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Calming Music For Dogs

Dogs take in the world in a completely different order than humans. In people, the order is ears, eyes, and then nose. For dogs, the experience is reversed–nose, eyes, then ears! To reach a dog quickly, you should appeal to his sense of smell first. Lavender and other soothing scents create a calm and relaxed state of being in both dogs and people. So what about sound?

Studies have been done to measure the effects of music on our brains. Professionals in the fields of psychology and music believe that slower, deeper melodies have a soothing effect on us, while faster-paced or more intense music creates excitement. That’s why you’re more likely to hear Mozart or Chopin played on the speakers at your doctor’s office, while outdoor sporting events blast rock and roll! If you think about the language of energy, it makes sense; musicians project a certain energy, and that energy is expressed in their music.

Now studies are being done to measure that same effect in our dogs. When researchers polled rescues and shelters, they found that classical and jazz music calmed the dogs far more than pop or rock and roll. Dog owners who play classical instruments claim that when they practice, their dogs will fall into a relaxed state. For them, the effects may be even greater than in independent studies of people. As the calm music relaxes them, their dog mirrors that energy back, and vice versa. In a sense, they become amplifiers for their own calm energy!

So next time you want a nice, soothing day at home with your dog, try putting on a classical or jazz mix! You might be surprised at the result!

Breed Spotlight:

Manchester Terrier

Height: averages 17 inches.
Weight: 12 to 22 pounds.

History:
The Manchester Terrier was developed as a rat hunter in nineteenth century Manchester, England by a man named John Hulme. The Manchester was considered to be the best vermin hunting breed of the day. A Manchester Terrier named Billy supposedly killed 100 rats in only 6 minutes, 13 seconds in a British contest! Though he looks like a miniature Doberman, the breeds are not related. The Manchester Terrier was the result of crosses between the tough black-and-tan terrier and the Whippet. There are two types of Manchester Terrier, the Standard and Toy. The Toy variety became popular during the reign of Queen Victoria, when miniaturization was the rage. Some tiny Victorian-age dogs weighed only two and one-half pounds. Today, the Manchester is primarily a companion, though the Standard Manchester can still serve as a rodent killer.

Description:
The Manchester Terrier is a small, compact, agile dog with a long tapering head. The ears are V-shaped, and may be naturally folded over, pricked up or cropped (in the Toy variety, the ear must be naturally erect). The small dark eyes are almond shaped. The nose is black. The back is slightly arched, showing the breed’s Whippet heritage. The short, whip tail tapers to a point. The short, shiny black-and-tan coat is easy to care for, requiring almost no grooming.

Notes:
Must be introduced to children as a young puppy. A good, easy care breed for elderly people. Don’t let this breed off leash except in a secure area, as he likes to chase.

Personality:
Very active, clean and smart. A good friend to his people. Can be headstrong and protective. Should be thoroughly socialized when young to prevent potential aggression. Can be snappish. Needs thorough, firm training.

Behavior:
Children: Good only when raised with children from puppyhood.
Friendliness: Moderately protective.
Independence: Moderately dependent on people.
Dominance: Moderate.
Other Pets: Not generally trustworthy with other pets.
Combativeness: Friendly with other dogs.

Grooming and Physical Needs:
Grooming: A little grooming needed.
Coat: Short coat.
Shedding: Average shedder.
Exercise: Moderate exercise needed.
Indoors: Very active indoors.
Apartments: Good for apartment living.
Outdoor Space: Does all right without a yard.
Climate: Prefers cool climates.
Longevity: Long (15 or more years).

Dog-Napping On the Rise:

Keep Your Dog Safe From Dog-Nappers

Keep an eye on your dog, warns the American Kennel Club. Dog-nappings are on the rise.

According to a report by the AKC, an increased number of dogs are being taken from parked cars, pet stores, homes and backyards. In fact, three times more dog thefts have been reported in the first three months of 2008 than all of last year, the report states. The AKC attributes the rise to increased ways we “financially and emotionally” value our companion animals as members of our family.

How can you protect from pup from thieves? The AKC offers the following advice:

Keep your dog on-leash and in sight. Wandering dogs make for easier victims.
Keep your dog indoors. Leaving your dog outdoors for extended periods of time, especially if you’re not at home, puts him at greater risk.
Don’t discuss the price of your dog or give details about where you live. Dog-nappers often target high-priced breeds, so if a stranger asks how much your pup costs, keep that information to yourself.
If you’re a breeder, be alert during home visits of potential puppy purchasers. There have been cases where pups have been stolen from these “potential buyers” who were merely staking out the house, getting a look at the pups and then waiting for a time when the owner was away to strike.
Do not leave your dog unattended or tied outside a store. Shop at dog-friendly stores or leave your dog at home.
Keep recent photos of your dog on-hand. In the event he goes missing, you’ll want to quickly put up flyers with a recent photo.
Get your pup microchipped and keep your identification information up to date.

New Pup Arrival?

Let’s say you want to bring home an irresistible little puppy for your child. Great - except for one potential problem: You’ve already had a dog for years, and he has never shared his space with another pooch.

Suddenly, your old friend may wonder why he has to compete for attention and love from you. Will jealousy get the better of him and cause him to act out?

Patience, commitment and consistency are needed at all times. Below are some tips to help make the new arrangement a happy one.

1. Educate yourself about dog behavior, especially their confrontational warning signs.

2. In a neutral spot, such as a neighborhood park, and with each dog on a leash, begin the introduction slowly. Allow only a few minutes of interaction at first. Then walk the dogs home with you in the middle as a separation.

3. Be sure that you’ve removed all toys, chews, bones and any favorite items of the resident dog before allowing the new one into your home. You may reintroduce those items gradually after a couple of weeks - making sure the dogs are not together when you do.

4. Your new pup will need to learn the house rules and pack hierarchy. So let your older dog teach the newbie, but don’t let confrontations escalate into attacks. Make a loud noise or use a forceful voice to stop a fight. If this fails, put a chair or other large object in between them. Never use your hands to separate your dogs at their heads, as they may accidentally bite you.

5. Be sure to give your dogs plenty of one-on-one attention away from each other so they feel special. Also, designate a neutral space (such as a crate or room) for each dog, so they can retreat there as needed. Give food, bones and treats in this space only.

6. Lastly, praise positive interactions in a happy voice, but use a stern tone to interrupt growling or bullying behavior. Separate the bullying dog for a few minutes of time-out and then try again.

Breed Spotlight:

Height: 13-16 in.

Weight: approximately 20 lbs.

Life Span: 12-14 yrs.

The Shetland Sheepdog bears resemblance to the rough Collie. Strong, nimble and lightly built, the “Sheltie” is a fast runner and can jump well. Sheltie puppies are beguiling and exhibit a desire to please from a very young age. Intuitive and responsive to their owner’s wishes, they make a charming family pet. Take care that they are not startled, teased or left alone as they can be barky when excited or lonely.

Chew Treats

Chew treats made of compressed vegetable protein and fiber have become increasingly popular due to their benefits for pet dental health and enjoyment. Chewing the dense treats helps keep teeth clean by scraping food debris and plaque from the teeth, minimizing tartar buildup. In addition, dogs enjoy the entertainment of chewing while exercising important chewing muscles.

However, health problems associated with these chew treats have recently raised concern amongst pet owners and the veterinary community. These types of treats are digestible, but can potentially lodge in the pet’s throat or gastrointestinal tract.

Compressed vegetable chew treats are designed to be chewed into small bits. Dogs that tend to swallow these treats in just a few bites may have more gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction problems than those who chew them thoroughly. However, some of the dogs which developed GI obstruction reportedly chewed the treats in an appropriate manner, so other factors are likely involved in the development of GI obstruction.

Emergency veterinary clinics have reported cases of GI obstruction with green material obstructing the esophagus or small intestine of dogs that were fed Greenies. This has initiated a review of data on GI obstruction cases due to compressed vegetable chew treats. The reasons these types of treats lodge are not clear. However, the vegetable material may be stickier than other foods, may conform to shape of tubular organs, and/or may bind liquid and expand significantly.

Any type of chew treat or chew toy can pose a risk if large amounts or large pieces are swallowed. Veteraniarians also see esophageal obstruction with rawhide chews, which tend to get gooey and soft. Pieces of softened rawhide can also become caught in back of throat. This can be a serious problem if the airway gets obstructed.

The key to preventing problems with chew treats is to make sure your dog chews the treat properly. Dogs offered a new type of chew treat for the first time should be closely monitored.

There is always some risk if pets are left alone with chew treats and toys that can be broken into pieces, even if the pet has never had a problem with the toys before. If you want to leave the dog with something to do while you are away, toys that are strong enough to not be chewed into smaller pieces while flexible enough not to injure teeth, such as durable rubber Kong-like toys or chew ropes, should be safe for most dogs as veteranians advise. The Greenies website similarly states, “As with any edible product, monitor your dog to ensure the treat is adequately chewed. Gulping any item can be harmful or even fatal to a dog.” Also, choose an appropriately-sized treat for your dog.

Signs that may indicate gastrointestinal obstruction in your pet include vomiting, regurgitation, and refusal to eat. For more information regarding chew treats and GI obstruction hazards, consult your veterinarian.

Breed Spotlight:

Tibetan Spaniel

Height: averages 10 inches.
Weight: 9 to 15 pounds.

History:
Dogs were highly prized in ancient Tibet, and were often given as gifts to royal houses. This practice spread dogs through Asia, and because breeding was not particularly discriminate, the Tibetan Spaniel is thought to be related to many other Oriental breeds, including the Chin and the Pekingese. Depictions of dogs similar to the Tibetan Spaniel have been found on Chinese bronzes from as early as 1100 BC. The Tibetan Spaniel was a companion and watchdog at Tibetan monasteries, sitting on the high walls and barking at any sign of intruders. The dog also reportedly turned the prayer wheels for his masters. Today’s Tibetan Spaniel still likes to sit in high places to watch over his surroundings. The Tibetan Spaniel first was brought to England in the late 1800’s. The breed received official AKC recognition in 1984. Now the Tibetan Spaniel is a popular companion and show dog.

Description:
A small dog that looks rather like a Pekingese, but with a slightly longer face, less profuse coat and no extra skin around the eyes. He is somewhat longer than tall. The dog should carry himself proudly. The top of the head is slightly rounded, and the medium length muzzle is blunt. The expressive oval eyes are dark brown and the nose should be black. A slightly undershot bite is preferred. The Tibetan Spaniel has a plumed tail curling over his back, feathered pendant ears and a soft, silky medium-length coat. The neck sports a mane of longer hair. The coat comes in many shades: gold, cream, fawn, red, white, black, and black-and-tan. May be solid, multicolor or shaded. This breed should have small hare-feet.

Notes:
Usually gets along well with other animals. Not prone to any major health problems. May overheat or have respiratory problems because of his short face. The Tibetan Spaniel is slow to mature and lives a long time. The adult’s long coat develops by the time the pup is five or six months old. Once a year, the coat comes out in clumps.

Personality:
Perky and happy. Very smart and trusting. Sweet and loving to his family, aloof with strangers. Protective of his family, and especially of children. A good watchdog who will bark at intruders and strange happenings. Not yappy. Rather insistent and willful at times.

Behavior:
Friendliness: Moderately protective.
Independence: Fairly independent.
Dominance: High.
Other Pets: Generally good with other pets.
Combativeness: Not generally dog-aggressive.

Grooming and Physical Needs:
Grooming: Regular grooming needed.
Coat: Feathered coat.
Shedding: Average shedder.
Exercise: moderate exercise needed.
Indoors: Relatively inactive indoors.
Apartments: Good for apartment living.
Outdoor Space: Does all right without a yard.
Climate: Does well in most climates.
Longevity: Moderately long lived (12 to 15 years).

Back to School?

The kids are back at school and Jake the dog and Bella the cat are showing signs of stress. Jake marked on the edge of the bed this week, something he never does, and Bella is yowling and pacing. To help you and your animal companions with the transition, Kit Jenkins, a pet behavior consultant, offers the following advice:

Importance of routine: Remember that for pets, routine is first and foremost in making them feel safe. When your schedule changes, consider the impact on them. To transition smoothly, you can gradually adjust the schedule back to your pre-summer-vacation routine.

Feeding times are important: If the pets were fed at 9:00am all summer and the kids leave for school now at 8:15 am, then put the pets’ food bowls down right before you leave for school, rather than when the kids first get out of bed. Schedule dinnertime as close as you can to the usual evening feeding.

New use for dirty laundry: When kids head off to school, try leaving one piece of their dirty laundry in the dog bed and wherever the cat hangs out. The scent of their favorite kid is very comforting to our animal companions.

No attention deficit: At night encourage your children, who may be busier than ever, to spend the usual amount of quality time with the dog and cat. Make it a family project to devote a block of time for walking and attention, such as a favorite game. This will be reassuring to the pets who may be off-balance from a new schedule.

Be patient with, and sensitive to your animal companions’ need for routine, and they will adjust to your new back-to-school schedule quickly.

Breed Spotlight:

Dalmatian

Height: 19 to 24 inches.
Weight: 55 to 70 pounds (male); 40 to 55 (female).

History:
Though his origins are far from clear, the Dalmatian was first historically placed in Dalmatia, part of the former Yugoslavia. The breed became popular as a carriage dog in the 1800’s, trotting beside (and even among) the horses and then guarding the carriage and horses while the master was occupied elsewhere. The versatile Dalmatian has seen many uses, before and since, as a mascot for firemen, war sentinel, circus performer, vermin hunter, retriever, hound, shepherd and guard dog. Today, this beautiful breed is primarily a companion dog.

Description:
The familiar dapper black-and-white spotted dog of Disney fame, the Dalmatian is a symmetrical, muscular medium sized dog with superior endurance. He has soft ears and a tail that tapers to the end. Puppies are born completely white, with the spots developing later. Spots should be well defined and should not blend together into large patches. The short coat is sleek and shiny. Dalmatians can also come with liver-colored spots.

Notes:
The Dalamatian is a hardy, easy to keep breed, though frequent brushing is needed to cope with the constant shedding. Dalmatians are clean, with no doggy odor. They often have large litters, sometimes up to 15 pups. The Dalmatian is a very energetic breed, and needs daily romps to prevent destructiveness. Deafness affects 10–12% of Dalmatian puppies. Every Dalmatian puppy should be BAER-tested for deafness. Because Dalmatians are so popular, and people are breeding indiscriminately, deafness is on the rise. Deaf puppies may be difficult to raise, and can become aggressive and snappish from fear. Many are run over by cars if they ever “escape” from home. The Dalmatian is also prone to kidney problems. Uric acid levels in Dalmatians are higher than in any other breed, sometimes causing urinary blockage. Veterinarians may recommend a low protein diet for this breed to prevent urinary tract problems. Do not keep Dalmatians outside in the cold.

Personality:
Playful and happy-go-lucky, Dalmatians need human companionship. The very energetic Dalmatian loves to play with children, but may be too rambunctious for toddlers. Dalmatians tend to get along well with other pets, though they may be aggressive with strange dogs. This breed can be somewhat high-strung and can be timid without enough socialization. Though they are quite intelligent, Dalmatians can be willful. They generally do well with firm, consistent training.

Behavior:
Friendliness: Reserved with strangers.
Independence: Moderately dependent on people.
Dominance: Moderate.
Other Pets: Generally good with other pets.
Combativeness: Can be a bit dog-aggressive.

Grooming and Physical Needs:
Grooming: Regular grooming needed.
Coat: Short coat.
Shedding: Constant shedder.
Exercise: Vigorous daily exercise needed.
Indoors: Very active indoors.
Apartments: Not recommended for apartments.
Outdoor Space: Best with at least an average-size yard.
Climate: Does well in most climates.
Longevity: Average (10 to 12 years).

Breed Spotlight:

Height: 28-34 in.

Weight: 90-140 lbs.

Life Span: 10-11 yrs.

The Akbask is the counterpart of the French Great Pyrenees, the Hungarian Kuvasz, the Italian Maremma, and other white sheep guarding breeds. The Akbask dog is lean and muscular with an elegant, racy appearance. They have been bred as a guardian dog who’s primary function is to protect sheep from predators. Their characteristics are a combination of the Mastiff and Gazehound.