Jigsaw

So sorry to hear of your loss.

What a beautiful tribute to Gherkin! You've done her proud, such a special little soul she was. Hugs to you and your family.

This puppy is having so much fun!! http://www.dogwork.com/snowpup/

Study on Meanings of Dog Growls ‘The bone is mine’: affective and referential aspects of dog growls References and further reading may be available for this article. To view references and further reading you must purchase this article. Tamás Faragóa, Péter Pongrácza, , , Friederike Rangeb, 1, Zsófia Virányic, 2 and Ádám Miklósia a Department of Ethology, Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary b Department für Neurobiologie und Kognitionsforschung, Universität Wien, Austria c Konrad Lorenz Institute for Evolution and Cognition, Austria Received 7 April 2009; revised 22 June 2009; accepted 5 January 2010. MS. number: 09-00252R. Available online 23 February 2010. A number of species are considered to use functionally referential signals such as alarm calls or food-related vocalizations. However, this particular function of communicative interaction has not previously been found in canids. We provide the first experimental indication that domestic dogs, Canis familiaris, rely on context-dependent signals during interspecific agonistic encounters. We recorded several sequences of growls from dogs in three different contexts: during play, guarding a bone from another dog, and reacting to a threatening stranger. We analysed the acoustic structure of the growls and additionally performed playback tests in a seminatural food-guarding situation. We found that play growls differed acoustically from the other two (agonistic) types of growls, mainly in their fundamental frequencies and formant dispersions. Results of the playback experiment showed that food-guarding growls deterred other dogs from taking away a seemingly unattended bone more effectively than growls recorded in the threatening stranger situation. We ruled out an effect of the signaller's body weight on the subjects' responses. These results provide the first evidence of context specificity of agonistic vocalizations in the dog. We discuss the possible aspects of honesty and deception through acoustic modulation of growls. Press articles together with short video clip: http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn1861...one-in-dog.html http://news.discovery.com/animals/dog-grow...munication.html

Great clip! The dogs obviously love this sort of work and have fantastic control. Some people just don't want to understand the why.

Tried it and I did not like it. I gradually introduced it to my dog but she was still depressed when wearing it. For some dogs perhaps it would work but the reaction of my dog to wearing it I thought was much too harsh a consequence for me to consider continuing use of it.

I really enjoyed the conference!! Although some may have described him as meandering I actually enjoyed his style and thought that he actually said a lot more about training than some attendees thought he said. I have a lot of notes to now decipher! Unfortunately it had to end too soon, what a depth of knowledge and thinking the man expressed together with deep respect and love for dogs. The other speakers all also contributed valuable and interesting information, although I do wish Boyd would speak slower when presenting . Aren't those detector dogs fantastic??? I enjoyed seeing the dogs there at the presentation, the demonstration of dog dancing was a lovely expression of a great partnership. King is a gorgeous example of his breed and he just loves that sleeve!! I know there were some attendees who had some negative views of the conference but I'm not sure what their expectations may have been. Thank you NDTF for this opportunity! I would love to have seen Steven Lindsay in action interacting with dogs, jealous!

Couldn't find this posted elsewhere. EPA to Increase Restrictions on Flea and Tick Products Cautions consumers to use products with extra care Release date: 03/17/2010 Contact Information: Dale Kemery [email protected] 202-564-7839 202-564-4355 WASHINGTON – Due to a significant increase in adverse incidents, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is taking a series of actions to increase the safety of spot-on pesticide products for flea and tick control for cats and dogs. Immediately, EPA will begin reviewing labels to determine which ones need stronger and clearer labeling statements. Next, EPA will develop more stringent testing and evaluation requirements for both existing and new products. EPA expects these steps will help prevent adverse reactions. In dogs and cats that can include skin effects, such as irritation, redness, or gastrointestinal problems that include vomiting or diarrhea, or effects to the nervous system, such as trembling, appearing depressed or seizures—from pet spot-on products. “EPA is committed to better protecting the health and safety of pets and families in all communities across our nation,” said Steve Owens, assistant administrator of EPA’s Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances. “New restrictions will be placed on these products, and pet owners need to carefully read and follow all labeling before exposing your pet to a pesticide.” Following the 2008 increase in incident reports, EPA received additional information from the pet spot-on pesticide registrants and others and began an intensive evaluation of these products. Today, EPA is reporting the results of this evaluation, and taking steps to address the spike in reported incidents. Among immediate actions that EPA will pursue are: · Requiring manufacturers of spot-on pesticide products to improve labeling, making instructions clearer to prevent product misuse. · Requiring more precise label instructions to ensure proper dosage per pet weight. · Requiring clear markings to differentiate between dog and cat products, and disallowing similar brand names for dog and cat products. Similar names may have led to misuse. · Requiring additional changes for specific products, as needed, based on product-specific evaluations. · When new products are registered, granting only conditional, time-limited registrations to allow for post-marketing product surveillance. If there are incidents of concern associated with the product, EPA will take appropriate regulatory action. · Restricting the use of certain inert ingredients that EPA finds may contribute to the incidents. · Launching a consumer information campaign to explain new label directions and to help users avoid making medication errors. In addition, to improve the regulatory oversight of pet products, EPA will require more standardized post-market surveillance reporting on adverse effects, require submission of more sales information so the agency can better evaluate incident rates, and bring up-to-date the scientific data requirements on pre- and post-market testing so they are more in line with the Food and Drug Administration’s requirements. Flea and tick products can be appropriate treatments for protecting pets and public health because fleas and ticks can transmit disease to animals and humans. While most people use the products with no harm to their pets, the agency's analysis determined that smaller dogs tend to be disproportionately affected by some products and that the exposure of cats to some dog products is a concern. People should carefully follow label directions and monitor their pets for any signs of an adverse reaction after application, particularly when using these products for the first time. EPA recommends that owners consult a veterinarian about the best way to protect their pets from fleas and ticks or whether pesticides are needed, especially before using any product on weak, aged, medicated, sick, pregnant or nursing pets, or on pets that have previously shown signs of sensitivity to pesticide products. EPA is coordinating these actions with Health Canada as Canada also identified similar concerns about the use of spot-on flea and tick products last year, and with the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine. The agency is inviting public comment on how best to implement these new measures. A Federal Register notice announcing the opening of a docket will be published on March 19, 2010. The docket number is EPA-HQ-OPP-2010-0229. EPA’s report on the evaluation of products and incidents is available at: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/petproductseval.html EPA recommends that veterinarians use the National Pesticide Information Center’s Veterinary Pesticide Adverse Effects Portal to report incidents: http://npic.orst.edu/vet More information on pet products and safety tips: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/pets.htm

Sorry, thanks for that!

This is very cute!!! Kiko Enjoy and Happy St Patrick's Day!!! May you enjoy the luck of the Irish today! ETA: to fix up link (hopefully!)

It's late and my brain is a bit fuzzy so hopefully I make sense, but it sounds like you probably need to really start working on training. I'd be looking at the Triangle of Temptation which is pinned at the top of this part of the forum and also Nothing in Life is Free as a start. There are lots of references to NILIF on the web if you do a search. I'd also be looking at doing clicker training. If putting the dog away is giving you a break and stopping you from getting frustrated it's not a bad thing. Have you tried using a water bottle to interrupt the barking, then reward him when he's quiet. Rather than chasing the dog get the dog to chase you if he likes that sort of play but if it causes biting though have toys ready (in your pocket, stuffed down you pants/bra!!) to throw at him when he gets close to distract him. Keep your commands clear, concise and consistent and persistency pays off!! Dogs explore through their mouths too so often pick things up to explore taste and texture, as long as he's not eating things that could cause problems and is happy to give them up that's OK, sometimes it's remembering to keep things out of reach, just like toddlers. Chewing and licking can help settle and calm a dog too. Remember that when you feel that your dog is particularly naughty any behaviour that is not the naughty behaviour is a good behaviour and can be rewarded!!!

You are going through such a difficult time at the moment. Pepi is an elderly, frail gentleman of the dog world who's putting up a good fight by the sound of it. My toy poodle was nearly 16 when I assisted him over the bridge, one of the most difficult decisions I've ever made but the right one at the time for him. I hope you have a bit more time with your beloved Pepi.

An easy transport box is use the cut lengths of PVC and thread a rope into the pipes, one after another, tie the ends together and you have a quick collapsible box. Just pick up the diagonal corners and it folds up!

So sorry to hear of this tragic loss to your family.

Did you give Tex anything to occupy himself with while he's separated? A treat ball, kong or bone? He'll probably whinge for a while as this is new to him, he should settle in a little while. Sometimes it gets worse before it gets better, but be strong and hold out from going out to him while he's making a fuss. Take the opportunity to do a little training with Sally as you have the opportunity to have her undivided attention! I'm in the Lake Macquarie area if you want any extra help. Have sent a pm.

There are some loonies out there aren't there but so sad when they start to entangle the lives of innocents in the fabric of their own fantasy world. Fingers crossed that you get the dog back and all is well.

I would suggest Steve Austin at Pet Resorts Dural (02) 9651 1747 or Kirsti Seksel at Sydney Animal Behaviour Service 9949 8511 I'm sure there are some other recommendations people will offer up too.

He's sooo cute! He's growing quick too! Has he gotten himself into any mischief yet??

Radio interview here ABC Sound only at top of page (at the moment), I can't find any other link to paste, sorry and I'm not sure when the interview was done. New drug, Reconcile for dogs with Canine Compulsive Disorder will be available shortly for dogs with obsessive behaviour, separation anxiety. It's stated that 1 in 5 dogs are depressed. Although I'm slightly confused as the interviewee says that there is a genetic component to depression but when asked if it's a breeding problem she says no. Antidepressants have been used to treat dogs with problems such as anxiety in the past they were specifically for humans, this is the first time a drug has been approved for canine use for these behaviours. Further news item: Telegraph

Congratulations! Seems you've been very busy with the new website and other stuff!!

It just doesn't sound quite right. For three hernias to have happened in such a short amount of time, what has the dog been doing? Suture site is understandable if dog is a bit too bouncy or active as others have said. A hernia in front of the front leg I wouldn't think possible, it's not severe trauma/bruising of some sort? Hope dog is OK.

I say "do your business"!! I used to say it with my previous dog, so I guess it just stuck with my girl now.

Very cute. I don't think there's much husky in there though! Could well be a koolie x BC though. Love his eyes!

If you feel like a technical read THIS gives a comparison between a human jaw and dog jaw. Part thereof: The preceding article just skims the surface regarding the information on the TMJ that is known in humans. Textbooks and scientific articles abound on the TMJ, malocclusions, and diseases and disorders that affect humans. The mammalian jaw can exert a force of tremendous strength. Any bite from any mammal, small or large, can certainly cause damage. There is nothing out of the ordinary in jaw structure or anatomy of the bull breeds. There is no “locking-jaw”. On rare occasions the non-rigid hinge structure of humans can result in the joint “locking”. Medical intervention is required to re-set the jaw properly. A similar situation in carnivores would put their survival at risk. The strength of the bull breeds’ bite comes from their tenacity to hold a grip, not from any physical or physiological abnormality that gives them super strength. (My bold)

That is so funny! I love it! And I love that his owner was smiling too! You couldn't be cross at him could you?