Size Differences Between Dogs & Why It Matters

A while back I read an article from the San Francisco SPCA on size differences between dogs. Their adoption policy, which I'd never heard of in other rescues, is to use a "50% rule" when adopting a dog into a home with existing pets.  This 50% rule states that the smaller of the two dogs must be at least half the weight of the larger dog. Common sense tells us that smaller dogs are more fragile and so playing, living and socializing with larger dogs does put them at greater risk for injury. But the specifics as to why the SF SPCA chooses to make this policy is something interesting, informative and important for all dog owners and rescues to be aware of.  It's called "Predatory Drift"

According to trainer Kelley Filson, CTC, CPDT:
Predatory Drift is a sudden, and drastic change in a dog's demeanor that is characterized by behaviors associated with hunting small prey. The term is most often used to describe a medium to large dog who has suddenly and uncharacteristically targeted a smaller dog as prey.  Predatory Drift is NOT Aggression, but it can mean injury or death for small dogs. Predatory Drift happens when the larger dog's instinct to hunt are triggered. These instincts can be triggered when play escalates or gets too much like the real thing (an out of control chase game).  It can happen when a small dog gets scared or injured and squeals or wriggles in a way that makes them look like prey, Predatory Drift can happen just because the size difference says, "You are comparatively bite-sized, or move like something that is bite-sized, and I am a canine predator." The most alarming fact about Predatory Drift is that it can happen even with well-behaved, well-socialized, playful dogs who play well and often with no aggression, and no fights. Dogs who are triggered into predatory drift, may or may not have ever been in a dog fight, and may or may not be generally well-behaved and obedient. 


This information is another example of why we must always remember that while our pets are also family members, they are not human. They are animals with instinct and sometimes that instinct kicks in. This isn't to say that small and large dogs can't get along, but it is important to always supervise interactions between dogs, understand your dogs body language and behavior and to safely and effectively separate dogs when they cannot be supervised.

I think the authors on this topic have said it best and so I have referred to an excerpt from an article by trainer Gail T. Fisher on the subject below. Read on to learn, be informed and understand an important aspect of dog behavior...


There are six specific behaviors that may be included in dog play: stare, stalk, chase, nip, grab and shake.


Not all dog play involves each of these. Your dog may race around and wrestle with another dog (chase, grab and shake/wrestle). Or grab a toy and shake the heck out of it. And depending on genetics, your dog may stare intensely at a buddy, stealthily approach, then suddenly break into a great game of chase -- all normal, harmless, fun behaviors.


Play behaviors are programmed in the dogs’ DNA, but not as play. These are all hunting behaviors related to survival: finding, approaching, catching, and killing dinner. 


The domestic dog shares many of the same genes as its relatives, members of the genus Canis (the domestic dog is Canis lupus familiaris). This genus includes wolves, jackals, coyotes and dingoes. Even the sweetest dog in the world shares DNA with his predatory ancestors -- hunters and scavengers. Play between wolf cubs looks just like dog play, but the wolf cubs are honing their skills for hunting as adults.


Consider the behavior chain you’ve likely seen in a film of a wolf pack on the hunt. The wolves eye their prey, staring intently. Then they stalk stealthily closer, sneaking as close as possible before being noticed. Sensing danger, the animal takes off, and the chase begins. When the wolf catches up, it bites, grabs, shakes and kills.


With the exception of “kill,” each element of the hunt is what we see in normal, non-violent play between dogs: stare, stalk, chase, nip, grab, and wrestle. Put another way: Dogs play behaviors are the vestiges of predatory behavior. Which brings me to the topic for this week’s column: “predatory drift.”


Predatory drift happens when normal play suddenly “drifts” over the line and the dog’s predatory instincts kick in and take over. At that moment, if something doesn’t happen to stop the behavior, it can turn ugly. 


Predatory drift can happen suddenly and unpredictably. It can even occur between two dogs who have played together for years – or live together and have always gotten along. Suddenly something triggers a fight.


The trigger for predatory drift can be pain, over-arousal (play that gets out of hand), or a yelp or scream. It can happen when a dog is hurt or frightened by another dog in play and squeals. The squeal triggers a predatory reaction, which can ripple through the entire pack in an instant. Unless people are right there to stop it, the result is what happened to Jasper the Old English Sheepdog I wrote about, who yelped and was attacked by 13 dogs.


The attacking dogs are not bad dogs. They are simply dogs. It isn’t a conscious reaction; it’s visceral and instinctive. 


It isn’t just dogs that behave this way. Consider what happens to a mob of fans at a soccer game, or a group of normally-civilized people standing on the sidewalk yelling “Jump!” to the poor, troubled person out on the ledge. Or consider how differently teenagers may behave in a group, or gang members when they’re together in a “pack.” 


It isn’t that two differently-sized dogs might not play very well together, but if predatory drift occurs between dogs of disparate sizes, the “shake” can kill the small dog quickly, before anyone can even begin to intervene.


My purpose in writing about these topics is not to alarm or upset readers, it is to educate so you’ll be your dog’s best advocate and protector. Dogs greatly enjoy and benefit from playing with other dogs in a multi-dog setting such as a playgroup, dog park or daycare. It would be sad to deprive them of this terrific outlet and enjoyment.


The caveat for owners is to be aware of the possibilities and take all due care. Don’t put your dog in an unsupervised or poorly supervised play environment, and at a dog park, don’t put your small dog in a group with larger dogs, and stop overly exuberant play before it might go over the top. 


Stopping play is a simple as stepping between two dogs, and redirecting their play, or holding them quietly on leash for a minute or so to give them a chance to settle down. If the highly aroused level of play continues, the dogs are likely overly stimulated, and it’s time to go home. 

I hope that this information provides some insight into dog behavior. My goal is to help dogs be understood as animals and for humans to understand their dogs' behavior. Far too often we anthropomorphize, project, misinterpret or even take personally our dogs behavior when we see them through human eyes. It is important to remember that though these amazing and wonderful creatures have managed to become human-like in our eyes, they still retain their animal instincts. They still remain animals whose behavior, communication and learning abilities are magnificent, intriguing and quite interesting to learn about when we take a moment to step out of our world and take a glimpse into theirs. 

Understanding Our Canine Companions

In encountering many people both dog owners and non, I find one thing most disconcerting. People are not given the appropriate information for living with and understanding their dogs.

What amazes me, is that we, as human beings, bring animals into our homes and expect them not to do what comes naturally to them.

In nature, animals communicate by vocalizing, using certain body movements like jumping, rolling, using their paws. They hunt, they dig, they bite, they grab and they fight when it's necessary. And though, true it is, that domesticated animals are a toned down version of wild animals, bred over and again through the years to create desirable traits, there are certain instincts you can never remove from them. Pushed to the limits, a dog will do what comes naturally, what is instinctual. People are surprised when dogs jump, bark, dig, growl or bite, but this is how they communicate with their own species, how would they know how to communicate in our language unless we teach them?

I read Jean Donaldson's book entitled "The Culture Clash" where she so perfectly paints a picture of what it must be like to be a dog in a human's world. Using a scenario of humans living as pets in an aliens world, she explains how dogs must be living in such a confusing world trying to understand foreign creatures. To see things in this way makes me so truly sad that more people don't take great care in understanding their dogs as DOGS and not anthropomorphizing them.

I find often that people interpret their dogs behavior through human eyes. But this is not only incorrect but a disservice to their dogs. People describe their dogs as spiteful, resentful or guilty when these are only human emotions. A dog's body language is trying to tell you something, but not in human language.

One example I can think of is when a dog has pottied for the 3rd time in their owners home. When the owner comes home, the dog cowers and the owner thinks "he knows he did something wrong because he looks away and cowers when I come home". The truth of the matter is, the last two times the owner yelled at the dog when he came in the door and so, the dog is reacting in this way in expectation of being yelled at. He cowers, because he expects the same experience preceeded by the same event as the day before. 1) Owner returns home followed by 2) Owner yells at dog. So commonly dog behavior is misunderstood and so we are sending the wrong messages to our dogs.

In an article by Suzanne Clothier entitled "He Just Wants To Say Hi!" the author explains how often owners mistake their dogs behavior to the dogs detriment. This happens all too often at the dog park. An owner thinks his dog is trying to be friendly by sniffing, jumping, pawing and nudging another dog. The dog being sniffed growls to indicate warning that he does not wish to be sniffed any further but the first dog persists. Next warning is a snap and if the persistent dog does not respond to his warnings, the next one might not be a warning but an action. Depending on how the persistent dog reacts, there could be a fight or he may back down. If a fight breaks out, the dog who gave the warning is often blamed. But who was the real instigator?

One of the most common misconceptions is that a dog wagging it's tail is happy. While this is true, it is not ALWAYS true. A wagging tail indicates an excited state, but the position that the tail is in dictates what kind of excitement. Is it aggression? Happiness? Uncertainty? Fear? Dogs communicate through vocalizations but primarily through body language. It's so important to understand our dogs body language. 


In the book "Calming Signals" by Turrid Rugaas, the author explains a variety of body postures and movements that dogs use to communicate with each other. The subtlest things like a yawn, head turn, an open mouth vs. a closed one, all mean something in dog language. And if you learn about these signals, you'll see, your dog has been using these with you all along.

According to Karen Delise of the national Canine Research Council

"We purchase or adopt a dog and expect them to automatically adjust to our chaotic life, while failing to recognize that dogs need guidance, attention and affection. Without our assistance our canine companions may have a difficult time meeting our expectations and can become stressed and confused"

"My research and investigation into 45 years of incidents of dog bite injuries has convinced me that a situation we understand as non-threatening, may be perceived quite differently by our dog," says Delise. "When we say a bite is 'unprovoked,' we mean 'I do not understand why the dog reacted as he did.'."

Dogs are incredibly tolerant of humans and usually communicate their stress, fear or discomfort without biting. Their level of stress can reach the point where there is a nip or single bite. Serious attacks by dogs are rare and are usually the end result of a series of problematic human and canine behaviors.

Before adopting any dog, do your research. Not only about the breed, their needs and temperament but also about dog behavior and training. Be prepared for your new companion and ready not only to adopt the right dog but to be the right owner.

To understand more about your dog, check out the following resources:

Click Here for information about specific breeds, cross breeds & mixes

Click Here and scroll down to see various dog body postures and what they mean.

For articles on dog behavior Click Here

And see my website for an incredibly informative video on dog body language called

"Speak Dog".

As always...love your dog for doing what it does best...being a dog. :)

The Importance of Spaying & Neutering

In this day and age there simply no reasons not to alter your pet. The benefits of spaying and neutering are many and are important. One of the most profound is the contribution it makes to the great problem of pet overpopulation in this country. Every year, approximately 8-12 million pets enter shelters and approximately 5-9 million never leave. There are so many homeless pets there simply isn’t room for all of them. Those not fortunate enough to be adopted end up spending the remainder of their lives in a shelter or are often euthanized.

There are a list of reasons animals end up in shelters. Many are surrendered pets given up by owners who turn in their pets for behavioral issues. This is another issue contributed to by not altering your pet. Male dogs are more dominant and burdened with a higher sexual drive which can cause problems like aggression, over-stimulation, mounting, scent-marking and a tendency to be one-track-minded. A male dog who is not neutered is likely to think for himself and not listen because his brain is simply somewhere else. Male dogs are also more likely to wander and try to escape. Why? Their hormones are calling them to search for a mate. Removing the need to escape and wander creates dogs who are less likely to wander and be hit by cars. Un-neutered, male dogs also run a higher risk of certain cancers which neutering can eliminate. Neutering before 6 months of age greatly reduces all of these risks. When neutering males later in life, often the problems of scent-marking and mounting remain, even after neutering.


Females who are not spayed go into heat within 6 months to a year of age. This is a bit of a messy problem, but also one that can cause personality changes and sometimes false pregnancies. An owner of an unaltered female must take the responsibility to keep their pet confined to prevent unwanted pregnancies. While spaying before first heat is optimal, some research shows that early spaying contributes to growth problems, bladder and incontinence issues and increased risk of thyroid problems. If an owner chooses to wait to spay after first heat, it is imperative they keep their pet confined during their heat period. Not spaying after the first heat, or at all, increases the risk of uterine and mammary cancers and of course, the risk of unwanted pregnancies and pet over-population.


There’s more. Your pet will be a happier pet. Spaying and neutering helps a dog be more focused, relaxed and content. It also helps to facilitate training, which in turn, improves the relationship with your dog. A well-trained dog is a happier dog and a more enjoyable companion. At dog parks, boarding facilities and places where dogs congregate and socialize, your dog will be less likely to be involved in a fight or aggressive situations (as the attacker or the victim), less likely to bite, less likely to mount other dogs, less likely to attract unwanted attention and be a more enjoyable, friendly and social dog for people and pets alike to be around.


For those who feel the emotional strain of losing their reproductive organs is too much on the owner themselves (dogs do not mourn the loss of these or of appendages either!) there are prosthetic replacements. Check outNeuticles . Yes, you saw right. Prosthetic testicles for dogs.


Perhaps owners are concerned about the cost of spaying and neutering. Well there’s an answer to that too. Low-cost spay/neuter clinics and vets provide low-cost services to people looking for a solution to the cost of surgery. Certain organizations provide certificates for low-cost or free spay/neuter as well.


As pet owners, lovers, guardians and pet parents can see, the benefits of altering greatly outweigh the disadvantages and doing so couldn’t be easier with the access to low-cost and free spay/neuter options. Dogs and cats have been bred out over the years to create domesticated animals who are safely able to share our lives. A good part of how dogs live is nothing short of “un-natural” because we have changed that by breeding out the wild instincts in them, having them live in our homes and treating them like family. It’s funny, but when dogs do what comes naturally to them, like barking, chewing, digging, jumping…we train them not to, so as to make them more enjoyable companions. We are asking them to behave in a manner that is not “natural” for dogs. Why make life more difficult for them to live in our world by not spaying and neutering?


There are still some who feel their pet is too cute not to breed and opt not to alter their pets for this reason. While this may be true, breeding is a responsibility best left up to responsible and experienced breeders. Breeding is a huge responsibility and not just about making puppies. Experienced and reputable breeders do it, not for the money, but for upkeep of the breed and upkeep of healthy animals. A great deal of money goes into genetic testing and health expenses and responsible breeders are aware of the lineage of their dogs and where exactly they came from and, where they go to. They are careful not to in-breed and have extensive knowledge on the subject. A subject that should not be entered into lightly. Leave the breeding to the experts and don’t breed your dog, for this and a list of many other reasons. For more information on breeding and the difference between backyard breeders vs. reputable/responsible breeders, check out: A Comparison of Backyard vs. Reputable Breeders


An altered pet is a happier, healthier, more enjoyable, social and more trainable pet. One that both owners and dog lovers alike can enjoy for many years to come. A responsible owner is one to be respected for they have made the decision to be responsible for their dog's physical and mental health and have chosen, responsibly and selflessly, to remove the possibility of adding to the already large problem of pet overpopulation in this country.


Please, spay and neuter your pets. For the well-being of your pet, your relationship with your pet and the lives of homeless animals everywhere.


If you still need a reason…follow this link:


In Hope

Dog Obedience, Problem Solving, Behavior Modification & Doing It Yourself: When To Call A Professional In

Dog training. It sounds simple and sometimes it can be, but there are times when you should NOT opt to do it yourself.

There are different types of trainers and different methods and different reasons for the types of training used. Some trainers stick to old methods of using different tools and aversive methods that can instill fear into a dog. While this may have been the old way of training, it's been replaced by positive reinforcement, redirecting behaviors and rewards. Why? Because science has shown it works and it's also more humane. In fact, it may surprise some people to know that the old school ways can actually worsen certain behavior problems by putting undue stress on dogs. Dog training isn't just teaching your dog a few new tricks, dog trainers who have the education behind them understand that dog behavior and training is a science. Do it right and you'll understand why. Do it wrong and you can be putting yourself and your dog in unnecessary danger.

Types of Training 

Obedience Training

Sure it seems simple. Teaching your dog to sit, stay, come, do tricks. Obedience training becomes more than just teaching tricks when you realize that any positive behaviors you teach your dog are behaviors he will keep in his repertoire and use when he wants something, which is unarguably better than barking, chewing, growling or any number of other undesirable behaviors a dog can use to get what he wants. He learns to earn and learns that nothing comes without asking nicely. Not only does obedience help build a better mannered dog but it also builds a relationship with your dog and helps to establish your dog's role in your home.

Problem Solving

Trainers are often called in for dogs who were not given a foundation for good behavior with obedience training and whose healthy relationship with his owner was never established. It's often needed when a dog is not given proper outlets for his energy as well and sometimes simply when the problem is housebreaking and the owners don't understand how to communicate the message to their dog. Problem solving applies to any behavior a dog normally does when he does not have the tools to do otherwise. These include: chewing, barking, nipping, hyperactivity, destructive behavior, housebreaking, and a few others. 

Behavior Modification

This is a category best left to trainers experienced in more serious behavior issues and often it is necessary to call upon the services of a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist or Veterinary Behaviorist to discuss not only behavior modification but occasionally the use of medications to help facilitate behavior modification techniques. Behavior modification is based in science and methods for training take a scientific approach to dog behavior. A behaviorist should be consulted when a pet's behavior goes beyond basic training. Behaviors that CAAB's are usually called in for are those such as aggression and behaviors based in fear and anxiety for example. It is crucial that owners not attempt to manage these behaviors on their own or without the help of a professional experienced in this field as the wrong methods can often exacerbate or worsen the problem and decrease a dog's chance to succeed. Sadly, many dogs that fall into this category are given up or euthanized when they could have been helped by the right professional. 

Do-it-Yourself Training

As with most things, there are trained professionals who have obtained the schooling and education needed to succeed in their field. Dog training, problem solving and behavior modification are areas of knowledge that, if done wrong contribute to the detriment and sometimes fate of the animal. Don't lessen your dog's chances of success. Call a professional when you need help with your pet. They do, afterall speak a different language and trainers are here to help translate and improve the communication and understanding between you and your dog. Why he does what he does may not actually mean what you think it does.

For information on where to find a Certified Dog Trainer, Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist or Veterinary Behaviorist visit the link below:

http://www.thesuburbanpet.com/behavioralrefs.html

Sit and stay posted for more!

~Rebecca

Walking Your Dog Off Leash

We all love our dogs. Sometimes to a fault. They are a part of our lives, a part of our family and we let them into every part of our lives without hesitation and allow them freedoms without boundaries. Sometimes though, in doing so, we forget they are animals who function often on instinct and who, despite the fact we feel we understand our dogs 100%, there is no way we could, given that they don't speak our language or communicate in the same way that humans do.

You're walking your dog off leash. You trust your dog, he has never strayed from your side and he's as friendly as the day is long. Every day you walk him through the neighborhood, in the park and outside your home without worry. But there are a few things to consider before walking your dog off leash.

1. Be Polite: Not everyone loves dogs. It's a sad fact, but a fact nonetheless. Consider too, some people are actually afraid of dogs and size doesn't matter here. I've had plenty an adult and child run away crying from my pugs. Your well-meaning, friendly dog could be approaching someone who doesn't appreciate or want them doing so.

2. Respect Personal Space: Today I was walking one of my client's dogs when a loose dog, off leash, came running towards us. Not only did I not know this dog, but I didn't know his temperament, his intentions or how the dog I was walking would react. Had this been another dog who was not dog-friendly, fearful or saw this loose dog as a threat, we could have had a big problem on our hands. We walked the other way, but he kept following. Suppose that dog had approached, the dog I was walking reacted fearfully or aggressively and the loose dog retaliated? I'd have control of my dog but no one would have had control of the other dog. Though your dog may be friendly, others around do not know that and may not have friendly dogs themselves. Respect others' space by keeping your dog on leash so he/she doesn't invade the space of others.

3. Remember Dogs Have Instincts: Well behaved as your canine friend may be, there are some instincts that are hard wired into their brains. Instincts like prey-drive, chasing, hunting and/or killing small prey are especially strong in hunting breeds like hounds, terriers and many other breeds. If your dog sees something he/she wants, be it a squirrel, a cat or any small animal running across the street or even an animal or object that catches their interest, sometimes instinct kicks in and that drive overpowers them. If your dog is off leash and they run across a busy street you could be in for some serious trouble.

4. Respect Personal Property: Walking your dog through a residential area off leash or not, we may encounter residents who aren't dog-friendly, people who take very seriously the care and appearance of their homes or people who've been victims of the "poop-and-run" - aka owners who don't pick up after their dogs. Walking your dog on leash shows that you are responsible for where your dog goes and that you control where they walk and that you respect your neighbors property.

Although your dog may be wonderful off leash, it's courteous, responsible and in some towns, the law to keep your dog on leash. It's not just about keeping your dog safe, it's about respecting others and keeping others safe and comfortable as well.

For more information on dog parks and dog friendly places to take your dog walking off leash click below:

Dog Friendly NY 

Linus & Lucy sporting their 3 Dirty Dawgz Leashes