Feelings Archives - Edie MacKenzie

Choosing Cool Dog Names

December 20, 2011 by admin Leave a Comment

One of the best things about getting a new puppy is choosing a name. Except sometimes the right name seems impossible to find. You just can’t seem to find a name that works.

Weeks later, your puppy is still nameless, and you’re still clueless as to what you should call him.

In your desperation you eventual settle for a so-so name, a definite dog naming faux pas. Think about it, you’ll be spending a lot of years with your dog and calling his name thousands of times. So wouldn’t it be a good idea to pick a name you actually like?

Need some help? Then read our top 10 dog naming tips below.

1.You can’t go wrong with a one or two-syllable name. They are simple, easy to say and recognize, and there are literally millions of choices!

2.I’m not suggesting that you shun more exotic and unusual names. However, it has been suggested that names that are difficult for the dog to recognize have a big impact on training. So if you decide on call your dog Zerxes because you are fascinated by Persian history, that’s fine. But think about a nickname for calling, something like “Zerk” perhaps.

3.Names that are similar to voice commands are generally not a good idea if you plan on training your dog. Think about names that could be confused for a command, like “Ray”, for “stay”.

4.You’d also be well advised to steer clear of names that can be confused with that of another pet or a member of your household. Not unless you want to confuse everyone.

5.Don’t give your dog a name that will embarrass him. Beavis may be okay, but Butthead certainly isn’t! Dogs have feelings too.

6.Consider choosing a name that in some way describes your dog – think about his size, breed, any special markings. “Titan” doesn’t really work for a Yorkie, does it? Neither does Sweetpea suit a Pitbull.You could of course go for one of these names if you have a penchant for the ironic.

7.Remember that dogs don’t stay puppies forever. “Fluffball” may seem like a good idea for your cuddly little St. Bernard pup, but may be less suited, once he grows into a 250-pound adult.

8.Another good source of names is the breed’s original home country. Your breed’s home country has lots of famous people, places and traditions that will give you tons of dog name ideas.

Need some examples? How about, “Guinness” for an Irish Setter, “Yoko” for a Shibu Inu, or “Louis” to a French Bulldog.

9.You’ll also find myriad ideas by delving into your own interests. Lets say you’re nuts about football – you could try Marino, Namath, Montana, or just pick your own favorite player.

Now think about what interests you and you’re well on your way to hundreds of great names.

10.I find that it’s always a good idea to understand the origins and history behind your dog’s name. That’s pretty easy these days, but you don’t have to go searching Wikipedia for hours on end.

Just visit us at Puppy Names HQ. We have thousands of the very best dog names on the web. And all you have to do is pick your favorite.

Behavior Problems: Dogs That Lick Too Much

May 19, 2011 by admin Leave a Comment

The first licking experienced by a puppy comes from its dam even before the pup’s eyes are open. Licking is used to groom the pup and, after feeding, to cause urination and defecation. It is doubtful that a young pup consciously considers licking a dominant behavior. However, the act of licking can acquire various other meanings to puppies as they mature and gain feedback from other animals (including people) they lick. Licking by neonatal pups is usually aimed at the dam’s mouth and, at least in wild canines, elicits a gratifying regurgitation of food by the dam for its offspring.

Licking another animal can broadly be classified as care-seeking behavior. However, in some females and apparently “feminized” males, licking may occur as a genuine mutual grooming gesture, which could be considered dominant behavior in such situations. When one dog tries to lick the genitals of another, the behavior is considered submissive. This is usually practiced by submissive pack members toward their dominant counterparts.

Licking seems to acquire different meanings when the puppy is brought into the human group. The significance of licking then depends on the type of feedback provided by the pup or its owners. The old idea that dogs lick our hands to benefit from the salt on our skin rarely applies to licking problems. Rather, the problem generally involves a submissive dog and a permissive owner. In these cases, early episodes of licking are permitted (some people feel genuinely flattered when their dog licks them) and the dog appears to enjoy the owner’s response.

In many cases, licking is a factor in another type of problem behavior. These usually involve the dog’s use of licking to dominate the owner’s attentions or to demonstrate its dominant feelings relative to the owner.

How Can Licking Be Prevented?

Licking is a problem only when the owner is present. Therefore licking is usually easily stopped merely by telling the dog not to do it or by moving away and avoiding it. After a few days or weeks of this rejection, the problem disappears. However, this procedure does not correct the basis of the problem, that is, attempts to dominate the owner.

In addition to discouraging licking, the dog must be taught to respond to commands, and owner adjustments made if the dog is “coddled” or otherwise doted on. When it seeks petting or tries to dominate the owner, it should be given a simple command, such as Sit, and then petted briefly as a reward for obedience.

It is recommended that you use some intervening stimulus when the dog begins to pester you. Whether this involves introduction of a chewable toy that the pet is urged to fetch, or a sharp sound, the goal is to divert the animal’s mind off licking and onto something else. During the initial stages of correction, there may be seen many types of substitute behavior, such as whining, pacing or self-licking. If ignored, this behavior usually disappears in a few days.

How To Use Your Power In Finding The Right Veterinarian (2)

September 24, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

The Right Veterinarian -Part 2

Knowing your veterinarian, trusting him or her, and having a deeper knowledge from their point of view and work ethic can really make taking your dog to the doctor more meaningful (and hopefully more often for the check-ups that so desperately go undone for pets most homes today because there is a lack of trust on the dog owner’s part).

To help you better understand the core of a licensed veterinarian out there, take a look at the following ideas. For starters, there is a good chance that your veterinarian feels exactly the following in their practice:

1) Cares about your animals, cares about you – whether for the sake of your dog, you or the business – wants to see successful outcomes, healthy pets and satisfied clients. The only way business can be continued and clients be made happy is for the well-being of everyone involved.

2) Worries about getting sued, or being brought before the state regulatory board. This worry is disproportionate to the actual chance that this will happen, but that doesn’t change your veterinarian’s awareness of the possibility, which may make some vets better doctors, and in other cases, more paranoid and less willing to take chances.

3) Feels that he or she doesn’t have an income commensurate with the amount of time and education that it took to become a veterinarian. And paradoxically, it is also true that many (although certainly far from all) veterinarians suspect they charge too much, and feel guilty about it.

4) Fails at mind reading. In other words, the doctor has no way of knowing any information, feelings, or opinions you may have on an issue unless voiced. And without your willingness to share, a relationship can fail to bond, which may have negative repercussions for your dog down the road.

5) Harbors a zero tolerance for mistakes (and most likely, you do too). And guess what? All doctors make mistakes.

Your veterinarian tries to do his or her best under the circumstances that present themselves, but what must be kept in mind (by both parties) is that it is your dog. If that concept is too difficult for your veterinarian, find a new one.

And on the flip-side, if you can look deep inside your own attitude, perhaps you are not giving your veterinarian enough trust, communication and open-mindedness.

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4 Things To Look For In A Dog Training School

June 8, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

Enrolling in a dog training class can be a rewarding experience for both you and your dog, but choosing the wrong class can make the experience unpleasant for both of you.

If you are lucky enough to live in an area where you have a selection, shop around. Observe the class prior to taking your dog.

Below are 4 things to look for in a dog obedience class:

Individual Attention: Is the size of the class such that the instructor is able to give individual attention when needed?

Pleasant Atmosphere: Is there a relaxed friendly atmosphere in the class?

Tension and disorder will affect both your ability to learn as well as your dog’s.

Training Concept: Is the approach to training used in the class consistent with your own feelings about dog training?

Does the instructor wants you to do something to your dog that you are unwilling or reluctant to do?

Instructor Expertise and Ability to Teach: Does the instructor seem knowledgeable about dog training?

And beyond that, is the dog training instructor able to communicate his or her knowledge effectively?

3 Important Training Tips For Every Dog Owner

May 5, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

1. Be fair with corrections. Make sure your dog understands what you want before you correct him for not doing it. And let the punishment fit the crime. A correction should not be a release of anger, a clearing out of pent-up feelings by unloading them on the apparent cause of the problem, your dog. Instead, a correction is another way to communicate with your dog, to foster in him a clear understanding of his place in your human pack. As such, a proper correction is another way to strengthen the bond between you and your pet. At its mildest level, a correction is the absence of praise. Remember to always ask yourself if you’re being fair before you give in to the knee-jerk reaction to leash-jerk.

2. Be positive. This tip refers to having the right attitude, of course, but it’s more than that. Praise that’s well timed and appropriate is essential to your dog’s learning process. If all you ever do is tell your dog “no,” your relationship isn’t going to be a very good one. How would you like to work with a boss like that?

Praise is cheap and free – so use it, lots! Use praise when your dog tries to get it right. Use it more when your dog succeeds. Use it when your dog just pays attention to you, because that’s the first step in the training. You don’t have to be some gushing goof, but you do need to let your dog know when you’re proud of her.

3. When training your dog, be on the same team. Don’t think of training your dog as a you versus your dog endeavor. Think instead about the two of you being on the same team, albeit in different positions. Consider yourself the quarterback, if you like: You call the plays. Winning is a team effort. Of course, your dog has to learn the plays first, and you’re the one to teach him. And this relationship is still not an adversarial one. You show your dog the things he needs to learn, and you do so with love and respect, which your dog will return in kind.

To bring your dog onto your team and show him the plays you’ll be calling, you need to spend time with him. Bring him into your life. Let him sleep in a crate in your bedroom, practice his “sits” in the kitchen. The more opportunities for interaction and practice you have, the faster and more reliably your dog performs.

The Right Veterinarian -Part 2

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