Behavioural Issues with Fido??

As we experience on a daily basis here at The Dog Bowl, not everyone has the same "house rules" for their dog(s).

Whatever your house rules/training rules are for your dog one thing is certain - your dog will not succeed unless you (and the whole family) are consistent.

We are currently helping out a friend and client of The Dog Bowl with the training of her Jack Russell Terrier named Dylan (shown on the left with Jennifer). He was a rescued pup and she adopted him approximately 3 years ago... We think he is around 5-6 years old. If you have come into our retail storefront recently you have had the "pleasure" of having us beg you to pet him. (He will be staying with us until tomorrow, Saturday.)

Dylan has A LOT of anxiety... Which many of you know is usually expressed as aggression. In Dylan's case he always needs a "job" and a place to just "be". Many dogs are like this - large or small! So even if you think a smaller dog breed is "easier" guess again! Dylan, for example, has proven to be a challenge, but we are working through it. Every day brings an opportunity to train and work with him (and his visitors/friends). To quote Cesar Millan "Rehabilitate dogs.... train people." Because dogs do behave the way we want them to - this includes the good or the bad.

In our quest to assist Dylan we had to first learn how to best communicate with him and react in an appropriate manner with any negative or inappropriate behaviors "in our pack" we came across Training DVD's as well as Breed Specific DVD's (now offered at The Dog Bowl Online Storefront). These were very helpful in his rehab!

We also took in a few of Cesar Millan's videos & would like to share a few of our favorite points from his show on National Geographic:

• Don't let them climb on you.... You tell them where to be.
• One of the most important things Cesar wants to get across is that dogs are dogs—not humans! (So they communicate differently than we do.)
• Often the solution we would use for a human is totally wrong for solving a dog’s issues.
• Nose/Eyes - claim your space If you reward dominance YOU become a part of HIS pack. His tail is up - checking you out with dominance.
• Discipline is not about being mean it is about being a great dog owner, the greatest.
• Discipline vs. releasing frustration on an animal is not good. It is not good with being angry and then touching anybody (much less your dog). Being calm & assertive to protect yourself.
• When a naturally submissive dogs lives with a human that does not lead, he or she will attempt to right the pack balance by filling what they see as a vacant pack leader role. This is how behavior problems develop.
• If dog is aggressive - Do not touch, no talk, no eye contact with dog. Agression is NOT a breed thing. Aggression is a state of mind.
• No one has ever challenged him - he has gone to "the red zone". Dominant needs to challenge him in the red zone. Challenge in a calm & assertive state.
• 2 dogs - 1 touch the other 1 touches.... 1 is going to win.
• Aggression is a result of 1 or 2 things: (1) Animal that is controlling the situation. (2) Animal that is the pack leader.
• If the animal that is the pack leader. Aggression is NOT what happens right away the OUTCOME (behavior) of insecurity, frustration, anxiety, tension... We don't know what the exact source is.
• Dog is more powerful in their own environment - neurotic behaviors come out in that environment.
• Once they feel how good it feels to be a balanced dog they feel good & say "hey let's do this more".
• Improve your relationship with your dog! Learn how to achieve balance and establish pack leadership with practical tips and techniques.
• Easier to influence calm submissive mind than excited submissive mind. Practice NO talk, can touch & can look at him, but sound brings excitement.
• Consistent with expectations of the dog & consistent with behaviors that we allow & with what we do not allow.
• The more you learn about dog psychology, the better you will be able to connect with your canine companion!
• Remember, there are no quick fixes; pack leadership is a year-round 24/7 commitment.
• Prioritize what is best for the dog.

If the Label Says it it MUST be True???

Being in the forefront of a concept that request consumers to consciously "think" about what they are buying we are constantly bombarded by the fact that there are marketing falsities on an astounding amount of available products.

Here is an example: Take "Natural Greenies" or "Smart Greenies" for instance, the packaging alone labels the purchaser as smart and aware of healthy options. But what IS this item? When we break down the chemistry of the "natural" item the findings are in fact quite contrary to the labeling. It is as if the manufacturer is telling you, the consumer, one thing and selling you another.

"Low fat", "low carbs", "all natural", and of course, the newly popular "organic" wording is practically on everything marketed from toilet paper and shoes, to food items.

As a consumer and a smart one at that, all we simply have to do is take a second and think about the item in question. Ignore all the beautiful packaging and labels and think about what it took to put that item on the shelf. At the very least, question what it takes to sustain that item in it's container or bag.

The conclusion of your thoughts will no doubt be in conflict with the "wonder ingredients" that is formulated as natural and true. Yes - they were real at one point & then they were changed to what you see now, and of course processed. Hmmmmm

So getting back to "real and basic" it seems that if it were in fact "natural and real" it would rot and break down - real items do. For example, if you leave an apple out on the table over the course of a month it starts to deteriorate. Well of course it does! It is a fresh, real item. And as a smart consumer we don't need a label to tell us that!

Dog Days of Summer

This news goes without saying...it's HOT in Texas! Our Summers last longer than most fashion trends therefore we MUST think about our canine friends. We like taking our fur children with us when running errands because who are we kidding, talking to ourselves in the car looks odd so we can blame on the dog....among other things...Here are some great tips on how to handle the baby pup in your life!

Summer Don’ts

There are several summer hazards pet owners should be aware of. Here are five things you should never do with your dog:

• Don't leave your dog in a parked car Even with the window cracked, temperatures can rise up to 30 degrees in the space of a few minutes this puts petsin danger of heat stroke when the indoor temperature reaches 110 degrees. Even when it's 70 degrees outside, it is going to be suffocating in a quick amount of time in a car!

• Don't tie your dog up outside in the blazing sun Our canine pals need an escape during sunny summer months, so if you plan to leave yourfur childoutside, make sure that it can find shelter under a tree shade, a porch or other structure. The heat is not only a danger to your dog, but your pet can also become sunburned if it’s a thin-coated or wire-haired breed. And make sure to leave a full water bowl out for your baby as well.

• Don't put sunscreen made for humans on your pooch Chemicals in some sunscreens can be harmful if pets ingest them. What dog won't try to lick off anything you put on it if given the option? Pet stores sell sunscreens formulated especially for dogs.

• Don't exercise your pup under the midday sun Chasing sticks or a Frisbee, or even a long walk, can put extra strain on a dog during peak sun times, just like it does to you. The heat of the day can take a toll particularly on dogs who are overweight, older or who have certain diseases..again just like you!
• Don't walk your dog on asphalt unless you test the temperature A dog's paw pads are susceptible to burns! so before heading out for a walk, slip off your shoes and stand on the pavement with bare feet first! If it's not comfortable for you, it's not going to be comfortable for your dog either.