The Light Of Dog Newsletter

In this newsletter:

Where Did Momma Go?
Top 10 Warning Signs of Cancer in Pets
Behavioral signs of cancer in dogs
Links and Social Stream Activity

Where Did Momma Go?

For those who follow my blog or hear about my escapades in person, you know that I am working on off-leash reliability with Romeo. While I want him to always know where I am so he doesn’t venture too far, sometimes the scent of the bunnies causes him to lose focus on me. This morning I had the chance to test what he would do if he did lose track of me.

Romeo at the top of the hill

How long would it take for him to realize I wasn’t right there? And what would he do once he realized I was not there? In this case, we were at the top of our hill. Romeo was tracking scents through the scrub oak. I quietly slipped off partway down the hill and behind some of the scrub oak.

It was perhaps 10-15 seconds before I heard him running around in a way that indicated he was looking for me. He clearly was a bit concerned that I wasn’t in sight. He ran off the other direction looking for me – I often will backtrack the way we came from when he isn’t paying attention. He still could not find me. I expected that he would expand his search and find me, but instead he let out a whine.

It wasn’t one of his “there’s a bunny nearby and I am not able to get at it” kind of whines. It was most definitely one of is “I want to be near Momma and I can’t get to her” – or in this case “can’t find her” kind of whines. It was then that I spoke up to let him know where I was.

I do not like that he was not paying attention to where I was going. However, I do like that he tried to find me as soon as he realized I was not where he thought I was. I like that he called out for help when he couldn’t easily find me. (Rather than running off a mile in the wrong direction.) I like that when I did call to him, he was there in a shot, and very very glad to see me.

We still have work to do, but I am glad to see that when he does make mistakes, he makes the right choices to correct those mistakes. Part of training is allowing for mistakes to be made. As long as we are doing our best to keep our dogs safe in the process.

Places to comment on this article: My Blog or Google+

Top 10 Warning Signs of Cancer in Pets

At my most recent Colorado Dog Trainers Network meeting, we were fortunate enough to have Christine Hardy , DVM, MBA, MPH from the CSU Animal Cancer Center speak with us about cancer in dogs and cats.

She provided us with the Top Ten Warning Signs of Cancer in Pet Animals:

Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow.
Sores that do not heal.
Weight loss
Loss of appetite
Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
Offensive odor
Difficulty eating or swallowing
Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
Persistent lameness
Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating
Many of these signs can be due to issues other than cancer, but if you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to see your veterinarian.

For more information, you can also visit the Colorado State University Animal Cancer Center website.

Places to comment on this article: My Blog or Google+

Behavioral signs of cancer in dogs

More info from the talk by Christine Hardy, DVM, MBA, MPH from the CSU Animal Cancer Center. In an earlier post, I listed the Top Ten Warning Signs of Cancer in Pets. This post lists some of the possible behavior changes you might see if your dog has cancer:

Some possible behavioral changes you might see in your dog if s/he has cancer are:

Change in habits
Lethargy
Personality change
Over/under reactive
Aggressive
Urinating/defecating in the house
Fearful
Subdued
Incoordination
Weakness
Changes in vocalizations
Restlessness
Anxiety

Clearly, these signs can also be due to other issues – both medical and behavioral. If you see changes in your dog, it’s best to get it checked out. First, a visit to your vet to rule out medical causes. If you get a clean bill of health, then it’s time to call a Dog Behavior Consultant. Whether it’s medical or behavioral, we don’t want our dogs to suffer if there’s something we can do to help.

Places to comment on this article: My Blog or Google+

Links and Social Stream Activity

Banned breeds are no more aggressive than others, new study finds: http://j.mp/o4fqDj
The Pet Parent's Guide To A Heart-Healthy Hound: http://j.mp/oonlIk
Medical: Dog ownership has many benefits: http://j.mp/pZjoc7 Talks about human cues that dogs pick up on.
Dog age is not linear. Article explains this so you can get a better idea of your dog's age: http://j.mp/pZjoc7
VICTORIA CHATS WITH PATRICIA MCCONNELL: http://j.mp/qoM9yH
Hypoallergenic pets may be only a myth, according to a study of 60 dog breeds: http://j.mp/ohG65d
This book is on my reading list. It looks like a good one. Why most of what you believe about dogs is rubbish: http://j.mp/oGjOh4
Five Summer Foods to Keep Away From Your Dog: http://j.mp/qXTguN
Outdoor Retailer Show Goes to the Dogs: http://j.mp/qJSKh8
Pet first aid smartphone app: http://j.mp/pN6d1s My recommendation.
Good Newz for Vick’s Bad Newz Kennnels: http://j.mp/q3lrH5
3 most common dog-related allergies: http://j.mp/oezJq0
Pets Feeling The Pinch Of A Poor Economy: http://j.mp/nqpn79

Sue Brown, MNM, CDBC, CPDT-KA
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
Certified Professional Dog Trainer
AKC CGC Evaluator
APDT Professional Member and Colorado State Greeter
Co-Founder, Colorado Dog Trainers Network

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I am a dog trainer and behavior consultant. The Light Of Dog Newsletter is sent every other week. I post regularly about dogs, especially dog training. I also offer eClasses, workshops and seminars and products including e-books and DVD’s. My upcoming book, Juvenile Delinquents, will be published in Fall 2011 in both print and e-book format.

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