The Pawfect Guide to Thinking Like a Dog Read online

  42.BREED STANDARDS

  The standards are guidelines describing the characteristics, temperament, and appearance for a breed, intended to ensure that the breed is fit for its function. Size measurements, posture, tail carriage, and coat color are listed. Over the years, such characteristics have changed, and some standards are no longer fitting for ideal health or temperament.

  43.A PET DOG BREED

  Given that there are millions of dog owners in the world, dogs that once were bred for work purposes are now being used as pets, when this may not suit the dogs’ or owners’ needs. The job of being dog owners often comprises meeting the needs of dogs made for working.

  44.NATURE OR NURTURE?

  Every dog is a product of what is learned throughout their lifetimes, plus the characteristics they have inherited. It can be hard to predict how puppies will develop, since they are learning from every moment. Even a litter of puppies that look similar can have individuals that behave and develop very differently.

  45.ADAPTABILITY

  Dogs are highly adaptable as a species, but some have powerful instincts or physiques that, in the wrong home, can lead to serious maladaptive behaviors.

  46.LEARNING

  An older dog has learned a great deal over time, and simply hoping your puppy will turn out the same way is unrealistic. Read about the ways to treat your dog well. You’re already doing that here, so well done!

  47.LIFE STAGES

  Your dog’s behavior may change as the dog ages, so don’t assume that your energetic adolescent will always be the same!

  48.USING BREED TO PREDICT BEHAVIOR

  It’s a mistake to assume that just because one dog you met of a particular breed behaved in ways you enjoyed means that another of the same breed or similar looks will act the same way. Yet there is some evidence to suggest that undesirable breed traits, such as fearful behaviors, can be inherited.

  PICKING A BREED

  49.GENES

  Pedigree animals are inbred to keep them all looking the same as the breed. This means that the gene pool is relatively small, and in some breeds, very small indeed. This, in turn, means that unhealthy genes can be multiplied among them. Many of these breeds tend to suffer certain diseases. Of course, not all pedigree dogs have problems, but you need to be aware of the worst affected.

  50.INHERITED DISEASE

  Some breeds have much higher levels of inherited disease than others, and it’s really important to speak to a vet and do extra research before getting a certain breed. You need to know how likely the dog is to get ill and decide if you think it’s fair to buy a dog knowing it will probably suffer from a problem.

  51.HEART DISEASE

  This is very common in giant dogs such as Great Danes and also in other breeds such as Dobermans, boxers, and Cavalier King Charles spaniels. Heart disease is one of the biggest causes of young death in giant dogs and can be very expensive to treat, especially in large breeds.

  52.JOINTS

  Many large breeds are prone to joint and growth problems. Hip and elbow dysplasia is common in Labradors, retrievers, and German shepherds, but many breeds can be affected.

  53.SKIN

  Skin allergies and skin disease are more common in some breeds. Skin problems can be horrible for both your pet and you, and these are often lifelong issues. Breeds commonly affected are West Highland terriers, boxers, Labradors, bulldogs, basset hounds, and Shar-Peis.

  54.CANCER

  Cancer affects many older animals, but some breeds are prone to cancer more than others. Rottweilers, German shepherds, and flat-coated retrievers are some of the breeds more likely to get tumors, but remember to research any breed.

  55.SHAPES

  Dogs come in many shapes and sizes, and by selective breeding humans have created many dogs in shapes not found in nature. Sadly, some of the extremes of body shape also cause suffering in the dogs, so think carefully about natural dog shapes when picking from certain breeds.

  56.SHORT LEGS

  Dogs with very short legs have chondrodystrophy, a bit like dwarfism. This can affect their movement and also cause early arthritis because the bones are twisted and the joints don’t align properly. In combination with a long back, it can be even more of a problem.

  57.LONG BACKS

  Dogs with long backs and short legs are much more likely to have spinal problems. The short legs go hand in hand with cartilage problems, and this affects the discs in the spine, too. A long back is like a weak, unsupported bridge, and eventually the backs of these dogs can collapse. Some dogs with long backs may do well with surgery, but some become paralyzed.

  58.SKIN FOLDS

  People seem to think wrinkles are cute on animals. For dogs, having many wrinkles can cause problems. Skin is usually perfectly balanced, but folds trap moisture, lose their air supply, and become inflamed. The skin gets damaged, and bacteria get in so the folds are often painfully and chronically infected.

  59.BIG EARS

  Long, floppy, or very hairy ears are not natural for dogs. The air can’t flow, and debris and wax get trapped inside. Dogs with ears like this are more likely to get things like grass seeds trapped in their ears and also are more likely to have ear infections.

  60.BALD DOGS

  Hairless or partially hairless dogs are more prone to injury, cold, and sunburn and are best avoided.

  61.GIANT BREEDS

  Giant breeds tend to have the shortest lifespans because of things like heart disease, cancer, and joint problems. You may not have issues, or you may only have your big dog for four to six years, in some cases. You also need to remember that drugs cost more for each pound or kilo the animal weighs, so these guys can be very expensive to treat.

  62.TEACUPS

  Tiny little teacup dogs are very popular at the moment. People have produced them by picking the smallest of litters, often the runts, and breeding them. These dogs are extremely fragile and very prone to health problems.

  63.SHORT FACES

  Short-faced dogs like bulldogs, French bulldogs, and pugs are very popular and considered cute. In fact, these dogs suffer the worst effects of body shape. Many can’t breathe properly and struggle their whole lives. They have a hard time staying cool, and are very prone to heat exhaustion. Their bulging eyes are more likely to get injured, so many lose an eye from trauma. These breeds often suffer with deformed vertebrae and spinal problems.

  64.HEALTH TESTS

  There are lots of health tests for animals, so make sure you find out all that you can about your chosen breed and what health tests are available. This will also help when it comes to picking a breeder or adopting a rescue dog.

  65.DESIGNER CROSSBREEDS

  These are also popular these days and include breeds such as Labradoodles, cockapoos, cavapoos, and all manner of others. Some of these animals will be okay, but some will end up with the health issues of both parent breeds, so be very careful if you’re thinking of one of these.

  66.MONGRELS

  Consider a good old mongrel. True crossbreeds or mongrels are less likely to have health issues than pedigreed dogs, and are usually a good bet. Whatever you do, try to remember Mother Nature, and pick a dog that is proportioned and shaped as a dog should be!

  67.BREED TYPES

  It’s easy to identify different breeds of dog, but most people choose their breeds on looks alone. This is a bad idea. Many dogs have attractive appearances but are utterly unsuited to family lifestyles. Others have bad reputations that are undeserved. Crossbreeds provide an even greater variety of characteristics.

  68.LARGE BREEDS

  Larger dogs are naturally more powerful and take up a great deal of space and resources. Food, insurance costs, and medical costs are all higher with a larger dog.

  69.SMALLER BREEDS

  Smaller dogs may be physically easier to manage but still need considerable care. Some small breeds are highly energetic and muscular, so they take increased time and energy.

  70.ENERGETIC AND WORKI
NG BREEDS

  Any breed described as “working,” or any famed for the jobs they do, such as herding, guarding flocks, following scents, pulling sleds, or doing gundog work, will need a great deal of space and exercise. It is not enough to walk them twice a day and then leave them alone. They need high levels of attention and stimulation.

  71.LAPDOGS

  Bear in mind that dogs were traditionally bred for the job they had to do. Companionship traits are often more prevalent in dogs traditionally bred for sitting indoors and being petted. This is not to say that larger dogs cannot have these traits, but choose a dog for the purpose you intend for it.

  72.BREED BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS

  It is difficult to identify specific breeds that are likely to have temperament or behavior problems. These issues are most likely to arise with owners that have chosen breed and temperament types that are incompatible with their lifestyles.

  73.RESEARCH YOUR BREED

  Do thorough research, and listen to experts who tell you that your choice of dog may not suit you. All dogs are beautiful, and a breeder often wants to make a sale, but those with integrity will sell only to suitable owners.

  74.GOOD OR BAD BREEDS?

  There is no such thing as an ideal breed. Look for health, temperament, and lifestyle compatibility.

  75.MIXED BREEDS

  You’ve done your research and decided that a specific breed is for you. However, do consider that a mixed breed mongrel might have the health and temperament traits that meet your needs. A dog does not need to be a recognized crossbreed.

  PICKING A BREEDER

  76.ADOPTION

  Before you think about a breeder, always consider adoption. You may think you’ll never find what you’re looking for in an adoption center because you’re certain of what you want. BUT what harm can it do? There’s no obligation to take any dog home, and you might just fall in love.

  77.CIRCUMSTANCES

  Sadly, there are thousands of dogs all over the world that have been given up through no fault of their own. People get divorced, owners die, jobs get lost, and financial situations change. Don’t assume that all animals in need of a home are “problem children.” If you really want a puppy, you can usually put your name on a waiting list.

  78.GOLDEN OLDIES

  Sometimes, adopting older animals can have lots of bonuses, too. You avoid the chewing phase and housetraining! Depending on the age of dog you take on, you could also get a well-trained or more sedate dog that might not need quite so much energy to look after.

  79.MATCHMAKING

  Most good adoption centers are excellent at matching animals to your circumstances. So many animals are rehomed because of the bad choices their owners made in the first place. By getting advice from an adoption center, you can be more certain of a great match for you and your family.

  80.GOOD CAUSES

  By adopting, you are contributing to a great cause and also immediately improving the life of one animal, which goes from a cage to the comfort of a loving home. Most centers also offer ongoing help with behavior and health advice, too.

  81.JUST FOR US

  Before you call or message that breeder you found on the internet, promise one thing—that you’ll spend a couple of hours wandering the aisles of your local adoption center. You might be surprised.

  82.PUPPY FARMS

  If you find adoption really isn’t right for you then picking the right breeder is absolutely essential. All over the world, puppy farms and mills are a massive problem, affecting the health and welfare of dogs. Too many people don’t spend enough time researching good breeders, and too many potential owners fall into the puppy farm traps.

  83.ISOLATION

  Breeding dogs on puppy farms live isolated lives, usually in horrible, squalid, and filthy conditions. Their nutrition is poor, and the hygiene is almost nonexistent. They seldom or never get affection or exercise and are used like machines, producing litter after litter.

  84.WEAK PUPPIES

  Puppies that come from puppy farms very often spend their whole lives ill or even die at a young age. They have poor immunity, haven’t been vaccinated or treated for worms, and often haven’t had the right food or even clean water. Puppy farms are not good!

  85.ILLEGAL IMPORTS

  In many parts of the world, there is also a problem with illegally imported puppies. This is a big problem for the same reasons that puppy farms are, but it is also an issue because the puppies are moved at such young ages. Very young animals are more likely to die from dehydration on their journeys, and the risk of spreading diseases like rabies is much higher.

  86.SYMPATHY

  Lots of people realize that farm-raised puppies are sickly or malnourished, but sympathy keeps the demand going. People often feel like they need to save individual puppies. They take the animals on, but this perpetuates the problem and can be heartbreaking for the families involved.

  87.MOMS!

  NEVER buy a puppy without seeing its mother and where it was raised. If someone offers to meet you somewhere to hand over the puppy, do not accept this. This is often a front for a farm. If you go to a house, but there’s an excuse why the mother isn’t there, don’t accept it and walk away. If a breeder is advertising lots of different breeds, the breeder is best avoided.

  88.BE BOLD

  Good breeders will have only a small number of dogs and will let the bitches have only a certain number of litters in their lives. Good breeders will do all the health tests available for their breed. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and expect answers. Health test results should be openly available.

  89.WHERE DO I START?

  The internet, breeding organizations, local advertisements, cards in pet stores, and sometimes neighbors may offer pups. However, convenience, price, or availability is never the first priority when choosing a breeder. The temperament and health of the dog top the list.

  90.BREEDER CREDENTIALS

  A good breeder usually has a lot of information about his or her dogs. Do a quick search online to reveal any mention of the breeder’s reputation. If you can’t find information, treat the situation with suspicion. Likewise, if the breeder has multiple breeds of dog available, this is likely to be a puppy mill. Avoid at all costs.

  91.BREEDING BEHAVIOR PITFALLS

  Puppies that are raised away from a home environment, in a kennel or shed, do not adapt well to human family life. There is an early and critical socialization period for pups, when they must be raised around people, children, and households. Without this, the puppies develop long-term fear issues as well as hyper-reactivity to the world around them.

  92.QUESTIONS TO ASK: SOCIAL CONTACT

  Have the puppies been mixing with children and visitors? If they have, how often, and for how long? Puppies must be around household noises such as refrigerators, banging doors, and other family hubbub. Puppies must meet lots of people in order to socialize.

  93.QUESTIONS TO ASK: REARING

  How does the mother behave around her puppies? If the mother is defensive, it’s likely her pups will inherit this characteristic. Some breeding mothers are relaxed and confident, which are preferable traits.

  94.QUESTIONS TO ASK: HOUSE-TRAINING

  Where do the puppies relieve themselves? Is there a specific area? Puppies allowed to defecate anywhere will create havoc when you attempt to house-train them.

  95.A GREAT BREEDER

  A good breeder will ask more questions than you ask. Never be upset if a breeder tells you that you are not right for his or her pups. A good breeder should be concerned for the dogs’ welfare more than yours.

  96.CONSUMER RIGHTS

  A good breeder has an official puppy contract, which details all the tests the puppies have had, as well as vaccinations and other puppy routines. It will give the breeder first right to return if there is a problem. Your breeder should observe the legal trading laws in your country.

  97.BE READY TO WALK AWAY

  Never, ever take a puppy home
out of sympathy if the breeder doesn’t appear suitable. You are only making room for another suffering puppy. Quality breeders can be hard to find, so be patient and do plenty of research.

  98.FEEDING QUESTIONS

  Are the puppies fed in separate bowls? Pups that have been feeding from the same bowl may develop resource-guarding issues. This is because the puppies have to fight for any food available to them. This teaches them to engage in defensive behaviors at an early age.

  PUPPIES!

  BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

  99.BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

  The health needs of dogs extend beyond the physical. Their mental health is dependent on social interaction and on being able to express themselves freely.

  100.THE OWNER’S JOB

  A dog’s behavior is the responsibility of its owner, falling within legal requirements, such as keeping the dog on a leash. This can interfere with your pup’s free expression of behavior. Positive reinforcement-based training allows the owner to control the dog within legal and social parameters, without inhibiting the dog’s behavioral welfare.

  101.MIXING

  Social interaction with other dogs must be commenced as early as possible. Dogs meet other dogs on walks and in public spaces and must not feel alarmed. Attending puppy preschools and meeting vaccinated adult dogs will help puppies to learn the rules gently.

  102.HUMAN FAMILIES

  Dogs live in human families, meeting people at all stages of life. Puppies are best introduced to a wide range of humans, such as children and the elderly, as well as loud people, quiet people, and so on. Even physical features, such as wearing eyeglasses or not, can appear unusual to puppies and be scary if they are not familiar with these ways of appearing.