Did Our Dogs Come from Different Ancestors?

Given the wide variety of dog breeds we have now — from the Great Dane to the Chihuahua — we can be tempted to think that perhaps they came from different parents.

Well, what do you know? Based on a research, the origin of our domestic pooch from wolves has been established. After the researchers examined the mitochondrial DNA sequence variation among 654 domestic dogs representing all major dog populations the world over, the results suggested that all dog populations are of the same origin from a single gene pool. This means even your poodle or your pit bull at home is related to the wolves in the wilderness.

Believe it or not, whatever dog breed you see out there, they all came from the same parents that boarded Noah’s ark a few thousand years ago.

Pooch Tidbits

Some Cool Facts You May Not Know about Your Canine Friend

Too Much Freedom Can Lead to Dog Misbehaviour

Although human beings can never be compared in terms of things like their DNA and ability/inability to be rational, there are a few ways by which we are like our pet pooches. Just like us, they also want to take a walk, play, eat, and sleep. We get annoyed by their incessant barking sometimes, but we sure have humans who can nag all day and bosses breathing down our necks and barking orders (no pun there).

As well as humans, our four-legged pets also want their freedom. They don’t want to be on leash or contained in a fence all day, even all their life. However, too much of anything can certainly be bad, and that includes too much freedom. In fact, truth be told, one of the major causes of dogs misbehaving is having too much of it.

Dealing with dogs

When dealing with our pet pooches, we must think like them. When it comes to behaviour issues, it’s not really what we do that matters, but how our dog perceives what we do. Giving them too much freedom —like letting them patrol the entire property unrestrained while we’re not home or allowing them to roam the house and invade each room —we’re actually sending them a dangerous message.

Freedom and power

For dogs, freedom is relative, and they associate it with power. Remember when we were kids and we were not allowed to touch breakable and sharp objects? Of course, that was all for our own good and safety. Aside from dangerous things, we were also not allowed to open the fridge and cupboards at will and get whatever food we want all the time. But the minute our parents leave the house, we try to impose our own freedom and do whatever we want. That’s how freedom is associated with power, which is how our dog can perceive it as well.

Freedom as evidence of rank

Dogs are hierarchical creatures. In their world (sometimes even in our world), resources are controlled by the top dog. In the wild, top dogs have unlimited freedom. Domesticated dogs that are given the same unlimited freedom can perceive it as evidence of rank. He feels that, since he is the top dog, he owns and controls everything. He’s free to go where he wants and can do whatever he desires. Needless to say, this leads to unwanted behaviour.

Image credit: derekp (flickr.com)

Giving our canine companions some freedom is good. In fact, it’s one of the responsibilities of a dog owner. However, when freedom is abused, that’s when trouble can start happening. Send a strong message to him that his freedom is with a limit by keeping him within bounds at certain times, like putting up a dog fence so he stays in one place when you want him to (you can get different types of dog fence at dogmaster.com.au).

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Related articles:

Dog Fence Tips (ehow.com)

Training Your New Puppy or Dog (dogbreedinfo.com) 

Is Your Dog Dominant? (aspca.org)

Do Dogs Experience Separation Anxiety? You Bet!

Dog is called man’s best friend not only because it’s one of the most beloved pets in the world but also because it exhibits certain emotions akin to a human being. Did you know that dogs also feel shame, grief, joy, sorrow, and shame just like we do? We may not easily detect those emotions because they are not expressed the way we express them, but your canine buddy surely gets emotional, too.

What’s the term used for someone who finds it hard to adjust when someone he has been close to leaves him? It’s called 'separation anxiety.' And what do you know, your four-legged pooch also experiences that. In fact, he may find it harder to cope with it compared to his owner.

Image credit: Myriam Bardino (flickr.com)

If every time you return home from work you see proof that your dog missed you a lot (ex: he keeps on chewing your slip-ons whenever you’re not home), your pet pooch could be suffering from separation anxiety.

Here are ways on how to help him ease it:

1.   Have a walk with him before leaving your home – One of your goals is for your dog to be in a resting mode while you’re out. This can be achieved by taking your dog for a brisk walk as a way of starting your day. Just like us (or any living creature for that matter), after expending energy, dogs will rest, which can make him not realize the fact that you’re leaving.

2.   Don’t make a big deal about your departure – For your canine friend not to even notice it, don’t go through a lot of rituals as you say goodbye. In fact, don’t even say goodbye. Don’t even touch or look at him. By doing this, you’re telling him that ‘parting is such sweet sorrow.’

3.   Don’t say goodbye right before leaving – If you really can’t step out of your house without bidding your pet adieu, you can do that long before you leave. Give him a nice pat or even a quick hug 30 mins to 1 hour before leaving.

4.   Maintain your calm-assertive demeanor – Even when you’re leaving, you have to project that confident energy of a pack leader. Don’t let any emotions like guilt or unease overcome you, because your dog will certainly know about them. If you’re calm and assertive and have that confident bearing, your dog will feel that everything will still be fine even though you’re leaving.

5.   Practice makes perfect – You can do a little practice with him to get him used to that moment of separation. For example, try leaving your dog for, say, 5 minutes using the techniques mentioned above. The next time you do it, extend it to about 10 minutes, and so on. Continue doing this until he gets used to you being away without feeling anxious.

I also used to hate leaving my dog every time I left home for school when I was still in college, especially because I knew he’d be wandering around while I was away, and he’d be gone and nowhere to be found every time I got home (wish I had Garmin tracking collars Australia back then). But I realized that my dog and I would just continue feeling miserable if I didn’t start doing something about it. If you follow these tips here, you’ll be doing both you and your dog a huge favor by eliminating that dreaded separation anxiety.

Related articles:

What to Do When Your Dog Starts Misbehaving (cnn.com)

Walking a Dog (dogbreedinfo.com)

Top 9 Dog Breeds with No Major Barking Issues

Excessive dog barking issues is one of the most prevalent problems of dog owners everywhere. It is always good to make a research about the breed and history of a puppy before deciding to adopt it. Here are 9 dog breed that are known for their quiet and calm disposition.

1. Newfoundland

image credit: PaynesAnimals (flickr.com)

This dog is huge, intelligent and super strong. He is known for his calmness and loyalty. He is also an excellent swimmer.

2. Great Dane

image credit: gr8dnes (flickr.com)

This dog is another calm, tacit and gentle giant.

3. Italian Greyhound

image credit: 1000glam (flickr.com)

The Italian Greyhound seldom barks. He is a gentle dog that can go a long way with children and the elderly. He can be playful at times but prefers a quiet place.

4.  Whippet

image credit:  winkyintheuk (flickr.com)

This dog is intelligent, but he is the quiet type who likes to spend his time by simply resting.

5.  Mastiff

image credit: Lulu and Roos Holidays (flickr.com)

The mastiff is a quiet but gentle giant who doesn't need to bark to impose his presence.

6. Bernese Mountain Dog

image credit: White Whiskers Photography (flickr.com)

Originally bred in the Alps, the Bernese mountain dog is a good-natured, confident and friendly big dog.

7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

image credit:  smadderattacker (flickr.com)

This is a devoted, highly affectionate, extremely patient and overly playful pet that's crazy to win your attention. They are easy with children and other dogs in the household.

8. Saint Bernard

Image credit: Tewkes (800K) (flickr.com)

Initially bred for rescue purposes, this gentle giant is very friendly even to children and smaller dogs. He belongs to a very loyal and affectionate breed.

9.  Golden Retriever

image credit:  Denilson B. Coelho (flickr.com)

The golden retriever is probably one of the friendliest dogs around. He is a trusting, playful, crazy-for-attention dog who is eager to please his master. He is very active but silent. His friendly and trusting disposition make the golden retriever a poor guard dog.

Fun Facts about Your Pet Pooch

Took a break from writing and created this short video instead. No more additional details. I believe the video speaks for itself. I hope you will like it. Enjoy!