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As a professional pet sitter, I see animals of all kinds. Shy ones, hyper ones, playful ones, cuddly ones, and funny ones. I'm taking care of some cats right now, and there's one guy who really likes to eat. On this particular day, he finished his own food, and then decided he hadn't quite had his fill, so he patiently...er...something like that...waited for his sister to finish.
Do you think she caught on to his subtle hints?
What does your cat do to show you he's hungry...or still hungry?
As if we don't have enough controversy in life, the simple dog park–a space where dogs can explore leash-free–is constantly being scrutinized. Sure, sometimes you get the wild canine that just can't control himself in such a permissive environment, but, for the most part, dog parents are to blame for mishaps. Just because all dogs are allowed in a dog park doesn't mean all dogs should go.
So, first off, how do you determine if your dog is suited for a freedom romp? Ask yourself a few questions before embarking on the adventure.
If your dog displays any of the characteristics in the "heel" column, it's probably best to stick to leashed walks until your pooch is better-trained. Introduce socialization with other dogs slowly, rather than throwing them into the lion's den, so so speak. If your dog displays all of the characteristics in the "release" column, she is probably a good candidate for an off-leash romp at the dog park. Regardless, it is best to use caution and make sure your dog is always in control. You want every trip to the dog park to be a safe and positive experience for both you and your pooch.
But once you're there, what's the proper etiquette? Here are some dos and don'ts:
• Observe before entering. If any dogs already inside the park are exhibiting any of the "heel" behaviors, you may want to postpone entry until the troublemaker has left.
• Bring poop bags. Observe and clean up after your pooch.
• Remove your dog's collar upon entry. Unless you have a breakaway collar, it's best to remove it for the safety of your pooch and the other pooches at play. Teeth and paws can become tangled in collars during interactions, potentially causing serious injury.
• Make sure your dog is healthy. Just like you shouldn't go to work if you're ill, don't bring your dog around other dogs if he's contagious.
• Exercise your dog before entering. An overly-excited dog brings intense energy to the group, which can create conflict.
• Work on commands. Periodically call your dog to make sure he is listening. This periodic "check-in" will help you maintain control.
• Make sure your pooch is in control at all times. Boisterous play is fine as long as other participants are game, but aggressive behaviors should not be tolerated.
• Don't set your pooch free without getting the lay of the land. Observe for a few minutes before entering to make sure there aren't any problem personalities (canine or human) in the park.
• Don't leave home without a poop bag. Even if your park has them, sometimes they run out, so don't rely on a supply to be there.
• Don't bring small children. Aside from being easily excitable, changing the energy at the park, small children may also be knocked over by boisterous dogs. The potential for injury for your child is high.
• Don't bring your female dog if she is in heat. Let's hope she's been spayed, but if not, do not bring her to the dog park. She will attract unwanted attention and possibly cause dangerous conflict. Not to mention an unwanted pregnancy, should there happen to be an intact male.
• Don't leave your dog's leash on. Aside from the fact that his new canine friends will snicker, keeping your dogs leash on is an opportunity for it to get tangled, as other dogs will likely greet you with excitement as you enter.
• Don't be distracted. Do not get absorbed in your cell phone or a book. Your dog requires your full attention. Though you may be able to trust your pooch, you never know what other dogs will do. Always observe all interactions.
• Don't bring your dog's favorite toys. Your pooch might become possessive if other dogs play with his favorite things. Best be selfish and leave those special items at home, avoiding possible conflict.
Though the dog park can be a great place for a well-trained dog to socialize, it's not a place to take your dog if he or she has "issues," such as fear or aggression. It's best to work those issues out with a professional trainer before coming to the park. If you have any doubts that your pooch may not be well suited for a romp in the dog park, err on the side of caution and seek other forms of exercise and interaction, perhaps something in a more controlled environment.
Do you take your dog to the dog park? What has been your experience?
Did you know that about half of the dogs in the United States sleep in their humans' beds? It's true. According to a survey by the American Pet Products Association, 62% of small dogs sleep with their owners, as do 41% of medium-sized dogs and 32% of large dogs. We must have some gigantic beds to accommodate all of those dogs!
There are several reasons, but mostly it's because they want to, and the feeling is mutual. Some dog owners truly enjoy the companionship. Some may invite their pooch in to avoid dealing with unwanted behaviors during the night such as whining or barking. And some feel more protected and safe with Fido standing guard close by, even if he happens to be busy sawing logs. There is a theory that having your dog in the bed isn't a good idea due to the notion that the dog might develop dominance issues and think he's the alpha of the house. Further studies have shown this not to be true. What's really happening? In most cases, dogs just want to be with their humans. Victoria Stilwell, star of TV Show "It's Me or the Dog," says we should take it as a compliment. She says that dogs will only sleep with humans and animals they trust.
Regardless of your reasons for allowing your dog to share your bed, if you decide to do so, make sure you start as you mean to go on. It's much more difficult to oust a dog from the bed after he's been established there than to simply not allow him there in the first place. That little puppy you just brought home doesn't take up much space, now, but how big will he get and how much mattress real estate will he occupy as an adult? He doesn't care how big he gets, but you might.
Well, who doesn't love a good snuggle? Dogs are soft and warm, and if bathed properly, super fun to snuggle with. They provide us company and make us feel safe. Some people believe that their dogs offer them better protection if they are in bed with them at night. Many people believe that their canines help them sleep better, finding it relaxing to listen to their rhythmic breathing. If you enjoy sleeping with your dog and he's not disrupting your sleep, then there's no reason why you shouldn't turn down the sheets for him.
In some cases, yes.
theilovedogssite.com
If you sleep as a couple with another human, both have to agree that it's a good idea to have the dog in the bed. A disagreement in this area can cause some resentment, so it's best to figure it out before inviting the dog aboard. But what about intimacy? That's a whole other issue that couples handle in a variety of ways. Elizabeth Schmitz, author and love and marriage expert states, "many, many of our successful couples have pets, and many sleep with them...some put them outside the bedroom because they don't want them to watch...some give them a treat to distract them. Some don't mind if the pet stays on the bed." It's all a matter of personal preference. Most experts agree, however, that if your pet is coming between you, physically or emotionally, it's not a good idea to have him share your bed.
Another possible issue with allowing your dog in the bed is allergies. If you are allergic to pet fur or dander, allowing your dog to sleep with you can aggravate their allergies. In this case, the pet should probably be kept out of the bedroom. People with other environmental allergies may also have an issue. Dogs tend to roll and rub up against things, often picking them up and carrying them inside on their fur. A person with a pollen allergy, for example, may find themselves having an allergic reaction to the pollen on the pet's fur.
If your pet disturbs your sleep, he should not sleep with you. It's important to our health and immune system function to get proper sleep, and pets can be a cause of insomnia. They move, scratch, lick, snore, and pass gas (ladies, your husbands might, too, but best not to kick them out if you can help it), often causing sleep disruptions for their humans. The Mayo Clinic Sleep Disorders Center did a study that found that half of the participants had a dog or cat and 53% of those people with pets said their pets disturb their sleep in some way.
Whether or not these issues are a factor in your bed are for you to decide.
Yes.
An outwardly aggressive or dominant dog should not be allowed in the bed. Your dog should not feel that the bed is solely his territory. He has to share, too. A dog should also not be aggressive about the people in the bed. For example, if the dog is snuggled up with wife and husband approaches the bed, the dog should welcome him, not growl as if wife is his possession. Fido needs his own bed, in that case.
Another type of dog who should not be allowed in the human bed is a dog with mobility issues. Unless you sleep with a mattress on the floor, most beds are quite high and can present problems for dogs with joint issues, poor eyesight, or other injuries. A disabled dog can severely hurt himself by attempting to get on and off the bed. Stairs and ramps for just this purpose exist, so those with disabled dogs may want to exercise that option or get their pooch a comfy bed to put on the floor close by.
In summary, whether or not you sleep with your pooch is entirely up to you. As long as it doesn't pose a threat to your health or your relationship with your spouse, you have the green light. The more, the merrier, right?
Though the most common pets I sit for are cats and dogs, I sit for all kinds of animals. Believe it or not, chickens are some of my favorites. You'd think they just run around all hectic-like or retreat upon approach, but that's not the case at all. Though some of them are more skittish than others, it has been my experience that most are friendly and very happy to see me when I visit. There is one brood I am particularly fond of that I get to see on a fairly regular basis. I saw them the other day, and they literally ran toward me when I arrived. It made me so happy. I took a couple of videos of them because they were so fun and silly, so I thought I'd share.
They follow me. So does the cat.
And here's me trying not to get pecked. I told you they were friendly!
Aren't they fun?
Do you have chickens? Have you hung out with chickens? I'd love to hear about it!
Since 1985, Animal Farm Foundation has been working to secure equal treatment and opportunity for "pit bull" dogs. They are a not-for-profit organization that provides the following programs and services:
• makes grants to secure equal treatment and opportunity for "pit bull" dogs
• rescues, trains, re-homes "pit bull" dogs through their New York shelter
• provides consulting services for sheltering professionals on dog evaluation, training, enrichment, adoption strategies, public relations, and communications
• offers no-cost, hands-on internships to shelter professionals and volunteers
• offers lectures and presentations at conferences, shelters, universities, and community events
• hosts visitors of all ages and interests to meet the dogs and experience the mission firsthand
• maintains an extensive historical collection of advertising, art, photographs, books, and magazines featuring "pit bull" dogs
• produces and distributes free positive-image materials that celebrate "pit bull" dogs
So what, exactly, is a "pit bull" dog? Originally, the term meant to include a specific breed, the American Pit Bull Terrier. Over time, however, these dogs came to include dogs who were not necessarily pure bred American Pit Bull Terriers. Animal Farm Foundation explains that "pit bull" is not a breed or breed mix, but an ever-expanding group that includes whatever an animal control officer, shelter worker, dog trainer, politician, dog owner, police officer or newspaper says it is." Animal Farm Foundation saw that these dogs needed help because they are the most likely to be discriminated against.
Why do "pit bull" dogs have such a bad reputation? Prior to the 1980s, "pit bulls" were considered a treasured, gentle breed. There were very few reports of attacks or violent behavior, and the dogs were often associated with children, commonly appearing in film, television, and serving as mascots for popular brands. So what happened? Although it is illegal in all fifty states, dog fighting became popular in the mid-1980s, and the "pit bull" became the dog of choice. "Pit bull" attacks rose because popularity of the breed rose and more and more badly trained dogs raised by backyard breeders began to crank out dogs in order to cash in on the trend. Irresponsible human behavior–not canine behavior–is the root of the problem.
What is breed-specific legislation? Breed-specific legislation is a law or set of laws passed against a specific breed of dog. Breed-specific legislation has not proven to be effective in reducing the number of dog attacks in any particular region because it targets the animal and not the real problem, irresponsible dog owners. Some cities and counties still have breed-specific laws on the books, and some are in the stages of having them passed, while some are overturning them. There is a lot of confusion surrounding these discriminatory laws.
What is The Majority Project? The perception that only criminals and violent people want "pit bull" dogs is not based on fact. In reality, the majority of people who own these canines are normal, everyday individuals and families–responsible pet owners. Animal Farm Foundation's The Majority Project seeks to "put an accurate face to the average 'pit bull' dog owner, so that stereotypes about 'pit bull' dog owners can no longer be used as justification for discriminatory shelter policies and legislation." "Pit bull" dog owners are pictured with their canine companions and a sign describing who they are, stating "I am the majority." I've been seeing these pictures pop up all over the place, and I am always impacted by them, as I imagine others are, too.
Here are a few recent examples:
And my submission:
Would you like to join The Majority Project and submit your photo? You may do so by clicking here.
Click here to go to The Majority Project web site.
Click here to to to the Animal Farm Foundation web site.
Photos courtesy of The Majority Project.
