Interesting stories about dogs and music

You might have seen videos of dogs who are great music appreciators, either singing or dancing.  I was curious about this topic, and read an article by Stanley Coren in Modern Dog Magazine on this very subject.

Dr. George Robinson Sinclair is an organist at the Hereford Cathedral in London. His Bulldog, Dan, has exceptional musical ears. So much so that Sinclair would take Dan with him to choir practice. If anyone sings out of tune, Dan would growl at them! Now is that motivation for excellence or what!

Another story involves the famous composer, Richard Wagner, and his dog, Peps, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This is no ordinary relationship. Wagner has a stool for Peps in his study. When he was composing, he would sing a passage or play it on the piano, and watch the reaction of Peps. Then he would modify his composition accordingly. Wagner noticed that Peps responded differently to keys. One key might get a calm wag, while another key would get an excited response. When Peps passed away, Wagner was devastated, and found it hard to compose until he got another dog named Fips (also a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel). Fips has a specially upholstered stool next to Wagner’s piano. Like Peps, Fips was co-composer with Wagner. You can read the entire article here.  Have fun watching this Retriever pay the greatest compliment to the musician!.

Article source:   Stanley Coren on Modern Dog Magazine

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According to Nicole Pajer in Cesar’s Way, if you are feeding your dog peanut butter for humans, make sure that the peanut butter is raw and unsalted.  And more importantly, Nicole emphasizes, NO artificial sweetener, no xylitol, no sugar-free or “lite” peanut butter.  These substances are harmful to dogs, in fact, toxic, according to Nicole.  So… raw and unsalted.

Healthy treats for dogs

Peanut butter is a favorite treat for dogs.  It offers protein, healthy fats, vitamin B and E, and Niacin.  If you stuff peanut inside a Kong, your dog will ignore the world for a good while.  There are other human food that can be an occasional treat for our dogs.  If you are ever in doubt whether a certain human food is safe or good for your dog, please check with your vet.  Nicole includes other food we can give as a treat to our dogs.  You can add a little cooked chicken to your dog’s regular food for extra protein.  If you run out of dog food, this can be a meal replacement.  Carrots are good for a dog’s teeth.  They are high in fiber, low in calorie, and rich in Vitamin A and Beta Carotene.  Cooked salmon makes our dog’s coat healthy and shiny, and is great for her immune system. Besides cooked salmon, you can add salmon oil to her food bowl, or give her the fish skin.  Pumpkin can help with digestive issues.  Also keeps the GI tract moving.  You can read about other human food that are dog approved here.

Enjoy this video of Penny.  If you like this video, here is another Boston Terrier video for you!

Article source:  Nicole Pajer in Cesar’s Way

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Characteristics of Australian Shepherds

Miniature Australian Shepherds are puppies in spirit.  They are great companions for children, including active children because they are so easy-going, affectionate, loyal, attentive.  In fact, they have sort of a sixth sense of what their people want, according to Dog Breed Info.  They are very intelligent and very active, which means they can get bored easily.  Make sure you can provide enough mental and physical stimulation for this smart one.  They are easy to train.

Mini Aussies need a long walk everyday.   If you can give them a job, they would be very happy.   So give them a chore to bring in the newspaper or another task so they feel they are contributing.  Their miniature size makes them all right for apartment living, as long as you provide enough exercise.  A yard would be nice.

Because they are herders, it is possible that they like to nip people at the ankle.  Teach them as early as possible that herding people is not in their job description.  This breed does well in cold climates.  It is interesting that the Miniature Australian Shepherds were originally developed in the U.S., not Australia.  Back in 1968, a breeding program used small Aussies to develop Mini Aussie, with the intent to create a small version of the Australian Shepherd with all its wonderful qualities.  You can read more about Miniature Australian Shepherds here.  Enjoy watching lovely Blitz his first week home with his new family.

If you like this video, here is another Australian Shepherd video for you!

Article source:  Dog Breed Info

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When to start bringing puppies to the dog park

This is one place to bring puppies after they’ve had all their shots.  If the puppy hasn’t completed the vaccinations, you can still socialize him at home, with friends coming by, or taking them to friends’ homes.  They can still get used to meeting new people, smelling new scents, seeing new environment.  This socialization process helps puppies grow into adults who feel comfortable when they encounter new people and new situations.

Pets Web MD shares that many behavior problems in dogs come from not having enough activities.  Dogs in the wild lead a busy life.  Dogs as pets often become couch potatoes, eating from bowls instead of looking for food.

Their much needed physical and mental abilities are not put to full use when they just wait for us to come home to play with them.  Dog parks can be a good place for your active friend to run freely and socialize with his own species, talking their own language, reading other dogs’ body language.  They get to sniff new smells, explore a whole new interesting world that’s not his home, wrestle with other dogs, meet new dogs, practice his dog’s social skills.  And after all that running and chasing and playing, he’d be so exhausted physically and mentally that he will sleep for hours.  And you get to “exercise” your dog without lifting your finger, and get to visit with other dog lovers and swap stories about your baby.  You can read more about the benefits of dog parks here.

If you like this video, here is another Pug video for you!

Article source:  Pets Web MD

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The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a companion dog.  They love to be around people and really should not be left alone for a long time.  They may look dainty, but they actually have quite a bit of energy, as they come from hunting background, according to Pet Wave.  So the outdoors is very attractive to them; so is being on your lap for a belly rub.

Characteristics of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

This breed is good for a first time dog owner.  They have a sweet temperament.  They are easy to train.  And if they have a yard to run around, that would be great.

However, even if you live in a condo or apartment, they would be fine too, as long as they get their daily walk, and a few times a week, let them run so they can stretch their legs.  It is common for this dog to feel anxiety. Exercising can go a long way in relieving this.

The Cavalier King Spaniels enjoy tracking and chasing because of their hunting origin.  They are tireless when they are involved with these activities.  This is a breed who loves to please, so training is really easy.  Be gentle in your training, for they can have a timid side.

They often do very well in advanced obedience and agility.  If you have a yard, be sure it’s well fenced.  These are hunters.  If they see some small animals to chase after, they are not going to listen to you.  They’ve also been known to chase bicycles and cars. That’s why you need a really good fence.  You can read more about the specific needs of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel here.

If you like this video, here is another Cavalier King Charles Spaniel video for you!

Article source:  Pet Wave

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This kitten and puppy became best friends in a pet store

I am so glad that JoLinn Pet House got this beautiful moment on camera.  The kitten manages to get out of her own enclosure through a narrow opening at the top. It has to be narrow because the kitten has to wiggle to get through it.  Once she is out of her enclosure, she is free.  But her goal is not to be free, her goal is to be with her friend.   She reaches for the narrow opening on the top of his enclosure, and squeezes her tiny body through, with a lot of effort, so she can jump into his cage.

The puppy is so excited that his friend is coming to him that he stands up to greet her.   Looks like he is joyfully kissing her.  He did not think to use himself as a ladder so the kitty could climb down on him.  Yet somehow, she manages to jump into his area.

There are quite a few videos with kittens and puppies as friends.  Some meet each other in shelters, some when their parents are walking them.  It seems they cannot tell that they are from different species.  And even if they recognize they look different, they don’t think anything of it.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful if these two go together into some loving home so they can be with each other all the time?  In at least one shelter where a kitten and puppy have a deep bond, the staff found families who would adopt the two together so they can have each other always.  What a wonderful thing to do!  Enjoy this touching video!

If you enjoy this video, here is another wonderful dog and kitten friendship video for you!

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How to help your dog welcome your new baby

As Laura Olivia grows, she also learns to give Charlie love.  The most impressive is how the parents of this family have provided an atmosphere that nurtures this kind of harmony.   One of the reasons that the parents make videos of Charlie and Laura is to encourage viewers to provide an environment where their pets could welcome a newborn baby, and not only welcome, but become a caring partner for the newborn. Many dogs no longer have a place in the family when a newborn baby arrives. Sometimes they need to find another home.

ASPCA writes a wonderful article about how a dog may perceive the experience of a new baby coming home.

If your dog has not been around children when he was a puppy, this is going to be an overwhelming experience.  New sounds of baby crying, new smells.  You no longer have as much time for him–who has been the “only child” until now.  You can help your dog get ready for this before the baby comes.  1) Teach your dog the skills he needs to interact safely with the baby. 2)  Help your dog adjust to the changes and new experience ahead.

For example, gradually introduce your dog to sounds, smells, sights that he’ll encounter when the baby comes home, and associate reward with these exposures.  A month or 2 before the baby arrives, slowly introduce your dog to the changes in his daily routines, so he has time to get used to it.  Teach your dog to lie down and stay when you are sitting in the nursing chair.  There are other excellent suggestions in this article.  You can read more on this topic here.  Enjoy watching the beautiful friendship between Charlie and Laura Olivia.

If you like this video, here is another one of Charlie the Beagle meeting the new puppy.

Article source:  ASPCA

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What are Mal-shi like?

Maltese Shih-tzu is a hybrid, one of the few designer dogs that did not originate with a Poodle.  It is meant to be a companion dog, happy to be a lap dog.

Is it easy to train a Mal-shi?

Mal-shi are very trainable.  They are intelligent and learn what you want them to do quickly.  Even though they learn quickly, it is important to train them properly.  According to this video, this breed has a tendency to play-bite, so do train them to bite toys, and not people’s hands.

Are Maltese Shih-Tzu good with children?

He is good with kids.  Mal-shi adores spending time with family.  His size, his temperament, his love to be around his family makes him a good candidate for family with children.  (Remember, always teach a child how to respect and approach dogs, even if the dogs are good with kids.  Children may not know how to read a dog’s signal when he’s had enough.   It’s a courtesy to the dog too.)

Does a Mal-shi need a lot of exercise?

Although every dog needs exercise, the Maltese Shih-tzu would actually do fine with 15 minutes or so exercise a day.  A walk around the neighborhood, playing with toys at home, for example.  Apartment living is fine for this dog.  But of course if you have a yard, all the better for them.

Do Maltese Shih Tzu shed a lot?

Because he doesn’t shed much, a Mal-shi may be appreciated even more by people with allergies.  But just because he doesn’t shed much does not mean that he is hypoallergenic.  If you are allergic to other dogs, and that’s the reason you are thinking about getting a Mal-shi, it’s a good idea to spend some time around one first to make sure you are not allergic to him before bringing him home.   Enjoy watching this Maltese Shih Tzu puppy take on the world.

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Characteristics of Bulldogs

They love children, according to Vetstreet, and is a perfect family pet.  They are easy to train too.  He doesn’t require a whole lot of exercise, and are generally easy to care for.  There are certain traits about their physical requirements to pay attention to if you are thinking about getting a Bulldog.  They cannot tolerate heat.  Unless it is a really mild summer, they should be in air-conditioning.  They might actually die if they are overheated.

How to care for Bulldogs when exercising

Bulldogs cannot exercise a lot because that can be hard on their breathing.  And if you have a swimming pool or a pond, please keep your Bulldog away from it because his oversized-head and torso make it hard to stay above water.

Another reason for Bulldog to live indoor, besides preventing them from getting overheated, is that they adore their family and love to be around them.  They are friendly and loves everyone.  And he appreciates a leisurely, relaxed lifestyle.  This is not a dog to take jogging or running with you, or participate in water sports with the family.

Make training fun for Bulldogs

Vetstreet shares that there is a misconception around the topic of training Bulldogs.  People who love Bulldogs find them not difficult to train, as many have thought.  Once they learn something, they know it.  Just make your training sessions fun for them, with a lot of repetitions.  Praise them a lot, and encourage them with treats.

They have moderate energy level.  A 15-minute walk will be followed by a nap.  And remember, they don’t tolerate heat, so walk them during the cool part of the day.  You can read more about Bulldogs here.  Enjoy watching sweet Porter on his first weekend home.

Article source:  Vetstreet

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She is a 2 months old Dogue de Bordeaux.  She decides to break the ice and gives the family dog a hug.  His name is Bubba, an American Bulldog who is 2-years-old at this filming.  Ruby knows to roll over when Bubba wants to sniff her.

About Dogue de Bordeaux

(in Turner and Hooch)

When Bubba wants reassurance from Dad that the new puppy would not replace his importance, Dad puts a reassuring hand on him for as long as he needs it.  Ruby had just gotten off the plane earlier in the day.   She is handling her meeting quite well. Perhaps dogs do not get jet-lag.

I appreciate how sensitive the parents are in introducing Ruby to Bubba.  They simply let Bubba sniff Ruby, her toys, her bed, and let the two get acquainted at their own pace, not encouraging or discouraging interaction.

Remember the 1989 movie “Turner and Hooch” starring Tom Hanks?  The dog in that movie is a Dogue de Bordeaux (DDB).  According to Vetstreet,  DDB love their humans and always want to be with them.  If you are planning to get one, be prepared to share your couch and bed.

Because of his short nose, it’s hard for him to cool off properly through panting, so keep him comfortable in air-condition when it’s hot outside.  Don’t leave him outdoor or exercise him in the heat.  The Bordeau is not a dog for a first-time owner.  You can read more about Dogue de Bordeaux here.

Enjoy watching Ruby’s first night in her new home.

Article source:  Vetstreet

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