Can You Control Who The Alpha Dog Is When You Own Two Dogs

 A dog owner named Beth writes:

Dear Mr. Katz,

I have two cocker spaniels that are one year apart. The red and white female (Cassie)is almost two and spayed. The buff male (Peanut) is just one 1 years old and neutered. Peanut was rescued from a cocker shelter in October of 1999. He is incredibly devoted, a very good listener and quick learner. He is the ideal dog as he is very eager to please. Cassie on the other hand is the most independent and stubborn dog I have ever encountered (you've probably seen worse). She used to only listen to commands when she wanted but I have put a stop to that. I have had numerous problems with her dominant tendencies but have come a long way. She now views me as the alpha and only displays aggression when she is in pain - specifically when I brush her. She has been diagnosed with allergies, is on allergy shots and has bad skin. This is not my problem though as I think I can work through this one with the use of the training collar.

ADAM INTERJECTS: It's very difficult to correct pain-response aggression. It's more of a reaction than anything else. Use the muzzle and restrain the dog when you need to give her shots. Other times (just so that she doesn't build a negative association to the muzzle) put it on, take it off, and then give her a cookie. Do this at random times.

BETH CONTINUES: Cassie displays a lot of dominance aggression toward Peanut. She growls when he tries to pick up a bone near her and when they play (or fight) she will "hump" him. I always feed her first, give her treats first, pet her first but Peanut just doesn't seem to get it. He will walk through the door before Cassie but after me. He is always one head length ahead of her when we walk outside. Further, I think he is trying to challenge her because the playing time more recently has turned into fighting. It's more barking than anything -- to date there has been no blood. However, Cassie usually is on top of him, pinning him to the ground, and he lets out this barking/yelping noise when she releases, he goes right after her again until I break it up.

Read the rest of this entry »

Could Your Dog Be a Sports Star?

Dogs were traditionally working animals. They would have expected to be active all day, every day. However, in these modern days a dog's life can often be confined to indoors and with very few physical activities.

Dogs are animals that need exercise on a regular basis; in fact it should be daily.  There are many reasons for this.  For example, it can help to control the dog’s weight its appetite.  It can also help to insure good quality mental health as well.  If you do not provide for the dog’s daily exercise, she will likely find it in her own way, which may be a destructive manner.  A dog that is bored is one the can become destructive digging up the yard and chewing on shoes.  But, when you take this energy that the dog has and apply it correctly through various toys and exercise, great things can happen.

One game of catch a day is not enough exercise for your pet.  Quantity and quality are quite important.  For example, you can provide your pet with a daily walk.  If you do so at the same time of the day each day, the pet will begin to look forward to it.  And, take them to someplace different as often as possible.  This will help your pet to explore with his senses.  It is also a special time of bonding between you and your pet.  Take your pet to a dog park where the leash can come off and he or she can do some socializing with other animals.

Sports for dogs?

Read the rest of this entry »

Choosing Healthy Foods For Your Dog

Today’s pet food market is larger and more diverse than ever before. While this offers a large number of choices in various types of pet food, it also presents a dilemma in choosing the healthiest food for your dog. Are generic or store brands suitable for a dog? What about familiar name brands like Purina and Alpo? Are the pricier brands that advertise specially formulated ingredients (Science Diet, Eukanuba) really living up to their claims and worth the extra money? All of these are valid questions that loving dog owners deserve to have answered.

Dog Food Considerations

There are several factors to consider when choosing the right food for your dog. Different dogs have different nutritional needs at different stages in their lives. Some things to consider when selecting the food you’ll give your dog follow.

• The Dog’s Age

Puppies have different nutritional requirements than adult dogs just as human children have different needs than adult people. Senior dogs also have different requirements than younger adult dogs. Make sure that you select a food that is appropriate for your dog’s stage in life.

Read the rest of this entry »