what your dog is trying to say

Having a loyal pup in the household certainly ensures an incredible amount of love from dog to owner, in a true “man’s best friend” fashion. Understanding your dog is fairly easy and it’s not hard to understand your pup wants to give you some delightful bits of love with kisses, but dogs can often behave in a more subtle manner as well.

Unfortunately, not all of us are as good as talking to pets as Dr. Doolittle, but here are 12 different signs your dog makes and what your pup is actually trying to say to you.

sleeping dog positions

[9/3/17] Because our pets can’t directly tell us things about them, sometimes we as pet owners have to take it upon ourselves to do some digging, while paying attention to key clues. And those clues can sometimes come from some pretty unlikely places.

Take, for instance, the position that your dog sleeps in. Believe it or not it can be pretty revealing about your dogs overall health, along with its personality.

For instance, does your pup sleep in a curled up position? Your dog is doing that to conserve its body heat, while protecting its limbs, face, and throat. Interestingly, dogs who sleep in this position are gentle, and have a naturally sweet disposition.

Keep reading to discover the meaning behind several of the most common sleeping positions for pups.

*** 9/6/20 ***

From Pet MD, 5 Dog Sleeping Positions and what they mean

Pamela Burns

Pamela Burns, president and CEO of the Hawaiian Humane Society, died at her home Monday night. She was 65-years-old.

Burns had been on a leave of absence for health reasons at the time of her death, according to an announcement today from the Humane Society.

“We are all shocked and deeply saddened by this loss,” said Bob Armstrong, the Humane Society’s board chairman. “Pam’s passion to improve the lives of both the animals and people of Hawaii was unmatched. She was a leader in the national and international animal welfare movement, the guiding force for the Hawaiian Humane Society for the past 27 years and a treasure in our community… The board, leadership team and staff are committed to carrying on Pam’s legacy by fulfilling the mission and continuing the essential work of the society.”

Burns served as president and CEO of the Hawaiian Humane Society since 1990. During her time at the society, the organization reduced euthanasia, increased adoptions and strengthened prevention and education programs.

She also served as the chairwoman of the National Council on Pet Population. She was a member of Petco’s Independent Animal Care Advisory Council and the Hawaii Association of Animal Welfare Agencies. She also had previously held the position of president of the Society of Animal Welfare Administrators.

***

Pamela Burns, head of the Hawaiian Humane Society, was remembered by former colleagues Tuesday for her contagious compassion for animals and love for the people of Hawaii.

Burns, president and CEO of the Hawaiian Humane Society, died at her home Monday night. She was 65.

“Her passion for the organization, for animals and for the entire community was always evident,” Hawaiian Humane Society Board member Pamela Jones said. “She had the ability through her vision and her dedication and excitement … to attract management team members and staff and board members who became just as enthusiastic about the organization.”

The Hawaiian Humane Society said in an announcement Tuesday that Burns died peacefully at her home after taking a leave of absence approximately a week ago for health reasons.

During her time leading the organization, Burns championed the animal welfare movement both nationally and internationally.

“(She) was the guiding force for the Hawaiian Humane Society for the past 27 years and a treasure in our community,” said Bob Armstrong, board chairman of the Hawaiian Humane Society, in a prepared statement. “The board, leadership team and staff are committed to carrying on Pam’s legacy by fulfilling the mission and continuing the essential work of the society.”

Jacque Vaughn, who had worked with Burns for 12 years at the Hawaiian Humane Society, remembers her as a kind leader who invested in the members of the Humane Society.

“She was the kind of person that really helps people grow in the organization,” Vaughn said. “She is a unique character. There was nobody in world like Pamela Burns.”

Burns, born Dec. 16, 1952, was a member of a prominent family of sugar industry leaders. She was the daughter of Ann Walker Burns, whose ancestors were active in Hawaii’s monarchy, and C.E.S. “Frank” Burns Jr., who was former manager of Puna Sugar Co. and Oahu Sugar Co. and later senior vice president for Amfac Inc.

The Hawaiian Humane Society said plans to celebrate Burns’ life and legacy will be announced at a later time.

“Pam was tall in stature and formidable to some as one of the nation’s leading and most respected titans of animals welfare; yet at times there was a sentimentality to her spirit that was soft and heartbreaking,” Vaughn said in a tribute. “She kept a keepsake from her mother in her car. She never missed your birthday. She had the kind of heart in which she’d show up at your grandmother’s funeral. And she always adopted animals that were not really adoptable. That said volumes to me about what she believed in. She was a believer in second chances and that love is deserving to all.”

***

[12/17/23] David Shapiro: Pam Burns’ animal impact well told in elegant book

Cesar's articles

Selected articles from Cesar's Way.

3/3/18 - treat yourself like a dog

9/10/17 - Let It Be
8/23/17 - Cesar on "punishment"
8/5/17 - failure or success?
6/4/17 - our magic mirror
6/2/17 - The story of Cesar Millan
5/10/17 - My mother's gift
3/13/17 - Why grieving for a dog is so hard
3/4/17 - R-e-s-p-e-c-t

9/19/16 - Exercise, Discipline, Affection: balancing the equation
9/17/16 - should you hug your dog?
8/28/16 - Hammer Time
7/9/16 - Fearful and fearless dogs

5/7/16 - 43 minutes

4/20/16 - before you adopt a dog..

3/13/16 - Qualities of a pack leader

2/24/16 - potty training
2/24/16 - dog memory
2/24/16 - misconceptions about shelter dogs

2/21/16 - You can't trick your dog, but...
What to do about a fearful dog?

2/7/16 - Illusion and Truth

2/3/16 - why does my dog wag its tail?

1/31/16 - Cesar on punishment

1/23/16 - Brutus or Bridget?

1/6/16 - Healthy dog treats

12/20/15 - Cesar's Christmas wish

11/29/15 - what makes humans different

11/14/15 - Does your dog respect you?

11/4/15 - Five Natural Dog Laws

10/28/15 - building boundaries

10/14/15 - why dogs shake

10/11/15 - Is your dog overweight?

9/30/15 - figuring out a dog's energy level

9/19/15 - you're an animal

9/13/15 - National Pet Memorial Day

8/16/15 - if you can't adopt, (maybe you can foster)

8/2/15 - The big picture (the six blind men)

7/22/15 - The alpha wolf (by Jon Bastian)

7/19/15 - What to do about a fearful dog

6/28/15 - Assertion

6/3/15 - 5 essential commands (by Juliana Weiss-Roessler)

5/20/15 - the human-dog bond (by Jon Bastian)

5/13/15 - walking a pack (by Jon Bastian)

5/6/15 - 10 facts about dogs

4/22/15 - creating a puppy schedule / delivering puppies

4/18/15 - the most dangerous dog

4/11/15 - Cesar's method of positive reinforcement

4/3/15 - Junior's story

3/29/15 - Honor Instinct

3/25/15 - Dog nutritional needs (by Josh Weiss-Roessler)

3/15/15 - Well trained does not necessarily mean well behaved

3/7/15 - the family pack

3/1/15 - Leadership and uncertainty

2/22/15 - follow-through

2/1/15 - The 5 Cs of responsibility: commitment, cost, care, control, consideration

1/28/15 - Caring for a senior dog (by Juliana Weiss-Roessler)

1/25/15 - Keeping control: be aware of your energy

1/18/15 - You don't have to see the whole staircase

12/21/14 - Holiday packing

11/29/14 - Dogs are our mirrors

11/18/14 - Housebreaking adult dogs (by Juliana Weiss-Roessler)

11/16/14 - Why socialization is important

11/9/14 - Body Language

11/2/14 - Cesar explains energy (some of the comments are also interesting)

10/28/14 - How to meet a dog

10/19/14 - Cesar says positive reinforcement doesn't work (for some dogs -- at first).  (And here we go with the comments!)

10/15/14 - How to help dogs get along

9/14/14 - Memorial

9/6/14 - Lessons from my grandfather

8/6/14 - the rundown on aggression

8/3/14 - what is your ritual for feeding your dog?

7/6/14 - Cesar's top tips for a balanced dog

7/6/14 - Slow down

5/28/14 - Dogs may be beneficial for your health

5/28/14 - dogs play follow the leader

5/23/14 - why do dogs eat grass?

5/20/14 - why dogs bite and how to avoid them

5/11/14 - the greeting ritual

5/7/14 - 4 signs that a senior needs a dog

5/7/14 - dogs mourning dogs

4/5/14 - Misinterpreting stories

3/29/14 - Cesar Millan on Cesar Chavez

3/17/14 - Kimmie's week with the Dog Whisperer

2/19/14 - keeping your senior dog's mind healthy

2/9/14 - Balancing the equation

2/5/14 - introducing the toothbrush

4/27/14 - Five Welfare Freedoms

1/19/14 - the content of our character

1/11/14 - a big secret about aggression

1/6/14 - Territorial Marking in the house (by Ashley Bennett)

1/4/14 - Three questions for Cesar (fearful dog) / Q&A again / (Peru-sing your problems) / Back to the mailbag

7/22/13 - The Leave It command (by Martin Deeley)

7/14/13 - How to Speak Dog (by Cesar Millan)

Understanding Dog Aggression (by Cesar Millan)

The story of Kevin Li

Doorbell barkers (flipping dog inappropriate) (by Cesar Millan)

The Lessons of Ken Jennings (by Cesar Millan)

The Art of Learning to Be (by Cheri Lucas)

Animal, Species, Breed, Name (by Cesar Millan)

How to be calm and assertive (by Cesar Millan)

how kids should (and should not) interact with dogs

should (twitter)

and

should not (twitter)

from Dr. Sophia Yin.com

Dr. Jo Righetti

Top 10 pet problems

1.  Barking Buddy
2.  Piddling Precious
3.  Hyperactive Henry
4.  Terminator Terror
5.  Antisocial Angus
6.  Clawing Cuddles
7.  Angry Apollo
8.  Frightened Freddy
9.  Anxious Amber
10.  Humble Human

dog parks

[8/29/17] Dog park do's and don'ts (via twitter)

[4/13/15] Humane Society dog parking closing

[2/6/06] Oahu has more than 40 dog-friendly parks and 121 beaches where dogs on leashes are allowed. For a guide, visit www.hawaiianhumane.org and touch the link Dog Parks & Beaches.

Off-leash fun can be found at four dog parks:

» McInerny Dog Park: Next to the Hawaiian Humane Society in Moiliili; open during shelter hours, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends and holidays.

» Bark Park: At Diamond Head Road and 18th Avenue, open during daylight hours daily. Visit www.barkpark-honolulu.org.

» Moanalua Dog Park: At Moanalua Community Park off Puuloa Road; open during daylight hours daily (except Tuesday mornings when it is closed for maintenance). Visit www.moanaluadogpark.org.

» Mililani Dog Park: at Mililani Mauka District Park at the Park & Ride, 95-1069 Ukuwai St.; open during daylight hours daily (except Wednesday mornings when it is closed for maintenance).

[above transplated from Unclassified Information blog, 3/14/10]

*** [3/14/10]

etiquette and City and County rules and regulations

I see there are now five dog parks on Oahu: Moanalua, Diamond Head (Bark Park), Humane Society (McInerney Dog Park), Hawaii Kai, Mililani. Plus a proposed ones at the Ala Wai and Kaneohe. I also saw a notice for a meeting when I was walking Kimo Saturday in Makiki.

[9/29/14] Ala Wai dog park now open

custom wheels for Cody

A set of new custom wheels has given canine Cody a new leash on life.

The 9-year-old Siberian husky is unable to use his back legs due to neurological issues and back problems. Initially, owner Carol Ginoza of Kakaako took him out for walks in a stroller but noticed he still seemed sad. Then her veterinarian, Jamie Furutani of the Mililani Mauka Veterinary Clinic, fitted him with a rear-wheel cart from Eddie’s Wheels of Shelburne Falls, Mass. The company designs and manufactures “wheelchairs” for disabled pets.

“There was a huge difference,” Ginoza said. “He’s so much happier in the wheels.”

Furutani, a certified canine rehabilitation therapist, has fitted numerous dogs with the carts. It might take some tweaking and a few days for animals to adjust to the assistive device, but she has seen it do wonders.

Vicktory Dogs

[07/10/17]
How the Michael Vick dogs changed animal rescue

[02/01/11]
At the Pro Bowl in Hawaii today, Michael Vick will start at quarterback — an unmistakable benchmark for what has been a rapid, successful and, in some circles, surprising comeback.

A few thousand miles away in the wilderness of Utah, the pit bulls Vick once owned are making a comeback of their own, though theirs has been a much slower climb.

empathy?

It’s something we dog lovers have likely pondered any number of times when our pet looks at us with those wise, wide eyes: “I wonder what he’s thinking…”

Two recent studies are moving us closer than ever to a definitive answer.

In a UK study, two researchers at Goldsmiths College in London, Deborah Custance and Jennifer Mayer, set out to determine if dogs are capable of empathy — an ability to truly understand emotion.

dog as a second language

While humans recognize overt happiness or fear in their canine companions, dogs use a more subtle language to communicate with other dogs and us. By watching, we can become more fluent in their rich vocabulary.

[article mentions calming signals. etc.]

10 reasons people hate your dog

Since you’re here on this site, then you are most likely a dog lover. At the very least, you probably have a mild interest in dogs. Well, this might come as a shock, but not everyone loves dogs. In fact, some people downright despise dogs.

We’re never going to change the minds of some people. Certain people are going to keep hating dogs no matter what we do. And that’s their prerogative. However, some non-dog-lovers might be swayed if they can see that dogs can actually be wonderful creatures.

How do we change some minds? We can start by acting like responsible dog owners and respecting others. We can have good manners and teach good manners to our dogs. If we choose not to be responsible and respectful, then we are only giving dogs and their owners a bad name.


Even as a dog lover, I can still admit that certain dogs and their owners drive me crazy! Here’s why some people really, really don’t like dogs. Are you guilty of any of these offenses?

-- via twitter

how to trim your dog's nails

dogs.about.com article via twitter

fostering a dog

Have you ever considered fostering a dog? As a foster owner, you can help homeless dogs without making the long-term commitment of adoption. Here's what you need to know about becoming a foster owner

10 facts

Do you think you know everything about our canine companions? Think again! Check out these 10 surprising facts about dogs.

1. Your dog is as smart as a 2-year-old toddler.
   There’s a reason your tot and your pup get along so well: they speak the same language. Or at least, they likely understand roughly the same number of words and gestures — 250!
    
2. Dogs and cats both slurp water the same way.
   This may be hard to believe since dogs are such messy drinkers, but just like cats, our canine friends bend the tip of their tongue and raise liquid in a column up to their mouths.
    
3. Your dog does have a sense of time — and misses you when you’re gone.
   If you think your dog knows when it’s time for dinner or a walk, you’re right! Dogs pick up on our routines and habits, and they also sense how much time has passed. One study showed how dogs responded differently to their owners being gone for different lengths of time.
    
4. Your dog’s whiskers help him “see” in the dark.
   Okay, it’s not quite night-vision or a super power, but those whiskers pick up on even subtle changes in air currents, providing your pup with information about the size, shape, and speed of things nearby. This allows your dog to better sense approaching dangers or prey — even at night.
    
5. Dogs only have sweat glands in their paws.
   More specifically, they are found between their paw pads. That’s why it can help to wet the bottom of their feet on a hot day, and it’s also why dogs rely on panting as a means of cooling down.
    
6. On average, a dog’s mouth exerts 320 pounds of pressure.
   The tests were done on a German shepherd, American pit bull terrier, and Rottweiler. In comparison, human beings exert 120 pounds, white sharks exert 600 pounds, and crocodiles exert a whopping 2,500 pounds! Dogs also have ten more adult teeth than humans — 42 versus 32.
    
7. Your one year-old pup is as physically mature as a 15-year-old human.
   Of course, different breeds age a little differently. Large dogs age faster than small ones. You can get a more exact comparison for your dog using this nifty Dog Age Calculator.
    
8. Your dog’s sense of smell is 1,000 to 10 million times better than yours.
   Depending on the breed, your dog has between 125 million to 300 million scent glands — compared to only 5 million for humans. And the part of your dog’s brain that controls smell is 40 times larger than yours — that’s true, even though the canine brain is much smaller than the human, relative to size. A human’s brain is about 1/40th of their body weight while a dog’s brain is only 1/125th. Don’t feel too smug, though — an ant’s brain is 1/7th its body weight.
    
9. Dogs can hear 4 times as far as humans.
   Puppies may be born deaf, but they quickly surpass our hearing abilities. Dogs can also hear higher pitched sounds, detecting a frequency range of 67 to 45,000 hertz (cycles per second). The human range is from 64 to 23,000 hertz. In both dogs and humans, the upper end of hearing range decreases with age.
    
10. Your dog can smell your feelings.
    Your pup can pick up on subtle changes in your scent, which can help him figure out how you are feeling — such as by smelling your perspiration when you become nervous or fearful. It’s also likely how dogs can detect certain diseases or know that a household member is pregnant.

We hope this list of odd facts about dogs gave you a better appreciation of your best friend. They are truly incredible animals and companions.