Watch for stray Christmas puppies and kittens that have been dumped along highways or roadside rests and in mall parking lots---and even in dumpsters.
Lots of people are considering that question these days. Imagine their thoughts. Nobody asked if they wanted a new pet but they got one anyway. Those cute puppies and kittens tear up the house and they make messes everywhere. People just don't have time for this crap. Plus they are getting bigger! Pet food costs too much. They didn't ask for it, but they are stuck with the problem of how to get rid of it. It's tricky; there are laws if you get caught. Well, after dark no one sees you, so that problem is going to go away once and for all!
You would never do that, and you wouldn't give an animal as a surprise gift either. But thousands of people throw away animals every night all across America. They even throw them into dumpsters. Just ask the trash haulers---and the knowing animal rescuers who "dumpster-dive" regularly to save those lives.
Please keep your eyes and ears focused on finding those unfortunate dogs and cats, many of them just babies. As you drive past parks and waysides, look for them. Under bridges, look for them. Look for them hiding under hedges and cars in parking lots, and if you happen to walk pass a dumpster, stop to listen for whining and scratching. Always be alert. You might be the only one who sees or hears.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
How to Stop Unwanted Barking
Humans are tremendously vocal creatures. Despite our own talkative tendencies, we tend not to appreciate "excessive" vocalizations from our dogs. Rest assured, your dog does not feel her barking is excessive. When she barks, she is trying to communicate with you. Learning why she barks is the key to stop your dog from barking.
Depending on the reason for barking and your own training skill level, you may need to consult with a qualified trainer/behaviorist to assist you with the training. For more on selecting a behavior professional, check out the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior guidelines for choosing a trainer.
Why Do Dogs Bark?
Just as there are many reasons humans speak, dog barking occurs for a number of reasons. Here are a few of the most common:
Distance decreasing: Distance decreasing barking can also be considered attention-seeking barking. The dog is barking to communicate with the owner - "pay attention to me!"
Boredom: Evaluate your dog's lifestyle. How much physical exercise is she getting? How much social stimulation through appropriate play with other dogs? How much play does she get with you? Is she getting adequate mental stimulation in the form of both training and problem solving? If your dog is barking because of boredom, consider more physical exercise, more positive training, and introduce new toys and games for environmental enrichment (consider Buster Cubes, Kong toys, kibble hunts, Nina Ottosson toys, marrow bones, chew toys, bully sticks, antlers, etc.).
Frustration: While some frustration barking is boredom barking, not all boredom barking is frustration barking. Often in class, dogs bark when their owners have poor timing or because the rate of reinforcement is too low, the dog is frustrated because the signals are unclear. This dogster thread will help you improve your training skills.
Dogs also bark out of frustration when they are not sure what is expected of them - if you are asking for a behavior in a new environment without sufficient proofing, your dog is communicating to you that further training is needed before she can focus on cue response in that environment.
Separation distress/anxiety: True separation anxiety (destruction to self or property) is a topic beyond the scope of this article. If your dog is injuring herself or destroying your home, please seek the assistance of a behaviorist in addressing the issue.
If you believe your dog has separation distress (limited vocalization, no injury to self or property), consider how long she is left alone - if it is more than eight hours for an adult (even shorter periods of separation are recommended for puppies), find a dog walker or pet sitter to break the day up.
Provide her with mental stimulation through puzzle toys, kibble hunts, etc., when she is alone. Greetings and exits should be low key. If her separation distress worsens, consult with a behavioral professional.
Invitation to play: Some dogs bark to say, "Hey, I want to meet/play with you NOW NOW NOW!" (puppy barking frequently falls in this category). These barks are generally high pitched, and are often accompanied by wagging "propeller tails," loose/wiggly body language, play bows and jumping. Ask those who would like to interact with her to wait for calm, quiet behavior before greeting to avoid reinforcing the behavior. Also, click her for looking at people or other dogs/greeting quietly and for quiet or for focus on you despite these distractions.
Distance increasing: Distance increasing barking is a defensive behavior - the dog is trying to ward off potential conflict.
Distance increasing barks are generally low in pitch and may accompany intimidating body language including a stiffly wagging tail, rigid body posture, display of teeth, growling/snarling, snapping, kicking of back feet, etc.
If you suspect your dog is reactive or aggressive, it is best to consult with a qualified professional with experience using counter conditioning and desensitization to rehabilitate dogs as soon as possible.
A full veterinary evaluation including thyroid panel is advised for aggressive/reactive dogs.
(Barrier frustration is included in the category of distance increasing behavior and usually involves barking/lunging on leash or behind/inside of cars, fences, gates, or crates.)
Alert barking: Humans have been selecting for barking in dogs for millennia. This behavior is deeply ingrained in the dog, and is generally not a problem for pet owners unless it becomes "excessive."
As alert barking is generally very self-reinforcing, your best bet is to train an alternative, incompatible behavior ("quiet!"). Here is a great article from Karen Pryor on teaching bark/quiet as a paired cue to bring barking under control.
Can I Stop Dog Barking?
Short answer: No. Surgical debarking is never humane and rarely effective in totally eliminating vocalizations. Dogs bark! You can, however, train your dog to stop excessive barking behavior if you listen to why she barks and respond appropriately with effective, positive training.
Depending on the reason for barking and your own training skill level, you may need to consult with a qualified trainer/behaviorist to assist you with the training. For more on selecting a behavior professional, check out the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior guidelines for choosing a trainer.
Why Do Dogs Bark?
Just as there are many reasons humans speak, dog barking occurs for a number of reasons. Here are a few of the most common:
Distance decreasing: Distance decreasing barking can also be considered attention-seeking barking. The dog is barking to communicate with the owner - "pay attention to me!"
Boredom: Evaluate your dog's lifestyle. How much physical exercise is she getting? How much social stimulation through appropriate play with other dogs? How much play does she get with you? Is she getting adequate mental stimulation in the form of both training and problem solving? If your dog is barking because of boredom, consider more physical exercise, more positive training, and introduce new toys and games for environmental enrichment (consider Buster Cubes, Kong toys, kibble hunts, Nina Ottosson toys, marrow bones, chew toys, bully sticks, antlers, etc.).
Frustration: While some frustration barking is boredom barking, not all boredom barking is frustration barking. Often in class, dogs bark when their owners have poor timing or because the rate of reinforcement is too low, the dog is frustrated because the signals are unclear. This dogster thread will help you improve your training skills.
Dogs also bark out of frustration when they are not sure what is expected of them - if you are asking for a behavior in a new environment without sufficient proofing, your dog is communicating to you that further training is needed before she can focus on cue response in that environment.
Separation distress/anxiety: True separation anxiety (destruction to self or property) is a topic beyond the scope of this article. If your dog is injuring herself or destroying your home, please seek the assistance of a behaviorist in addressing the issue.
If you believe your dog has separation distress (limited vocalization, no injury to self or property), consider how long she is left alone - if it is more than eight hours for an adult (even shorter periods of separation are recommended for puppies), find a dog walker or pet sitter to break the day up.
Provide her with mental stimulation through puzzle toys, kibble hunts, etc., when she is alone. Greetings and exits should be low key. If her separation distress worsens, consult with a behavioral professional.
Invitation to play: Some dogs bark to say, "Hey, I want to meet/play with you NOW NOW NOW!" (puppy barking frequently falls in this category). These barks are generally high pitched, and are often accompanied by wagging "propeller tails," loose/wiggly body language, play bows and jumping. Ask those who would like to interact with her to wait for calm, quiet behavior before greeting to avoid reinforcing the behavior. Also, click her for looking at people or other dogs/greeting quietly and for quiet or for focus on you despite these distractions.
Distance increasing: Distance increasing barking is a defensive behavior - the dog is trying to ward off potential conflict.
Distance increasing barks are generally low in pitch and may accompany intimidating body language including a stiffly wagging tail, rigid body posture, display of teeth, growling/snarling, snapping, kicking of back feet, etc.
If you suspect your dog is reactive or aggressive, it is best to consult with a qualified professional with experience using counter conditioning and desensitization to rehabilitate dogs as soon as possible.
A full veterinary evaluation including thyroid panel is advised for aggressive/reactive dogs.
(Barrier frustration is included in the category of distance increasing behavior and usually involves barking/lunging on leash or behind/inside of cars, fences, gates, or crates.)
Alert barking: Humans have been selecting for barking in dogs for millennia. This behavior is deeply ingrained in the dog, and is generally not a problem for pet owners unless it becomes "excessive."
As alert barking is generally very self-reinforcing, your best bet is to train an alternative, incompatible behavior ("quiet!"). Here is a great article from Karen Pryor on teaching bark/quiet as a paired cue to bring barking under control.
Can I Stop Dog Barking?
Short answer: No. Surgical debarking is never humane and rarely effective in totally eliminating vocalizations. Dogs bark! You can, however, train your dog to stop excessive barking behavior if you listen to why she barks and respond appropriately with effective, positive training.
Maybe You Remember Sundance? He's Doing Fine!
[I] just wanted to drop you a line or two about Tex. Tex is doing fantastic. He has filled out and grown and is now more magnificent than ever. He is simply the most loving dog we have ever known. I have had dogs that needed affection but that is not the case with Tex. He simply has a huge heart and an incredible joy of life. He is the perfect addition to our family. Just wanted to let you know how well we are all doing.
Tex was Sundance and came from Lousiana with his brother so emaciated and sick he could barely walk.
It's great to hear from our adopters!
Tex was Sundance and came from Lousiana with his brother so emaciated and sick he could barely walk.
It's great to hear from our adopters!
Another Adopter (Ebony) Sends An Update!
From Ebony's Adopters ~ Ebony, newly named "Hana", kept us in smiles and good spirits all week. She has been a real pleasure getting to know...even for Chase.
We are excited to see what the future holds for our little family of four, and feel so blessed to have Hana fill such a vital spot. Elka left big really big shoes to fill for any other dog that was to proceed her. Hana is doing Elka's memory proud!
She is settling in at a nice steady pace and since her first night, she has been sleeping in her kennel a like a champ. Her level of curiosity is astounding and entertains us all to no end...herself included. She has been introduced to a countless list of things and adjusted to them in record time. (The front-loading washer and dryer are at the top of her "favorites" list.)
Hana and I took our first "team mission" together yesterday afternoon by going to our local Home Depot. I used to take Elka there as a puppy to help with her socialization and coping skills. As silly as it might sound, we always had such fun and enjoyed our "girl time" together: even years after first starting this tradition. Hana proved to be a very versatile partner and was really eager to learn. She even wore Elka's old hiking pack to prove what a pro she is! Simply put...we had a great time together.
We are excited to see what the future holds for our little family of four, and feel so blessed to have Hana fill such a vital spot. Elka left big really big shoes to fill for any other dog that was to proceed her. Hana is doing Elka's memory proud!Our most sincere thanks and accolades to you and your lovely volunteers. All the hard work reflects in mended hearts and second chances at love.
Regards, [adopter]
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Recently from Gable's adopters:As I am typing this letter to you, I am watching Gabe and Graham playing and loving on each other, happy as can be. Gabe loves giving us hugs and licking our faces almost as much as he loves eating. He has been such a wonderful member of our family. I am so glad that we are able to give our special boy such a loving, happy home.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Adopted!! ~ Look What A Difference A Caring Heart Can Make
Wylie is a sweet 9-10 month old neutered male. He is crate trained and potty trained. He gets along with our other dogs and cats. Has learned basic obedience; come, down, off, sit, wait, leave it. He walks on a leash and is a good follower. He is still hesitant about new people but has improved tremendously. He is 25 inches tall at the shoulders and weighs 57 pounds and growing. He is current on all health care.Contact our group or the foster Becky at pgbrowns@aol.com 
He suffered severe neglect before we rescued him 6 weeks ago but he keeps getting better everyday. Amazingly, he did not have heart worms.
Look at him after just a few weeks of TLC:
Simon's Adopters Renamed Him Rex!
Here's what they have to say:
We renamed Simon, his new name is Rex!!
He is so happy!!!
Very intelligent!
Already uses the doggie door!
No accidents!!
Such a playful little dog!!!
Very well behaved!
He is getting "sit" and "lay down". We are working on "stay" and so far he is doing wonderful!!!
Took him to the groomers this morning for a bath and the lady didn't want to give him back!!! Rex and my other dog buster get along very well. I think they are still testing eachother but no fights or growling! We are very excited and happy to have him in our home and part of our family!!
(We are excited to hear this)
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