Skip to main content

Library

Dogs + Behavior & Training

  • Although he is devoted to his family – especially to children – the Pyr likes his own space; if you want a Velcro dog, this breed is not for you. That said, the Pyr has much to offer the right individual or family: a calm, sedate demeanor, devotion to the household and its inhabitants, and a willingness to protect all concerned.

  • The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a big sweetie-pie; despite his large size, he likes to cuddle with his people and may even think that he's a lap dog.

  • Aloof with strangers, the Greyhound enjoys familial attention, but is not demanding. Greyhounds are perfectly content to lie on a cushy bed and watch you doing your household chores.

  • Head down. Eyes averted. Shoulders hunched. Tail thumping the floor. Body retreating. Your pet looks guilty, maybe even apologetic, right? WRONG! Your pet’s body posture and attitude do not indicate guilt or remorse but represent a response to your body posture and attitude.

  • The Harrier is a typical scent hound: born with a love of the hunt and the desire to follow his nose wherever it leads. But he's more than that when he's given the chance. He's a mild-mannered sort, tolerant and good with children.

  • Who could resist that fuzzy face? The Havanese is a delightful companion for all ages. They have plenty of stamina to keep up with the most energetic child. Bichon-type dogs often perform in circuses and happily show off tricks for their families and other spectators.

  • Head halters can provide better control and safety for some dogs. A proper fit with gentle leash handling and positive reinforcement training is required to make a head halter successful. Some dogs may find the head halters aversive, which means it is not the right tool for them.

  • Although drugs may be useful in some cases, they should only be given under veterinary supervision. To be effective, they must be absorbed and active in the body BEFORE any noise starts or panic sets in. This is usually at least an hour prior to the event.

  • Losing a pet is difficult for all members of the family including surviving pets. Dogs and cats view family members, animal and human, as part of a pack. The stability of the pack is important to the pet’s sense of well being. Disruption of the pack dynamic that occurs when one pet dies can impact the other pets in the family. Pets form relationships with each other and with humans and they respond to the loss of a family member with physical and behavioral changes that manifest as grief. Recognizing and dealing with pet grief can help re-establish a healthy family unit.

  • House training is best accomplished with a consistent program that relies on supervision to prevent mistakes and positive reinforcement for elimination in designated locations. Though house training can be time-consuming, when done properly, the foundational training will last a lifetime.