January 14th, 2008
(Thanks to Christy Hill for this great post on how to select a good dog. Her post was specifically in regard to service dogs; but is so applicable to all areas of dog training and behavior that we have re-posted it here.) Continue reading How to have a good dog
April 25th, 2007
Excerpts: Dogs have been used successfully for years by military and law enforcement. Dogs and their handlers are the most widely used, accurate, durable and flexible system available for detecting illegal drugs and explosives. A critical aspect of canine performance is their effective duty cycle.
Continue reading Detector dog duty cycle
April 25th, 2007
Relationship between Emotional Status and the Cognitive & Learning Abilities of Domestic Canines
by Iain Macdonald
Modal Theory:http://www.dogstuff.info/modal_theory_macdonald.html
Contents:IntroductionWhat is a Mode?What is a Drive?What is a Modal Threshold?Prey ModeSocial ModeDefence ModeModal Theory Training ApplicationsSummary
IntroductionThe Modal theory is a theoretical framework, which seeks to explain the extent to which canine behaviour, cognition, and learning are influenced by emotional status. . . . → Read More: Emotional status & learning ability
April 25th, 2007
Melatonin as Rx for stress
Dr. Linda Aronson of PetShrink in Norfolk, Mass., said that melatonin works for about 80 percent of her patients and can turn their fears into acceptance or indifference in 10 to 15 minutes. Aronson said that melatonin is safe to use as long as necessary as there appears to be no habituation.
An article with references to the use of melatonin in dogs can be found in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Volume 215, No. 1, July 1999. “Vet Med Today: Animal Behavior Case of the Month” was written by Linda Aronson, DVM, MA; from the Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA.
“The dose for dogs is 1 milligram for dogs under 10 pounds,
1.5 milligrams for dogs 10-25 pounds,
3 milligrams for dogs weighing 25-100 pounds
and whereas 3 milligrams is often enough for dogs over 100 pounds, you can give them up to 6 milligrams,” Aronson said. Continue reading Melatonin for stress
April 25th, 2007
Should We Dominate Our Dogs, Or Lead Them? by Stephen C. Rafe
The concept of dominance and submissiveness in dogs has been debated widely by behaviorists, ethologists, and trainers, throughout the world. And there are almost as many definitions for each term as there are participants in the debate.
A Good Concept
I support the concept, but prefer the term “subordinance” over “submissiveness” because it conveys status or rank and is more clear-cut than “submissiveness,” which is an attitude and attitudes are more vulnerable to interpretation. I believe we should examine a canine’s standing in the pack separately from the behaviors it shows in occupying that position. Continue reading Dominate or lead?
April 25th, 2007
Alphabetic listing of Links to animal behavior websites Continue reading Animal behavior links
April 24th, 2007
Diet, Exercise, Stimulating Environment Helps Old Dogs Learn
http://www.nia.nih.gov/NewsAndEvents/PressReleases/PR20040118Dogs.htm
According to conventional wisdom, old dogs and new tricks aren’t a good match. But a new study of beagles finds that regular physical activity, mental stimulation, and a diet rich in antioxidants can help keep aging canine and perhaps human brains in tip-top shape. Continue reading Diet & learning
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