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!

Dog Pain Management

image credit: mikeasaurus (flickr.com)

Pain management is one of the most important subjects in the veterinary profession. It is through the mastery of this and related topics that you can help to improve the quality of life of our canine companions. It is important to educate dog owners and give them a good understanding about this subject because dogs cannot verbalize the discomfort and pain they are going through.  

As a pet owner, you play a major role in easing your dog's pain. It is your responsibility to learn and understand the signs that your pet is experiencing pain and discomfort. You must be proactive in finding possible solutions to alleviate your pet's suffering. Taking a step in requesting dog pain-relieving medications for example, is an indication of your concern and advocacy for your pet's welfare. As pet owners, each one of us must aggressively strive to understand the different causes of dog pain and discomfort.

Pain management is not just the responsibility of a dog's attending veterinarian.  It necessitates the active participation of pet owners. The development of pain management strategies is crucial to the lives of our furry friends. And dog owners and vets have the primary responsibility to make it happen.

One of the very first steps towards the treatment of dog pain is to recognize it in the first place. Pain manifests itself through slight changes in your dog's behavior. When you see that he or she has become more withdrawn, reluctant to climb stairs, or reacting strangely when you hold or pick him/her up, he/she is experiencing pain. You should not take these for granted; these may be the only clue that your pet is hurting - and you are his/her only hope.

Why Dogs Keep Silent with Anti-Bark Collars

image credit: d o l fi (flickr.com)

Barking is a natural behavior for dogs, but when it is excessive and uncalled for, it becomes a disturbance that can be upsetting to you and your neighbors. This is a common problem that different dog owners treat in different ways, but one of the most common solutions is the use of anti-bark collars.

An anti-bark collar is a device that's designed to stop dogs from barking excessively. They work in either of two ways:

1. Interruption

Dogs bark for a variety of reasons, and some of them bark for long periods out of boredom. They often bark at anything that catches their attention. To create a solution to this problem, an anti-bark collar designed to interrupt the dog when he barks was invented. These dog collars typically employ citronella, ultra-sonic tone, water, or air to surprise the dog and stop him from barking. These are made for dogs that usually bark at objects and not for canines that woof to catch attention.

Collars that are designed for interruption are not intended to harm or inflict pain, but this may not be the proper way to address the dog's excessive barking behavior. Canines that bark because of boredom or lack of stimulation or exercise don't actually need bark control devices to stop barking. They do bark because they are simply bored and have too much pent up energy to expend.

Although these collars are effective in reducing your pet's barking problem, it would be prudent to consider giving him some exercise and other activities. Engaging your pet in play and exercise can help to eliminate his boredom. This will also reduce his attention on things that can temp him to bark unnecessarily.

2. Punishment

Some anti-bark collars deliver electric shock or a loud and unpleasant ultrasonic tone to stop a dog from barking. The term might be too harsh, but this method is intended to "punish" barking canines in some way. It is a way of telling your pet that his barking is followed by an unpleasant consequence. The shock that follows could be gentle, but it can traumatize a dog if not used the proper way.

Dog owners should carefully monitor their pet when they use electric collars to stop dogs barking without any reasonable stimulus. It is undeniably true that electric collar manufactures produced these products with good intentions, but they can be used for the wrong reasons. These dog training devices are intended for short-term use, and if the trainer or owner allows them to stay around the dog's neck for a long time, it might cause psychological damage on your pet.

I'm not saying that that the use of anti-bark collars is inhumane. In fact they are effective and they allow your pet canines to learn not to bark easy and fast. But you must remember that these products are not intended to stay around your dog's neck for a long time. You should take them off your pet when you see that he has learned to keep silent.

Another thing that you must consider is the dog breed. Some breeds such as German Shepherds, Rottweilers and Border Terriers are barkers. You should not wonder why they bark a lot. You should not punish a pet for doing what he naturally does. One way to avoid the dog barking problem is to raise or adopt a dog that is naturally quiet yet beautiful. These include the Basenji, Collie, Greyhound, Pekingese, and Mastiff.

Related Articles:

Quiet Dog Breeds (mysmelly.com)

The Ten BestFamily Dog Breeds (cesarsway.com)

How to PreventDog Barking (cesarsway.com/)

Understanding and Minimizing Excessive Dog Barking

Photo credit: PradaDearest (Flickr.com)

Dogs bark for many different reasons. In a way, barking is as common to dogs as speaking is to people. It is their main mode of communication. You will be able to recognize and respond to their needs better if you can learn what causes your dog to bark.

Why Dogs Bark

One of the most common reasons why dogs bark is to warn you about approaching strangers. Whenever a post man, a visitor or any unfamiliar face comes around, your dog will bark to tell you about it. This is, of course a good thing, since most of us wants an effective watchdog who will give necessary warnings.

Dogs may also bark out of fear or even simply to grab your attention. At times, your pet may want to play with you and he’ll tell you that through barking. Bored dogs will likely bark so try to do something about it.

Hunger is another reason that’s why it is important to feed your pet on time. If you are already doing that, then take the barking as a sign that it’s already time to put food on the plate again.

Excessive Barking Can Be a Problem

While the examples mentioned above are all considered normal, there may be instances when the dog starts barking for no apparent reason.

If your dog is barking too much, then this could be a problem. You will have sleepless nights and you can expect to receive complaints from neighbors, too. As a responsible dog owner, you need to stay on top of things and take appropriate action.

Many pet owners are trying to find safe, effective, quick, and cheap ways of preventing canine behavior problems. But since it is difficult to get these in one package, a majority of them usually fail to achieve a solution. Dog behavior problems such as excessive barking should be corrected because it is a nuisance not only to your household but to the entire neighborhood as well.

Possible Solutions

Basic dog training skills can be a good solution towards minimizing the undesirable noise. Teach principles of obedience to your pet. Be patient and try not to yell when you want him to stop. Instead choose a single word (such as “No” or “Enough”) and use that consistently. Tell everyone in the household about it and make it a rule. Never give treats when the dog is barking because he may misinterpret that as a reward.

Signing up your dog for obedience classes with professional dog trainers can be a good idea. You may also consider consulting with a veterinarian. Sometimes, a health problem can make a dog really grumpy.

Otherwise, you can check out corrective collars sold in the market. This can be a good tool you can use to stop dog barking in your home.

Get Your Dog to Love the Tracking Collar

Partnered with a leash, dog collars are traditionally used to get your pets steady and within your sight whenever you take them for a walk. Over the years, technology advancements have paved the way for many collar types for different purposes. One of the widely used collars by owners who are in for an adventure with their pet dogs is the tracking collar.

Essentially, a dog tracking collar is comprised of a collar with an integrated transmitter that the dog wears, and a receiver carried by the handler or dog owner. Mostly used for training and hunting with dogs, this type of collar is often misconstrued as a terrifying device for man's best friend.

For most who know, however, dog tracking collars are an effective way to get one of the world's smartest animals to put his skills to good use. It is not meant to harm your pet; it is a way to get him to be disciplined, focused and well-behaved, and up for a task that demands his speed and agility.

As it is with any owner-pet relationship, the effects of the use of a tracking collar are highly dependent upon the handler. There are things you can do to ensure that your pet is not in any way frightened or terrified by the collar.

Photo credit: DoggieDocs Pet Store (Flickr.com)

Ask yourself: "Is my dog ready for the day?" Before strapping the collar around your pet's  neck, determine his mood or behavior. Even dogs have bad days and you don’t want to be the selfish pet owner who doesn't care about that. Rules imply that you can't train your dog when he is not in a good mood. Get him to be playful so you won't have problems getting him to wear the tracking collar.

Be sure that your device works perfectly fine. Inspect the tracking collar. If it seems to be not working in any way, get it fixed first before using it on your dog. You can't risk putting your pet into a potentially disastrous situation just because the device isn't functioning as it should. You should also get a reputable brand to ensure no glitches occur.

Thoughtless handling is a no-no. Your Pit Bull may look like the toughest animal on the planet, but inside he is a sensitive pet that needs to be assured he is going to be alright. Exude a relaxed and happy mood when strapping the collar onto his neck. Most owners who observe their dog's anxiety talk him out of it.

Supervise at all times. Do not leave your dog unsupervised when wearing the tracking collar. Needless to say, you are responsible for keeping your pet animal safe in the hog hunting area.

Give your dog extra treats. Your dog will look forward to wearing that tracking collar when he is able to associate it with pleasant experiences. It will give him confidence about what he can do for you, and is just as glad to that he made you happy with a job well done.

With these small yet highly doable steps, you can be the responsible and sensitive dog handler when bringing your skillful pet to pig hunting. With a lot of patience and awareness about the right use of the device, you can enjoy a successful adventure without the worries.

Advantages of Using Invisible Dog Fences

These days, more and more dog owners are realizing the convenience of installing invisible dog fences on their home.

These wireless fences can be very useful if you want to keep your pet safe within your area. Instead of letting him roam around the neighborhood (or even possibly running towards the street), your dog will stay within your permitted limit as you use this effective tool. Despite opposition from some animal advocate groups, the use of dog fences is approved by many because of how helpful it can be.    

I personally chose to install an invisible fence on our home mainly for my dog’s security. Some fellow pet lovers have asked me why and I have repeatedly shared with them the benefits mentioned in this article. Read on and I will explain!

Photo credit: Havahart Wireless (Flickr.com)

1. Not too expensive

Generally speaking, a wooden fence can cost around $8 per feet while a metal fence will set you back about $25 per feet.

You can instead have the option of installing an invisible fence on your own. By so doing, you can

reduce your expenses to only $125 to $500 for your entire yard. Otherwise, you may hire the services of a professional installer for an overall $1000 to $2500. This is still a lot more affordable than buying wood or metal fences.  

2. Protect your garden

Aside from keeping your dog in a limited space, one obvious benefit of having barriers at home is that you can protect the garden from your pet. Your flowers and other plants will stay unharmed if you have fences in the right place.

3. Protect your properties

The same can actually be said about your air conditioning system, swimming pool, and other important properties. With these fences installed, damages and accidents will be avoided.    

4. Maintain the beauty of your home

Unlike wood or metal fences, invisible fences are just that – invisible. This means you will not have to worry about any potential eye sores at all. No view will be blocked and you will be able to retain your home’s appearance exactly the way you want it.  

5. Prevent jumping and digging

Unlike the traditional options, wireless fences can be very effective and economical in containing your pet. Dogs will not be able to dig holes around it, climb, or jump over it. Your canine friend will definitely not go anywhere as you utilize these fences. You will have greater peace of mind knowing that your pet (and your properties) will always be safe.

As a pet owner, the safety and well-being of your furry pets should be one of your major concerns. You can now give it an ultimate solution by knowing more about dog fencing. It will surely put your worries away.

Related Articles You Might Like to Read:

Preventing Canine Behavior Problems (tufts.edu)

Invisible Fence Review: The Pros & Cons Of Invisible Dog Fences (thefuntimesguide.com)

Choosing and Using an Electric Dog Fence (equipetstores.com)

How to Compare Electric Dog Fences (wagsandwhiskerspetboutique.com)

Melbourne Loves Pets

Melbourne seems to love pets, as most pet shows typically begin or at least take a stop in Melbourne. At any rate, here's one more that says goodbye to February and welcomes the month of March: Melbourne Pet & Animal Expo.

This expo has a little twist: it's aimed more towards those in the pet care industry than pet lovers themselves. This expo is all about teaching those in the pet care business on how to reach more customers and effective marketing strategies.

This doesn't mean that there's nothing left for the average dog lover. If a lot of exhibitors join the event, it's still going to be just like any other pet expo: only less pets and more products for pets. Either way, everybody wins. Imagine going to the event and bringing home tons of goodies for your pets. They'll love you even more!

The Melbourne Pet & Animal Expo is a two-day event that starts on February 28^th and ends on March 1^st. So if you're interested, head over to the Exhibition Hall on February 28^th. If you are unable to make it, there's another show on March 1^st. The second show will be held at the Melbourne Showgrounds. 

B.I.N.G.O. de Mayo

There's never a finer time to take your pooches out for a great time than the beautiful days of May. If you're from Melbourne or just happen to be on Melbourne on the first few days of the month of May, head over to the Royal Exhibition building to see some of the most beautiful beasts you'll ever see. That is, if you're a dog lover.

Introducing the Melbourne leg of the aptly-named Dog Lovers Show! It's a three-day event that allows you to see dogs – lots of them. If you love canines, this will be heaven. 

 

As only dogs who enter the show are allowed, you may not bring your beloved pooch with you. Unfortunate as it is, you will be able to find a lot of doggy treats that you can bring home. When attending the event, you'll also get to learn more about how to be a better dog owner. Who knows? Perhaps you'll be the first few ones to attest to the fact that old dogs can learn new tricks.

Schedules and ticket prices will vary, so look at the below list for more details. You can also find this on the official Dog Lovers Show website.