2007 October | MyDogGoneNatural

Oct 31

Yet Another Holiday Approaches

Is It Too Early to Think About Christmas?

Ok, so Halloween has passed without incident and we must now look toward the next major event in the daily life of our canine companions…CHRISTMAS!

You have, no doubt, been warned about all of the dangers lurking within the household during the holiday season.

It cannot be stressed enough that it is vital to the well-being and health of your furry friends that you be kindly observant of hazards that you may not even consider to be such.

Oct 23

Did You Know About Massage?

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Rub Your Dog the Right Way

Every culture that allows domestic pets teaches its members ways to relate physically with those pets. In some countries, dogs live a dog’s life, and are rarely held or petted. We’ve noticed that some German dogs that we import do not seem to like our "American" way of petting. After investigation with our German contacts, we have learned that Germans have a slightly different approach to their dogs. They pet and stroke them in a different way and in different places than do many Americans. In our culture, petting a dog is very important. Most people tend to pet dogs around the head and shoulder regions and stop there. Others literally trounce their dogs, pounding their sides and ruffling their fur.

Sometimes there is little method to the physical display. The dog is expected to "take it" whether or not it is the kind of physical affection it enjoys. Few dog owners stop to read their dog’s needs and desires. A dog owner may find that the dog does not enjoy being petted – if by petting we mean rough jostling or pounding. Instead, like many humans, they greatly enjoy a more extended type of body contact – a kind of massage.

Massage can be a beneficial technique when used as an aid to relaxation. The first principle of dog massage is to stop thinking of your dog solely from the shoulders up. Contact can be made with almost any part of the dog’s body if it is sensitive contact. Skilled veterinarians know this from treating unapproachable patients. They often have to devise creative ways of lifting the animal up onto an examination table, or treating injuries all over a pet’s body.

To begin a dog massage, make a list of all the areas where a given dog likes body contact. If you are the dog’s owner, you know. If you are not, ask the owner. Then list the areas where

the dog is sensitive to touch. Begin your first massage with the areas on your first list, but include one area on the second. Gradually include more "forbidden" areas as you give massages.

It’s best to begin on the head, gently massaging the eyelids, muzzle, and nose. Always keep one hand in contact with the dog during the entire massage. It’s best to have the dog in the sitting position. From the head area, work down the neck to the chest and pectoral muscle. Some dogs will automatically offer a paw. Take hold of it, but gently place it down if the dog seems to be losing balance.

Choose a leg and work up and down on it very gently. If your dog decides to lie down, you will have better access to its rear legs. Try to avoid forcing the dog down. If your dog knows the command for down, you can use it in massage work, but don’t force the issue. Make your

strokes long and firm. Try to distinguish massage from regular petting. The massage should be more extended and pliable in its movement than regular petting. Avoid all slapping, pinching, and pulling motions. These will break the mood of the massage. Many dogs will communicate quite clearly what they like and dislike.

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Oct 15

Dogs Are Dogs

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Some Observations From a Dog Lover

Over the past several months it has occured to me that often I reflect on the relationship between people and their dogs. Certainly this musing is age old for me, especially considering that I immerse myself in the company of dogs, work in the dog industry, share my life with a dog, and potentially the list continues.

This past weekend I had the opportunity to take a closer look at the world of person and dog. I have arrived at some obvious beliefs that probably most people would be willing to buy into if they thought carefully about it.

Oct 08

Dogs and Feet…What’s the Deal?

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A Leg Up on Dogs and Feet

Does your dog seem to be happy only when he is literally sleeping or laying around on your feet or your shoes?

There’s no getting around the fact that dogs love feet and everything associated with them.

They adore shoes and socks, and most of all they love the smelly tootsies themselves. In fact, your feet are the part of you that your dog knows best. They’re right there on the floor with her; they’re full of the smell of you, and lots of times, they’re the only part of you that dogs are allowed to sit on.

One reason that dogs like feet so much is the same reason that most people steer clear of them. For such a small body part, feet pack a whole lot of scent. Each foot has about 125,000 sweat glands. That’s enough to keep plenty of smells percolating, especially when the feet are encased in socks and shoes. Dogs draw a huge portion of their knowledge of the world from their sense of smell. And feet sure do smell!

Rich aromas aren’t the only things about feet that dogs find attractive. They also depend on them as sort of a human tether. There are some dogs who worry that their owners will get up and leave without them noticing. They don’t want their people to get very far away, so they sit on them.

Large dogs are more likely than small breeds to choose a perch. Small dogs can scramble into laps when they want to keep track of their people. Big dogs are too bulky for that kind of cuddling. Sitting on feet gives them similar feelings of closeness and reassurance. Of course, there are plenty of dogs who simply want to be near the people they like. They’re not all that desperate for attention or reassurance – they just like the closeness.

Some dogs crave foot contact more than others, and there’s not much you can do about it. Keep your leather shoes in the closet and be grateful that your dog wants to be close to you. Dogs thatare truly anxious about being abandoned, however, need some extra reassurance.

Try scheduling a little extra cuddle time with your pet. Dogs who know they can depend on getting attention at certain times of the day or in certain places are less likely to demand it the rest of the time. Set aside 5 to 10 minutes each day when your dog can sit on your feet, lick your face, and generally revel in physical contact. She’ll come to depend on these regular meetings and look forward to them – and she’ll be less desperate for attention because she’ll know something good is coming.

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Oct 01

It is EVER…Just a Dog?

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It is NEVER…”Just a Dog”

From time to time, people tell me, “lighten up, it’s just a dog,” or “that’s a lot of money for just a dog.”

They don’t understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for “just a dog.”

Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog.” Many hours have passed and my only company was “just a dog,” but I never felt slighted.

Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by “just a dog,” and in those days of darkness, the gentle of “just a dog” gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

If you too, think it’s “just a dog,” then you will probably understand phrases like “just a friend,” “just a sunrise,” or “just a promise.”

“Just a dog” brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy.

“Just a dog” brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person.

Because of “just a dog” I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.

So, for me, and folks like me, it’s not “just a dog,” but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.

“Just a dog” brings out what’s good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday they can understand that it’s not “just a dog,” but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being “just a human.”

So the next time you hear the phrase, “just a dog,” just smile, because they “just don’t understand.”

Note: This tribute to the essence of the dog’s being, rings true. I posted it because I honestly believe in all that a dog contributes to one’s life. I know that the basset hound that I shared 15 wonderful years of life with, taught me lessons that are unforgettable. I keep her in mind and in my heart always.

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