Dog Behavior Talk - A blog by Karyn Garvin, and animal behavior specialist with over 30 years experience working with dogs and understanding dog behavior.

By Karyn Garvin, on October 6th, 2011

Recently I went to a very interesting and unusual appointment at a client’s home.  Typically when I arrive, I am carrying a 5×7 card, which my office has given me, containing the client’s information.  The notes on this particular card told me that this family had two dogs, Winchester and Malcolm, and that they were not . . . → Read More: The Evidence Did Not Add Up

By Karyn Garvin, on September 21st, 2011

Today, I went for an early morning walk with a former client of mine.  She is very dog- savvy, having owned, trained and shown a number of dogs in her lifetime.  But even with all of her experience she needed a little professional assurance.

The dog she has now is a huge, powerful, unneutered, young male Doberman . . . → Read More: It’s just a choice …

By Karyn Garvin, on September 14th, 2011

Words are indeed powerful.  One word that holds deep meaning for me is the word “Greater.”

Have you ever wondered, as I have wondered, if the life of a human being is “Greater” than the life of one of God’s creatures?

As a young child living in India, I met a man who held all animals in the . . . → Read More: The Word … “Greater”

By Karyn Garvin, on August 30th, 2011

My dearest friend, Diane Rath is in hospice at this moment and will be making her transition any day now. Diane is also the most talented artist I have ever known. She blessed my book, Dogs Do Go to Heaven with the painting for its cover.

I had the privilege of spending time with her recently as . . . → Read More: Heartfelt

By Karyn Garvin, on July 27th, 2011

Copyright © 2011 by Karyn Garvin

It is very important to do everything possible to reduce your dog’s anxiety during thunderstorms.  Dogs’ fears of thunderstorms tend to worsen with age.  By minimizing their anxiety level, you will also minimize the progression of worsening symptoms over the years.

Since no two dogs are exactly alike, calming techniques that . . . → Read More: Managing Thunderstorm Phobia

By Karyn Garvin, on May 18th, 2011

When people get a new dog, they may think: “One of the things I’m going to do with my dog is go to the dog park or take it to a dog day care.”  That could be a good idea, or maybe not.  How would you know?

The age of your dog is a good indicator. Puppies . . . → Read More: Dogs Grow Up

By Karyn Garvin, on March 30th, 2011

The story I’m about to share with you happened well over 30 years ago. It is a true story that has helped guide me throughout my career as a dog trainer.  Its message is about moving on and not dragging the past into the present.  Dragging the past into the present will oftentimes handicap us.  Being . . . → Read More: Don’t Handicap Your Pet Copyright © 2011 by Karyn Garvin

By Karyn Garvin, on January 31st, 2011

Eating Disorders in Dogs

Yesterday I learned of another story whereby one of our client’s puppies was on its way to the veterinarian for consuming non-eatable things.

PLEASE Read the following article and share it with your friends. Then read Paula’s testimony about her experience with her dog.

Thank You

Love,

Karyn

Who Said You Shouldn’t . . . → Read More: Eating Disorders in Dogs

By Karyn Garvin, on September 30th, 2010

I enjoyed hearing about your new dog. I always chuckle when I hear
about people doing their research on breeds. My mouth usually drops
open and I have a hard time not squirming in my chair when I listen to
the part about how the book said their very smart and great with whoever and  whatever.

Probably the most accurate . . . → Read More: Sharing thoughts in a letter to my uncle Ed.

By Karyn Garvin, on September 18th, 2010

Nena came in to our training facility terrified of walking her dogs out in public.  She had frightening memories from her past, and Nina was overpowered by fear.

Assessing the dogs, I could see that they were both older and gentle, which meant that they could easily be walked safely.  It was Nena’s fear that was holding . . . → Read More: Overpowered By Fear

Animal Behavior Consultants of Northern Michigan

March 25th, 2010  |  Published in What’s New in Behavior

Dogs-like people-are handed, that is they prefer to use one paw or the other. You can test your dog to see if he or she is right pawed or left pawed. Observe the paw used to overturn a can under which a treat has been hidden or which paw he uses to hold a toy. Also see which paw is used when the dog is told to “Shake“ or “Give paw”.

Female dogs usually have a greater preference for using their right paw on all tasks. Males dogs are more apt to use their left paw. Ambidextrous dogs sometimes have behavior problems. Let me know which paw your dog prefers to use.

Animal Behavior Consultants of Northern Michigan

November 4th, 2012  |  Published in Uncategorized

If you would like to read stories about the intellectual accomplishments of dogs, these letters from owners to the British magazine Spectator are wonderful. Dogs that can trick other dogs, dogs that understand the Pythagorean theory, and dogs that know the value of money, etc. etc. are featured. Below is an example:

Topsy had a favourite resting-place in an easy-chair, and was very often deprived of it by a dog which came as visitor to the house. Topsy did not approve of this and her attempts to regain her seat were met with growls and bites. This justified an act of eviction, and the busy little brain decided on a plan. The next day, as usual, the intruder established himself in the chair, which was close to the open door. Topsy looked on for a moment, and then flew savagely out of doors, barking at a supposed enemy. Out ran the other dog to see what was up, and back came Topsy to take possession of her coveted seat. The other dog came slowly back, and curled himself up in a far-off corner.

Animal Behavior Consultants of Northern Michigan

November 4th, 2012  |  Published in Uncategorized

If you would like to read stories about the intellectual accomplishments of dogs, these letters from owners to the British magazine Spectator are wonderful. Dogs that can trick other dogs, dogs that understand the Pythagorean theory, and dogs that know the value of money, etc. etc. are featured. Below is an example:

Topsy had a favourite resting-place in an easy-chair, and was very often deprived of it by a dog which came as visitor to the house. Topsy did not approve of this and her attempts to regain her seat were met with growls and bites. This justified an act of eviction, and the busy little brain decided on a plan. The next day, as usual, the intruder established himself in the chair, which was close to the open door. Topsy looked on for a moment, and then flew savagely out of doors, barking at a supposed enemy. Out ran the other dog to see what was up, and back came Topsy to take possession of her coveted seat. The other dog came slowly back, and curled himself up in a far-off corner.

How to Recognize Dangerous Dog Behavior – Animal Lover Blog

23.25 // 0 komentar // the writer // Category: dog behavior , dog interactive behavior //

Understanding the behavior of interactive dog can protect you and your children, and it can protect your dog. Knowing what constitutes dog interactive behavior will help you to react safely.

Remember that dogs interact with each other through their behavior, not through language, as we know. Each movement and pose a dog strikes sends a message to other dogs. These messages can be a warning, they can show the playfulness and they can show friendship or curiosity.

Many people do not know how to read dog behavior and often interactive wrong thing. It is important for people to understand and teach their children how to react when a dangerous situation.

As a child, I always found that the freeze was a good way to avoid dog bites in a strange neighborhood. My experience is that freezing confused the dog so that he gave up.

To my surprise, I was sad to discover that this is the worst thing I could do.

Freezing, I have been using interactive dog behavior without realizing it. This sent the message that I was on high alert and ready to defend. You see, when a dog freezes and closes his mouth, he said his next step could be to lunge at you.

Look in the eyes goes hand in hand with frost. This dog is interactive behavior generally means the dog is uncomfortable about the situation (eg the presence of another dog or human) and if someone makes a wrong move, the dog may attack.

This is especially true if the dog stare at each other’s eyes, your body will become stiff and rigid and your mouth is closed. Dogs are the defensive when they feel their territory is invaded or they need to defend themselves. This is their way of sending alerts.

Remember that dogs do not know the difference between human behavior and interactive behavior of the dog. Dogs read all the behavior and actions based on the behavior of dogs they know and understand.

Fast steady state to ensure your safety

Once you recognize this threatening dog interactive behavior, you can relieve the situation staying relaxed and moving the shoulders and hips a little. Do not stare into the eyes of a dog. Turn your body away from the dog anything but straight.

The body language tells the dog that did not threaten.

When two dogs approach each other, they do it on the side if you are showing friendliness or curiosity. If access to the head, and another dog becomes defensive and prepare for an attack.

Obstruction is an excellent and effective tool you can use in such situations. If you see two dogs, a child and a dog in this tense situation, make noise, call the child or a dog over to you.

The next time you see a dog (or dogs) in a frozen position with her body still and no movement for more than a few seconds, be careful. Clapping their hands to loud noise, throw a ball, or do something else to break the tension.

Teach your children these techniques, so do not try to break up two dogs on the verge of an attack, or make a wrong move by themselves, such as running away. Never get in a separate two dogs as you can get a bite.

Many dogs are put down to mistakes by adults and children, because they simply do not understand dog behavior is interactive. Many children have suffered needlessly from dog attacks.

The best protection for you, your children and your dog to know how to recognize this threatening dog interactive behavior and react safely.

Animal Behavior: What is My Dog Saying?

Dogs are quite amiable creatures. Much like our human counterparts, their speech is often amplified by their body movements and facial expressions. If you haven’t done so yet, carefully study your dog’s eyes. Watch his eyebrow motions. Often times, we don’t hear them speaking because we’re too busy and not paying attention to their eye motions. When your dog is facing you and his eyes shift suddenly back and forth, he’s telling you that he wants something: “Hey, Mom – let’s play,” “…come follow me, I want to show you something,” or “…I need to go pee.”

Sometimes, dogs will look at you from the corner of their eyes, will loudly yawn and fall to the ground. This is an obvious sign that they’re bored and they want attention – your attention.

Some dogs are rather bold with their sign language and will literally come up to you and place their paw on your leg, arm or hand. She’ll either gently tap you or downright pounce on you. When she taps you – again – watch her eye movements. Are her eyes focused in one particular direction? (Maybe the door, the empty water bowel or the dog food bag?) Or after she taps you, does she press the side of her body against you? If she does, she wants to be stroked and loved. If she pounces on you with her paws, this is usually a sense of urgency. This usually means she wants to play rough or she needs to go outside and inspect the premises.

One of my favorite communication signals from dogs is when they lie on their backs, usually with forearms bent at the joints. This is the common “white flag” signal. What does “white flag” signal mean? Well, when dogs play with other dogs, this is their way of saying to one another, “Okay, I give up – you win, you’re the leader.” But when they lie on their backs for you, it’s even more telling. This means that they are submitting. You are the master and they willingly acknowledge this to you. In general, when dogs lie with their backs toward you, this means that they are quite content and totally comfortable in their surroundings.

Don’t be fooled by the wagging tail. Generally, dogs will wag their tails when excitable. But it’s how they wag their tails that tells us exactly what they’re feeling. When a dog wags his tail, along with his entire body, he’s usually happy and excited. When a dog wags only his tail with short, fast strokes, this can sometimes show a sign of aggression or fear. When dogs meet other dogs for the first time, you will notice this short, fast-stroke tail wag as well. This can either mean that they are unsure of the other animal, or that they’re going to become aggressive. Either way, be watchful of this “tail-tell” sign.

Another body language sign to look for is in the ears. When a dog’s ears are back and flat against their skull, this can mean one of two things: 1) If accompanied by a full-body tail wag, they’re happy to see you, or 2) if coupled with their tail between their legs, they’re afraid.

One animal behavior that many folks despise is the chewing and destruction of personal belongings. This too is animal speech. What most humans don’t know is that aside from the destruction of personal property, dogs tend to chew things from their people owners, whom they like the most. Yes, I said, “Whom they like the most.” Dogs are fairly picky when it comes to chewing shoes, clothing, etc. When there are more persons in a household, dogs will specifically seek out personal items of people that they consider to be their master. Although this is not the nicest trait of animals, just remember that when you’re scolding Rex that he only did it because he loves you.

In closing, dogs are the most telepathic life forms on earth. When you feel sad, they feel sad with you. When you are angry, they try to dissolve the situation with their loving and pawing. When you’re happy, they feel your happiness with you. Observe your animals; they are picking up on your emotions more than you may think. And always, love your animals – they’re here only a little while…perhaps to teach us the most vital communication skill in the world – the ability to listen.

Animal Behavior: What is My Dog Saying?
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