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Posts Tagged ‘ pet behavior ’

It’s Good to Be a Dog….or a Cat!

Tuesday, August 9th, 2011

Ann, guest columnist, with two lazy dogs: When it comes right down to it, I often wonder if it’s simply better to be a cat or a dog these days.  I mean….think about it.  As a dog or a cat, you don’t have to worry about the stock market as it comes tumbling down all around you.  You don’t have to turn on your TV or log onto the internet, only to see a plethora of bad news stories out there.  You aren’t bombarded with a host of negative things that just seem to mentally weigh you down.  Nope…as a dog or a cat, your worries are few and far between.

As I watched my two dogs this morning, all they were concerned about was this:

1.)  “Hmmm….wonder if there is any fresh water and food in my bowls?”

2.) “Hey! Why does that sun keep moving in a path across the carpet?  Geez…every five minutes I have to get up and re-position myself comfortably!”

3.) “What was that?  Did the garage door just open?  Who’s home? Who’s home?”

4.) “Treat? Did someone say treat?”

5.) “I feel a walk is in my future!  I just know it!  My human just put on her sneakers!”

I would hate to list the top five things that run through my mind these days.  Yes. It’s good to be a dog or a cat.  Perhaps, if only for a day, we could all switch places with our pets, we could truly grasp what’s important in life. If so, these would represent my top five concerns:

1.) “Hey!  Pool boy! Where’s my fresh lemonade?”

2.)  “I sure hope that cloud moves soon, as it is blocking that warm sun bathing my body.”

3.) “Did someone just come home?  If so, do they have something for me?”

4.) “Sure hope no one ate all the chocolate chip cookies.”

5.) “I feel a nap is in my future. I am getting very sleepy.”

Just for a day would be nice. However, I am wondering how my two dogs would handle the laundry, the car pooling, the errands, and the cleaning.  Maybe we should just all bask in the sun together for the afternoon!  Worries? What worries?

This Cat is a Lifesaver

Monday, April 11th, 2011

Here’s the story of Leroy, a cat that saved his person’s life, and helped saved the neighbors too!

Dogs Have the Right Perspective

Tuesday, March 8th, 2011

I’ve written before about all our pets can teach us, but I read this in the latest issue of  The Bark Magazine and liked it so much I wanted to share.

Dogs have the right idea when it comes to:

  • Having the capacity for unselfish love.  Dogs love us regardless of our faults and know how to make friends quickly and easily.  They don’t obsess about the trials and tribulations of the day and truly embrace the concept of unconditional love.
  • Having the ability to live in the moment.  Dogs don’t live in the past nor do they worry about the future, they are masters at living in the moment.  They know what it’s all about to stop and smell the roses!
  • Keeping the peace.  Dogs are peaceful souls that have a “live and let live” philosophy.  They like to be around friendly beings and enjoy being in a harmonious environment.

How DID they get so smart?

Be sure to P.E.T. your dog to make him more confident! (Play, Exercise, Train)

Tuesday, January 19th, 2010

Jessie:  I want to advise my audience as to how to make your dog more confident.  (Not that I have a problem in that regard, but I am always eager to help others!)

A fearful and unconfident dog typically has a high stress level, so the first thing you want to do is to lower that level of stress.  When the stress level is reduced, your dog is more open to learning new skills and behaviors.

This is a simple three-step method for instilling less fear and more confidence in your dog:

1.)    Play:  Make sure your dog has a place to play where she feels safe. Continually play in that area until she feels completely safe.  Then, move your play time to another area until she becomes equally comfortable in that arena.  Find out what inspires your dog to play.  Is it a game of hide and seek, finding the treat, or does she like to roughhouse?

2.)    Exercise:  Just like with humans, exercise makes the stress levels go down.  It also gives the dog a chance to simply be a dog.  Doggie exercise usually encompasses some form of active play with your dog.  Try to do this with her every day.  It will serve to boost her confidence and keep her healthy along the way!

3.)    Training:  By training your dog, you are building up her confidence.  When a dog can perform a trick or obey a command, she truly feels good about herself.  In short, she begins to realize she has a purpose.

Bo, in a snide tone:  I can surely find other purposes for you, Jessie!

(Information for this post was found at http://dogs.thefuntimesguide.com/2010/01/fearful_dog_1.php)