Getting a Jump on Dog Greeting Behavior

With the holidays approaching yours truly will be given more opportunities to greet lots of humans. Since mom and I recently received a question through our Dear Inquisitive Canine dog behavior advice column, I thought I'd tackle the blog post while my ventura dog trainer mom handles the column. (We make a good team that way!)

Being a dog, I know that jumping up to greet is normal amongst our canine culture - that's just how it is and just how we are. Similar to you humans grabbing each others paws, putting arms around each other, or kissing, us dogs also have an inherent greeting style - and it includes jumping up!

Whether it's family like my nana Mae, long time friends that come over, or new friends that I meet at our inquisitive canine dog training studio in Ventura, I have learned that sitting or having all of my paws on the floor will get me lots of loving attention! (Sometimes a yummy treat too).

I'm still unsure why many of you haven't figured that one out yet, after all, your species has been known to be pretty clever with observing and deciphering information. It seems that there are some myths out there, including we're trying to be "dominant" or "aggressive" or take over the world! HA! That's a good one. Nope. Sorry, but what we're really trying to do is say hello in the loving way we know how.

You can make life simple for yourself and your dog too - while still getting to say hello! How can we all make a polite greeting compromise? Simple:

• Determine what it is you want from us: Sitting? Four (paws) on the floor?
• Tell us what you want in a way we understand: Reward us with petting, praise, treats, play. Yelling, pushing us down or kneeing us in the chest is either mean or time for play. Plus, if we are still jumping up then duh, it's not working! Change your behavior!
• Reward us for those behaviors: We'll do more of what you want if we're rewarded for it!
• Ignore us completely if we're jumping up: Yikes! Ignoring us when we want attention is quite punishing! Which means we'll do less of what we're punished for.

Mom wrote another post on dogs jumping up to greet - you can read that here on her Ventura dog trainer blog.

Hmm, I wonder how many people I'm going to get to meet today? Something for this inquisitive canine to ponder?

Pets as a Gift Can Be a "Ruff" Road

For this Friday's Dear Inquisitive Canine dog behavior advice column, mom is addressing the issue of giving a dog or cat as a gift. Oh boy, that's a hot topic, and one that yours truly would like to comment on as well.

The following are some of the questions my certified dog trainer mom is asking her readers to ask themselves. She also asks these questions to the virtual dog training class "Before You Adopt a Dog" attendee's. I thought I'd ask you the questions too, but in my little inquisitive canine way:

1. WHY do you want a dog or cat? Are you bored? Lonely? Think we're cute? Because someone in your family begged you to get one? Because you have another animal at home that you think is lonely? Or because you know how wonderful us dogs and cats are, and that you love having us as part of your life? If it's only for the last question, then by all means, think seriously about adopting a pet. I could recommend a few places you could find one just as wonderful as moi. If it's for all of the other reasons I'd ask you to think critically about adding the stressors of having a pet. If it's for someone else, you know you'll end up being the main caregiver. And to be honest, many dogs and cats don't make the best pet sitters.
2. Is this the best time in your life to have a dog or cat (or some other pet)? Are you gone all day long? All night long? Travel a lot? For many cats, they are okay at home alone, but us dogs, especially the youngsters and higher energy ones can get bored. We're also very social animals and don't do as well on our own as other animals. Be prepared for situations like isolation distress, separation anxiety, and boredom destruction of furniture and whatnot.
3. Are there any foreseeable life-changing events in your future? Are you getting married? Divorced? Having human children? Ill? Changing jobs? Moving? Us dogs can live a long time, so plan on taking us throughout your journeys.
4. Can you afford us? I know we're less costly than humans, but we still might cost you a pretty penny. I've know a few dogs and cats that had to have surgery or who were really ill and needed special medical care. Then there's the regular stuff like food, licensing, vaccinations, leashes, toys, collars, more toys, treats, food, more toys, and beds!
5. What pet would fit best with your lifestyle? Think about your family, your job, where you live, how you get around town. How much extra time do you have to devote to a pet? What sacrifices are you willing to make?
6. From where do you plan on adopting a dog? Breeder? Shelter or rescue group? Friend or family? There are lots of us shelter dogs out there that are in need of a loving home. If you end up buying from a breeder, please do your homework. Many of my shelter buddies originally came from breeders.

I remember when mom and dad came to the Animal Kind Rescue shelter in Studio City to meet me. They had heard the rumor that I loved tennis balls (which I do), and since dad plays tennis they thought we'd get along. They were right! They both knew instantly, as did I, that we'd hit it off and create a beautiful relationship! And here we are today...enjoying all that life together has to offer.

Both mom, dad and I agree that there isn't anything more special than having a loving relationship with a pet. But we all know it takes responsibility and commitment. So we ask, before you adopt, especially a pet begin given as a gift, do your homework first, so you can set yourself and your pet up for success!

I wonder how my former shelter buddies are doing? I wonder if they were given as gifts? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder.

I May be an Inquisitive Canine, But This Dog is Also Thankful

I was just helping mom write up our inquisitive canine newsletter, and decided to add a little bit about why I'm so thankful - 'tis the season after all, right? I know mom and I are both thankful that we get to do what we love, because we both love what we do! But I wanted to let mom, dad and all of my friends and family know what else I'm thankful for, because obviously these are just a few things I find positively reinforcing!

• Mom and dad
• Tennis balls
• Chicken
• Warm laps to curl up on
• Road trips with mom and dad
• Costco hot dogs
• My basketball squeaky toy
• Having a bed in every room
• Steak!
• All of my blankies
• Belly rubs from mom, dad, my friend Miss. Lisa and anyone else willing to give them
• Going to work with mom and dad
• Turkey stuffed Kongs
• Agility class with Miss. Margie
• My ponchos prose blog and dog behavior advice column
• Running with mom
• Watching mom cook (and hopefully getting to help taste)
• The mailman
• Cookies crumbs off of dads lap
• Snuggling with mom
• Car rides
• Trips to the field with dad
• Costco yogurt with mom
• Animal shelters like C.A.R.L. and the Humane Society of Ventura County
• Pork tenderloin and UPS
• EJ Harrison (even though they are my nemesis, I usually get steak when they're around)
• Costco churros with dad
• And all of my human and canine friends!

There are many more things I am thankful for, but these are what I could think of now... I wonder if all of you are thankful for the same things? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...but you can certainly comment and share!

The Importance of Using Science to Study Dog Behavior

As you might know I'm one inquisitive canine that enjoys hanging out in the science camp of animal behavior, just like my mom the Ventura dog trainer,especially if I get to be a study subject (well, only if it involves humane techniques, not that "I gotta be a dominant pack leader" type that totally stresses me out.) Ugh, I've written about that myth before - click here to find out more about my canine point of view on dominance myth in dog training.

Anywho, I was out with mom and dad last week, going for exercise, running errands together (two of my favorite motivators), when they decided to get some positive reinforcement for themselves...Costco yogurt is one of moms favorite after she's gone for a long run. Dad and I sometimes share a hotdog, but this day in particular he decided to get something called a churro.

Since mom is totally into research and studying animal behavior, and dad is into research too (he runs studies where he works), they thought it would be fun to run their own little research project right in the middle of the Costco parking lot!

What was the study? Which treat this inquisitive canine would find more motivating: Frozen yogurt or Churro. You'd think I do backflips for both, but like mom teaches her dog training class students, each animal is an individual when it comes to likes and dislikes, and it's important to determine which motivators work better for certain situations, then use them to your advantage as opposed to giving everything away for free!

Don't get me wrong, I'll take anything I can get...I'm no idiot. But if mom learns from studying my behavior that I like one yummy item, or activity, more than another, she might use it for rewarding me during those times when the behavior might be more difficult for me to perform - such as coming when called when the garbage or mail trucks are around. She's not one to assume I'm thinking or feeling a certain way, she comes to conclusions by studying my behavior.

As you can see from the pictures, mom and dad presented me with both items, for three trials total. I would have done a lot more, but 1) mom and dad didn't want me to eat all of it (I could get sick) 2) mom and dad didn't want to share (the real reason).

What was the outcome? I'm my mothers son...yogurt wins! I do like the churro, but if I had my choice, the yogurt is numero uno in this inquisitive canine's book of positive reinforcers! Viva la science of animal behavior!! And viva la Costco yogurt!

I wonder what's next on the ol' animal research agenda? Beef versus lamb? Croutons versus potato chips? UPS versus E.J. Harrison? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine and research geek to ponder.

Halloween Dress Up Makes Dog Training Fun!

Well it seems to be that time of year again... Large orange orbs are sitting outside our front door, and my mom the Ventura dog trainer feeds me my meals while I'm donning funny outfits.

I love watching her laugh. Why? Because when she laughs that means she's in a good mood. And when she is in a good mood, good things happen for me. We're all so predictable, aren't we? Helps when developing training plans.

Anyway, she often says it's "pet humiliation" but to be honest I couldn't care less about what others think of me. I'm having too much fun. All I have to do is appease her by wearing an outfit, while I get chicken, steak, crackers, and a rousing game of fetch!

What's the big deal? I mean what's the difference between what I'm doing and when you humans wear a suit and get a paycheck? I bet mom and I are having more fun! If you'd like to learn more about how mom taught me to enjoy wearing costumes, check out our Dear Inquisitive Canine dog behavior advice column this week on Noozhawk.

As for other inquisitive canines, I know I'm not the only one playing dress-up. My buddy Josh Spiker of Inside Track Running Store of Ventura enjoys dressing his dogs up too! This is one of his dogs, Mia, the Killer Pumpkin! She looks hot! We'd make an awesome team I'm

sure...maybe we can go trick or treating together!

This year I've dressed up as a turtle and as an appealing banana - something tells me there are more costumes lingering around the house. Hmm, I wonder what they are? Something for this inquisitive trick-or-treater canine to ponder.

The Sight of New Dog Halloween Costumes Means Pavlov for This Dog

Mom came home with a shopping bag the other day. In it contained what looked to be new Halloween outfits for yours truly. I know it's a big deal is for you humans, especially the youngsters - everyone gets candy and goes to parties. But for this inquisitive canine I think it means I get steak, chicken and leftover baked goods of dads - which isn't a bad deal at all.

Mom, being a dog trainer and behavior counselor, likes to remind her dog training class students and private dog training clients (as well as all of the other pet parents she hasn't met yet) that Halloween can be a time for lots of fun with pets, but it's also a time where you need to be aware of your surroundings. A few simple and gentle safety reminders:

• Keep candy out of our reach! Dogs, cats, hamsters, rabbits and other animals that like to investigate, will, so make sure it's all put away. Sometimes pieces fall out of those big bags and land under furniture, which is easy for us dogs to find...Please be aware of where you place these items, especially when they are unattended.
• Decorations: Electrical cords, lights, candles, fake spiderwebs and other interesting items can be chewed up and sometimes ingested. Hey, we're not picky - we'll eat almost anything. Please make sure we're not left alone to play with them.
• Keep up inside where it's safe. There are some people out there in this crazy world that enjoy hurting us animals, especially during the Halloween season. They also like to blow things up. Sometimes we can get extra scared and run off. So please keep us indoors where it's safer.
• Make sure we are wearing our collars with proper ID. Just in case we do get out, or get scared and run off, make sure we are wearing our license and ID tags. You wouldn't want us going to the wrong place, or having someone find us and not know how to get a hold of you.
• Plan for helping you answer the door: If your dog is around to help you greet trick-or-treaters, and you don't want him or her running out the door, or jumping up to greet (because that's how we greet you know...we are dogs) then please make sure he or she is on leash to help you. Or, keep them in another room with a chewie toy.
• Make dress-up fun! Mom loves to dress me up for Halloween! (Dad too). But she likes to make it fun for me. We play a little game called "Pavlov's Pastime". Mom breaks out the chicken or steak, or other yummy items I consider to be high value, and gives me little pieces but only when I'm wearing my outfit. Or, sometimes we play fetch. As soon as she takes the outfit off of me, all the fun stops! I now associate my dorky outfit with fun times! Now I can't wait to put it on!

Last year I was a lobster...I wonder what I'm going to be this year? Hmm, something for this safe and inquisitive canine to ponder!

Are Us Dogs Really Your Best Friend? Or Are We Just Dogs?

My friend Carni moved onto that big fluffy dog bed in the sky yesterday. She was 17 years old, but it was still very difficult for all of us to say goodbye to her - Especially her mom and dad.

Miss. Lisa and Mr. J loved her so very much. I saw them today at moms dog training class. Sure they were all having fun playing with their dogs Ferris Wheel and Popcorn, and yours truly, but I know they were hurting inside. I overheard them talking about Miss. Carni.

I can read human body language...there were hugs, and tears, and a certain smell you humans have when you're stressed. Ferris, Poppy, and I decided it would be best to continue playing since that seemed to entertain all of you.

Miss. Lisa spent most of he adult life with her best buddy Carni. They traveled everywhere together - including those times of having to sleep in their car. Miss. Lisa, who happens to be an amazing veterinarian, wrote a beautiful "love letter" to Carni. She gave me permission to pass it along to you. I think it's beautiful, as do my mom and dad.

It has inspired me to go cuddle with my mom. I wonder if you humans experience grief the same way us dogs do? Something for this inquisitive canine to ponder.

_______

Just a Dog 9/17/09

As a human being, dog lover, and as a veterinarian, one of the saddest things anyone has ever said to me was “At the end of the day it’s just a dog”. In the heartbreaking days and nights before I put my beloved Carni girl to sleep I thought a lot about this comment and what “just a dog” meant to me.

To My Sweet Carni:

Because you are “just a dog” you never learned to hold a grudge. You never complained when I hauled you back and forth between California, Oregon, Washington, Oregon and California again. You were happy as long as you were with me. (and we played Frisbee at all the rest stops).

Because you are “just a dog” you never learned anger. You just curled up next to me when we had to sleep in the car because we were “between homes”. It was cold and snowy those few nights, but you kept me warm in the back of that Isuzu Trooper.

Because you are “just a dog” you never learned what “moderation” meant. You ate motor oil, my tulip bulbs, sprinkler heads, chocolate and half my spice rack.

Because you are “just a dog” you only knew how to live in the moment. You swam with abandon in every lake, river, ocean and stream from here to Washington. And even made me go in after you with my clothes on. (To the delight of everyone watching on the shore).

Because you are “just a dog” you loved me ever single second of every single hour of every single day of your almost 17 years. Because you are “just a dog” you taught me that we only need 3 things in life…food, shelter and love. And that is what I gave you and you gave me your heart. You gave me joy, you gave me love. And because you are my oldest friend-I am giving you peace.

Because you are a light that has guided me through almost half my life I won’t watch you just “exist”. You have put me first for 17 years and now because you are “just a dog” and my best friend, I am putting you first. Your quality of life is more important than the heartache I will forever feel when you are gone. You are more important than the piece of me that will forever be missing when I can’t see your sweet face or watch your tail wag at the site of me.

Because, at the end of MY day…just a dog, named Carni, was all I ever needed.

I love you Carni girl.