Here's some great advice that I thought I would pass on...hope you find it interesting! –Kim
Valuable Resource...
Product Review:
Got an Anxious Pup? Silver Lining Herbs Can Help!
In my years of being a doggy parent, and especially throughout my work with rescue dogs, I have many times come across dogs with fear and anxiety issues...
As a mom to an excruciatingly thunderphobic rescued Rat Terrier, I have tried many over-the-counter calming aids and sprays with little results. Whereas I used to enjoy looking forward to the advent of Spring in the Midwest and the subsequent April showers, I usually watch the Weather Channel in dread. Just the scent of rain in the wind can now send my "Sam" into a panic.
(I've found him trembling in the dark corner of my kitchen closet pantry, behind the pop bottles... this after a long search. At least, this is better than behind the toilet.)
I'll have to admit that, when I decided to try "Keep Cool" by Silver Lining Herbs, I was a little skeptical. Sam had become more and more paranoid over the past couple of years, seeming to grow worse with every storm. His anxiety was increasing to include the sound of trucks, so his paranoia was becoming year 'round. He even began to bark and hide when large groups of people came to visit, like on family birthdays.
So, when I first gave Sam one of the little herbal capsules (in a small meatball), I wasn't expecting much... until I realized a couple hours later he was laying relaxed on the couch in the middle of company ... hmmmmmm ... that's odd ... coincidence?
Tried it again when the groomer came to groom my Groomer-hating Yorkie... gave it to Sam AND my Yorkie... peace again! Both dogs were calm and NORMAL, not sleepy or drugged, just relaxed and alert. I could actually cut my Yorkie's nails. Sam didn't bark like a fanatic.
The true test came in March when we had our first storm of the season. I gave Sam the Keep Cool herbs about an hour before I knew the storm was supposed to hit. By the time the thunder started, he was relaxed and prepared. He didn't even hide this time; he just laid on the kitchen rug next to me while I was on the computer, alert but calm.
Sam has since weathered (pun) several storms the past few weeks, handled them fine, even slept in his bed during the night when the storms came through during the wee morning hours. I am actually beginning to enjoy Spring again!
(Now, I need to make sure the grid is off the drain pipe in the back, and not plugged with leaves, so the rain water doesn't back up to the house and leak into my basement... but I don't think Silver Lining Herbs can help with THAT. At least, SAM is calm as he watches me run out in the rain to unplug the pipe... maybe I should take them!)
Keep Cool by Silver Lining Herbs really works! In my experience, it really does help my anxious or nervous dogs relax. I like the fact that my dogs remain calm and focused, not sleepy. The herbs are all natural, too, no extra unnecessary ingredients. Plus, and this is a BIG plus, the company is wonderful to work with... the service prompt and the personnel gracious. Easy to order, and their products are not expensive.
So, I thought I would just pass this info on to you, as a fellow dog owner who may be still dreading Spring and storm season, or struggling with anxious dogs in general – there is hope! Give Silver Lining Herbs "Keep Cool" a try (product #20)... your dog may rest easier, and you could save your sanity.
~~ Kim
PS - You may want to check out their other natural products for dogs, as well as for horses!
Here's a great article that I thought I would pass on...hope you find it helpful! –Kim
How to Greet Dogs
by Debbie Jacobs
Unfortunately for fearful and aggressive dogs, the manner in which most people introduce themselves to dogs can be threatening to them. While a well socialized dog may tolerate and even enjoy a hand reaching out to them, a face looming over them or eye-to-eye contact, the scared dog often cannot.
The Dog Gone Safe Web site has great information for helping anyone learn more about how to greet and interact with dogs.
It is best not to assume that any dog you encounter is a dog that is comfortable greeting a stranger. Even the most stable dog can be stressed in some situations and prefer to be left alone. Unless you consider yourself an expert on dog body language it's best to let a dog initiate an interaction with you, rather than you moving toward them.
Even a dog that approaches you for a sniff may not be saying, 'Hi! Pet me!' My own scared dog will frequently move toward people to get a sniff, but will bolt away should they move or look at him. He is trying to see what he's dealing with, not trying to deal with it.
Children are often taught to put their hand out for a dog to sniff. Again, not a problem for a 'happy to see you' kind of dog, but for a fearful dog that hand can be scary and for a dog that is aggressive, biting that hand may seem like the thing they need to do to protect themselves from it.
I'm sorry to say that the people who consider themselves to 'good with dogs' or people who would say that 'dogs like them' are often the worst when it comes to dealing with fearful dogs. They just cannot accept or believe that a dog would not warm up to them or enjoy their company. A fearful dog's behavior should not be taken personally. My dog Sunny is an equal opportunity fearful dog, as are many dogs like him.
Below are a few guidelines to follow when meeting new dogs.
Do not approach a dog, especially if it is tied up or on leash.Source: http://fearfuldogs.com/how-to-greet-dogs
Here are two great videos that I thought I would pass on...very moving! –Kim
...There are Only Bad Owners!
This is the story of Edie, who classified as "unadoptable." She was rescued barely one hour before being put to death by a kill shelter.
This is the story of Chase, also classified as "unadoptable." Chase was rescued on his last day before he was to be euthanized.
No, there are NO bad dogs!
Here's a great collection of facts that I thought I would pass on...hope you find them interesting! –Kim
Interesting Dog Facts - Part 1
A puppy's eyes do not open until it is 10 to 15 days old. Its vision is usually not complete until it is about four weeks old.
At birth, puppies are deaf, blind and have almost no sense of smell. They stay near their mother and siblings because of the warmth.
Puppies should remain with their mother until they are at least eight weeks old. During this time, she will teach them not to bite and how to get along with other dogs.
Dogs are submissive to those they feel have higher pack status.
Train your dog from day one, so she will think of you as the leader of the pack. Dogs instinctively want to earn the pack leader's approval.
The most confident puppy in a litter often makes the worst pet because he sees himself as the pack leader.
A dog can suffer from a poor self-image, just like humans. Bolster self-esteem with praise, affection and rewards.
To a young dog, exercise and play are the day's most important events. As a dog gets older, he lives for dinner time.
Even after your dog is old enough to be fed only once a day, he should be given a morning snack just to calm his rumbling tummy.
Family dogs who growl when family members are roughhousing aren't upset, they're just asking to become part of the game.
Give your new puppy its own sleeping den, even a simple cardboard box will do; this will make her feel more secure.
Ignore your new puppy's whining when you first isolate it for sleeping. If you don't you will only encourage it to whine more.
Sign up your dog for obedience school.
The most important thing you can teach your dog is to sit and stay on command. Anytime you are having behavioral problems with your dog, begin your training by reteaching him to sit and stay.
The time to start teaching your dog to sit and stay is the day you bring her home.
Don't attempt to teach your dog anything else until he will sit and stay on command for at least one minute.
When teaching a puppy to come, begin by getting down to his level so he will not be encouraged to jump up on you.
A dog needs to work off excess energy every day.
Mixed-breed dogs usually have behavioral traits similar to the breed they most resemble in appearance.
When a small dog is aggressive toward people, don't pick him up. This only reinforces the behavior since he will see it as a reward.
Teach your dog to play catch.
Anyone can buy a dog, but it takes a kind owner to set its tail wagging.
Although a dog might be jealous of a new puppy in the beginning, this usually passes quickly since dogs are social animals.
Dogs become loyal, not because you feed them, but because of the companionship you give them.
Give your small or short-haired dog a sweater for winter walks.
Most dogs don't like to be left alone, so they howl. Leave the radio or television on to keep your dog company when you are away.
Dogs have twice as many muscles for moving their ears as people.
Housebreaking a puppy is just like toilet-training a child. First, you learn to recognize the signs; then, you react every time you see them.
Man could learn much from his dog: to be a true friend, to be faithful and to appreciate those who love him.
When a puppy is removed from its mother, don't make it spend the first night alone. Its loss of family is enough for one night.
As soon as your new pet is comfortable with its new home, move it to the location where you will want it to sleep for its lifetime.
A dog's nose is not just used for smelling, but also to keep him cool. That's why a dog pants. The longer the dog's nose, the better his cooling system works.
Dogs that chase cars have learned that cars run away. This behavior is reinforced each time he chases one away.
Teach your dog to fetch.
Never wake a sleeping dog by poking or shaking it.
Dogs are perfect companions. They never quarrel, fuss or fight with you, and they listen with great interest any time you speak in their direction.
A dog's smile runs from the depth of his eyes to the tip of his tail.
If you're finding it difficult to teach your dog to catch a ball, try tossing something soft like a knotted piece of fabric instead. Some dogs find softer items easier to catch.
Dogs love rituals and routines.
Anyone who says he works like a dog obviously doesn't own one.
Staring directly into the eyes of a strange dog may be interpreted as a challenge and may actually encourage the dog to bite you.
Dogs and cats turn in circles before lying down, because in the wild, this instinctive action turns long grass into a bed.
When walking your dog, put a few plastic bags in your pocket; they make great "scoopers." Slip one over your hand, pick up the pile, flip it inside out, tie and discard.
The average dog's mouth exerts 150 to 200 pounds of pressure per square inch. Some dogs can apply up to 450 pounds.
Puppies can't control their bladders overnight until they are at least four months old. Until then, cover the floor around the puppy's bed with newspapers.
Dogs are omnivorous. They need more than just meat to flourish.
People with more than one dog shouldn't try to treat them all as equals. Because pack position is important to a dog, this only encourages jealousy games.
All dog owners should buy a long-handled pooper-scooper. It makes keeping the yard clean a breeze.
Dogs chew up your underwear because it smells like you.
You don't have to put up with your dog destroying flower beds or digging up the yard; simply fence off a separate section just for him.
Always say your dog's name before you give a command.
One in every three US families owns one or more dogs.
Choke chains can be dangerous.
A one-year-old dog is physically as mature as a 15 year-old human.
Dogs' internal clocks are really magnificent. They know when it's time for you to arrive home, feed them, or go to bed if you are normally on a schedule.
Brush your dog 3 times a week in the spring, and you'll have a summer free from shedding.
If someone in your household is allergic to dogs, bathe your dog every week. He will shed less dry skin. You can also add a teaspoon of cooking oil to your dog's dinner.
The only problem with loving a dog is that they live for only a short time.
If your dog reacts anti-socially toward visitors, put her in another room until she calms down. When you let her out, ignore her. This forces your dog to go to the visitors to get their social activity.
When a dog bays at the moon, it is following a basic urge to call the pack together.
Rituals are a basic part of canine behavior. Greeting, feeding, hunting and sleeping all include social performances.
The burying of bones is part of a dog's instinctive feeding ritual; shaking things viciously is part of the hunting ritual.
Source: http://www.dogquotes.com/dogfacts.htm
Copyright © 2001-2008 Australian Media Pty LTD
Here's another great article that I thought I would pass on...hope you find it helpful! –Kim
Why Doesn't My Dog Like Socializing?
As dog lovers, there's an image we all love to see: a happy dog playing confidently at the dog park with his friends and enjoying the company of the people he meets throughout his lifetime. Many of us take this desirable behavior for granted because our pets are social and outgoing. But to dog owners with canine wallflowers, this remains a dream.
Why isn't my dog social?
Many dogs experience shyness due to certain experiences in their past, such as being mistreated and abused. One of the most common causes of shy behavior is a lack of exposure to new people and places at a young age. Dogs that remain confined to a limited area, and that aren't given an opportunity to meet people and other dogs, are likely candidates to become timid.
To develop a healthy attitude toward socializing, dogs also need the example of an owner who leads the way during the puppy's formative years. That's why shyness is a common personality trait in dogs that move from owner to owner frequently in their lifetime. Dogs look to their owners to be the "alpha dog" of their "pack," and to guide them safely into new and stimulating situations. Without that type of leadership in their lives, dogs may become timid and skittish when introduced to things outside their immediate familiarity.
What are the signs of a shy dog?
It's important to know the signs of a shy dog so you can approach him accordingly – and so you don't take his lack of interest in you personally. Some "symptoms" of a chronically timid dog are more obvious, others can be subtle. Here are some cues to look for:
What can I do to help my dog become more social?
Whatever the reason behind your dog's shyness, correcting it is a process that requires a lot of love and patience.
The first month is critical. Make sure that you have time to invest in an intensive socialization program during your new dog's early weeks with you. Remember, you're laying the foundation for your dog's behavior later on in life, and an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Besides, it's great fun and will help you get to know your newly adopted dog very well, very quickly.
Don't praise or coddle your dog when he is scared. When your dog is frightened, it's human to want to comfort your dog and say, "It's OK." However, your dog assumes that you are praising him for being scared – which reinforces skittish behavior. Only praise your dog when he acts confidently.
Review (and re-review) the training basics. A dog that can follow commands is a confident dog. Put your dog's leash on him, then head outside. Practice "come," "sit," "down" and other basic commands. Praise him when he exhibits any confident behavior.
Practice people therapy. Have a dog-loving friend sit with her back to your dog. Place food treats or your dog's favorite toy in her outstretched hands. Tell her not to speak or make eye contact with your dog. Praise your dog when he takes a treat or the toy.
Yawn. No, this isn't a sign of disinterest or weariness. Yawning is actually a calming signal for dogs. Once again, have your friend hold treats while looking at the ground, not at your dog. It might sound silly, but ask your friend to yawn repeatedly – and join in. You'll notice your dog relaxing the more the both of you yawn. Again, every time your dog takes a treat, praise him.
Chin and chest only, please. When friends come over, have them stand still with a treat and let your dog go to them first. Ask your friends to only pet your dog under the chin and on the chest. Avoid letting anyone reach or lunge to pet her on the head or back.
Free play works wonders. Dogs who do not trust people can benefit from having other dogs as companions. Allow your dog to play freely with another dog in a fenced area. Have the owner of the other dog pet your dog if possible. A tired, happy dog is often less skittish.
Introducing him to new dogs. If your dog has had limited exposure to other dogs, he may resist socializing with them. Aggression is a common symptom of a lack of contact with other dogs. To get your dog feeling more comfortable around his canine counterparts, start with dogs that you already know are trustworthy. If your dog behaves himself, reward him for his polite behavior in the presence of the other dog. Gradually work up to rewarding the dog for being close to the other dog, getting closer and closer each time. Of course, the best way to remedy this is to have your leashed dog interact frequently with other leashed dogs.
Obedience classes and professional help. Obedience classes provide a good opportunity to socialize him with dogs and people in a controlled setting. The more chances your dog gets to meet new friends, the better behaved he'll likely be. If your dog feels too uncomfortable being in a class setting with other dogs – and if nothing else seems to be helping – you may want to consider seeking the assistance of a professional dog trainer who specializes in shy dogs. Ask your friends and vet for recommendations.
http://www.pedigree.com/02All-Things-Dog/Article-Library/fetch.aspx?artId=772&catId=3&sCatId=12&catName=Adult&sCatName=Socialization
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