How to wake up a sleeping dog safely

Although I personally have not met dogs who are grouchy when they wake up, and no dogs I’ve woken up had done anything to me, there are probably good reasons for this saying.

When dogs live in the wild (before they started living with humans) they had to be on alert for danger while they sleep.  If anything wakes them up suddenly, it means there is potential danger, and they are ready to defend themselves, just in case.  It depends on the dog and what they are dreaming about at the time we wake them up.

So, if you really need to wake up your dog, (maybe they seem to be having a bad dream and you want to move them out of that experience) call their name from a distance.  That way, you have plenty of space between you, in case they are in the middle of a fight in their dream, or in case they feel befuddled and feel a need to defend themselves first.  And if you feel so inspired, throw a treat near them (as a peace offering for interrupting their sleep, or as something pleasant to wake up to for the trouble.)  This is just a precaution. Enjoy watching this contortionist going through some experience in his sleep, and his dad waking him up from a distance.

If you like this video, here is another sleeping dogs video for you!

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Windsor gives the credit card to the cashier.  If he were serving someone in a wheelchair, this is tremendously helpful.  Bank counters are often not reachable by wheelchairs.   Fortunately, bankers are helpful with personal service for those who require this assistance.  Although Christy does not need this help from Windsor, she is letting him help.

What it takes to be a service dog

Watch how Windsor helps when Christy leaves the grocery store.  He steps aside for her to go out first so he is not crowding her.   Once outside, Windsor walks ahead of Christy, while carrying the grocery bag with his mouth.  Watch how he halts when she takes a step down from the curb.  He is acting as a stabilizer while Christy transition from the curb to the street.  Once she is completely on the street, Windsor guides her again.   When they reach the other side of the street, again, Windsor makes himself the stabilizer while Christy finds her footing onto the curb.

This looks natural to Windsor, but it takes a long time to train a service dog.   Many start as a puppy.   That first year of training is a general training for them to feel comfortable in all kinds of environment, people, and situations.   They are encouraged to interact with all kinds of people so they are at ease in a variety of interactions.  They are also trained to not be distracted by all kinds of interesting things, like the squirrel dashing in front of him, or other dogs barking and chasing each other.  When they become service dogs, no matter how much the public adores and admires them when they see such helpful dogs, they are to focus their attention on their owner’s needs.  Even humans need quite a bit of training to do this.  Imagine the dedication it requires from our 4-legged friends who are meant to run around and play all day long.  I appreciate this video for showing us how service dog gives us back our independence.

If you like this video, here is another therapy dog video for you!

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Characteristics of a Newfoundland

That gentleness won him a place in children’s stories, such as the Newfoundland in Peter Pan.Newfoundland are the most loyal companions. They have a soft nature and they love to have fun. It’s no wonder the children in the video trust these dogs wholeheartedly. They are not just loyal companions, they are also working dogs. For centuries, Newfoundland’s were trained by the Algonquin and later, the Sioux. They carried loads before the Spaniards introduced horses to the Americas.

They have other qualities that might explain why they travelled with explorers on ships.   They are good watchdogs. They can swim, they can save life, and they can sniff.  Long before people on the explorer’s ship can sight land, a Newfoundland can smell it. His excitement is what gave the clue to the crew that they are near land.

Today, the Newfoundland is a big heavy dog. They have muscular shoulders, a strong neck, and a powerful body. Extremely intelligent and unusually adaptable too. They can figure out quickly what their owners are up to, and will start working with their owner to achieve that goal. Talk about a team player!

This dog is loved by so many that the government of Newfoundland, Canada, made the Newfoundland the official animal emblem in 1972. Yes, the Newfoundland is on the Canadian stamp! And here’s an interesting historial tidbit–a brave Newfoundland saved a certain French emperor from drowning. That emperor was Napoleon Bonaparte.  History would have been very different if it weren’t for that Newfoundland!  Enjoy this video filled with gentle Newfoundland dogs loving children.

The post [VIDEO] Newfoundland Dogs Being Gentle With Children appeared first on Doggie Outpost.