I noticed that a link to The Loved Dog is on the page regarding puppy mills on Oprah.com. It seems that Oprah has shifted from Cesar Millan to Tamar Geller.
That Geller disagrees with Cesar is evident on her views on treadmills, choke chains, and alpha rollovers all of whom Cesar makes use of.
I have no quarrel with Geller's methods. But the question I would have is how Tamar would handle the cases where Cesar uses these methods. Or whether she could handle those cases at all. (FWIW, see Lee Charles Kelley review of her book.)
Still the fact that Oprah (whom I regard highly) endorses Geller is something I do not take lightly.
* * *
Surfing some more, I came across this anti-Cesar page from Seattle Dogworks. My summary would be that, even if Cesar's technigues might work for him. It might not work so well when performed by other people and in fact might be detrimental or even dangerous. In other words, do not attempt these techniques without consulting a professional. (Then again, that professional might tell you to kill your dog, so what do you have to lose? OTOH, he might not and have alternative techniques.)
I see they (Cristine Dahl) have a book out called Good Dog 101 with good reviews on Amazon.
Interestingly, I see that the whole staff of Seattle Dogworks are all women. (Not that there's anything wrong with that!)
*** [5/17/10]
I'm considering getting Tamar's book since I see a copy available at paperbackswap.
Looking at a review for the book , I see a recommendation for Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson who wrote Good Owners, Great Dogs which gets good reviews. Maybe I'll add it to my paperbackswap list. The reviewer also likes Dog Talk by John Ross. (So you know he's an old school guy -- Kilcommons worked under Barbara Wodehouse.)
From another review, Outwitting Dogs is recommended (only $5.18 from Amazon).
So maybe I'll look into this too.
There are 104 reviews of Tamar's book. 58 are five-star. 24 are four-star. I'd say that's pretty good. Maybe I'll get the book. After all, she WAS on Oprah.
***
[5/17/10] Another book I see available on paperbackswap (linked on the Amazon Dog Listener page for example, though I'm not positive that where I saw it, maybe it was the paperbackswap Outwitting Dogs page) is How to Behave So Your Dog Behaves by Sophia Yin. It gets good reviews (currently 15 out of 20 five stars, 1 four star, 4 three star) on Amazon but one of the less positive ones is by none other than LCK. Here he actually says that Cesar's techniques are damaging to the dog. (After watching every single episode), that's something I definitely disagree with. But I can see if people misapply them, that could be true. Actually three stars from LCK is pretty good by him.
***
[5/20/10] Tamar Geller on youtube
Friday, May 30, 2008
puppy mills on Oprah
An eye-opening show on Oprah about the inhumane conditions of puppy mills.
Key takeaways.
Why breed puppies when there are so many animals available for adoption who are being euthanized?
Don't buy puppies from pet stores, but get them from rescue organizations.
And spay or neuter your pet.
[7/18/13] the above link doesn't work, here's another link. Not sure if it's referring to the same show. I think so.
And here's an article from Best Friends,
Back in 2008, Best Friends launched our puppy mill initiatives after identifying puppy mills as one of the primary sources of animals entering our nation’s shelters.
A revealing Best Friends–led study, just published in the current issue of the “Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association,” adds more weight to that analysis. Led by Dr. Frank McMillan, director of well-being studies at Best Friends, in collaboration with a highly regarded research team, the study compared the behavior profiles of pet store puppies with those acquired from hobbyist, noncommercial breeders. It is estimated that 99 percent of pet store puppies are sourced from high-volume commercial breeders, which is to say they come from puppy mills.
Dogs acquired as puppies from small, noncommercial breeders were selected for comparison for the following reasons:
1. They enter their new homes at approximately the same age as pet store pups do.
2. Their history prior to purchase is known.
3. They are, for the most part, purebred dogs.
In fact, the only difference then between the sampled groups was the nature of their breeding, whelping, weaning and prolonged, stressful transport. One is set in a commercial breeding environment with hundreds or even thousands of other dogs, while the other is set in a hobby breeder’s home environment with only a mother dog or a small group of household pets.
The difference in findings between the two groups was profound, but not surprising.
Problem behaviors exhibited by pet store dogs read like answers to a shelter surrender questionnaire, with the strongest effects observed in relation to aggressive behavior. For example, sexually intact pet store dogs were three times as likely to have owner-directed aggression as were sexually intact dogs acquired from small breeders. Pet store dogs were nearly twice as likely to have aggression toward unfamiliar dogs.
Additionally, pet store dogs were also 30 to 60 percent more likely to have stranger-directed aggression, aggression to other household dogs, as well as fear of dogs and nonsocial stimuli, separation anxiety, and touch sensitivity. Other undesirable behaviors included escaping from the home, sexual mounting of people and objects, and most forms of house soiling.
This Best Friends’ research effort is a follow-up to a 2011 study conducted by Dr. Frank and the same research team that compared adult puppy mill survivors to a sampling of dogs without any puppy mill history. The results of that study were equally dramatic, but likewise not at all surprising.
The adult breeding dogs from puppy mills showed significantly elevated levels of fears/phobias, compulsive/repetitive behaviors, and heightened sensitivity to being touched. “The most prominent difference was in the level of fear,” says Dr. Frank. “Compared to normal pet dogs, the chance of recovered puppy mill dogs scoring in the highest ranges for fear was six to eight times higher.”
The physical abuses associated with puppy mills are well documented. Puppy mills are just another version of factory farming, where the profit margin for the mostly rural mill operators is small. Production cost savings are paid for on the backs of the dogs held captive for breeding and their pet store–bound puppies.
For example, small cages mean that more animals can be crammed into limited space. Understaffed workers provide only subsistence level care for the dogs and pups. Low-cost, low-quality food results in dietary deficiencies and chronic disease. Puppies are force-weaned at an earlier-than-appropriate age so that they can arrive at the pet store at eight weeks of age. Veterinary care is nominal and is limited to the replacement cost of the animal. A puppy miller typically sells a pup to a middle man for as little as a couple of hundred dollars so the incentive to invest in medical care is essentially zero. Every corner that is cut represents a corresponding slice cut from the quality of life of the puppy mill dog.
This newly published research fills in the picture of the invisible psychological damage that puppy mills inflict on innocent, young dogs.
The entire pet trade industry — from breeder to pet store — is a disgrace and needs a major overhaul. Needless to say, there is often a considerable desire to “save” pet store puppies by buying them, but that sentiment is misguided because it merely makes room for another victim. The best way to fight puppy mills is to never buy from a pet store or an online retailer.
Many thanks to Dr. Frank and his research colleagues, James A. Serpell, PhD and Deborah L. Duffy, PhD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, along with Elmabrok Masaoud, PhD and Ian R. Dohoo, DVM, PhD from the Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Canada. Your work has given us another compelling argument in our campaign against the shame of puppy mills.
Key takeaways.
Why breed puppies when there are so many animals available for adoption who are being euthanized?
Don't buy puppies from pet stores, but get them from rescue organizations.
And spay or neuter your pet.
[7/18/13] the above link doesn't work, here's another link. Not sure if it's referring to the same show. I think so.
And here's an article from Best Friends,
Back in 2008, Best Friends launched our puppy mill initiatives after identifying puppy mills as one of the primary sources of animals entering our nation’s shelters.
A revealing Best Friends–led study, just published in the current issue of the “Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association,” adds more weight to that analysis. Led by Dr. Frank McMillan, director of well-being studies at Best Friends, in collaboration with a highly regarded research team, the study compared the behavior profiles of pet store puppies with those acquired from hobbyist, noncommercial breeders. It is estimated that 99 percent of pet store puppies are sourced from high-volume commercial breeders, which is to say they come from puppy mills.
Dogs acquired as puppies from small, noncommercial breeders were selected for comparison for the following reasons:
1. They enter their new homes at approximately the same age as pet store pups do.
2. Their history prior to purchase is known.
3. They are, for the most part, purebred dogs.
In fact, the only difference then between the sampled groups was the nature of their breeding, whelping, weaning and prolonged, stressful transport. One is set in a commercial breeding environment with hundreds or even thousands of other dogs, while the other is set in a hobby breeder’s home environment with only a mother dog or a small group of household pets.
The difference in findings between the two groups was profound, but not surprising.
Problem behaviors exhibited by pet store dogs read like answers to a shelter surrender questionnaire, with the strongest effects observed in relation to aggressive behavior. For example, sexually intact pet store dogs were three times as likely to have owner-directed aggression as were sexually intact dogs acquired from small breeders. Pet store dogs were nearly twice as likely to have aggression toward unfamiliar dogs.
Additionally, pet store dogs were also 30 to 60 percent more likely to have stranger-directed aggression, aggression to other household dogs, as well as fear of dogs and nonsocial stimuli, separation anxiety, and touch sensitivity. Other undesirable behaviors included escaping from the home, sexual mounting of people and objects, and most forms of house soiling.
This Best Friends’ research effort is a follow-up to a 2011 study conducted by Dr. Frank and the same research team that compared adult puppy mill survivors to a sampling of dogs without any puppy mill history. The results of that study were equally dramatic, but likewise not at all surprising.
The adult breeding dogs from puppy mills showed significantly elevated levels of fears/phobias, compulsive/repetitive behaviors, and heightened sensitivity to being touched. “The most prominent difference was in the level of fear,” says Dr. Frank. “Compared to normal pet dogs, the chance of recovered puppy mill dogs scoring in the highest ranges for fear was six to eight times higher.”
The physical abuses associated with puppy mills are well documented. Puppy mills are just another version of factory farming, where the profit margin for the mostly rural mill operators is small. Production cost savings are paid for on the backs of the dogs held captive for breeding and their pet store–bound puppies.
For example, small cages mean that more animals can be crammed into limited space. Understaffed workers provide only subsistence level care for the dogs and pups. Low-cost, low-quality food results in dietary deficiencies and chronic disease. Puppies are force-weaned at an earlier-than-appropriate age so that they can arrive at the pet store at eight weeks of age. Veterinary care is nominal and is limited to the replacement cost of the animal. A puppy miller typically sells a pup to a middle man for as little as a couple of hundred dollars so the incentive to invest in medical care is essentially zero. Every corner that is cut represents a corresponding slice cut from the quality of life of the puppy mill dog.
This newly published research fills in the picture of the invisible psychological damage that puppy mills inflict on innocent, young dogs.
The entire pet trade industry — from breeder to pet store — is a disgrace and needs a major overhaul. Needless to say, there is often a considerable desire to “save” pet store puppies by buying them, but that sentiment is misguided because it merely makes room for another victim. The best way to fight puppy mills is to never buy from a pet store or an online retailer.
Many thanks to Dr. Frank and his research colleagues, James A. Serpell, PhD and Deborah L. Duffy, PhD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, along with Elmabrok Masaoud, PhD and Ian R. Dohoo, DVM, PhD from the Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Canada. Your work has given us another compelling argument in our campaign against the shame of puppy mills.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Dogster
Yes, now even dogs have blogs.
Dogster.com has been called the MySpace for pets. Like human social networking websites, Dogster allows your dog to have its own profile, post photos, list likes and dislikes, join groups and start an online dog diary.
Wacky? Yes. But the free pet networking site is booming.
Dogster and its companion site, Catster.com, currently have more than 500,000 pet profiles, including more than 12,000 dogs and cats from New Jersey. Hundred of new pet profiles and blogs are being added every day, according to the California-based site.
* * *
The site includes the Dog Owner's Manual courtesy of veterinarian Dr. David Brunner and author Sam Stall. It seems to be quite well done.
Rage Syndrome is mentioned (this is covered in Chapter 2 of The Dog Who Loved Too Much). I thought Kimo might have had this, but now I think he doesn't as his aggressive episodes seem to sparked by certain situations.
They also have a section on the Japanese Spitz which is supposedly Kimo's breed.
Not the type to sleep the day away or wander alone outdoors, the Japanese Spitz thrives on human contact. Fearless, alert and protective, the Japanese Spitz can be slightly suspicious of new people. With a loud and forceful bark, it makes a very effective watchdog — especially for city dwellers.
Yep, Kimo thrives on human contact and is an effective watchdog.
Dogster.com has been called the MySpace for pets. Like human social networking websites, Dogster allows your dog to have its own profile, post photos, list likes and dislikes, join groups and start an online dog diary.
Wacky? Yes. But the free pet networking site is booming.
Dogster and its companion site, Catster.com, currently have more than 500,000 pet profiles, including more than 12,000 dogs and cats from New Jersey. Hundred of new pet profiles and blogs are being added every day, according to the California-based site.
* * *
The site includes the Dog Owner's Manual courtesy of veterinarian Dr. David Brunner and author Sam Stall. It seems to be quite well done.
Rage Syndrome is mentioned (this is covered in Chapter 2 of The Dog Who Loved Too Much). I thought Kimo might have had this, but now I think he doesn't as his aggressive episodes seem to sparked by certain situations.
They also have a section on the Japanese Spitz which is supposedly Kimo's breed.
Not the type to sleep the day away or wander alone outdoors, the Japanese Spitz thrives on human contact. Fearless, alert and protective, the Japanese Spitz can be slightly suspicious of new people. With a loud and forceful bark, it makes a very effective watchdog — especially for city dwellers.
Yep, Kimo thrives on human contact and is an effective watchdog.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Keith's house
Kimo now goes wild or at least reacts when he walks on or approaches the sidewalk at Keith's house.
What's funny is that sometimes I take him up the sidewalk when Pat is walking up the street so Keith is not home. But he still looks up at the window and reacts like he wants to go after Keith in the house (even though he can see Keith up the street). I guess Kimo (or dogs) can't put 1+1 together.
Anyway I tried bringing Kimo up to Keith's sidewalk approaching from Ito's side. Both Keith and Kimo went wild. I went a few times hoping they would get tired of going wild. The idea is to reinforce when they don't go wild or go back to a state of calmness. I did it like three times and Kimo went wild each time. I was going to do it again, but Stanley and Sam came walking by so I joined them.
Later, I had Kimo trail Keith while Pat was walking. Keith kept looking back and Kimo would go wild when Keith passed. But I persisted. Finally Pat took Keith home but stopped on the driveway and I stoppped on the curb. After a while they calmed down and sat and looked at each other for a while. Good enough. And I left on a high note.
I think I may try this exercise again.
What's funny is that sometimes I take him up the sidewalk when Pat is walking up the street so Keith is not home. But he still looks up at the window and reacts like he wants to go after Keith in the house (even though he can see Keith up the street). I guess Kimo (or dogs) can't put 1+1 together.
Anyway I tried bringing Kimo up to Keith's sidewalk approaching from Ito's side. Both Keith and Kimo went wild. I went a few times hoping they would get tired of going wild. The idea is to reinforce when they don't go wild or go back to a state of calmness. I did it like three times and Kimo went wild each time. I was going to do it again, but Stanley and Sam came walking by so I joined them.
Later, I had Kimo trail Keith while Pat was walking. Keith kept looking back and Kimo would go wild when Keith passed. But I persisted. Finally Pat took Keith home but stopped on the driveway and I stoppped on the curb. After a while they calmed down and sat and looked at each other for a while. Good enough. And I left on a high note.
I think I may try this exercise again.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
sniffing Koa
Today Koa was loose up the street as I took Kimo out for his walk.
If Koa was loose and Kimo was behind our fence, he'd be going wild. But I slowly approached him as Kimo seemed mostly unconcerned though Koa looked a little apprehensive. I kept the leash loose to avoid unneccessary tension. Eventually we got close enough and Koa turned away so as to allow Kimo to sniff his butt. I'd count that as a score.
We continued on and on our way back, Koa was standing on the road near his house watching us come back. We got to his property and I let Kimo sniff around. And Koa eventually came around and sniffed Kimo's butt. Another score.
He did bark a couple of times. I'm not sure why. But Kimo didn't react to it. So I'd say this was a positive encounter. At least, it was mostly absent of negatives.
* * *
Koa was out again in the afternoon. Or maybe he was out all day? He was by the kids up the street and the kids looked pretty apprehensive though Koa seemed pretty calm and friendly. The grandma seemed a bit worried though and kept telling Koa to go home. So I went and got one of big Koa's leashes and brought along Koa on our walk (with Yokomoto and Chung).
When I brought him back home, I was going to tie him up in the front. But Kimo was sniffing around and Koa seemed interested in sniffing him. Toni heard us outside (didn't know anybody was home) and let Koa in. She apparently knows the problem but they are unable to stop him from getting loose. I told her he squeezes under the fence. She said he still gets out despite them putting rocks under there.
Well, actually I'm OK with Koa getting out since it's one more dog for Kimo to get sociable with.
If Koa was loose and Kimo was behind our fence, he'd be going wild. But I slowly approached him as Kimo seemed mostly unconcerned though Koa looked a little apprehensive. I kept the leash loose to avoid unneccessary tension. Eventually we got close enough and Koa turned away so as to allow Kimo to sniff his butt. I'd count that as a score.
We continued on and on our way back, Koa was standing on the road near his house watching us come back. We got to his property and I let Kimo sniff around. And Koa eventually came around and sniffed Kimo's butt. Another score.
He did bark a couple of times. I'm not sure why. But Kimo didn't react to it. So I'd say this was a positive encounter. At least, it was mostly absent of negatives.
* * *
Koa was out again in the afternoon. Or maybe he was out all day? He was by the kids up the street and the kids looked pretty apprehensive though Koa seemed pretty calm and friendly. The grandma seemed a bit worried though and kept telling Koa to go home. So I went and got one of big Koa's leashes and brought along Koa on our walk (with Yokomoto and Chung).
When I brought him back home, I was going to tie him up in the front. But Kimo was sniffing around and Koa seemed interested in sniffing him. Toni heard us outside (didn't know anybody was home) and let Koa in. She apparently knows the problem but they are unable to stop him from getting loose. I told her he squeezes under the fence. She said he still gets out despite them putting rocks under there.
Well, actually I'm OK with Koa getting out since it's one more dog for Kimo to get sociable with.
the food is mightier than the cat
Yesterday, the black cat came around as I was bringing his food. Though he was torn toward barking at the cat, the food was enough to attract him and he went into the garage instead of going crazy at the cat.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
drop it
I was told recently by a friend, with great authority, that you can quickly force a dog to unclench a jaw-hold by going in back of the dog and lifting both rear legs off the ground. Apparently they have no choice but to let go of whatever they have gripped in their jaws. My daughter tried it recently when her large dog did not want to relinquish a pillow he had grabbed onto — as soon as she lifted his legs up, he dropped the pillow.
* * *
The above was a letter to the editor. However I could not find anything on the internet that substantiates this.
* * *
The above was a letter to the editor. However I could not find anything on the internet that substantiates this.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Sunday walk
I decided to take Kimo on a long walk on Sunday something I haven't done for a while. I don't think I did this since before he had the mange the last time.
There used to be a old dog on Laki Lane, but now there's a different dog there. It's a brown dog, around Kimo's size, but with short hair. This is one of the dogs that doesn't bark at Kimo. In fact, after some fence sniffing, it seemed he wanted to play with Kimo. He went up on the fence (actually the fence isn't that tall and I think he could jump over if he really tried). Then he kind of whimpered as we left.
There's another dog on Liliha Street that doesn't bark at Kimo, near the crosswalk at Bates on the Ewas side, but today I didn't see him. Don't know if he's still there.
Then there's Kimo's "brother" on the DH side of Liliha a few doors down from Lorianne's house. He was down the driveway around the corner of the house. He peeked around the corner and saw Kimo, then came running to the front. He seems to like Kimo, but Kimo seemed pretty indifferent. Kimo had been catching up to him in the fur department. But now Kimo's fur seems pretty scruffy in comparison. One day, I'd like to get a picture of both of them together.
One thing I notice about taking Kimo on these walks is that he rarely barks at the dogs that are barking at him. Whereas I know if these dogs came to our neighborhood, he'd be barking his head off.
There used to be a old dog on Laki Lane, but now there's a different dog there. It's a brown dog, around Kimo's size, but with short hair. This is one of the dogs that doesn't bark at Kimo. In fact, after some fence sniffing, it seemed he wanted to play with Kimo. He went up on the fence (actually the fence isn't that tall and I think he could jump over if he really tried). Then he kind of whimpered as we left.
There's another dog on Liliha Street that doesn't bark at Kimo, near the crosswalk at Bates on the Ewas side, but today I didn't see him. Don't know if he's still there.
Then there's Kimo's "brother" on the DH side of Liliha a few doors down from Lorianne's house. He was down the driveway around the corner of the house. He peeked around the corner and saw Kimo, then came running to the front. He seems to like Kimo, but Kimo seemed pretty indifferent. Kimo had been catching up to him in the fur department. But now Kimo's fur seems pretty scruffy in comparison. One day, I'd like to get a picture of both of them together.
One thing I notice about taking Kimo on these walks is that he rarely barks at the dogs that are barking at him. Whereas I know if these dogs came to our neighborhood, he'd be barking his head off.
another non-scaredy cat
Today the fat cat at the end of the street came out down the driveway when I was with Kimo and Hershey. Hershey howled a little and Kimo went close and barked a bit (my memory is a little hazy). (I think Kimo might be attracted to him (her?) because he's roughly the same size and color as Oliver. Well I guess he's a little bigger than Oliver.)
But then the cat continued to advance and meowed (or made some kind of sound).
Hershey kept his distance and I gently tugged Kimo back. And they pretty surprisingly went quite willingly. I think they were a little intimidated by the cat.
On the way back, Paco came out. Hershey reacted pretty mildly. And Kimo reacted slightly. Paco then lied on his back, but I continued them on the way so as to prevent any trouble. So it looks like Hershey is getting a little more used to the cats.
However, he still has trouble with Betty as he howled at her when I was picking up Hershy on the way back on our walk. Kimo went a little wild but became manageable after waiting him out for like 20 seconds (or whatever it was).
But then the cat continued to advance and meowed (or made some kind of sound).
Hershey kept his distance and I gently tugged Kimo back. And they pretty surprisingly went quite willingly. I think they were a little intimidated by the cat.
On the way back, Paco came out. Hershey reacted pretty mildly. And Kimo reacted slightly. Paco then lied on his back, but I continued them on the way so as to prevent any trouble. So it looks like Hershey is getting a little more used to the cats.
However, he still has trouble with Betty as he howled at her when I was picking up Hershy on the way back on our walk. Kimo went a little wild but became manageable after waiting him out for like 20 seconds (or whatever it was).
wake-up call
Kimo is sometimes the most dangerous when he's sleeping. Or right after he sleeps.
If anybody is near him when he wakes up, he instantly goes into attack mode. Obviously this is a dangerous and scary thing.
And he doesn't even have to be in a deep sleep. Sometimes he just nods off and if you happen to be near him when he wakes up, look out.
This seems like a tough one to fix. One thing I'm trying is to stay by the front door inside while he's lying down outside the door by the railing. A couple of times he woke and when into attack mode while I was safe inside. Then he eventually calms when he recognizes me (or vice-versa). I'm hoping eventually he'll realize that there's nothing to worry about when he wakes up.
But I dunno. He's a highly reactive dog that responds immediately with the slightest stimulus. I don't know if that's his breed or something that happened to him in the past. Probably both.
Well press on.
If anybody is near him when he wakes up, he instantly goes into attack mode. Obviously this is a dangerous and scary thing.
And he doesn't even have to be in a deep sleep. Sometimes he just nods off and if you happen to be near him when he wakes up, look out.
This seems like a tough one to fix. One thing I'm trying is to stay by the front door inside while he's lying down outside the door by the railing. A couple of times he woke and when into attack mode while I was safe inside. Then he eventually calms when he recognizes me (or vice-versa). I'm hoping eventually he'll realize that there's nothing to worry about when he wakes up.
But I dunno. He's a highly reactive dog that responds immediately with the slightest stimulus. I don't know if that's his breed or something that happened to him in the past. Probably both.
Well press on.
Friday, May 16, 2008
AllExperts.com
allexperts.com is a place where you can ask questions (and get answers) for "experts" (all volunteers). Here's a list of questions asked on Canine Behavior. The oldest question I see is from 8/19/06. I don't know if that's the first question ever asked or if they delete the older responses (I hope not).
Lee Charles Kelley is one of the experts. The first question I see him answering is from 10/25/07.
Lee Charles Kelley is one of the experts. The first question I see him answering is from 10/25/07.
Kimo's eating habits
I've gotten Kimo used to sitting down, lying down, shaking hands, etc. before he gets to eat.
But now, a lot of times, he'll start eating and stop and wait for me to give him the OK to eat again. That's OK, but then I have to spend the time watching him eat.
Once in a while, like yesterday, he stops eating and when he comes back, he paws at his bowl like he wants tip the bowl to spill the food on the ground. He more readily eats the food off the floor than from his bowl.
Sometimes, to get him to finish his medicine, I'll take the food out of the bowl and put it on the floor and then he'll eat it.
I'm guessing it's instinct. It's more natural to eat off the ground than from a bowl.
But now, a lot of times, he'll start eating and stop and wait for me to give him the OK to eat again. That's OK, but then I have to spend the time watching him eat.
Once in a while, like yesterday, he stops eating and when he comes back, he paws at his bowl like he wants tip the bowl to spill the food on the ground. He more readily eats the food off the floor than from his bowl.
Sometimes, to get him to finish his medicine, I'll take the food out of the bowl and put it on the floor and then he'll eat it.
I'm guessing it's instinct. It's more natural to eat off the ground than from a bowl.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
(non)Scaredy Cat
When Donna, Alvin, and Christie leaving on Sunday, Kimo was barking at something in the bushes. It turned out to be a black and white cat (I forget whether it was black with white spots or white with black spots).
Despite the barking, the cat didn't run away. On the contrary, it came right up the railing and he (or she) and Kimo were practically nose-to-nose. I don't know if the cat wanted to be friendly or was teasing the dog.
Today (Wednesday), Kimo saw another black and white cat at Malia's house. Stanley said it's Malia's cat. I don't think it was the same cat but Kimo started acting up. And when I held him, he started to get wild and I had to hold him tightly with both hands to prevent him from biting me. I don't know if the holding him made him worse, or if I should have turned him away.
I figure if I turn him away, I'll be avoiding the problem and it'll never get solved. On the other hand, if I constantly force him to face unpleasant situations, maybe I'm making him more crazy.
I'm looking at the Tallulah episode of IMOTD. Victoria is preventing situations from escalating by making a noise to distract the dog and turning and walking away. On the other hand, I've seen her walk a dog together with another dog (who he doesn't get along with) under protest and eventually they walked together OK.
[5/17/08] The cat came back today. At least I think it was the same cat. It went under mom's car while Kimo was in the garage. I was wondering what he was barking at until I looked under the car. The cat was there for quite a while as I tried to calm Kimo and try to get him used to the cat. He still wants to go after the cat, but didn't seem so intense today.
When the cat walked away, I saw it was a black cat with white paws and a purple collar. So it's somebody's cat. Maybe it's tame because it didn't get wild (no arched back or anything) when Kimo barked at it. We'll see if/when this same cat comes back.
Despite the barking, the cat didn't run away. On the contrary, it came right up the railing and he (or she) and Kimo were practically nose-to-nose. I don't know if the cat wanted to be friendly or was teasing the dog.
Today (Wednesday), Kimo saw another black and white cat at Malia's house. Stanley said it's Malia's cat. I don't think it was the same cat but Kimo started acting up. And when I held him, he started to get wild and I had to hold him tightly with both hands to prevent him from biting me. I don't know if the holding him made him worse, or if I should have turned him away.
I figure if I turn him away, I'll be avoiding the problem and it'll never get solved. On the other hand, if I constantly force him to face unpleasant situations, maybe I'm making him more crazy.
I'm looking at the Tallulah episode of IMOTD. Victoria is preventing situations from escalating by making a noise to distract the dog and turning and walking away. On the other hand, I've seen her walk a dog together with another dog (who he doesn't get along with) under protest and eventually they walked together OK.
[5/17/08] The cat came back today. At least I think it was the same cat. It went under mom's car while Kimo was in the garage. I was wondering what he was barking at until I looked under the car. The cat was there for quite a while as I tried to calm Kimo and try to get him used to the cat. He still wants to go after the cat, but didn't seem so intense today.
When the cat walked away, I saw it was a black cat with white paws and a purple collar. So it's somebody's cat. Maybe it's tame because it didn't get wild (no arched back or anything) when Kimo barked at it. We'll see if/when this same cat comes back.
It's Me or The Dog (episodes online)
I see that some It's Me or the Dog episodes are on AOL video. These apparently are the U.K. versions of the show.
Season 2
1 - Pugsley (British Bulldog) [youtube]
2 - Toadie and Smartie (great dane/lab crosses) [youtube]
3 - Rufus (dachsund) [youtube]
4 - Bailey (Yorkie) [youtube]
5 - Max (Gordon Setter)
7 - Tallulah (hairless Chinese Crested, the hound from hell)
Season 3
1 - Jodie Marsh
2 - Bramble and Benjy (cocker spaniels)
3 - Little Lucy
4 - Pixie and Tyson (Pomeranian and Maltese)
5 - Doogle and Bumble (English sheepdogs)
***
[9/12/09] It appears the videos are no longer on aol, but have been transferred to veoh.
[12/11/11] a few were found on youtube (while searching for Dog Whisperer episodes)
Season 2
1 - Pugsley (British Bulldog) [youtube]
2 - Toadie and Smartie (great dane/lab crosses) [youtube]
3 - Rufus (dachsund) [youtube]
4 - Bailey (Yorkie) [youtube]
5 - Max (Gordon Setter)
7 - Tallulah (hairless Chinese Crested, the hound from hell)
Season 3
1 - Jodie Marsh
2 - Bramble and Benjy (cocker spaniels)
3 - Little Lucy
4 - Pixie and Tyson (Pomeranian and Maltese)
5 - Doogle and Bumble (English sheepdogs)
***
[9/12/09] It appears the videos are no longer on aol, but have been transferred to veoh.
[12/11/11] a few were found on youtube (while searching for Dog Whisperer episodes)
Monday, May 12, 2008
Kimo gets loose
On Friday, puppy Koa was being walked. Kimo pulled the screwdriver out the ground and charged down the side of the house.
He stopped a few feet away and was barking before I was able to snag the chain.
The bad thing is that he charged the other dog. The good thing is that he stopped short of actually attacking. So he's protective, but not aggressive. If you define aggressive as attacking.
This was similar to when Kimo first got here and he broke the rope and charged Amy walking Miki and Shammy. That time he stopped short too.
I seemed to have the Miki and Shammy problem squared away. But then Harold passed away. And the dog walking duties passed to Reina. That went OK for a while until I took Kimo to the MDP and he growled at Miki and Miki attacked him. Now he growls whenever he sees Miki and goes wild if I press him to get closer.
Kimo's pretty good with Koa behind the gate. Well most of the time. Now if I can get Koa to calm down when he's free then it might be OK. Koa seems to be getting better at staying in control when I feed him behind the gate. Actually Keith is the only other dog that I see getting walked regularly. Well, Max and maybe Bobby too. But I don't see them.
It might be OK if Koa got walked every day, and I could walk Kimo next to him, but I see him getting walked only on rare occasions.
He stopped a few feet away and was barking before I was able to snag the chain.
The bad thing is that he charged the other dog. The good thing is that he stopped short of actually attacking. So he's protective, but not aggressive. If you define aggressive as attacking.
This was similar to when Kimo first got here and he broke the rope and charged Amy walking Miki and Shammy. That time he stopped short too.
I seemed to have the Miki and Shammy problem squared away. But then Harold passed away. And the dog walking duties passed to Reina. That went OK for a while until I took Kimo to the MDP and he growled at Miki and Miki attacked him. Now he growls whenever he sees Miki and goes wild if I press him to get closer.
Kimo's pretty good with Koa behind the gate. Well most of the time. Now if I can get Koa to calm down when he's free then it might be OK. Koa seems to be getting better at staying in control when I feed him behind the gate. Actually Keith is the only other dog that I see getting walked regularly. Well, Max and maybe Bobby too. But I don't see them.
It might be OK if Koa got walked every day, and I could walk Kimo next to him, but I see him getting walked only on rare occasions.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Ian Dunbar interview
While searching for growl classes mentioned in another article, I came across this interview with Ian Dunbar. There are other interviews linked at the top. I recognize Jean Donaldson and Joel Walton, so I must deduce the rest are noted dog behaviourists too.
Here's a couple of excerpts that stood out for me.
[pyr]
what are growl classes?
[Bazzer]
Classes where aggressive dogs get together to try to sort out their problems
[IanDunbar]
The whole thing about growl classes are that we have checked out all the dogs and the fight, and they are obnoxious but have not caused harm - not sent a dog to the vet the growl class therefore offers a safe forum (without embarrassment) for the owners and dogs to learn two things -1. How to control their dogs around other dogs all of the owners will learn this
[Bazzer]
That's about right. But they're wearing muzzles - just in case. What would you suggest if they lunge at each other
[IanDunbar]
2. some dogs will also learn to play off-leash, so we muzzle them (mainly for the owners sake) because none of these dogs have ever bitten and then we see what happens because the dogs have been tested to be safe we have many options
[pawsnlearn]
Do you hold them indoors or outdoors??
[Bazzer]
But if they lunge at each other while on lead, what should the owner do?
[IanDunbar]
to let them growl or scrap it out or to intervene - The best way to stop lunging or any obnoxious behavior is to praise the dog when it stops
[Bazzer]
Not shout or jerk the lead? How would they intervene?
[IanDunbar]
we can not do this in normal everyday living but we can in the growl class
[Gill123]
so a "set up" so to speak?
[IanDunbar]
By setting up a troubleshooting situation with one dog on leash and still and the other 7 walking by the dog will be exposed to the same dogs over and over the first few passes will be horrendous but what else is new we just ignore the dog's tantrums and wait - soon, usually after five or six passes the dog's enthusiasm for growling and lunging starts to wane. Now we can start praising the dog - Important point:
[Bazzer]
What about tethering the dog to a pipe or something sturdy and the owner moving away when he lunges?
[IanDunbar]
if we punish the dog for lunging or growling from the outset the approach of another dog becomes the contingent cue for our punishment - hence the dog will growl MORE - Once we have praised the dog for not lunging and for being quiet, this will not be the case and so then you may reprimand if you like I would never jerk or tighten the leash when doing this - no longer anyway - I used to but it just makes things worse
[pawsnlearn]
Do you find dogs get highly stressed in growl classes??
[IanDunbar]
Yes! - Initially it is very stressful for everyone and if a dog looks too stressed take it out immediately
[pawsnlearn]
So - how quickly do things chill down??
[IanDunbar]
But for most dogs it cracks me up, They are all growling and lunging on leash and the owners are sweating and then I say let them off leash and most of the dogs go quiet. In fact it gets very quiet. and usually a couple will sniff and even start to play. I should reiterate though that growl classes are only suitable for dogs that have not caused damage that's a whole different affair
[pawsnlearn]
We do this outside with a lot of space - never tried indoors
[pyr]
so, with these dogs it's all show? - what is different if they have caused damage?
[IanDunbar]
poor prognosis for them because they have not learned their bite inhibition in puppy hood
[pawsnlearn]
Yes .........
[IanDunbar]
The greater the number the fights the dog has had, usually the better the prognosis. If they have caused damage, all you can really teach is for the owners to learn how to control their dogs around other dogs
[pyr]
more fights = better prognosis?
[IanDunbar]
But a lot of these dogs are relentless and a single one can ruin a good growl class
[pawsnlearn]
I can imagine
[IanDunbar]
More fights usually means no damage done unless the owner is a fool -Three fights lots of damage = poor prognosis
[pawsnlearn]
Do you run them indoors Ian??
[IanDunbar]
lots of fights and no damage = excellent prognosis because the dog is just scared and full of bluster
[pawsnlearn]
I mean a hall
[IanDunbar]
Look at Shogun on the videos ...... If you hear the growls and barks it is scary but...if you watch it without the sound you will see all the bent elbows, playraises, licks and playbows the dog obviously wants to play but dare not
* * * [well Kimo has done damage to me, and Miki and Nalu have attacked but I don't think damaged Kimo, physically anyway. And I don't think Kimo has damaged Hershey. But he sure hasn't learned bite inhibition. It ain't going to be easy.] * * *
[Tina1234]
I would like to know how to stop -self reinforced barking. i.e. one dog barking at the rest of the pack when they are resting
[IanDunbar]
I would probably feed each of the other dogs one piece of kibble for every time the other dog barked. I love doing things like that - gets attention quicker than anything then tell the barker to settle down and shush and after a while give all dogs a piece of kibble
[Gill123]
God I love your way of thinking!
[Tina1234]
umm ok ! I will give it a try thanks!
*** I wonder what would happen if try this when Keith barks from the window? ***
Here's a couple of excerpts that stood out for me.
[pyr]
what are growl classes?
[Bazzer]
Classes where aggressive dogs get together to try to sort out their problems
[IanDunbar]
The whole thing about growl classes are that we have checked out all the dogs and the fight, and they are obnoxious but have not caused harm - not sent a dog to the vet the growl class therefore offers a safe forum (without embarrassment) for the owners and dogs to learn two things -1. How to control their dogs around other dogs all of the owners will learn this
[Bazzer]
That's about right. But they're wearing muzzles - just in case. What would you suggest if they lunge at each other
[IanDunbar]
2. some dogs will also learn to play off-leash, so we muzzle them (mainly for the owners sake) because none of these dogs have ever bitten and then we see what happens because the dogs have been tested to be safe we have many options
[pawsnlearn]
Do you hold them indoors or outdoors??
[Bazzer]
But if they lunge at each other while on lead, what should the owner do?
[IanDunbar]
to let them growl or scrap it out or to intervene - The best way to stop lunging or any obnoxious behavior is to praise the dog when it stops
[Bazzer]
Not shout or jerk the lead? How would they intervene?
[IanDunbar]
we can not do this in normal everyday living but we can in the growl class
[Gill123]
so a "set up" so to speak?
[IanDunbar]
By setting up a troubleshooting situation with one dog on leash and still and the other 7 walking by the dog will be exposed to the same dogs over and over the first few passes will be horrendous but what else is new we just ignore the dog's tantrums and wait - soon, usually after five or six passes the dog's enthusiasm for growling and lunging starts to wane. Now we can start praising the dog - Important point:
[Bazzer]
What about tethering the dog to a pipe or something sturdy and the owner moving away when he lunges?
[IanDunbar]
if we punish the dog for lunging or growling from the outset the approach of another dog becomes the contingent cue for our punishment - hence the dog will growl MORE - Once we have praised the dog for not lunging and for being quiet, this will not be the case and so then you may reprimand if you like I would never jerk or tighten the leash when doing this - no longer anyway - I used to but it just makes things worse
[pawsnlearn]
Do you find dogs get highly stressed in growl classes??
[IanDunbar]
Yes! - Initially it is very stressful for everyone and if a dog looks too stressed take it out immediately
[pawsnlearn]
So - how quickly do things chill down??
[IanDunbar]
But for most dogs it cracks me up, They are all growling and lunging on leash and the owners are sweating and then I say let them off leash and most of the dogs go quiet. In fact it gets very quiet. and usually a couple will sniff and even start to play. I should reiterate though that growl classes are only suitable for dogs that have not caused damage that's a whole different affair
[pawsnlearn]
We do this outside with a lot of space - never tried indoors
[pyr]
so, with these dogs it's all show? - what is different if they have caused damage?
[IanDunbar]
poor prognosis for them because they have not learned their bite inhibition in puppy hood
[pawsnlearn]
Yes .........
[IanDunbar]
The greater the number the fights the dog has had, usually the better the prognosis. If they have caused damage, all you can really teach is for the owners to learn how to control their dogs around other dogs
[pyr]
more fights = better prognosis?
[IanDunbar]
But a lot of these dogs are relentless and a single one can ruin a good growl class
[pawsnlearn]
I can imagine
[IanDunbar]
More fights usually means no damage done unless the owner is a fool -Three fights lots of damage = poor prognosis
[pawsnlearn]
Do you run them indoors Ian??
[IanDunbar]
lots of fights and no damage = excellent prognosis because the dog is just scared and full of bluster
[pawsnlearn]
I mean a hall
[IanDunbar]
Look at Shogun on the videos ...... If you hear the growls and barks it is scary but...if you watch it without the sound you will see all the bent elbows, playraises, licks and playbows the dog obviously wants to play but dare not
* * * [well Kimo has done damage to me, and Miki and Nalu have attacked but I don't think damaged Kimo, physically anyway. And I don't think Kimo has damaged Hershey. But he sure hasn't learned bite inhibition. It ain't going to be easy.] * * *
[Tina1234]
I would like to know how to stop -self reinforced barking. i.e. one dog barking at the rest of the pack when they are resting
[IanDunbar]
I would probably feed each of the other dogs one piece of kibble for every time the other dog barked. I love doing things like that - gets attention quicker than anything then tell the barker to settle down and shush and after a while give all dogs a piece of kibble
[Gill123]
God I love your way of thinking!
[Tina1234]
umm ok ! I will give it a try thanks!
*** I wonder what would happen if try this when Keith barks from the window? ***
Thursday, May 8, 2008
What's next on the Dog Whisperer?
You can find out at locatetv.com. Other shows like It's Me or the Dog and Good Dog U too. I see that Good Dog U was from 1998-2000. And that there were only three episodes made of Dog Town.
[5/10/08] It's Me or the Dog TV schedule at Animal Planet
[5/10/08] It's Me or the Dog TV schedule at Animal Planet
How to stop a dog from biting
I googled in the above phrase in google and got some results of various helpfulness.
First was an article that mentions older dogs that bite when startled. These are dogs that are deaf or blind and react in fear when startled. Well, Kimo isn't deaf or blind, but he doesn't react well when startled. The advice? In essence, take precautions and be careful.
Next was an article which categorized biters into three age groups: puppies, year-old, two to four years old. "Beyond the age of four years old, most dogs who have viciously bitten someone have been euthanized or otherwise disposed of." This is discouraging because Kimo is now five years old. The advice is to get a qualified obedience instructor to gain the status of pack leader. I don't know if Kimo thinks he's the pack leader. I'm pretty sure I'm the pack leader most of the time anyway. Though evidently not completely because he doesn't listen right away all the time, especially when he's aroused.
This one says, among other things, to spay or neuter your dog. An unneutered dog is more than 3 times as likely to attack. I'm wondering though whether it's too late with Kimo because of his age. Still that was part of Victoria Stilwell's solution for Pongo and Cesar Millan's solution for Vito or was it Rocco?
This article says trust and respect inhibits biting. And to Never hit, kick or slap your dog. This is the quickest way to erode the dog's trust in you.
Here's a promising article from paw-rescue on Teaching Bite Inhibition partly based on an article by Ian Dunbar. It mentions daily grooming to help the dog get used to human touch. But that's in the context of a puppy. I don't know if it would help adult dogs, but I guess it couldn't hurt. Dunbar also recommends a muzzle if the dog is taken to public areas. In training dogs to get along, he recommends to praise the dog or even give him treats when the other dog enters. Even if he's growling. [I dunno about this, maybe you're rewarding the growling?] I wonder if this would work with Kimo and Miki?
Another thing it says. Do not yank on the dog's leash or spank him or yell. If you constantly reprimand the dog whenever another dog is present, you will reinforce your dog's negative feelings for other dogs. I think that's why Dunbar doesn't like Millan, because you always see him yanking the chain. Dunbar might see that as punishment. Millan views it as redirecting the dog's attention.
So what am I taking away from all these articles? Well I guess I'll try the muzzle thing. Not sure if I'll try the treat thing with Miki but I'll continue trying to make his exposures with Keith and Miki not unpleasant.
First was an article that mentions older dogs that bite when startled. These are dogs that are deaf or blind and react in fear when startled. Well, Kimo isn't deaf or blind, but he doesn't react well when startled. The advice? In essence, take precautions and be careful.
Next was an article which categorized biters into three age groups: puppies, year-old, two to four years old. "Beyond the age of four years old, most dogs who have viciously bitten someone have been euthanized or otherwise disposed of." This is discouraging because Kimo is now five years old. The advice is to get a qualified obedience instructor to gain the status of pack leader. I don't know if Kimo thinks he's the pack leader. I'm pretty sure I'm the pack leader most of the time anyway. Though evidently not completely because he doesn't listen right away all the time, especially when he's aroused.
This one says, among other things, to spay or neuter your dog. An unneutered dog is more than 3 times as likely to attack. I'm wondering though whether it's too late with Kimo because of his age. Still that was part of Victoria Stilwell's solution for Pongo and Cesar Millan's solution for Vito or was it Rocco?
This article says trust and respect inhibits biting. And to Never hit, kick or slap your dog. This is the quickest way to erode the dog's trust in you.
Here's a promising article from paw-rescue on Teaching Bite Inhibition partly based on an article by Ian Dunbar. It mentions daily grooming to help the dog get used to human touch. But that's in the context of a puppy. I don't know if it would help adult dogs, but I guess it couldn't hurt. Dunbar also recommends a muzzle if the dog is taken to public areas. In training dogs to get along, he recommends to praise the dog or even give him treats when the other dog enters. Even if he's growling. [I dunno about this, maybe you're rewarding the growling?] I wonder if this would work with Kimo and Miki?
Another thing it says. Do not yank on the dog's leash or spank him or yell. If you constantly reprimand the dog whenever another dog is present, you will reinforce your dog's negative feelings for other dogs. I think that's why Dunbar doesn't like Millan, because you always see him yanking the chain. Dunbar might see that as punishment. Millan views it as redirecting the dog's attention.
So what am I taking away from all these articles? Well I guess I'll try the muzzle thing. Not sure if I'll try the treat thing with Miki but I'll continue trying to make his exposures with Keith and Miki not unpleasant.
a muzzle
In the wake of the bite, I decided to buy a muzzle for Kimo. I haven't used it yet, but I think I'll at least use it when I take him to tennis and maybe when I take him for the morning walks.
That way, I'll feel more at ease when people pet him. And maybe the other people will feel more at ease. And the more positive interactions he has with people can only lead to good. I hope.
That's the plan anyway. Now the challenge will be to see how he reacts to putting on the muzzle. It might not be too bad. Because I remember when he had wear the hood when he had the mange, when I kept him calm he didn't seem to fight much if at all. Whereas Donna and Alvin had a heck of time putting it on, at least once.
We shall see.
That way, I'll feel more at ease when people pet him. And maybe the other people will feel more at ease. And the more positive interactions he has with people can only lead to good. I hope.
That's the plan anyway. Now the challenge will be to see how he reacts to putting on the muzzle. It might not be too bad. Because I remember when he had wear the hood when he had the mange, when I kept him calm he didn't seem to fight much if at all. Whereas Donna and Alvin had a heck of time putting it on, at least once.
We shall see.
Walking at a distance
Kimo is still reacting to Keith. When Keith barks, he barks and I wouldn't categorize it as a peaceful bark.
Today when I took him out for a walk, Pat took Keith out. It seemed I was about to pass Keith successfully (Keith was coming up the street and Kimo was coming down the sidewalk and kind of looking a bit at Katherine's cat in the garage). But then Keith barked and Kimo went wild for a moment.
Not time to give up. I went up the street and when Keith turned around, I decided to follow at a distance. That way, Kimo would have some interaction with Keith at a safe distance and could practice not being wild in his presence. When Pat started to turn around, I turned Kimo around too, so Keith could have that same experience. I took it kind of slow trying to be gentle when Kimo wanted to turn back to look at Keith. We went up and down a couple of times with minor reaction. So I would categorize this walk as a success.
Today when I took him out for a walk, Pat took Keith out. It seemed I was about to pass Keith successfully (Keith was coming up the street and Kimo was coming down the sidewalk and kind of looking a bit at Katherine's cat in the garage). But then Keith barked and Kimo went wild for a moment.
Not time to give up. I went up the street and when Keith turned around, I decided to follow at a distance. That way, Kimo would have some interaction with Keith at a safe distance and could practice not being wild in his presence. When Pat started to turn around, I turned Kimo around too, so Keith could have that same experience. I took it kind of slow trying to be gentle when Kimo wanted to turn back to look at Keith. We went up and down a couple of times with minor reaction. So I would categorize this walk as a success.
The latest bite
This is getting a little discouraging as his bites are getting more frequent. There was a stretch of months where I didn't get bitten. But there probably were cases where I would have gotten bitten if I were in closer proximity, because, now thinking about it, there were a number of occasions when he went wild and out of control.
This time it was something new. In the past I would get bitten when Kimo didn't want to move from a certain area and I would grab him to move him.
The other times was when I was sitting by him while he was sleeping or snoozing and he would wake up and go after the first thing he sees.
This time it was food possession. I took him and Hershey back to the Tsutsui's steps and they were in their usual spots. The only unusual thing was that he was sniffing at the Tsutsui wall when I don't remember him doing.
Anyway, I was feeding them as usual. Putting the treat on the ground and making them lie down and wait before letting them have it. I don't remember exactly what happened, but I saw his paw in an unwanted position, it might have been covering the food or on my hand and I went to move it. And when I did, he bit my hand and went wild.
I made him lie down and lay him on his side under mild protest. His eyes seemed kind of glazey at first but then seemed to relax a little after a while. In the meantime, Hershey went to the grass at a safe distance because I think Kimo went after him when he went wild. Hope that didn't mess up Hershey because he's the closest to a dog friend that Kimo has.
Then Kimo didn't want to get up. I didn't want to force him up because the leash was under his legs. So eventually I enticed him by putting a treat on the ground just out of reach. Then he got up to eat it and I took him in the back.
He sat down as usual and I sat on the chair. But then he wanted to lick the wound area, even jumping up on my leg to reach the wound. I let him lick some, but stood up when he went up on my leg. I gave him the sad face (and I was really sad thinking of the possibility of euthanizing him). I doubt if the sad face really did anything. But who knows?
What's worrisome now is how I'm going to treat this problem now that I'm aware of it. He's not supposed to do this to the pack leader. So either I'm not the pack leader or he quickly loses control of his emotions when something doesn't go his way. Well I know the latter is true. And the former is probably partially true at least.
* * *
Another worry was he didn't growl first in warning and just immediately attacked.
* * *
Once again, Kimo seemed to know that he bit me or at least that I was hurt as he went to lick my wounds when I sat down in the chair and petted him. He would even jump up to try to reach the most wounded area, but I stood up to discourage that. I'm still thinking his saliva might have medicinal properties. Like that Man Among Wolves special where the guy would get bitten by the wolves and the wolves would lick him later.
This time it was something new. In the past I would get bitten when Kimo didn't want to move from a certain area and I would grab him to move him.
The other times was when I was sitting by him while he was sleeping or snoozing and he would wake up and go after the first thing he sees.
This time it was food possession. I took him and Hershey back to the Tsutsui's steps and they were in their usual spots. The only unusual thing was that he was sniffing at the Tsutsui wall when I don't remember him doing.
Anyway, I was feeding them as usual. Putting the treat on the ground and making them lie down and wait before letting them have it. I don't remember exactly what happened, but I saw his paw in an unwanted position, it might have been covering the food or on my hand and I went to move it. And when I did, he bit my hand and went wild.
I made him lie down and lay him on his side under mild protest. His eyes seemed kind of glazey at first but then seemed to relax a little after a while. In the meantime, Hershey went to the grass at a safe distance because I think Kimo went after him when he went wild. Hope that didn't mess up Hershey because he's the closest to a dog friend that Kimo has.
Then Kimo didn't want to get up. I didn't want to force him up because the leash was under his legs. So eventually I enticed him by putting a treat on the ground just out of reach. Then he got up to eat it and I took him in the back.
He sat down as usual and I sat on the chair. But then he wanted to lick the wound area, even jumping up on my leg to reach the wound. I let him lick some, but stood up when he went up on my leg. I gave him the sad face (and I was really sad thinking of the possibility of euthanizing him). I doubt if the sad face really did anything. But who knows?
What's worrisome now is how I'm going to treat this problem now that I'm aware of it. He's not supposed to do this to the pack leader. So either I'm not the pack leader or he quickly loses control of his emotions when something doesn't go his way. Well I know the latter is true. And the former is probably partially true at least.
* * *
Another worry was he didn't growl first in warning and just immediately attacked.
* * *
Once again, Kimo seemed to know that he bit me or at least that I was hurt as he went to lick my wounds when I sat down in the chair and petted him. He would even jump up to try to reach the most wounded area, but I stood up to discourage that. I'm still thinking his saliva might have medicinal properties. Like that Man Among Wolves special where the guy would get bitten by the wolves and the wolves would lick him later.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Hershey at Play
Hershey is my former neighbor's dog who brings him over to his mom's house (who is still my neighbor) on weekdays.
Today I was up early and Kimo was too. Keith was barking at Mr. Yokomoto and naturally Kimo joined in. So when I saw Mr. Yokomoto (he's 89 and still walks well), I took Kimo out.
Later the senior women joined in (my mom, Harriet, Amy, Betty) and I walked with them. Then we met up with Betty's daughter's friend (who has an unusual name, I forget but he's a musician).
We veered off to Betty's driveway as the garbage truck was coming. The Cheung family car was coming out and veered off too. Melinda happily waved at Betty, but ignored me.
Anyway, the friend came over to pet Kimo and I kind of pulled him away explaining that he gets scared. And that he doesn't like it if you approach him directly overhead. But then he kind of persisted and I let him smell his hand a little before pulling him away (but not too hard as that would be counter-productive). I guess it would be OK, but I'm still thinking of getting a muzzle for him just to be on the safe side.
Anyway (again), after the walk, Gerald brought Hershey. I was done walking, but I brought Kimo over. Kimo usually ignores Hershey at first, going over to sniff and pee in the bushes. Hershey kind of crouches down, I assume to entice the dog to come close then gets up and kind of chases them away. It's kind of a give and take. He chases Kimo a bit and Kimo backs off. Then Hershey backs off and Kimo chases him a bit. Then before things get out of hand, Hershey lies down on his back and allows Kimo to sniff him. Then abruptly gets up causing Kimo to back off. Etc.
So I guess that's how dogs play. Which is good since Kimo never does this with any other dog.
Today I was up early and Kimo was too. Keith was barking at Mr. Yokomoto and naturally Kimo joined in. So when I saw Mr. Yokomoto (he's 89 and still walks well), I took Kimo out.
Later the senior women joined in (my mom, Harriet, Amy, Betty) and I walked with them. Then we met up with Betty's daughter's friend (who has an unusual name, I forget but he's a musician).
We veered off to Betty's driveway as the garbage truck was coming. The Cheung family car was coming out and veered off too. Melinda happily waved at Betty, but ignored me.
Anyway, the friend came over to pet Kimo and I kind of pulled him away explaining that he gets scared. And that he doesn't like it if you approach him directly overhead. But then he kind of persisted and I let him smell his hand a little before pulling him away (but not too hard as that would be counter-productive). I guess it would be OK, but I'm still thinking of getting a muzzle for him just to be on the safe side.
Anyway (again), after the walk, Gerald brought Hershey. I was done walking, but I brought Kimo over. Kimo usually ignores Hershey at first, going over to sniff and pee in the bushes. Hershey kind of crouches down, I assume to entice the dog to come close then gets up and kind of chases them away. It's kind of a give and take. He chases Kimo a bit and Kimo backs off. Then Hershey backs off and Kimo chases him a bit. Then before things get out of hand, Hershey lies down on his back and allows Kimo to sniff him. Then abruptly gets up causing Kimo to back off. Etc.
So I guess that's how dogs play. Which is good since Kimo never does this with any other dog.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Food Fetch
Kimo doesn't know how to fetch. When he was a puppy, I would throw his little rubber tree branch and he would go fetch it. But now that toy is lost, and he doesn't seems to have lost the instinct to fetch.
So what I do now, is throw these tiny bits of vegetarian kibble (I bought this when I was experimenting with food and he didn't seem to like it plus it gave him the runs) and he goes and gets it and comes back for the next one.
Anyway, this works pretty well. But after playing, he gets rambunctious and starts nipping at my heels, or nipping at the bottom of my sweatpants, or jumping on me, or chews on his leash. Things he usually doesn't do. I guess the fetch/play brings the instinct out of him. Which might be good, but I don't know what the next step should be. Maybe I gotta get that Natural Dog Training book.
So what I do now, is throw these tiny bits of vegetarian kibble (I bought this when I was experimenting with food and he didn't seem to like it plus it gave him the runs) and he goes and gets it and comes back for the next one.
Anyway, this works pretty well. But after playing, he gets rambunctious and starts nipping at my heels, or nipping at the bottom of my sweatpants, or jumping on me, or chews on his leash. Things he usually doesn't do. I guess the fetch/play brings the instinct out of him. Which might be good, but I don't know what the next step should be. Maybe I gotta get that Natural Dog Training book.
Nalu's dogs
Yesterday, I decided to go up to Nalu's two dogs. I think it was after Koa was being walked and I followed them back up the street.
These two sometimes bark when I go past, but not every single time. I guess it depends on how awake they are. One has an anxious bark, the other seems a little more assertive.
Anyway, everybody's scared of these two dogs because one of Nalu's dogs got loose and attacked Ann's dog and also Miki pretty severely. But when I happened to chat with Nalu a while back (last year?) he said he got rid of those dogs. So these are supposedly two new dogs. Both look like pit bulls or pit bull mixes.
Anyway, I went up with Kimo with them and they barked but didn't seem aggressive. At least not baring their teeth and growling ferociously. Surprisingly, Kimo seemed fairly calm though when their barking increased, he barked too.
I tried to feed them to the fence, looking for signs of aggression so as not to get bitten. They really didn't seem attracted to the food. Though eventually one of them licked the apple treat and I forget if he took it.
Later that day, on the afternoon walk, I was talking to Amy, Charlotte, and Roy outside. Nalu's dogs started to bark again, so I went up to them. I had a couple of half-biscuits from WalMart, but they didn't seem attracted to them. So not really a successful outing. I did notice that one of them seems more dominant. The anxious one was barking and I was trying to see if he would take the biscuit, then the other came and kind of shoved the first one aside and started to bark.
So, not really successful, but at least I have seen how they react. Maybe I'll try again after the weekend is over.
These two sometimes bark when I go past, but not every single time. I guess it depends on how awake they are. One has an anxious bark, the other seems a little more assertive.
Anyway, everybody's scared of these two dogs because one of Nalu's dogs got loose and attacked Ann's dog and also Miki pretty severely. But when I happened to chat with Nalu a while back (last year?) he said he got rid of those dogs. So these are supposedly two new dogs. Both look like pit bulls or pit bull mixes.
Anyway, I went up with Kimo with them and they barked but didn't seem aggressive. At least not baring their teeth and growling ferociously. Surprisingly, Kimo seemed fairly calm though when their barking increased, he barked too.
I tried to feed them to the fence, looking for signs of aggression so as not to get bitten. They really didn't seem attracted to the food. Though eventually one of them licked the apple treat and I forget if he took it.
Later that day, on the afternoon walk, I was talking to Amy, Charlotte, and Roy outside. Nalu's dogs started to bark again, so I went up to them. I had a couple of half-biscuits from WalMart, but they didn't seem attracted to them. So not really a successful outing. I did notice that one of them seems more dominant. The anxious one was barking and I was trying to see if he would take the biscuit, then the other came and kind of shoved the first one aside and started to bark.
So, not really successful, but at least I have seen how they react. Maybe I'll try again after the weekend is over.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Christie
Kimo seemed happy to see Christie and he ran into the house and jumped on her.
We sat down and were petting him. Me from the side and her from the front. Then he got spooked and growled and I pulled him away. He got wild for a few moments and I held him up with the leash until he calmed down. I think he gets spooked if you approach him from the front right over his head. Like something's going to happen to him. Which is why I try to approach him from the side. Still he shouldn't do that to someone he knows so well. (Or to anyone.)
Very disheartening as he had never done that before with Christie. I dunno if he's getting worse.
We sat down and were petting him. Me from the side and her from the front. Then he got spooked and growled and I pulled him away. He got wild for a few moments and I held him up with the leash until he calmed down. I think he gets spooked if you approach him from the front right over his head. Like something's going to happen to him. Which is why I try to approach him from the side. Still he shouldn't do that to someone he knows so well. (Or to anyone.)
Very disheartening as he had never done that before with Christie. I dunno if he's getting worse.
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