Everything Outdoors – Hunting, Fishing and Hiking

Archive for the ‘Hunting Dogs’ Category

Dogs have not traveled far along the evolutionary road since the time they hunted and killed for food. In fact, some breeds are still selectively bred for their tendency to chase or stalk prey and at least capture, if not kill and/or eat them.

Notable among these are the Terriers, Dachshunds, sighthounds and various hunting breeds. It is no wonder then, that pet dogs occasionally succumb to their ancestral tendency, even without special training.

Dogs are often inadvertently trained to kill. For example, many dog owners have urged their pets (sometimes playfully) to chase cats, squirrels and stray dogs, and are often horrified when their dogs bring home the neighbor’s Teacup Poodle as a trophy of the chase.

Sometimes other animals, usually cats, have “trained” dogs to become killers. These animals do this unknowingly by sitting on fences, rooftops, in trees or beyond fences, tantalizing the dog from a safe vantage point.

After enough of this teasing, the dog becomes sufficiently frustrated to attack an animal when the opportunity presents itself.

Dogs that kill other animals are usually, but not necessarily, of the excitable type and react aggressively or dominantly to other species or smaller dogs.

The killing of smaller dogs or cats by larger dogs is usually the case in urban areas. However, when dog packs operate as Hunting groups, much larger animals become the prey, sometimes even people.

Most dogs that have killed people, either by themselves or in packs, select children as their prey. Child killings (especially those committed by lone dogs) have usually occurred at or within the dog’s “territory,” or have involved a child who screamed shrilly when first approached or knocked down.

A small percentage of dogs appears to be stimulated in the most primitive way by the screaming of any animal: their reaction is to kill that animal. Wild canines have killed members of their own pack that cry out after they have become trapped or are injured.

Dogs that kill other animals should be differentiated from those with a fighting problem. Most dog fights end before either of the combatants is seriously injured.

These episodes rarely result in the death of either dog. Predatory attacks aimed at killing the prey animal are deliberate, with the fangs aimed at the base of the prey’s neck just above the shoulders. If the prey is on its back, the soft flesh of the throat or belly is attacked.

A predatory attack also usually includes violent shaking of the victim. Rarely does a domestic dog actually eat its kill, though some that prey on chickens and other fowl tend to do so more often that cat or dog killers.

Daniel Millions
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/killing-animals-and-attacking-children-132834.html

Lots of dogs chase their tails when they’ve got energy and excitement that they don’t know how to handle. For some dogs, the big event is going outside after being cooped up all day.

Getting out of the tub is always exciting as well. And the sight of a leash is a sure-fire call to action.

For some dogs, chasing their tails is something to do when they really don’t know what to do. It’s like people who bite their nails, tap on a desk, or do some other physical action subconsciously.

Dogs roll over and over on their backs. They jump up on their hind legs. They run around in circles and bark. These are all normal outlets for energy and excitement, and dogs do them all of the time.

Tail chasing is less common. Researchers are not sure why dogs do it, but they suspect it may have something to do with their Hunting pasts.

Dogs originally got their meals by hunting, usually small prey such as rabbits. Their brains and eyes are wired in such a way that they’re intensely aware of quick movements.

It’s possible that some dogs catch a glimpse of their tails, get excited, and, without thinking about it, try to catch the pesky things. They rarely succeed, of course. So they keep trying.

We don’t have any reason to believe that dogs really think their tails are prey to be captured. But that basic instinct may be what gets them started.

Dogs That Chase Their Tails Just To Show Off

Even if dogs initially see their tails as bushy little squirrels, it shouldn’t take them long to realize their mistake.

Yet some dogs keep chasing – not just once or twice, but all the time. They may simply think it’s fun, especially when the people they live with think it’s fun too.

Tail chasing is pretty cute when dogs first do it, and a lot of people make a big fuss over it. And dogs happen to enjoy an appreciative audience. When they discover that something gets them a lot of attention, they’ll keep doing it.

But this has a downside. Like actors who are always “on,” some dogs get such a thrill from performing that they keep doing it even when the curtain is down. Tail chasing is hard work,
and they run themselves ragged until they collapse in a panting heap on the floor.

Then they get up and do it again.

Daniel Millions
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/learn-why-your-dog-chases-his-tail-132840.html

The Mastiff was bred to be a dog that participated in war. They are gentle giants but do not get them aroused. They make natural guard dogs and watch dogs and will protect the family with their life. Actually, just seeing a Mastiff will deter everyone but the dumbest crook. They do not need a great deal of exercise and can be lazy. Even though they do not tend to roam they should be controlled at all times in public. They can do well with other dogs if they have been extensively socialized when very young. They love older, considerate children. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Mastiff is 27 to 31 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 150 to 190 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Mastiff is no exception. Be on the look out for Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), eye disease and bloat (Gastric Dilation-Volvulus, the second leading killer of dogs, can kill within the hour, this space is too limited for a complete explanation but you should read up on this). Feeding more then once a day and avoiding exercise right after meals may help guard against bloat. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

*Grooming. The Mastiff has a short haired, smooth coat. She should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

*Life Span. The Mastiff can live between 5 and 10 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Mastiff comes from Great Britain where they were once used as Hunting and war dogs. They have a history going back over 4000 years. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1885.

Some Registries:
*Mastiff Club of America
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 2 to 5 Mastiff puppies

Category: Working

Terms To Describe: Powerful, massive, courage, good nature, dignified, docile, loyal, alert, protective,

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Makes a good watch dog.
Makes a good guard dog.
Easy to groom.
Generally do not roam.
Is not a barker.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Some may bite in fear.
Can be a bit slow to learn and difficult to train..
Maydrool and slobber.
Tends to snore.

*Other Names Known By: English Mastiff, Old English Mastiff, Bandog, Alaunt

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

Mitch Endick
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/mastiff-puppy-and-dog-information-89155.html

There are so many factors to picking the perfect dog breed and everyone will emphasize one factor or another in their selection process. Generally it is recommended by most breeders and professional trainers to try to match a breed to your lifestyle, rather than simply choosing a dog and trying to match your lifestyle to their needs and temperament.

There are general characteristics that each breed has although not all dogs within the breed will exhibit these characteristics to the same degree or in the same manner. Mixed breed dogs are more challenging when trying to predict the various attributes as there is no way to know which breed characteristics they will favor for each trait.

Generally the most important considerations for choosing the right breed of dog include:

Size – avoid getting a dog based on his or her size as a puppy. Many of the very large breeds are relatively small as puppies, but quickly grow much larger than your house or apartment can manage. If you have a large fenced yard and a bigger living area either a large, medium or small dog would be fine. If you live in an apartment or smaller house perhaps a medium to small dog is best. For those that live in very small spaces a toy or miniature breed is likely the best choice.

Breed type – various breeds have been bred and developed for hundreds of years or longer to perform various tasks for humans. Don’t expect to choose a breed that is a Hunting breed and not expect some difficulty in helping it understand not to chase the cats or other pets in your yard. In addition working, herding or guarding dogs will also have natural tendencies that may or may not work with your lifestyle.

Exercise level – each breed has its own general exercise level that is not necessarily based on size. There are some small to medium breeds that require a lot of activity and exercise whereas some of the larger or giant breeds are very sedate and calm dogs requiring little exercise.

Health concerns – almost all breeds have some genetic health concerns but clearly understanding all the issues before deciding on the breed is important. Buying from a reputable breeder will eliminate most of the issues but there is still the chance that health conditions may arise with the breed.

Experience with dogs – some breeds tend to do better with a more experienced dog owner as they may be stubborn, headstrong, or even naturally very dominant. Breeders and information from breed associations can help you decide if the breed is right for you if it is a challenging dog to train or work with.

Tolerance of children – if you have children in your home or are planning on having children it is very important to ensure the breed you are selecting is a “child-friendly” breed. Some dogs just naturally love being around kids whereas others are less likely to be a good combination or match.

Research the breed of dog that you are interested in looking for both challenges and benefits to raising the dog. Pay close attention to the temperament of the dog as well as if the breed tolerates being left alone or if it requires constant attention. Doing your homework and selecting the perfect breed of dog will ensure a good fit and will help you find just the dog you are looking for.

Kelly Marshall
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/how-to-pick-the-perfect-dog-breed-90176.html

Adding a dog to your life can be one of the best experiences ever – or an absolute nightmare – depending on how much thought and planning you’ve put into this decision.

You need to consider your lifestyle and surroundings, the time and energy you have, as well as how much money you want to spend.

So before you commit to those big brown eyes and wagging tail, be sure you know (or have at least thought about) the answers to some pretty basic questions.

QUESTION #1 Puppy or adult dog?

It’s the first thing you really need to think about. Puppies are cute and cuddly, but they don’t stay that way for very long – you’ll spend a lot more time with the adult dog than you do the adorable puppy.

You should also know that it’s very hard to get a good read on the future personality (not to mention size, coat and activity level) of the adult dog from the puppy. Those adorable balls of fluff can also be mischievous, defiant and destructive and go through a stage of rebellious adolescence where they need almost constant supervision. You should also consider the cost and time commitment of vet visits, house training, behavior training and socialization.

In contrast, adult dogs have passed through all this – so what you see is what you get. You may have little information on the puppyhood and early life, but you’ll more than make up for this with an adult dog’s better attention span (making training easier), as well as a more accurate read on size and the amount of shedding.

Your vet will also be better able to diagnose health problems in an adult – ones that cannot be foreseen in a puppy. What’s more, choosing an adult dog is a valuable service to good animals that need a loving home. You’ll find some wonderful dogs at your local animal shelter or online at petfinder.com

Other good sources are your local classified pet column for lots of good, loving dogs that are “free to good home”.

QUESTION #2: Purebred or Mixed Breed?

If you’ve got your heart set on a particular look or breed, need to consider allergies or other health issues, or have a specific purpose (a Hunting companion or guard dog) in mind, then a pure breed is probably the right choice. The American Kennel Club (online at akc.org/) recognizes over 150 different breeds and offers a good deal of information on each one.

Purebreds come with generations of breeding to strengthen and refine special skills – so that tracking or retrieving abilities become far superior to those of the general population of dogs. The down side is that this can unknowingly pass on other, less desirable traits or serious health problems as well.

Which breed is right for you and your family? Here’s a quick, easy-to-do quiz that might help you narrow down the choices: www2.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm

For many of us, a key factor that drives our choice of breeds is cost. Mixed breed dogs are almost always more affordable than a purebred, though they make take more time and legwork to find. You might want to start with your local animal shelter where dogs are brought in for a variety of different reasons and are examined by a vet and cared for until they can be adopted – some shelters even screen dogs for behavior issues.

To adopt a dog (puppy or adult) from the shelter you’ll typically be asked to pay a small fee to cover the exams and cost of neutering.

Rescue groups are another source for a potential best friend. Here dogs are placed in foster care with an experienced and loving host family, so you’ll know a lot about each animal’s temperament and level of training. If you do go this route, you should expect to complete some type of application process, as well as submit to possible home visits and a somewhat lengthy screening process.

If all this seems too involved for you, consider making a regular check your local paper’s classified section. You should also get the word out to family, friends and co-workers. The more people who know you are looking, the better.

QUESTION #3: Large or Small?

As you have for the age and breed, you need to put some serious thought into the size of the dog you plan to bring into your home. Common sense might suggest that a large dog in a small apartment isn’t the best choice, but these arrangements can be quite successful, if handled properly. Often it isn’t so much about the size of the animal (or yours for that matter) but rather your ability to be in command and control at all times that really counts.

Beyond this, larger breeds tend to cost more – you’ll need to buy more food, bigger crates, beds and toys, not to mention a sturdier collar and leash. Vet bills for surgery or medications will be higher, and grooming will also cost more.

Smaller breeds are more affordable, but have a reputation (not deserved, but popular) for being high-strung and nippy, and can easily get underfoot, be hurt unintentionally or slip off unnoticed in the hustle and bustle of a busy home.

Answer, or at least think about, these questions and you’ll have a much better idea of what you’re getting into. Not that you still can’t be swept away by a pair of wide, trusting eyes or an adorable little face, but when that moment comes you’ll have a far better chance of making this new addition to your life a lasting one.

Valerie Slaugther
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/what-you-must-know-before-bringing-fido-home-64633.html

Dog collars come in a variety of materials, colors, styles and even functions. There’s the obedience or choke collar, bark control collars, flea collars, and a whole array of just good old plain pooch collars. So which one do you choose? If you are taking your pooch to a special event or to a special gathering and you want them to look really good try getting a fancy dog collar and leash. For small dogs a simple flat collar will suffice. For larger dogs you might try a prong collar a wide leather band.

The dog collar market is swamped with conventional as well as more unusual types of dog collars. These serve a variety of functions and needs. As a pet lover and canine owner, you should know that different kinds of dogs need different types of collars.

What Type Of Dog Collar Are There?

Buckle Collars are pretty much just what they sound like, collars that are fastened with a buckle. They are typically made of leather or nylon and they are either flat or rolled. Buckle collars are usually adjustable and do not tighten on your pet’s neck once fastened. Using a rolled leather collar avoids the chafing or hair breaking that can occur using flat collars.

Quick Release collars are fundamentally flat nylon buckle collars with a plastic closure. This clip is similar to some luggage strap fasteners and makes getting the collar on and off a little easier.

Choke chains are metal chain links of various sizes with a ring on each. These collars should only be used while actively training or exercising your canine. This type of collar is usually sold by length, so ask for assistance when buying a slip collar.

Head collars go over your pets head but they are not a muzzle. While wearing a head collar, your a hound can still pant, bark, drink and eat, even bite! They should only be used for training.

If you have a very tight lead on a dog, the strap around the muzzle will push into its eyes, and that is as bad as a Halti which pushes into the eyes anyway. While some trainers will use flat buckle type collars, especially on puppies, these collars do not always provide the most useful control for more unruly dogs. For a very aggressive dog, the pinch collar can actually make the animal worse.

What Do I Need To Know About Dog Collars?

You need to ensure that your best friends collar fits well. Badly fitted collars and their incorrect usage may be harmful to your pet and in the worst case it can prove to be fatal. A properly fitted collar has at least a two finger width space between the collar and the neck of the dog but it should not slip over his ears.

If you don’t like the sound of clinking dog tags or if you worry that the metal tags will discolor your pet’s fur, then you can use a special tag pouch, available at most pet stores.

For Hunting Dogs certain pet tracking systems allow the dog handler or owner to determine what your dog is doing by using certain behavior systems that form part of the collar. You will be able to tell if a pet has stopped, is still moving, if a hound is barking, or if he has treed an animal. Pet tracking collars are used when you are out Hunting with your dog. They can be used by houndsmen, upland bird hunters, beaglers, coon hunters, field trial (bird dogs) and hog hunting.

Finally pick a dog collar that suits your dogs personality and size. A giant black leather collar with studs may not suit a toy poodle, or a pink ribbon style collar a British Bulldog. After all it is part of your pet’s image so pick the correct one!

Stephen Dolan
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/dog-collars-what-you-need-to-know-102846.html

An Introduction to the Keeshond

The Keeshond (plural is Keeshonden) is an extremely affectionate dog that tends to get along wonderfully with people and with other pets in the household. They are a medium sized dog, weighing about thirty-five to forty-five pounds and stand at seventeen to eighteen inches tall.

The Keeshond History – Dog of the Patriots

The world almost didn’t get to enjoy this great companion, though. It was in the late 1700s that the breed almost disappeared. The people of Holland dared to stand up to the royalists at about the same time the colonists in the New World were preparing to fight King George of England.

The Dutch commoners chose as their mascot a medium-sized dog that had served for centuries as the guard dog on barges and as a household companion. The leader of the Patriots had one of these dogs that followed him everywhere. The dog’s name was Kees.

The Patriots were not victorious and people were afraid to be seen with a dog that had stood for the rebellion, so these great dogs almost disappeared. Then in 1920 Baroness van Hardenbroek found a few of these dogs that had been kept in low profile by farmers and river boatmen. She used the fine individuals to bring the breed back.

The Baroness fought the attempt to change the name of the dog to German Spitz, and in 1925 the breed was officially changed to Keeshond (after the dog Kees, mentioned above, and the Dutch word for dog, “hond”). It is now the national dog of Holland.

The Keeshond’s Temperament

The Keeshond is very smart and such a great companion that it’s a bit of a mystery why it is not more popular in the United States. In 2006 they were ranked 93rd most popular dog by the AKC.

Like many dogs they want to be inside with their family instead of locked outdoors. They make great housedogs: playful, attentive, loving, content to take it easy, and yet ready for adventure. A daily walk and a play time is all they need each day to satisfy its needs for exercise.

They are also easily trained, friendly to everyone but yet an alert watchdog, and an excellent companion for children and adults. With their thick fur they can tolerate cold temperatures but cannot tolerate heat.

Like dogs such as Border Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs, the Keeshond has a double coat to keep them warm. This coat requires brushing once or twice a week and more often when shedding.

Unlike herding and Hunting dogs the Keeshond is a general, all-purpose dog. An excellent watchdog, friendly and affectionate, they are a wonderful pet for any family who is looking for a dog to share their home.

John Williams
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/the-essential-keeshond-dog-breed-facts-and-tips-you-must-know-475492.html

Raw dog food recipes are the very best way for your dog to eat a natural diet.

Dogs are born hunters. However they have obviously had their Hunting needs taken away from them as they became domesticated, with owners placing bowls of food out everyday – there is no need for a dog to hunt for raw meat anymore.

Unfortunately many owners do not realize what a dog’s natural diet should be. That is why raw dog food recipes come into importance.

Dogs need raw food to maintain their natural health. Out in the wild, dogs kill other animals and eat their raw meat. There is no cooking or factory manufacturing as is seen in dog food today. And there is certainly no left over dinners – something many owners are guilty of indulging their dogs in!

This advice applies to cats as well. Cats are predators in the same way that dogs are and therefore are made for a raw food diet.

A simple raw dog food recipe would consist of raw meat, vegetable puree, some cooked whole grains, kelp powder, ascorbic acid and around 1 teaspoon of oil (don’t go overboard on the oil).

This recipe will provide your dog with a huge amount of health benefits such as increased energy, a healthy digestive and immune system, cleaner teeth and gums, healthier skin and coat and smoother stool motions.

On top of all this, your dog will be delighted to be receiving food that is in tune with his natural diet. Dogs were MADE to eat raw food. Giving your dog cooked and manufactured food all the time is doing him a great disservice to his health and happiness.

Do your dog a favor and start putting together some raw dog food recipes for him to enjoy! He will thank you for it and will live a longer healthier life with you!

Razak Haruna
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/raw-dog-food-recipe-140818.html

Many people don’t have the patience, energy and/or time to dedicate to training their dog. There are not many other activities that require as much as all this, if the end result is to have a safe, well-adjusted dog and be a happy human. For those people, the answer is to hand the reins of training your dog over to the efforts of a professional trainer.

As in any other profession, price and quality will vary. And, like many professions – particularly those involving human-animal interactions – training philosophies differ considerably. So, you already have some constraints to guide your selection of a trainer for your dog.

Assess your budget and your needs. Depending on where you live, dog training can range anywhere from free – sometimes supplied on a weekly basis by volunteers at parks or shelters – to $100 or more per session. What determines a reasonable fee will differ depending on geography, trainer experience, length of program and the goals for your dog.

Take a look at your schedule. Training programs can be weekly while others are more often. Sometimes, you will be required to leave your dog and pick it up later or, more likely, you may prefer a program where the training involves you directly. Many will advise that you spend some time training the dog each and every day consistently, whether at home or at the trainer’s facility.

Think about your commitment. Dogs, especially at the beginning of training, require regular, large blocks of time and attention in order to learn. An hour a day is not all that unusual.

In certain cases, ‘boot camp’ training programs are preferred. The dog goes away to a special facility for a predetermined length of time usually up to several weeks. The training is consistent, long and rigorous. Don’t worry about your dog. They love the intense training! At the end of the training period, you will probably be required to participate in order to ‘transfer’ the obedience from trainer to you.

But the results can very often be amazing. Dogs, who ‘graduate’ even when not special service dogs, are disciplined and ready to follow instructions. Yet, the irony is, these dogs show no signs of being repressed. They’re happy and play with much enthusiasm.

Examine your goals. You may want a dog that can be entered in shows, or you may just want them not to chew on the furniture or dig up the yard. In either case, regular training is necessary. How much and what kind will vary with breed and individual temperament.

Some dogs are fearful, either through being mistreated formerly or from a natural tendency toward submission. Some are too assertive, again through abuse or natural striving for alpha (pack leader) status. Whatever type of training you select will be dependant on how you want to influence them and what attributes they have you want to shape.

Whatever your goals, budget or commitment you want a trainer who exhibits enormous patience and boundless energy, of course, along with a deep love for dogs. Most have these characteristics in spades and then some.

Other than these basics, you’ll want a trainer whose philosophy makes sense to you and consistent with your goals. Some insist that dog training is more about training the owner than the dog – and there’s some truth to that in some cases. Some are relaxed and friendly, leaning toward the ‘touchy-feely’ style. Others tend more toward police or military style training. And the others lie between these two extremes.

It’s doubtful that there is one training style that will suit everyone, but neither is it entirely subjective. Even where there are disputes there are common principles that most will agree on. Patience, persistence, consistency and the requirement for the human to lead are only some of these.

Request recommendations from those you trust and don’t hesitate to shop around. Don’t be afraid to change trainers once or twice to find one suitable for your needs. Be careful, though, not to change on a whim. Dogs need consistency and a regular environment in order to take in what’s being taught.

Good luck and good Hunting for your dog trainer!

Jane Saeman
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/dog-training-finding-a-trainer-138158.html

Is dog psychotherapy just plain crazy?

Americans spent more than $100 billion on their anxieties last year. In the past five years there were more prescriptions written for emotional problems than for any other category of medicine. In a culture quick to project human conditions upon animals, and treat them with human cures, I have to wonder whether more and more family dogs will wind up on psychiatrist’s couches and anti-depressant drugs.

A recent survey by the American Psychiatric Association showed 91% of Americans willing to seek counseling for themselves or a close friend following a crisis. This is not a bad thing for humans. It is a bad thing for dogs, however, because dog psychotherapy ignores the very reason humans and animals come together in the first place.

It ignores the relationship.

Ten thousand years ago when dog and man decided to become best friends, no doubt there was an equitable exchange of value. Doggy got free food and companionship, and man got an early warning system against approaching danger, a Hunting buddy, and companionship.

But another benefit came with the bargain, at least for the dog. No doubt the dog reasoned, “I’m a pack animal by nature and I’ve decided to make you my leader. Now lead the way, oh brave Alpha Dog!”

This is precisely where we fail our furry friends. Leadership.

Here’s the problem.

A retired client of mine called the other day to ask if I could recommend a good psychotherapist for his Old English Sheep Dog, Higgins. My client and his wife recently sent their youngest son off to college, and Higgins now showed signs of separation anxiety.

His veterinarian recommended an ongoing regimen of mood elevating drugs and follow up visits. Fees would run indefinitely and range between $300 and $400 a month. Yikes!

“What does Higgins do all day?” I asked my client.

“He just mopes around and sleeps,” he replied.

“And what do you do all day?”

“Pretty much the same thing,” he said with a slight suspicion of where my questions were heading.

I think he got my drift because the conversation quickly turned from dog psychotherapy to his investment portfolio, which is usually the reason people tell me they call, at least initially.

Fact is, in my decades of caring for animals, I have yet to see an emotional problem in a dog that wasn’t inflicted by a human, and usually by the most significant human in the dog’s life.

Implicit in our contract for animal guardianship is our responsibility to fulfill needs both physical and emotional. This includes our most important roll of being the pack leader. We must always be the Alpha Dog – fearless, resolute, steadfast – calmly and consistently asserting the correct instructions to our furry friends.

What to do?

Some dogs really do suffer from phobias, and suffering of any kind needs to be relieved. If you think your best friend needs dog psychotherapy, before calling the dog shrink try these three practical procedures instead.

First, get active. Walking is by far the best exercise for dogs and people. With 20 to 30 minutes of sustained walking, circulation springs to life, joints and muscles regain their vitality, and the brain gets soaked in a sea of feel-good endorphins.

Second, get social. Take your dog to a doggy park to hang out with the relatives. Dogs are social animals and crave the interaction of the pack, plus a few good butt sniffs. In dog society there is no room for depression. Dogs have more important things to do, you know.

Finally, get fortified. Don’t get me started on the worthless and downright harmful junk the commercial dog food industry throws off as “dog food.” Suffice it to say, your dog is almost certainly not getting proper nutrition, which can also lead to depression. Dogs, people and all living things need adequate vitamins, minerals and life-giving nutrients to maintain a happy, healthy and balanced life.

If you will let me, I would like to recommend a top quality, full spectrum vitamin/mineral supplement for dogs (and cats too). It’s called DailySure. I would appreciate your support of this fine product.

Give these three alternatives to dog psychotherapy a try. Before long you’ll see definite improvement not only in your dog, but also in that Alpha Dog smiling back at you in the mirror.

Gary Le Mon
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/dog-psychotherapy-three-sane-alternatives-398790.html