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Consolidating or destroying your
relationship with your
dog?
From the desk
of Mogens Eliasen - first published: April 10, 2006 Mogens Eliasen - the author of
this article
on
'Consolidating
or destroying your relationship with yourdog'
How often do you see dog owners take their dogs to the dog park, the dog pulling them
all the way, and when they arrive, these people j
ust turn
their dog lose to play with
the other dogs? And then they complain about their dog ignoring
them.
The dynamics of all relationships:
No relationships exist in a vacuum. Marriages and human friendships included.
And the
relationship you have with your dog (or could or should have) is most certainly
included here!
Relationships
are built by the two parties mutually satisfying certain emotional needs in
the other party.
The nature of the relationship completely
depends on those needs! If they include sexual and other intimate
needs,
we often refer to it as“marriage”, or “long-term
relationship when we talk about humans.
Also
friendships are built on mutual need satisfaction, but
they rarely include sexual
needs.
No friendship will continue if onlyone party gets value from
the relationship.
This does not mean that both parties have to get the same out of the
relationship.
But it does mean that either party must have something of value in
return for
his/investment of time and attention.
It is really no
different from the
necessity of all sustainable business to incorporate the concept of win-win.
Family
relationships are no different. In the moment nothing is gained for the teenager
from the relationship,
you have the well-known “rebellion”, which parents have
great difficulty
understanding,
because they invested “so much” in their care for their
kid. However, what
matters is not what they gave
or but how the other party can use what it receives
to satisfy his/her own
needs.
If what you give is not what the receiver
needs,the gift has no
value.
The needs of a teenager are certainly not the same as those of a child. The same
goes for a dog.
What
is important for the
dog? The dog’s needs are, in many ways, similar to human needs,
although some of the
specifics in the details are different. Dogs are the same.
Sure, they need food, water,
shelter, but you
cannot use any of those needs to build relationship with your dog!
It is the
emotional needs that matter the most here.
For the dog,
that would be things like:
* Do
you provide a pack it
can feel being a valued member of?
* Do you
provide play and
fun?
* Do you
provide some clear social structure?
* Do you
provide simple and firm rules?
* Do you
provide admirable
leadership for that pack?
* Do you
provide mental stimulation and personal development?
Please think
very carefully about
those questions and their answers.
You might want to use
the teenage parallel if
you want to comprehend why so many teenagers
have so many problems with their
parents...Answering “yes”
to all those questions
does take a
serious time commitment – and some serious action that only few parents
take – and yet fewer dog owners...
-------------------------------------------
Mogens Eliasen
holds amag. scient.
degree (comparable to a US Ph. D.) in Chemistry
fromÅrhus University,
Denmark,
has a extensive education also asmilitary officer and in business management.
He has been working with dogs, dog owners,
dog trainers, and veterinarians since
1970.
A large part of
his dog work has been in the area of education and
education planning, and as
consultant for dog owners and dog
training associations. He
is a strong advocate of treating the dog
with respect for its
nature as domesticated wolf, and has published several books and videos on topics
related to dogs,
dog training,dog behavior, and responsible care of dogs. He
publishes anewsletter
"The Peeing
Post" containing lots of tips and advice on
all matters
pertaining to dogs. For more information about Mogens
Eliasen, including links to other
articles he has published,
Your Cat - To Declaw, or Not To
Declaw? That Is The Question
By:
Michael Plante
This topic has been discussed so many times by so many different
people that it is quite difficult to sort through all the
conflicting information. Fortunately, our experts have decided to
sort the grain from the chaff and have come up with this article
that offers a more objective perspective.
Whe
n you have your cat declawed, you are actually amputating the
first joint of each front toe. This is necessary because the nail
bed covers almost the entire joint, and leaving a particular of the
claw un-amputated can result in some nasty infections and other
complications.
Make no mistake, this is painful for a cat to undergo, and it
takes the cat several weeks to recover physically. Typically,
declawing is only done on the front claws, leaving the back feet
intact; this isn't necessarily good, as a cat can do massive damage
with back claws alone once it clamps onto you with its teeth!
You should not declaw your cat unless you really lechery to – and
there are a few reasons why you should. Here are five reasons given
by people to declaw their cats, some good, and some bad.
"He claws up my furniture." Cats are going to claw things; it is
not indispensable instinctive, it is physically necessary for them
to keep their claws at a manageable length. There are alternatives
to declawing a cat to protect your furniture; you can purchase a
scratching post and train the cat to use it, for instance, or you
can get claw sheaths that fit over each claw and then clip the
cat's claws often.
"He will scratch the baby." This is a generally more valid reason
than the cat clawing the furniture. If you have a very aggressive
cat, it might be something to genuinely worry about. Not only does
a cat scratch hurt, but it also can carry some nasty diseases; cats
do use their claws to bury their feces, as I remind my son when he
wants to let the cat on the table.
"I'm pregnant and afraid of getting toxoplasmosis." Obstetricians
routinely admonish pregnant women to not change the litter box or
handle cats that could scratch them because of the risk of
toxoplasmosis. However, the reality is that most toxoplasmosis is
contracted by gardening or handling raw meat that is infected with
the bacterium. If you have a history of problem pregnancies and a
cat that will scratch, this might be a valid reason to have your
cat declawed.
"I'm an immunocompromised person, and though I craze my cat, I
can't afford for him to scratch me." This is probably the very best
reason to get your cat declawed. Immunocompromised people, whether
the issue is organ transplant or HIV, be inadequate the
companionship of those they love, but a simple cat scratch can
cause a raging infection that your body may not be able to fight
off. If you do have a problem like this, you should get your cat
declawed, but you should also be aware that you cannot let your cat
outside after this; it will be at a disadvantage against dogs and
cats that don't have this disability.
"I'm afraid of cat scratch fever." This is also a valid reason,
but it's ofttimes not a danger. Cat scratch fever is spread by
bacteria called Bartonella henselea. It is usually found to infect
humans in the cold fall and winter months, possibly because your
outdoor cats spend more time indoors. About five percent of the US
population have been exposed but have not developed this disease.
Symptoms contain fever, chills, and a lethargy and malaise, and
it's recurrently mistaken for flu. A more serious form involves
swollen lymph nodes that may have to be drained; most of the time,
this form is found in people with weak immune systems, and it can
kill.
The odd thing is adult cats only rarely transmit the disease; most
commonly it comes from the kittens. The bacterium lives in the
cat's mouth and migrates to the claws, but only the claws appear to
be able to spread the disease. Declawing kittens at an early age if
they're in a household with an immunocompromised person is the only
reliable way of preventing the disease; though kittens with the
disease can be screened and treated with antibiotics, the bacteria
generally comes back. There is also no record of a person having
the disease more than once.
And the one good reason to not have your cat declawed: any cat
that goes outdoors is exposed to terrible danger if he or she is
declawed. Only get your cat declawed for a good reason, and then be
aware that you must take pains that he or she never get out of
doors alone and unleashed again.
Does Your Pet Need a Cell
Phone?
By:
Karen Kirby
If you're like the majority of pet owners, you consider your pet
part of the family. You groom, play with, train and take care of
your pet's medical needs. You may even refer to yourself as your
pet's mommy or daddy.
When you are at work, you wonder is Fido doing OK? Is he lonely?
Gee, I'd like to hear his voice.
If these thoughts are on your mind, you aren't alone. Many pet
owners feel the same way. So maybe it's time to consider getting
your pet in on your family cell phone plan.
Does this sound astounding? Well, it's not
.
You can now get a mechanism to attach to your pet's collar. All
you do is call your pet's number. After one ring, it transmits your
voice. You can then talk to your pet in the endearing ways you do
and your pet will hear your voice. Your dog can respond with a
friendly "woof" (if you haven't taught your dog not to bark!). Your
cat will meow or purr upon hearing you.
Knowing your pet is safe and sound, you then can rest at ease.
Some of these systems use a global positioning system (GPS) to
locate your pet. This is useful to know whether your pet is within
the locale you expect. You can see exactly where your pet is
hanging out. If your pet is lost and someone finds it, they can
press a button on the pet phone and call you to let you know where
you can find your pet.
This is great to help you avoid losing your pet. I'm sure you can
see how pet cell phones will help people keep their pets safe by
letting them know when their pet has wandered from home.
Right now pet cell phones in beta testing with a wide group of pet
owners. Thus far, pet owners have given the service two thumbs up.
They say the pet cell phone gives them peace of mind that their pet
is healthy and safe.
According to the media, pet cell phones will be very popular. The
pet cell phone has already garnered media attention for its
innovative technology.
It won't be long before pet cell phone deals and pet cell phone
accessories become as commonplace as the cell phones we all carry
around with us on a daily basis. Providers know that pet owners
will spend on their pets even when economic times are tough.
It's an amazing day and age when you can expect to be able to
communicate with your pet through a cell phone, isn't it?
About the
Author:
Karen
Kirby has over 25 years' experience in the computer industry. For
more information on weddings see
http://www.wedding-to-remember.com -- get a free copy of the
"Internet Marketer's Guide to Free Traffic" at
http://www.aimbright.com/ebook
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Arthritis In Dogs — What You Can
Do To Help Your Dog
By:
William Smith
Copyright 2006 William Smith
Canine Arthritis is a common ailment as dog’s age. It is similar to
humans as calcification and inflammation cause joint pain and
reduced activity. Some forms of arthritis like Canine Hip Dysplasia
can develop early in life due to genetics and diet. Fortunately,
arthritis in dogs can be treated.
Treatments for canine arthritis range from natural supplements
using chondroitin and glucosamine, to veterinary prescribed drugs
such as Rimadyl and Deramaxx. Studies and actual results have shown
that natural supplements can be extremely effective in fighting the
effects of arthritis in dogs without the potentially dangerous side
effects of Rimadyl and Deramaxx. Before deciding which treatment
option is best for your dog, you should observe the signs of dog
arthritis.
Signs of Dog Arthritis
1. Limping and general reduced activity.
2. Favoring one or both of the front or back limbs.
3. Morning activity or cold weather makes the dog less active.
4. Difficulty rising from a resting position, especially in the
morning.
5. Pain to the touch.
6. Reluctance to jump.
If you suspect your dog has arthritis, you should know the
different forms or types of arthritis. The most common disorders
are listed below.
Types of Dog Arthritis
1. Osteoarthritis – Also known as canine arthritis or dog
arthritis, it is the most common form of arthritis and most easily
treated. Develops slowly as the dog ages.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis - This is an immune mediated disease and
can affect the whole body. Several joints can be affected and the
lameness can come and go without notice. Considered a more serious
condition than dog osteoarthritis.
3. Degenerative Disc Disease - This is where the discs in the
vertebrae develop calcification and become rigid. They become less
able to withstand compression. This can lead to a severe injury and
paralysis if the discs rupture or become herniated.
4. Stifle Joint Disorder - This is a condition in which the knee
and joint becomes unstable. This is usually from a stretched or
torn ligament. This can also cause the joint cartilage to become
damaged and inflamed.
5. Canine Hip Dysplasia - This is caused by looseness in the socket
connecting the thighbone and hipbone. This development usually
occurs when the dog is young but can develop at any age. A common
sign is to hear a clicking sound when the dog walks.
Treatment Options
1. Natural Supplements – Most natural supplements use chondroitin
and/or glucosamine as its primary ingredient. All of the
glucosamine forms originate and are extracted from shellfish.
Chrondroitin is derived from animal cartilage. Many products like
Free and Easy for Dogs use glucosamine and chondroitin and combine
additional supplements to provide a synergistic effect. Besides
glucosamine and chondroitin, some of the more popular and effective
supplements added are msm, ester-c, and hyaluronic acid. Many
studies have been done which have proved the effectiveness of these
supplements in humans. Dog owners have also reported many positive
outcomes for their dogs using these natural supplements.
2. Rimadyl & Deramaxx - These drugs are obtained by
prescription only. They are called NSAID (non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drug). Rimadyl was introduced by Pfizer
Pharmaceuticals in January 1997 to help treat dogs with
inflammation and pain associated with surgery or canine arthritis.
It is effective but it must be used with caution. Search Google for
"What Your Vet May Not Tell You About Rimadyl" for more detailed
information. At a minimum, you need to have blood work done to
monitor the liver enzymes to ensure your dog doesn't have a toxic
reaction to the drugs.
3. Surgery - Surgery can be an easy decision or a very difficult
decision. Often, money is a concern and some surgeries like disc
surgery can cost around $3,500. Often, the age of the dog has to be
considered when making this decision. And the outlook and prognosis
is very important. You do not want the dog to suffer unnecessarily.
At the very least, you should only consider surgery after ensuring
an accurate diagnosis has been made. This may involve taking x-rays
and a myelogram. A myelogram is done by injecting dye in the spinal
canal to enable your doctor to detect abnormalities of the spine,
spinal cord, or surrounding structures.
Summary - Dog Arthritis can be a very debilitating disease if left
untreated. Dog owners should pay close attention to their animals
and take prompt action when symptoms are noticed. Often a natural
supplement is all that is needed to help your dog. Sometimes more
aggressive treatments are needed such as surgery. The most
important thing is to notice and diagnose the problem and then
decide what treatment is best for your dog.
About the
Author:
Bill
F. Smith is the owner of YourDogHealth.com, a website started after
his beloved Dachshund; Frederick developed Intervertebral Disc
Disease, and subsequently had back surgery. YourDogHealth.com
offers a successful alternative to veterinarian prescribed drugs
and can be viewed at: http://www.yourdoghealth.com
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