dogs

The term 'work like a dog' is true. Dogs can work in many different jobs. Their most common job is to bring joy to lonely people, families and children. In most cases, these working dogs are paid in love. Here are a few examples of working dogs.

Farm Dogs

When you hear the phrase 'working dogs' you think of farm dogs. These are the original working dogs. They have a natural instinct for working livestock and herding sheep. My Corgi loved rounding up the lawnmower and vacuum cleaner.

Dog breeds that are associated with this type of working dog are:

Welsh Collie, Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Cardigan Welsh Corgi. The Australian Kelpie originated from the old British working Collie. The Australian Cattledog is also known as Blue Heeler, Red Heeler and Queensland Heeler.

The use of motorcycles instead of working dogs on a property has become more popular but nothing can replace a trained working dog.

Guard Dogs

People think that their dog is a guard dog because he barks (refer my article 'To Bark or Not to Bark - That is the Question'). These dogs are working dogs but are really watch dogs. They bark to warn. A guard dog is a working dog who is trained and employed to retrain or attack an intruder.

Most common dog breeds used for this kind of working dog are:

Doberman, Rottweiler, German Shepherd, Bullmastiff and American Bulldog.

Police Dogs

These working dogs are trained specifically to assist Police in various areas.

Public Order Enforcement - trained to chase and detain suspects.

Illicit Substances Dogs - (sniffer dogs) detect illicit substances e.g. drugs, explosives. These working dogs are also used by Customs to sniff out illegal importation of wildlife, plants etc.
These working dogs are mainly Beagles.

Cadaver dogs - Because dogs have an acute sense of smell they can detect the odour of decomposing bodies.

Tracking - Locate suspects or find missing people. Bloodhounds are mainly used.

Guide Dogs - Companion Dogs

These working dogs aren't trained just to assist the blind. They can be used as companions to children and adults who are disabled, old, vision and hearing impaired, isolated.

It takes nearly 2 years to train a pup to become a working dog and includes 5 months of intensive dog training. After about 14 months with a Puppy Raiser, the pup goes to the Guide Dog Centre where he is assessed. If he doesn't qualify to become a working dog for the Guide Dogs, he is again assessed to become a Pets for Therapy working dog for disadvantaged people. If the pup fails he is then offered to the Puppy Raiser as a pet.

The only dog breeds used are purebred Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Labrador/Golden Retriever crosses because they are calm, loyal and intelligent.

Working dogs are used in a greater capacity today as man realises the benefits of having a canine friend in the workplace.

Paris Hilton s Chihuahua Tinkerbell may be solely responsible for bringing the term toy dog to the attention of the world and the fascination with using one s dog as an accessory to its owner s outfit. Designers like Gucci and Burberry who have created haute couture fashion for dogs and high price tags for consumers exemplify the obsession with how a dog s breed and style reflects upon an owner. The trend with designer dogs does not end there. In some of the latest breeding technology, dogs have been genetically created and crossbred for optimal behavior and looks. The Labradoodle, Yorkipoo, cockapoo and Schnoodle are the hottest dog breeds to walk the streets of 5th avenue, with or without high heels and sitting in designer handbags.

The Labradoodle, a cross between a Labrador retriever and a poodle, was created to combine the intelligence, dainty bone structure, formal nature and allergy-and asthma-friendly, non-shedding aspects of the poodle with the favorable, fun-loving, fidelity of a lab. This mix has taken the dog world by storm with dog owners willing to shell out $2,500 USD for one of these animals. In the 1970 s, the Labradoodle was originally crossbred in Australia after requests for a low-allergy guide dog was needed for individuals with special needs, while providing a low-key and amiable companion. The popularity of Labradoodles has taken off wildly and has become the must-have dog in certain social circles.

Editor-in-Chief Allan Reznik of Dog Fancy and Dog World fame notes, "It's indicative of a society that loves labels. Having a dog that is part spaniel and part poodle isn't enough it has to be a cockapoo."

Many of these newly created hybrid dogs include the genes of a poodle to make new inventive breeds that don t shed their fur. Yorkipoos, cockapoos and schnoodles are poodles mixed with Yorkshire terriers, cocker spaniels and Schnauzers, respectively. These hybrids do not always create a healthier dog than purebreds, which are notorious for their health problems due to inbreeding. This current craze of designer dog breeding has the possibility of going too far, bringing up issues of genetic selection and the natural order of things. But if there is demand, then supply will be provided and many amateur breeders are taking a crack at homegrown hybrids with some detrimental results. If a breeder were to match a Pug with a Pekingese the resulting breed could create a dog with eyes falling out of its head, as both breeds have exaggerated eyes and eye sockets as distinguishing traits in each breed. Smart genetic engineering on the part of breeders is imperative to creating a healthy, happy and hybrid dog of the future.

Toy dogs, like Tinkerbell of Paris Hilton fame, are also genetically created dogs and were developed specifically to be cute and charismatic companions. In our image-conscious and name brand consumer world, this writer harkens to say what will they think of next? cross breeding elephants and monkeys, or chipmunks with snakes to create the perfect, over-the-top must-have animal of tomorrow? I d say, they are barking up the wrong tree. Until genetic scientists create a dog that can toilet-train itself and use a human bathroom, it s still a dog s life for owners and mutts alike.

West Highland Terriers, which are more commonly known as Westies, are hypoallergenic dogs. This is good news for allergy suffers who love these adorable little bundles of fur.

One in ten people suffer from allergies to dogs, suffering from watering eyes and even attacks of asthma. Westies pose a considerably less serious risk than most other breeds of causing an allergic reaction to their hair and dander.

Actually, pet hair is not the cause of allergic reactions in humans. It is the dander common to the dogs and more commonly to specific breeds, which causes the sneezing and breathing problems in allergy prone humans. Dander is microscopic dead skin scales like human dandruff that pets shed as a natural action. The dander is so minuscule you just don't see it, but it circulates in the air and it stays on the furniture, the drapes and the carpeting.

Besides the west highland terrier, other hypoallergenic breeds of dogs are most terriers including the American hairless, the border, the cairn, the Kerry blue, the soft coated wheaten, the Tibetan, the wire haired fox and the Yorkshire. Other dog breeds noted for their hypoallergenic traits are Basenji, Chinese crested, Havanese, Maltese, miniature schnauzer, Portuguese water dog, Shih-tzu, Spanish water dog, and both standard and toy poodle. No dog is ever 100 percent hypoallergenic.

The very good news for owners and enthusiasts of the precious West Highland terrier that on the list of hypoallergenic dogs, starting with least offensive to allergies, Westies are number seven.

Westies have their own fine qualities as well. They love to be with their owners and family and travel well. Generally they like to swim although they must be supervised. Adult Westie males don't always get along well with other male dogs that haven't been altered, however. They are hunters by nature and must be kept on a leash out of doors or they'll take off in a split second to chase a butterfly, squirrel or rabbit.

Have you ever come back from a dinner, movie, or some other activity and found that your dog has been mischievous? Maybe you walked in and a pillow was torn up; a table leg had been chewed upon; or your perfectly house trained canine had left you a present or two. Did you draw a conclusion as to why it happened or simply chalk it up to a dog being a dog? Well, with that in mind let me toss a term I use sometimes for this behavior, "D-Day Dogs", dog, disconnection disorder. No, I'm not applying for a copy write on that term. So, use it at your own digression.
Dogs are a very socio-grouping animal. If they do not exhibit confidence; appear to be unsure in certain situations; fall short of understanding of what is anticipated; or simply appear to be nervous in unfamiliar situations, it would be normal for them to be frustrated or nervous when you leave them alone for an extended period. These signs could stem from abuse, if you have adopted an older dog, isolation from others, or lack of proper training in the puppy stage. Think about your own behavior when you are waiting on a date or someone left without informing you of the details; you were nervous or anxious and your dog is demonstrates similar behaviors.
So, now that we have identified possible causes of the issue, we can take steps to address it.
" Confirm the dog's position in your home life structure, their social position. Display dominance when you are leaving, remember a dog has a natural tendency to a structured social order.
" Run or walk you dog prior to leaving. This is a good starting point because your four legged friend will be ready to relax when you get back home and leave.
" Restrict your dog. (Kennel, porch, crate, etc...) This is not a punishment. Gradually familiarize your dog to a confined space. It will keep the animal from bad habits and will alleviate some of the stress. Make sure your crate has flooring, like the flooring BioLux international carries.
" After the steps above, present the dog with a chew toy or raw hide when leaving and attempt to find the remains when you get home. This will eventually work as a trigger and they will become acclimated to your departure and return.
" Finally, try short period. Start the behavior modification by leaving for 1 minute, then 5, then 10, etc.
As a socially structured animal, the dog wants security. Living in a pack and having a defined role provides the dog with security and when you leave, alpha dominant the dog loses some of that security and becomes anxious, developing bad habits. Your friend is not punishing you, nor is he/her a bad dog. It is a very natural response to insecurity. So, try these behavior modifications and if you have any suggestions that might help others, send email me.

Home made diets are important in the dog feeding. Many times, the commercial diets consist of food items that have artificial coloring agents and flavoring agents that are harmful to the dog's body. Home made food items have the guarantee of freshness in the preparation unlike the ready-made commercial items.

The preservatives added in the commercial food items may not be suitable ones for your dog from the health point of view. Even in the case of renal diseases in dogs, the home made diets may be made with ground beef, slices of bread, calcium carbonate, boiled eggs etc.

The purpose is to have the restricted protein supply in the feed items prepared. This should be carried out with home made diets prepared exclusively for the dogs suffering from renal diseases. Water is added in sufficient quantities to help the proper metabolism in the digestion-impaired renal cases.

The dog may have allergic symptoms like severe itching, which may not get corrected by different kinds of medications employed over a period of time. Such cases may get easily treated once the dog food is changed from the commercial type of food to the home made food items.

Often, the home made food items are prepared using the freezing procedures to kill the germs or by adding grape seed extracts to provide sufficient antioxidants to the home made food items. Food grade vinegar is also added in many times to the meat pieces prepared in a fresh manner. All these can be enriched with vitamin supplements that are available in fruit essences, fish oil etc.

Cranberry juice, bananas, fish and meat are prepared in a quality manner and no preservatives are added during the preparation of these kinds of food items and the dog becomes more active after the consumption of such food items.

Fleas have been around a while now and the chances of them continuing to be amongst us are very good. Unless you live in Alaska, Antarctica or some other place where there’s extreme cold, fleas are nasty little blood suckers that must be dealt with swiftly and severely. Remember, it was the fleas on the rats that spread the black plague.

Fleas are hardy little insects that live from 6-12 months. In only 1 year, a pair of fleas can produce millions of offspring that jump from 15-36 inches. This may not seem so impressive until you realize that if humans could jump like fleas, we would be leaping over 100 story buildings in a single bound.

There are 4 stages to a flea’s life. The first flea stage, which is about 50% of the population, is eggs. A female flea lays 15-20 eggs every day. This means she can lay 600 or more eggs in her lifetime. Phase II of a fleas life is the “Larvae” stage where the tiny blood sucker develops. This is about 30% of the population. In Phase III, they’re called “Pupae” or “pre-adults” making up about 15% of the flea population. Phase IV is full on adult flea, the remaining 5%, that lives off the blood of your dog or any other warm blooded animal the flea can bite into including humans. Yuck!

Fleas are tiny, relentless, disease carrying creatures. If your dog has fleas and it’s left untreated, your baby could end up with severe skin irritations, nasty infections, anemia or even tapeworms. Not to mention being horribly uncomfortable from the little creatures biting all day and night.

If your dog is continually scratching, has scabs or dark specs on their body (which may be flea dirt), has red splotches, hot spots or obvious severe irritation, they may have FAD (flea allergy dermatitis). This can become serious literally overnight, so please see your Veterinarian and get the medication your canine needs.

On the other hand, your dog may not be scratching at all, but still may have fleas. Check your dog every day while you’re petting & loving on them. Give them a good brushing too. Most dogs love it. This is a great way to keep on top of any potential problems and reinforces the bond you already have with your canine family member.

To help get rid of fleas on your dog, first give them a bath with mild flea shampoo in cool (not cold) water (the cool water calms down irritated skin). Spray on doggie safe hydrocortisone (this can be purchased from your local pet store, your Veterinarian, or online) to help with the really sensitive hot spots and the general discomfort of having fleas continually biting and multiplying. After your dog is dry you still need to prevent any future infestations.

To prevent fleas, it's best to get a once per month topical flea treatment that repels and kills fleas, tics and mosquitoes. The topical “Advantix” works like a super star. It’s placed on the skin in a few places every month and within 24-48 hours has completely covered your dog with a protective shield against fleas, tics & mosquitoes. It’s also waterproof after curing so it’s fine if your dog goes swimming or needs a bath. For those who prefer a more natural approach, there are many products available for your dog. The natural approach requires more diligence on your part but can often work well.

Now that you’ve treated your dog for fleas, it’s time to rid your house and your dog’s house of them. Fleas and their eggs end up on basically everything. The carpet, rugs, beds, blankets, clothing. Anything your dog had contact with or was within flea jumping distance. If you don’t rid your house of them now then you have not broken the cycle of flea infestation. So, since your dog has on their super shield flea repellent, then the little buggers are going to start looking elsewhere for fresh blood; like you, your guests or your children.

Generally a good washing of blankets, bedding and clothing in warm/hot water does the trick. Get some “20 Mule Team Borax” and mix it with your detergent (fleas don’t like borax). You can also sprinkle borax on your carpets, rugs & upholstery. Leave for a few hours and then vacuum really well. Be sure to discard the bag immediately. If your vacuum is bag less then clean out the container with bleach water. Be sure to discard the filter after your flea cleaning spree or the fleas, pupae & eggs you vacuumed up will continue to flourish.

Remember to clean the car and the dog house too!

An alternative to borax for your furniture, carpets, etc. is "Demize" which is an insect growth inhibitor (IGI) and can be purchased at most home and garden supply stores or online. Be sure to read all the instructions carefully. This is a chemical and must be handled responsibly.

If your dog had fleas, so does your yard. The best way to rid your yard of fleas is to destroy them with their natural enemy, “Nematodes”. Nematodes are microscopic worms (the good kind) that kill flea eggs and larvae. This equals 80% of the flea population. Nematodes are your friend. If you decide on Nematodes, start in shaded areas (direct sun kills these wonderful little creatures). You can buy Nematodes at your local pet supply store or home & garden store. Whichever method you choose, be sure to break the cycle of flea infestation.

The bottom line: Fleas are nasty, blood-sucking insects that not only bite and often carry parasites & disease but they multiply rapidly and get out of control fast. Kill the fleas now. Treat your dog for fleas now. Do what’s best for you and all your family members. Especially the furry ones. They count on you to care for them. Do a good job. The rewards are endless. .

Note: Always talk with your Veterinarian before giving any oral or topical medications. This is especially critical if your dog has special needs or any other health issues.

So what is a Dog's Diet really all about? The following report includes some fascinating information about your Dog's Diet --info you can use, not just the old stuff they used to tell you.

Your dog is your very best friend. Every single time you walk through the door your dog is so happy to see you that he wags his tail and practically smiles at you. How can you show your pet how much they mean to you? Well, one way is to take care of that smile for your pet. Did you know that your dog's diet can influence their oral health?

Humans need to brush and floss their teeth regularly to keep their teeth, tongue, and gums in good condition. Research has recently shown a link between good oral health in humans and a lower risk of heart disease. If good oral health can have such a profound affect on people, then it only makes sense to consider the impact it can have on man's best friend.

It is important to brush your dog's teeth frequently to keep plaque and tartar from becoming an issue. Even wiping his gums with a clean, damp cloth can be beneficial.

Your dog's diet also plays a role in your pet's oral health. Do you typically feed your dog canned or dry dog food? What kind of treats and toys do you provide for your pet? All of these things can affect the likelihood of trouble with your pet's teeth.

When your dog's diet is nutritionally sound, containing essential vitamins, nutrients, and enzymes, your pet's oral health will be at its very best. Feeding dry dog food rather than a moist canned variety is best for your dog. The tiny kibbles' hard surface rubs against the teeth to remove and reduce plaque. The simple act of moistening the dry dog food with water or gravy eliminates this property from dry dog food. Sometimes the most important aspects of a subject are not immediately obvious. Keep reading to get the complete picture.

The treats you give your pet are part of your dog's diet just like snacks are part of a person's diet. As humans, we tend to want to overlook our snacking habits, so it can be easy to overlook the treats you give your dog. This is not a good idea. Carefully consider any and all items your dog will consume.

Do you give your dog bones, rawhides, jerky treats, or dog biscuits? Maybe your pet prefers greenies or corn starch chews. You may not have considered it, but tossing Spot a rawhide chew is like giving him a candy bar. The rawhide, for example, contains calories and is often provided between meals.

Many of the treats and snacks you provide in your dog's diet can be just empty wasted calories. Some treats, alternatively, provide excellent opportunity to improve oral health. Greenies, rawhides, bones, and hard dog biscuits all help to keep tartar at bay. The softer snacks, such as jerky treats, do not provide much relief from plaque. The healthy treat, on occasion, will also prevent your dog from having bad breath.

Your dog's diet must be healthy to ensure excellent oral health. Dry dog food is best whenever possible. Don't forget to select treats for your pet that will enhance your dog's diet. Consciously monitoring your dog's diet will positively influence your best friend's oral health.

This article's coverage of the information is as complete as it can be today. But you should always leave open the possibility that future research could uncover new facts.

The Poodle has a very intelligent history. The Poodle makes an excellent pet due to their low maintenance coat. The popularity of the Poodle has grown throughout the years.

The Poodle has been known as one of the most intelligent of all canine breeds. The Poodle provides their owners with a consistent companion that is interesting and responsive without giving their owner much trouble. The breed also has a high aptitude for learning because of their excellent talent and versatility.

The breed actually originated in Germany, despite the popular belief that the breed originated in France. The breed is closely related to the old water dog known as the Pudel especially when it comes to the coat and body form. Although no longer bred as a sporting dog the Poodle still has an eager fondness for water that is still displayed on occasion, as the breed was once trained to retrieve waterfowl. The history of the breed itself isn't the only thing to consider. There is a history behind the appearance of the standard poodle cut with the tufts of hair left on the thighs and around the feet.

The shaved face, legs and body with tufts of hair on the thighs and rings of hair on the feet is the most common thought when it comes to the Poodle. The exact origin of this hair cut along with its custom is unknown, but it does help those who have the Poodle as a house pet since it reduces the labor of daily grooming. This allows the owner to keep the dog healthy and in good appearance with easy maintenance of the coat.

The hair can twist into cords and continue to grow if the Poodle coat isn't brushed constantly. The entwining of the new and unshed hairs then results in a rope like cord. This cord can then cause discomfort and a lack of freedom in the animal's movement if left untrimmed. This is why you want to maintain a short hair cut for your Poodle, although this doesn't mean you have to maintain the standard Poodle cut.

The curly haired Poodle has advanced the most throughout time when it comes to popularity. The Poodle makes a pleasant companion due to their smart and clean appearance as long as they are brushed and combed regularly with the occasional washing. Black, white, brown and blue are the most common colors of the Poodle. The white Poodle is considered the most intelligent and is often preferred by many professional trainers. The black Poodle is next when it comes to intelligences while the brown and blue Poodles are considered to be lacking in character. The curly coated Poodles have improved since the early 1900's and today many fine specimens of the breed can be found. The toy poodle has also been gaining popularity recently. They are no more than fifteen inches of the shoulder and follow the same official standards as the full sized Poodle. Essentially they are to be a miniature version of the full-sized dog.

UTI in dogs, can cause serious problems if it's not diagnosed and treated early. Bacteria, mainly e-coli, can travel up the urethra of the infected dog and pass into the kidneys where untold damage can be caused, sometimes resulting in death.

Diet plays an important role in avoiding UTI in dogs. Feed him a high quality diet with plenty of raw and unprocessed food. Keep away from dried foods and anything with sugar in it. Try to make sure that your dog’s diet has the correct levels of magnesium, phosphate, and aluminum, ask your vet if you're not sure.

Access to drinking water is very important, filtered or bottled if possible. So is exercise. Your dog needs to be able to relieve himself regularly and not have to cross his legs for long periods. Holding urine in the bladder for long periods can contribute to UTI in dogs.

Chemicals and toxins such as pesticides, herbicides, flea powder, flea collars and insecticides can all affect your dog's immune system making it more difficult for him to fight off infections and diseases.

If your dog has been diagnosed with UTI (urinary tract infection) by your vet, he or she will normally prescribe antibiotics, as your doctor might if you were the patient. Be diligent here though because high levels of antibiotics can aggravate the problem in your dog leading to further complications and other side effects.

In treating many human diseases and infections, people are turning more and more to natural and homeopathic remedies that treat the whole patient instead of just the symptoms and don't lead to side effects and more problems in the long run.

So it is with our pets. Many dogs are successfully treated every day with natural herbs made into potions that are specially formulated into therapeutic dosages for maximum safety and effectiveness.

Ingredients of a Typical Natural Remedy for UTI in Dogs

Arctostaphylos uva ursi is a well known urinary tonic, helping to maintain normal pH levels in the urinary tract.

Berberis vulgaris contains berberine and is well known for its restorative effect on the bladder and urinary tract. and in supporting healthy immune system functioning.

Cantharis has an ability to maintain a healthy flow of urine and soothe the bladder.

Staphysagris is also recommended for urogenital health and is also a well known tonic for prostate problems.

UtI in dogs can be prevented. For dogs already suffering from existing conditions, a combination of dietary changes and natural medicine can work wonders.

The Humane Society has gone on record stating that dog bites have become an epidemic. While I agree that the more than five million annually recorded bites are of epidemic proportions, it is nonsense to categorize dog bites themselves as an epidemic. They are not a contagious disease that has been allowed to continue unchecked and there is no connection between the bite of one dog and another.

Additionally, I reject the premise that dog bites are always a deliberate action on the part of dogs. Rather, most dog bites are a reaction to some external stimulus. I am not suggesting that biting is a justifiable reaction, only that the reaction is often explainable. There are reasons that dogs become aggressive and violent.

I will concede that sometimes dogs attack without any apparent provocation, but somehow the public gets the message that all dog bites are of this variety. It seems the media's thirst for the sensational has caused them to focus more on extreme examples of bad dog behavior rather than presenting the whole story.

A more balanced representation of both unprovoked and provoked attacks by the media would be much fairer to this noble animal. Additionally, such an approach might help educate the public on how to avoid being bitten by a dog rather than cause them to panic every time they see an unleashed canine.

Sadly, the result of one-sided press is usually lower public tolerance and ultimately, unspeakable carnage for a species of animal whose history has been one of service and companionship to us. For each dog bite there are a million wagging tails and sloppy kisses that go unreported. Yet each day in our country many dogs are put down simply because they exhibited aggressive behavior.

I am not saying that we should give animals with bad behavior a free pass. I am saying rather that with a little more awareness and effort, most dogs can be trained to be non-aggressive and the public can be made aware of how to avoid being bitten.

If you keep a dog, there are certain things you need to do to ensure that your animal does not develop aggressive behavior. He/she may display good behavior in your presence, but you want to make sure they act the same way when you are not around. There are certain steps each responsible dog owner should take to help their best friend develop properly. Here is an acronym to help you remember several critical points in ensuring that your dog is a "good boy/girl". The word is STOP (as in "stop them from biting").

S - Spay or neuter. Only about 25% of dog bites come from dogs that have been spayed or neutered. There are differing opinions as to why this is, but whatever the reason, it works. Aside from the other advantages of having this procedure performed, give your best friend a head start on developing good behavior by having them spayed or neutered.

T - Training. Formal, professional training is best, but if you would rather do the job yourself, consult with experts or read leading books on the topic. Make sure your dog responds not only to your commands, but to those of your immediate family. Train them to be sociable with those of your household and with visitors. Do not isolate them in the backyard on a chain. This almost guarantees behavioral problems. Rather, expose them to people in positive situations and teach them to be comfortable around them.

O - Observe. If possible, observe how your dog acts around other people without them knowing you are watching. Also, consider setting up a video camera in the home while you are gone for a few hours to see how they react to outside noise, telephone rings, deliveries, other pets, etc. This may seem an extreme measure, but you may be surprised at what you find. If you discover problems, go back to "T" above to correct them.

P - Play. Playing is important to an animal, just as it is to people. As silly as this may sound, they need a diversion from their life of leisure, a time to get excited and to burn up energy. Play games with them. Run through the woods with them. Go swimming with them. Avoid anything that would promote aggressive behavior like saying "sic em" when you see a bird or squirrel, but make them use up their energy in positive ways.

Balls were made for children and dogs. Use them. Make them have a good time and they will be happy. The worst thing I ever saw a happy dog do was slobber all over someone. That may make them manner-challenged, but it does not make them a bad dog. Make sure that your pet knows the difference between being good and being bad. If they are properly trained and socialized, they should be able to understand the difference.

Now then, this takes care of your dog, but what about the dogs of others? What can you do to protect yourself and your family from a dog that has not been trained and socialized properly when they display aggressive and threatening behavior? Let's employ another acronym. The word this time is SCARS (as in how to avoid getting them from an aggressive dog).

S - Strangers. You should be very cautious when you approach or are approached by a strange dog. Of course, the danger is relative depending on the size of the dog. I don't think an angry Chihuahua is as much a threat to someone as an annoyed Doberman, for example; so exercise appropriate caution. Remember that the dog doesn't know you either and to them, you are large and threatening in your own right. You make them feel uncomfortable.

C - Control. When you are in a situation where a strange dog is displaying aggressive behavior toward you, try to control the way you react. The old axiom that animals can smell fear probably is better stated that they can "see" fear. If a dog growls at you and you take off screaming and running like a Saturday morning cartoon character, the dog is probably going to chase you.

Each situation is different, but generally speaking, it is a good idea not to turn and run, not to scream and not to make eye contact with the animal. If the dog approaches you, it is recommended that you keep arms, legs and hands close to your body. Maintaining control is important. It is akin to not splashing in the water when a shark is around. You don't want to draw attention to yourself.

A - Awareness. Don't surprise a sleeping dog. Make them aware that you are there. They can be startled just like people and their initial reaction is going to either be that they run off with their tail between their legs, or they stand and defend themselves. The former is preferred over the latter, but there is no guarantee that is the way they will react when disturbed.

Therefore, when approaching a sleeping dog, or one that is otherwise preoccupied and does not see your approach, make it a point to make them aware of your presence long before you are close enough to startle them. Often they will just give an initial cursory bark and then go about their business.

R - Respect. If at all possible, adherence to the old cliché "let sleeping dogs lay" is a good rule to follow. Some dogs wake up as grumpy as people do and it is better to just let them sleep. Additionally, dogs that are eating, feeling ill, pregnant or nursing a litter require a little more respect than the dog that comes up to you wagging their tail. Just as we covet our personal space, they want theirs too. Respect their needs and you will have fewer problems.

S - Substitute. If all else fails and you are certain that an attack is imminent, be ready to substitute an article of clothing or something you are carrying in place of your body. We have all seen the nature documentary where a hiker throws their backpack to a charging bear. The bear stops to investigate this "present", affording the hiker valuable time to make their escape. Dogs are curious creatures too. If you throw your purse or shirt or shoe in their path, the chances are good that they will stop to investigate. You can always come back later and get your belongings.

In summation, most dog attacks do not have to happen. They can be avoided. It only takes a little effort on the part of dog owners and common sense on the part of the rest of us.

Our dogs bring so much joy and happiness to our lives. I cannot think of much that is better than seeing my pup’s tail wag as I walk into the house after a long day. Here are some of our favorite happy dog stories from American Animal Hospital Association and the healthypet website:

Smokey, the Shetland Sheepdog
Smokey has brought so much laughter into my life it is hard to pick just one special story, but here is the latest. We go camping whenever time permits. Smokey has a habit of stealing any piece of clothing that is lying around. This time he picked one of my bras from the duffel bag just before leaving the tent to go for a walk around the campground. Here we are strutting down the road, me proud to be walking this beautiful dog and Smokey proud to be showing off my bra to everyone. It wasn't until someone stopped to find out what breed he was that I was made aware of his choice of toys to bring on his walk. Needless to say it was all over the campground by the end of the week. Now I check his mouth before leaving with him for a walk.
DD, the Australian Shepherd/Shetland Sheepdog mix
We bought a doggie gumball machine that dispenses dry dog food and treats. The instructions said to allow about 3 weeks for the dog to get used to eating from the machine. We opened the box at 11 p.m. one night, and by 11:45 p.m. she was reliably getting her own treats from the machine! What a smartie!
HoneyB, the Pekingese
HoneyB has brought so much love to my household. My father passed away and I was feeling so lost and alone. While at a flea market in Florida, we passed by a booth that sold dogs. HoneyB was in a cage and very undernourished. She weighed one pound and the owner was throwing her old chicken skin to eat. Well, needless to say, she came right home with us. It was a battle for awhile to keep her alive, but through diligent feeding and care she starting perking right up. Still feeling so lost over my dad, I clung to her. She provided me with love and compassion from that very day she came home with me. During my crying periods, she was there, looking at me with those big black eyes and staying close to me. She knew just when to give me that extra special attention. I love her so much.
Sam, the dog
When Sam was a puppy, he was a "puppy from hell." He got into so much trouble, we didn't know what to do with him. He destroyed our kitchen. He got into cabinets and destroyed boxes of rice and bags of cereal that ended up all over the floor. Bottles of soy sauce landed on top of the counter right side up! Nothing was left in the cabinets. Sam tore the curtains down from the sliding doors in the kitchen. He thought that that was a lot of fun. He then proceeded to the walls and chewed through them. By the time we came home from work, Sam had made the kitchen into a war zone. He was standing, tail wagging, on top of the curtains, which were on top of the pieces of sheet rock, which were on top of the pieces of flooring! He was so proud of himself and wanted us to tell him how good he was.
Well, the years have gone by and Sam is now four years old and as good as gold.He just loves his bed, which is in the new designer kitchen. If you ever need a reason to remodel any room of your house, just get a puppy and leave him alone in it. He will tell you exactly what needs to be changed.
Buddy, the black Labrador Retriever
Buddy loves to stick his head in between the pillows of the sectional couch, stick his backside in the air, and stay like that for 10 minutes or more!
Hercules, the Pekingese
Hercules' room is our laundry room.One day the laundry basket was empty and this was something he had not seen since we got him. He is 9 months old. He started barking and growling at the empty basket as if it were a monster. Since then I have used that as an excuse to be behind on our laundry.
Emerson, the Cocker Spaniel
Emerson has a habit of passing gas, and when he does, it scares him to death! He will chase his tail for a few minutes, then pass gas, then jump in my lap from fear and stay there until he thinks it is safe to return to the floor. It doesn't matter where I am! If he passes gas, he is in my lap. He has jumped on me when I am in the bathtub, when I am sitting at the dining room table eating dinner, and when I have company over and we are in the living room. The look on his face is the funniest thing I have ever seen. He looks at me like he is trying to say "Mommy, what was that and is everything okay?" He is very sweet but very dumb. I love him so much, even when he passes gas.

We believe the way to pay back our doggies for all the happiness they bring to our lives is to make sure they are happy. We play with our pups often and we take care of their health. We take them to the veterinarian for regular check-ups and feed them the premium in dog food and dog treats.

We never give our dogs human food (as the vet instructed).

Our vet has recommended good dog food and good dog treats to give them. He said that a good rule to follow is to get them food and treats that are all natural and low in fat.

Our dogs take care of our happiness and we take care of theirs. It’s a happy house at our place!

For decades, images of dogs happily chewing on bones have been promoted on television and in motion pictures. As a result, pet owners have been feeding their dogs both raw and cooked bones, thinking that they are providing a natural form of nutrition for their pets. In reality, they are compromising the dog’s health and unintentionally risking the animal’s life. The consumption of bones by dogs has resulted in vomiting, organ puncture, and cancer. Feeding dogs bones is not a good thing to do!

Dogs are natural and instinctive scavengers. They might not be fed bones by their guardian, but they can find them in trash cans, on unattended plates, and when they find a dead animal, such as a bird or rat. This is very dangerous and must be prevented. One of the more common dangers of bone consumption is bone splinters. Bones from small birds, such as starlings, or medium-sized birds, such as chickens, as well as fish and other meats, can easily splinter when chewed and disperse inside an unsuspecting dog, leading to ripping and tearing of internal organs, and, possibly, death.

In addition to the intestinal danger that results from eating bones, dogs may experience cracking or breaking of teeth. This could result in prolonged periods of pain for the animal because tooth injuries are not as easily noticed as other physical ailments. When the problem is discovered, the dog may have to undergo oral surgery to remove infections, reconstruct a tooth, or extract teeth. This is painful and traumatic for the dog and can be very costly for the dog’s guardian.

If a pet owner is in doubt regarding proper nutrition for a dog, it is recommended that they consult a veterinarian, or, at the very least, perform cursory research on the internet. Food requirements vary, depending on a dog’s breed, weight, and size. If a pet owner can’t bear not to give the dog a treat, use rawhide or chew bones made of dog food purchased at the store or pet shop.

A proper diet for a dog contains a balance of nutrients that are low in fat and are easily digestible. Veterinarians do not recommend that dogs receive ‘table scraps’ or leftovers from the owner’s meals. Eating these foods can result in weight gain and a rejection of food specifically prepared for dogs. In particular, dogs should never be given chocolate, raw meats, or raw organ meats. These foods can cause skeletal problems and toxicity in dogs. They, along with real bones, are a “No, no!”

One of the best, and most easily accessible, sources of information regarding animal nutrition is the internet. A concerned dog owner can search the internet using words such as “feeding dogs,” “dog food,” or “dog nutrition.” The resulting information will include general nutrition information, feeding a specific a breed of dog, and training a dog to eat certain foods. Chew bones and other safe treats are also available on the internet.

Dogs can be fed properly, safely, and consistently when everyone in the home, or family and friends outside the home, are aware of the dog’s dietary needs. This information will help anyone who may be taking care of the dog in an owner’s absence. Dog owners should list the foods that the dog eats and the way in which the food is prepared. Also, there should be a prominent notation stating that feeding bones to the dog is prohibited. Since feeding dogs bones is very dangerous, be sure that no one, family, friend, or dog-sitter ever does!

Exploring new territory on your bicycle can be hazardous when you cross into dog territory.

Like other animals, dogs mark their own territory and do not take kindly to cyclists, motorists, joggers or other intruders. If you enter a dog's personal space, be prepared for the dog to enter attack mode. Snarls and furious barking will warn you, and if you don't leave immediately, the dog can launch an attack. This involves snapping at your heels and an attempt to bring you down. A dog attack can throw any cyclist off balance, and cause serious injuries. Knowing how to deal with dog attacks is an important safeguard to cycling. Children or inexperienced cyclists and dogs just don't mix, and these riders should never be allowed to ride where dog attacks can occur.

Dogs tend to attack a cyclist from the rear, usually from the hindquarter direction. However, not all dogs pursue their victims viciously. You can determine whether or not the dog has serious intentions to harm you by noting the gait of the dog. If the dog feels threatened, he will chase faster than usual. His tail will point downward, with mouth open and ears cocked.

If you see a dog approaching from any direction, be sure to guard the front wheel of your bicycle. If the dog suddenly lunges in front of you, it can cause a collision and a fall. Move to the farthest end of the road, and quickly ride away.

Letting out a load-throated yell is another way to deal with an angry dog. This tactic can momentarily surprise the dog and cause him to hesitate. If successful, use the extra seconds and ride away as fast as possible. However if the dog is still in attack mode, ball up your fists and shout angrily. Most dogs are afraid of human violence and may not chase after someone who poses an apparent threat.

It's important to realize that you can't always outrun a dog. Bumpy roads or steep tracks can cause a cyclist to make a particularly slow getaway. This is where a can of pepper spray can come in handy. The spray stings the nose and eyes of the dog, and stops him temporarily without causing any harm.

If all else fails, call out for help. If the dog is serious in his attack, protect yourself by placing the bicycle in between you the dog. Don't try to kick the dog, as this may make you lose your balance. If you are attacked or are bitten seek medical aid immediately, report the incident to the police and lodge a complaint against the owners. The dog will need to be quarantined to verify if it is rabid.

Cyclists and dogs don't always mix. Be prepared and know how to react if you happen to cross a territorial dog.