The majority of today’s herding dogs and herding dog breed mixes never come across a flock of geese or sheep or goats. But that doesn’t mean their herding instinct is dormant. People who share their lives with these energetic and intelligent dogs know how easy it is to trigger a round of (often annoying) heel… Read more »
Imagine a Bedouin hunting in the desert. The temperature is close to 120 degrees, too hot for horses to move beyond a plod. The desert hare, or dinner, is out of shooting range. Enter the Saluki. Light-boned and sharp-eyed, with the lung capacity of a cheetah. An expert hunter, specialized for this harsh environment, this… Read more »
Motivation is what makes your dog tick. It’s what drives him to do things, like respond to your cues and find doing so worthwhile—even the second and third times you ask. Common canine motivators include: Car rides, a ball tossed, a walk, a leash clipped on or off, playing with toys, access to other dogs,… Read more »
Most people know chocolate can be dangerous, even fatal, to dogs. Many have heard the same of grapes and raisins, and it’s common sense that alcohol isn’t canine fare. Other people-foods never to share with your dog include: In the greenery department: Avocado, onions, garlic, chives (plus grapes and raisins). Drinks and dairy: Cacao, coffee,… Read more »
Doberman Pinchers, affectionately known as Dobies, hail from Germany and were originally bred to be guard dogs. For that reason, Dobies are strong and resilient, fast runners, and hardwired to be alert. When well trained and socialized, Dobies are also affectionate family dogs and devoted companions. They have distinguished themselves alongside soldiers at war—a Dobie… Read more »
Rabies is a fatal infection that is contagious to all warm-blooded animals, including people. It’s caused by a virus that affects the nervous system, producing symptoms such as fever, seizures, paralysis, slack jaw, inability to swallow, excessive salivation (hence the trademark foaming at the mouth), lack of coordination, unusual aggression or shyness, and other awful… Read more »
Given that dogs have up to 300 million scent receptors (compared to our 5 million), keen night vision, and super-sensitive hearing, nobody can be surprised that dogs excel at search & rescue work. Experts estimate that a single dog-and-handler team can be as effective in locating missing persons as 20 to 30 people. SAR dogs,… Read more »
Breed rescue plays an important role in solving the problem of global dog overpopulation—an estimated 600 million dogs are strays. How does rescue work? When a purebred dog arrives at a shelter, a rescue coordinator or volunteer photographs the dog and notifies the appropriate rescue organization. Donated funds pay for the dog’s transport, foster stay,… Read more »
Exercise, we all know, is fundamental to good health. For dogs and humans alike, slothful ways lead to, at best, diminished well-being and poor muscle tone, at worst obesity, heart ailments, and joint problems. In dogs a couch potato existence can also prompt behavior problems. Sometimes just quirks, sometimes full-on neuroses similar to those seen… Read more »
Exercise, we all know, is fundamental to good health. For dogs and humans alike, slothful ways lead to, at best, diminished well-being and poor muscle tone, at worst obesity, heart ailments, and joint problems. In dogs a couch potato existence can also prompt behavior problems. Sometimes just quirks, sometimes full-on neuroses similar to those seen… Read more »
Awkward as the subject is, excessive flatulence in dogs is no joke. Of course, some gas production is perfectly normal, in dogs as well as humans. But too much of it is not just a nuisance for those living with the afflicted pooch, it’s a sign that something isn’t working as it should in the… Read more »
Snakebite readiness and prevention isn’t just for rural dogs. Urban pooches visit yards and sometimes go on vacation or road trips, so here’s a primer on what to know: Prevention. Beware of yards that have undergrowth, brush, or shrubs where snakes can hide. Ditto spilled birdseed or fruit; food attracts rodents, which attract snakes. On… Read more »
