me come back to you - no running - with a snap of your fingers.

-I am a Yorkshire Terrier.
I was a terrifying rat hunter in English mines.
Today they think I can't use my legs and they always hold me in their arms.

-I'm a Labrador Retriever.
My vision of happiness is a dive into a pond to bring back the duck he shot to my master.
Today you forget I'm a walking, running, swimming dog; as a result I'm fat, made to stay indoors, and to babysit.

-I am a Jack Russell.
I can take on a fox, a mean badger, and a rat bigger than me in his den.
Today I get scolded for my character and high energy, and forced to turn into a quiet living room dog.

-I am a Siberian Husky.
Experienced the great, wide open spaces of Northern Europe, where I could drag sleds for long distances at impressive speeds.
Today I only have the walls of the house or small garden as a horizon, and the holes I dig in the ground just to release energy and frustration, trying to stay sane.

-I am a border collie
I was made to work hours a day in partnershipwith my master, and I am an unmistakable artist of working with the herd.
Today they are mad at me because, for lack of sheep, I try to check bikes, cars, children in the house and everything in motion.

I am ...
I am a 21st century dog.
I'm pretty, I'm alert, I'm obedient, I stay in a bag...but I'm also an individual who, from centuries of training, needs to express my instincts, and I am *not* suited for the sedentary life you'd want me to lead.
Spending eight hours a day alone in the house or in the garden - with no work and no one to play or run with, seeing you for a short time in the evening when you get home, and only getting a small toilet walk will make me deeply unhappy.
I'll express it by barking all day, turning your yard into a minefield, doing my needs indoors, being unmanageable the rare times I'll find myself outside, and sometimes spending my days sunk, sad, lonely, and depressed, on my pillow.
You may think that I should be happy to be able to enjoy all this comfort while you go to work, but actually I’ll be exhausted and frustrated, because this is absolutely NOT what I'm meant to do, or what I need to be doing.
If you love me, if you've always dreamed of me, if my beautiful blue eyes or my athletic look make you want me, but you can't give me a real dog's life, a life that's really worth living according to my breed, and if you can't offer me the job that my genes are asking, DO NOT buy or adopt me!
If you like the way I look but aren't willing to accept my temperament, gifts, and traits derived from long genetic selection, and you think you can change them with only your good will, then DO NOT BUY OR ADOPT ME.
I’m a dog from the 21st century, yes, but deep inside me, the one who fought, the one who hunted, the one who pulled sleds, the one who guided and protected a herd still lives within.
So think **very** carefully before you choose your dog. And think about getting two, rather than one, so I won't be so very lonely waiting for you all day. Eight or ten hours is just a workday to you, but it's an eternity for me to be alone.
Like David Attenborough Fans for more:

18/06/2025

To anyone still under the impression that dogs need 'alphas' or 'pack leaders'. Please educate yourselves 👊💥

DOGS DO NOT NEED A 'PACK LEADER!'

This is me with a wolf in 2009. The photo was taken at Wolf Park in Indiana when I attended a dog behavior seminar presented by the late Dr. Ray Coppinger. I have also attended educational programs and volunteered at the International Wolf Center (IWC) in Ely, Minnesota.

The IWC was founded by wildlife biologist and wolf researcher, Dr. L. David Mech. I completed a graduate level course in wolf ethology at St. Thomas University in Minnesota with a practicum at the IWC, so have had experience with wolves as well as formal and information education about their behavior.

For the past 15 years, since being on Facebook, I have been trying to educate people about the difference between wolf and dog behavior. Finally, it seems the outdated idea that dogs are 'pack animals' that need an 'alpha' and a 'pack leader' is fading.

But, not entirely! Recently, I have heard several people refer to that old myth as if it were truth. So disappointing. We live in the Information Age, and yet there seems to be a problem with getting people updated.

I get weary of revisiting this, but here goes. Dogs are not 'pack animals.' They are scavengers, foragers, and opportunists. Although dogs and wolves share a common ancestor, dogs are ethologically different from their wolf cousins.

Only wolves can be described as true 'pack animals.' There is more that goes into the definition of 'pack' than simply hanging out in a group. For example, adult male wolves regurgitate for pups that are part of their pack, and the whole pack of wolves works as a team - in hunting and survival in general.

So, while it's true that wolves are pack animals, they do not have an 'alpha,' except in captive, unrelated groups of wolves. Non-captive wolves are comprised of a family unit with the parent wolves being what we call the breeding or mating pair. They are not 'alphas.'

In captive packs of wolves, which are usually comprised of unrelated wolves, a hierarchy needs to be worked out, so an alpha female and an alpha male will emerge.

The idea of dogs being pack animals originated with studies on captive wolves in a Swiss Zoo. Rudolph Schenkel studied wolves in a zoo in the 1930s and 1940s - almost 100 years ago, in an attempt to define the social behavior of wolves.

In 1947, he published a paper, “Expressions Studies on Wolves," in which he drew parallels between dogs and wolves, in discussions about how wolves vie for dominance within the pack.

The problem is, he was observing CAPTIVE wolves, an entirely different scenario than a non-captive pack.

I have seen this behavior firsthand, how captive wolves work out a pack structure, and how that structure can change any time there is a change in the pack membership or the health status of any one member.

The problem with parroting this old meme, that dogs are 'pack animals' who need a 'pack leader,' and to train a dog you need to be the 'alpha,' is that it is all based on bad science. The best we had at the time, but we know better now.

In the name of being the 'alpha' or 'pack leader,' horrendous methods and tools have been used to train and modify behavior in dogs. For example, the infamous, 'alpha roll.' People still do this! If I had a nickel for every dog with aggression someone has told me they alpha rolled to gain dominance, I could retire today!

When wolves and dogs roll on their back they are displaying deference to the animal in front of them or standing over them. The animal is not being actively rolled! We can get ourselves into a lot of trouble when we try to act like canines! Dogs are smarter than that, and all we do when trying to act like the 'alpha' is frighten and confuse the animal. Worse case scenario, the dog becomes more aggressive.

Let me be clear, I do not deny the existence of dominance in the animal world. Dominance exists. It can appropriately be used to describe the relationship between any two animals. The animal that maintains ownership of preferred resources is said to be dominant over the one who does not.

For example, my late dog Ginger, was definitely dominant over my larger dog, Opal.

It is improper to describe any dog as dominant because dominance is only correctly used to describe a relationship, not a personality. A dog who is dominant over another may not be dominant in another dog-dog relationship.

Dog training is based on science, and science is important because it requires that we continually re-evaluate our beliefs to see if what we think we know and understand, is still valid. Science asks questions, and as dog owners and trainers, we should do the same.

Please let go of the outdated idea that dogs are pack animals that need to be dominated. Training based in behavior science gets far better results without harming your dog or your relationship with your dog.

Cindy Ludwig, Canine Connection LLC
Voted Best Springfield Missouri Dog Trainer

15/06/2025

Not all dogs want other dogs running up to them.
Some dogs want to walk in peace and not engage with other dogs.
Some dogs are afraid of other dogs.
Some dogs are dog selective.
Some dogs are reactive or aggressive if confronted by other dogs.
Some dogs are introverted.
Some dogs are battling illnesses or pain and just prefer calmness.

Don't be rude. Don't be cocky. Leash your dog in public at ALL times if your dog has poor recall.

Edit:
Tips for achieving an off lead experience safely and responsibly with your dog:
1. Use a long line (not a retractable lead) in a public space frequented by other dogs. Your dog has more freedom and you will have control in case of an emergency.
2. Book a private enclosure for an hour or two so your dog can run free or socialise with other known dogs.

This is a good compromise to ensure the safety and mental well-being of everyone.

No dog is ever 100% bullet proof re recalls. They are instinctive creatures and will react if the urge is strong enough which can be detrimental to other dogs, animals or people. Be proactive and take precautions. Prevention is better than cure.

04/06/2025

TEACH KIDS TO BE DOG FRIENDLY

I’m often asked - “How can I make my dog more child friendly?”

The question really should be - “How can I make my child more dog friendly?”

Children don’t come with an inborn ability to know how to interact with dogs. It’s up to us to teach them.

It’s surprising that there aren’t more dog bites considering how often children are seen treating dogs like stuffed toys.

If you think about it, dogs are actually amazingly tolerant and patient with us. They try their best to communicate with us, in the only way they know how, through using their body language.

A dogs attempt to show us they’re uncomfortable, scared, stressed or anxious is so often completely ignored or not understood.

As parents, I believe it should be a non-negotiable responsibility to teach our children about how to respect and behave around dogs to keep both of them safe.

Always supervise children and dogs, even if a dog seems relaxed and friendly.

Here are some links to free, on-line resources if you’re looking for more information on how to keep children and dogs safe together -

https://kidsarounddogs.co.uk/pages/free-resources

https://www.gooddoginabox.com/top-20-ways-keep-kids-and.../

https://www.familypaws.com/resources/

https://www.cooperandkids.com

https://poochparenting.net/blog/

04/06/2025

Too cold to move… until you say ‘walkies’ 🤣🐕🙌❤️

01/06/2025

WHY DOES MY DOG EAT GRASS

I often get this question from new dog guardians. Some are stressed about this behaviour so hence this post.

Dogs eat grass for a variety of reasons, ranging from digestive needs to behavioural or psychological factors. While some dogs might simply enjoy the taste and texture of grass, other possible reasons include:

Digestive issues - grass is a good source of fiber, which can help with digestion and potentially alleviate upset stomachs. Some dogs may eat grass to induce vomiting, which can help expel indigestible materials.

Nutritional deficiencies - In some cases, dogs may eat grass to supplement their diet with missing nutrients, vitamins, or minerals.

Boredom - dogs may eat grass as a form of entertainment or to relieve boredom, especially if they are spending time alone or aren't getting enough mental stimulation.

Instinct - some believe that eating grass is an instinctive behaviour rooted in their canine ancestry.

Anxiety, frustration or stress - dogs may eat grass as a way to self-soothe or cope with anxiety or stress.

Pica - in some cases, a dog might eat non-food items, like grass, due to a condition called pica, which can be related to dietary deficiencies or even underlying medical issues.

It's important to note that eating grass is a common behavior in dogs and is generally not a cause for concern. Like everything else, it is about watching for excessive behaviours so if your dog starts overeating grass, vomiting frequently, or shows other signs of illness, it's always best to consult with a veterinarian. Once a vet has ruled out medical issues, then please contact a behaviourist and/or a canine nutritionist to assist you to understand the behaviour better.

Does your dog like the taste of grass or does he or she eat grass during the normal course of the day?

26/05/2025

Punishment training or behaviour modification is outdated. It causes the dog to be inhibited or shut down and hence learning is impeded. It also builds fear, frustration and anxiety which can cause redirected aggression towards the trainer, guardian, other people or dogs.

Positive reinforcement and force free takes a bit longer but builds confidence and relationship with the guardian. It focuses on rewarding desired behaviours while teaching dogs what to do rather than what not to do.

📸 Lili Chin

26/05/2025

Waiting so patiently for my furrrever home ❤️🐕 hiiiii family!!!! I'm here!!!🐶 Come and meet my at Bow Wow Bungalows Day Care Facility next to Putstop Stilbaai 🐾😘 cuddles, love, and warm bed for life I promise ❤️
Please contact Nicole on 062 458 0314 for adoption info.

25/05/2025

Kaptein is just under 2 years young and begging for his furrever home ❤️ He lived on a chain from 8 weeks old and has only knows a back yard his entire life 😭 After his surrender 2 months ago he has gone to the wonderful Bow Wow Bungalows where he has been living in a camp with his new best friend the caretaker 😁 He has awesome buddies that come to visit and play every now and again but he is longing for a family and a home where he can be inside and warm for the cold winter. He gives the best hugs and cuddles 🤗 Such a friendly happy pup, adores the beach and any outing for that matter. He is below knee height, soft, cuddly, playful, and just a joy to be around. He will make the perfect companion to any family. Please open your hearts to this gorgeous boy he really is a darling. Thank you Lenny for taking him on outings, playdates and home visits 🙏🐕🐾
He has been neutered, dewormed, nexgarded and had his first vaccination.
Based in Stilbaai but can travel.
Please contact Nicole on 062 458 0314 for an adoption application.

24/05/2025