I have received several calls recently asking what breed of dog would be good for an aging member of the family. Here is an article I put together on the subject.
Dog lovers are well aware of the benefits that come from having a dog in their lives. Whether that dog is a tiny Chihuahua or an enormous Saint Bernard, we all have our favorites. Just because we get older doesn’t mean we appreciate having dogs as companions any less. Studies have even shown that having a dog as a pet can improve the health and wellbeing of seniors. Many nursing homes welcome animal visitors, pet therapists and some allow pets to live with residents.
It is important for seniors to take into consideration some of the changes that occur as we age. It’s usually not easy for a senior to handle a giant breed or a breed that requires a lot of grooming. It may be more difficult to exercise a dog with high energy levels. For these reasons, seniors should consider things like size and temperament when they think about getting a dog. Smaller dogs often make good pets for older people. Small dogs with shorter coats are good because they usually require less maintenance and they can be easier to handle than large dogs. Small dogs can also make wonderful lap dogs.
Here are some of the best choices for dogs for seniors:
Pug – The Pug is everyone’s favorite clown. A big dog in a small package. They are small but they have huge personalities. If you like playful, outgoing dogs, then the Pug may be for you. They love attention and affection. They are also very affectionate in return. You should be sure you have lots of time for a Pug if you intend to get one because they will expect you to give them lots of your time. They are wonderful lap dogs. Grooming is easy since they are short-coated, but they do shed a lot.
Cocker Spaniel – The Cocker Spaniel is always a popular pick because of their good looks and sweet personality. For years they were the most popular dog in the United States. They are friendly without being overbearing. They do require some exercise since they are a Sporting breed, but since they are small dogs they will be happy with a good walk. They are devoted to their owners. They tend to have long, curly hair so regular grooming is a must. Many people opt for a popular pet trim from a dog grooming shop.
Chihuahua – Chihuahuas are always popular, and with good reason. For anyone who likes small dogs these little guys are very cute. If you like a dog that you can carry with you almost everywhere, then the Chihuahua may be your kind of dog. Don’t let their small size fool you. These little dogs think they’re big dogs and may well try to tell off a much bigger dog. They often attach themselves to one person in a family. If you’re a senior living alone they are more than capable of letting you know when someone is approaching or at your door. They are very protective. They usually weigh six pounds or less. Watch out for the so-called “tea cup” Chihuahuas and other breeds. The super tiny versions of breeds may have health problems later on.
Shih Tzu – The Shih Tzu is a friendly, gentle dog with a regal appearance. They are an ancient breed from China – one of several breeds from that land. Shih Tzu are said to be the oldest and smallest of the holy dogs from Tibet. These dogs are sturdy, lively and alert. They do have a snub-nosed face so they are sensitive to problems with heat in the summer and do best in a cooler climate or in an air conditioned house. They make a very loving and intelligent companion. Their long, flowing coat does require some care.
Yorkshire Terrier – The Yorkshire Terrier is not what he appears to be. With his lovely long coat and small size he looks quite dainty, but this little guy was bred to kill rats originally. He’s still a terrier inside and there’s quite a bit of terrier vigor still left in him. He may be a loving lap dog now but it doesn’t take much to get him moving again. He makes a fierce little companion, alert and feisty. Yorkies are generally easy to train but they can be a bit stubborn at times.
Scottish Terrier – Scotties, naturally, originated in Scotland. This is a sturdy little dog, strong and active. They are brave, alert, playful and friendly as pups. They grow up to be dignified adults. Some might say they have a very Scottish character. They tend to be a bit stubborn and require good training when they’re young. They do not respond well to harsh correction. They are around 19-23 pounds and 10-11 inches tall at the shoulder. They do very well in apartments with moderate exercise.
Toy Poodle – As with all Poodles, the Toy Poodle is one of the most intelligent dog breeds. They enjoy human company, probably more than they enjoy the company of dogs. They will allow you to pamper them all you want. If you want to dote over a small dog, this may be the one for you.
Pomeranian – Pomeranians are a great favorite with many people. Cute as can be, they are fuzzy with a foxy little face. Friendly, playful, active, Pomeranians are a tiny Spitz-type breed that originated in Pomerania, Germany. They were originally much larger sled dogs before they were bred down to their current size. Dogs today should not be larger than 10 pounds. They make wonderful companions and are one of the most popular dog breeds.
Boston Terrier – Boston Terriers are considered to be an American breed – one of the few native American breeds. They originated around 1870. These dogs are typically friendly and laid back. They are small but protective and a senior may feel secure with such a dog around. They are short-haired dogs that are easy to groom. Dogs should weigh between 10 and 25 pounds. They are white with black, brown or brindle.
These are a few breeds that tend to make good pets for seniors. Some of them are shorthaired, while others have long hair. If you’re interested in any of these breeds, or others, keep in mind that every dog is an individual. We can make generalities about them but each dog is unique. You may meet a Cocker Spaniel that wants to run all the time or a shy Pomeranian. If you are interested in a dog try to meet him or her in person to see what they’re like. See how they fit with your own personality. Consider your own circumstances and lifestyle to see if the dog would be a good match. If you love dogs there is probably a good dog out there for you. Good luck in your search.
Until next time…….
About the Author: Wayne Booth is owner of Canine Behavior Specialists in Nashville, TN. Wayne has been teaching people how to become Professional Dog Trainers since 1990 and he is the Training Director of Canine Behavior Specialists Network, www.K9-University.com
Wayne Booth created this blog site to give you information on dog training, behavior and health. This blog was started for his dog training clients and has grown to a blog for dog owners and trainers all over the world. Read More…
Is A Dog Friendly Just Because It Wags Its Tail?
in Uncategorized/by Wayne BoothIn the past people understood much more about animals than they do today. People knew how to read animal’s “body language”. However, if you tell someone today that cows, pigs, and goats have body language they will probably laugh at you pretty hard. The lack of contact with animals in our modern society has caused the general population to be somewhat ignorant in regards to them.
This may seem fine if you live in the city, however, there are dangers even in the city. For example, what about dogs? Most Americans are extremely uncertain about how to read a dog’s body language.
For example, most people conclude that if a dog wags its tail it is friendly. This mistake has resulted in many unnecessary dog attacks! While it is true that a friendly dog usually wags its tail, that does not mean that the waging of the tail in itself means that a dog is friendly. The combination of a waging tail along with other signs indicates whether or not a dog is truly friendly. So if you do not want to be bitten by a dog, remember the following signs.
Signs That Can Save You From Being Attacked
As we just emphasized, don’t judge a dog’s temperament based on whether or not he wags his tail. It is important to understand the posture of the dog. Ask yourself whether or not he is alert and anxious or if he is relaxed. Equally important is the facial expression of the dog. How can you tell what his facial expression is? The easiest place to start is with his ears. Are they tense, or are they laying down flat? What about his eyes? If you can see his teeth, why? Is it because he is panting in a relaxed manner, or are his lips tensed back in a menacing way?
What About the Tail?
Now that we have that out of the way, lets take a closer look a the dog’s tale. Many are surprised to learn that there are many different things that you can understand about a dog based on its tail ‘expressions’.
If the dog is confident and/or alert its tail will usually be upright and stiff. If wagged it will usually be in a stiff slow sweeping motion from one side to another. When the wag is from one side to another it is usually safe to assume that the dog is pleasantly exited.
Logically, if the dog’s tail is relaxed the dog is likewise relaxed. When a dog stands his ground and does not want to let you pass he will at times wag his tail, however, the way he wags it usually reveals his intentions. His tail will be stiff, horizontal, and only slightly wagged.
If the dog’s tail is tucked in between his legs this usually means that he is fearful and/or submissive. This, however, does not indicate that you do not have to worry. On the contrary, most dogs attack motivated by fear.
As we have briefly discussed in this article, a wagging tail can mean many things. The dog may be stating his status, warning you, or greeting you. Through observation you will get good at reading dogs and knowing how to act. For now remember that if a dog’s posture even slightly suggests that he is unfriendly, be careful! This may just save you from being bitten!
P.S. Do you need some advice from a Canine Behavior Specialist? If so CLICK HERE now!
About the Author: Wayne Booth is owner of Canine Behavior Specialists in Nashville, TN. Wayne has been teaching people how to become Professional Dog Trainers since 1990 and he is the Training Director of Canine Behavior Specialists Network.
The Best Dogs For Seniors
in Uncategorized/by Wayne BoothI have received several calls recently asking what breed of dog would be good for an aging member of the family. Here is an article I put together on the subject.
Dog lovers are well aware of the benefits that come from having a dog in their lives. Whether that dog is a tiny Chihuahua or an enormous Saint Bernard, we all have our favorites. Just because we get older doesn’t mean we appreciate having dogs as companions any less. Studies have even shown that having a dog as a pet can improve the health and wellbeing of seniors. Many nursing homes welcome animal visitors, pet therapists and some allow pets to live with residents.
It is important for seniors to take into consideration some of the changes that occur as we age. It’s usually not easy for a senior to handle a giant breed or a breed that requires a lot of grooming. It may be more difficult to exercise a dog with high energy levels. For these reasons, seniors should consider things like size and temperament when they think about getting a dog. Smaller dogs often make good pets for older people. Small dogs with shorter coats are good because they usually require less maintenance and they can be easier to handle than large dogs. Small dogs can also make wonderful lap dogs.
Here are some of the best choices for dogs for seniors:
Pug – The Pug is everyone’s favorite clown. A big dog in a small package. They are small but they have huge personalities. If you like playful, outgoing dogs, then the Pug may be for you. They love attention and affection. They are also very affectionate in return. You should be sure you have lots of time for a Pug if you intend to get one because they will expect you to give them lots of your time. They are wonderful lap dogs. Grooming is easy since they are short-coated, but they do shed a lot.
Cocker Spaniel – The Cocker Spaniel is always a popular pick because of their good looks and sweet personality. For years they were the most popular dog in the United States. They are friendly without being overbearing. They do require some exercise since they are a Sporting breed, but since they are small dogs they will be happy with a good walk. They are devoted to their owners. They tend to have long, curly hair so regular grooming is a must. Many people opt for a popular pet trim from a dog grooming shop.
Chihuahua – Chihuahuas are always popular, and with good reason. For anyone who likes small dogs these little guys are very cute. If you like a dog that you can carry with you almost everywhere, then the Chihuahua may be your kind of dog. Don’t let their small size fool you. These little dogs think they’re big dogs and may well try to tell off a much bigger dog. They often attach themselves to one person in a family. If you’re a senior living alone they are more than capable of letting you know when someone is approaching or at your door. They are very protective. They usually weigh six pounds or less. Watch out for the so-called “tea cup” Chihuahuas and other breeds. The super tiny versions of breeds may have health problems later on.
Shih Tzu – The Shih Tzu is a friendly, gentle dog with a regal appearance. They are an ancient breed from China – one of several breeds from that land. Shih Tzu are said to be the oldest and smallest of the holy dogs from Tibet. These dogs are sturdy, lively and alert. They do have a snub-nosed face so they are sensitive to problems with heat in the summer and do best in a cooler climate or in an air conditioned house. They make a very loving and intelligent companion. Their long, flowing coat does require some care.
Yorkshire Terrier – The Yorkshire Terrier is not what he appears to be. With his lovely long coat and small size he looks quite dainty, but this little guy was bred to kill rats originally. He’s still a terrier inside and there’s quite a bit of terrier vigor still left in him. He may be a loving lap dog now but it doesn’t take much to get him moving again. He makes a fierce little companion, alert and feisty. Yorkies are generally easy to train but they can be a bit stubborn at times.
Scottish Terrier – Scotties, naturally, originated in Scotland. This is a sturdy little dog, strong and active. They are brave, alert, playful and friendly as pups. They grow up to be dignified adults. Some might say they have a very Scottish character. They tend to be a bit stubborn and require good training when they’re young. They do not respond well to harsh correction. They are around 19-23 pounds and 10-11 inches tall at the shoulder. They do very well in apartments with moderate exercise.
Toy Poodle – As with all Poodles, the Toy Poodle is one of the most intelligent dog breeds. They enjoy human company, probably more than they enjoy the company of dogs. They will allow you to pamper them all you want. If you want to dote over a small dog, this may be the one for you.
Pomeranian – Pomeranians are a great favorite with many people. Cute as can be, they are fuzzy with a foxy little face. Friendly, playful, active, Pomeranians are a tiny Spitz-type breed that originated in Pomerania, Germany. They were originally much larger sled dogs before they were bred down to their current size. Dogs today should not be larger than 10 pounds. They make wonderful companions and are one of the most popular dog breeds.
Boston Terrier – Boston Terriers are considered to be an American breed – one of the few native American breeds. They originated around 1870. These dogs are typically friendly and laid back. They are small but protective and a senior may feel secure with such a dog around. They are short-haired dogs that are easy to groom. Dogs should weigh between 10 and 25 pounds. They are white with black, brown or brindle.
These are a few breeds that tend to make good pets for seniors. Some of them are shorthaired, while others have long hair. If you’re interested in any of these breeds, or others, keep in mind that every dog is an individual. We can make generalities about them but each dog is unique. You may meet a Cocker Spaniel that wants to run all the time or a shy Pomeranian. If you are interested in a dog try to meet him or her in person to see what they’re like. See how they fit with your own personality. Consider your own circumstances and lifestyle to see if the dog would be a good match. If you love dogs there is probably a good dog out there for you. Good luck in your search.
Until next time…….
About the Author: Wayne Booth is owner of Canine Behavior Specialists in Nashville, TN. Wayne has been teaching people how to become Professional Dog Trainers since 1990 and he is the Training Director of Canine Behavior Specialists Network, www.K9-University.com
Is It Ever Too Late To Train Your Dog?
in Uncategorized/by Wayne BoothAlthough you’ve heard the saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” in fact you can teach an old dog just about anything! It’s never too late to train a dog.
Whether you are bringing home an older dog from a shelter or rescue or you’d like to work with your own older dog, there’s no reason to delay doing some training with an older dog.
There are actually some advantages to working with an older dog. Older dogs may already know some commands. They have a much longer attention span than puppies. They can understand very quickly what you want them to do because they already know a lot of human words. And, older dogs already know how to learn. They know the routine of learning things that humans want to teach them.
Even if you are starting from scratch with an older dog and he doesn’t know any commands, chances are that he knows at least a few basic words such as “good dog” and “no.” He understands certain basic training concepts that you have to spend time teaching to a younger dog.
Older dogs are often eager to please, too. They may have seen a lot but they appreciate it when you spend time with them.
You do have to make some allowances for older dogs. An older dog may not be as active or as spry as a younger dog. Depending on the dog’s age he may have some health issues to take note of when you train.
For instance, if your older dog has some arthritis, then give him time when he sits and gets up and down repeatedly. This action may cause him a little pain. If you are doing training that requires your dog to do things quickly then give him some extra time. So, if your training requires strenuous physical activity for your dog, do make allowances for his age.
If your older dog has had some previous training you may need to “unteach” him any lessons that hinder your current training. If he’s had any bad experiences you will need to carefully re-train him around those experiences.
Even if you are interested in training an older dog for some kinds of specialized training, such as hunting or herding, many older dogs are able to pick up these jobs and excel. If they have a natural instinct and they enjoy the work they are even more likely to love the training and learn fast.
However, on the whole, there is no reason why you can’t train an older dog. You should find that their intelligence and their ability to focus is very great. They have often gained a great deal of wisdom in the course of their lives and they can apply this to the training you are giving them.
It’s never too late to train a dog. Spend time training your older dog and watch him come alive again. He may spring to life like a puppy all over again, enjoying his work and loving spending time with you.
Tennis Balls Can Be Dangerous For Dogs
in Uncategorized/by Wayne BoothI always tell dog owners and new trainers that “tennis balls kill dogs”. Of course I always get a weird look and somebody that says “I have used tennis balls with my dog forever without a problem”. If used properly and with supervision it can be okay however in certain situations they can kill. Let me tell you what I mean.
Let me paint this picture. Your dog picks up a tennis ball in the backyard or the one that is left with it in the crate. Your dog uses it to do some big time chewing and with his powerful jaws he pops the ball and a piece of the broken ball blocks your dog’s airway and it chokes to death. Far fetched idea you say, then ask Oprah Winfrey. Yes one of her dogs died just like in the picture I just painted for you.
Here is another problem and I know the police officer that this happened to her police dog. He picked up one of many tennis balls that were always lying in the backyard. He popped the ball like I mentioned before and was able to tear off a piece and swallow it. No he didn’t choke. However after a while the officer realized that something was wrong with her dog and took it to the vet.
The tennis ball piece was blocking the gut. It was a very serious life threatening situation. After surgery the dog did survive but only because the officer was so very much aware that something was not right with her dog. If she had not realized something was wrong she may have woken the next morning to a dead dog.
I think you get the idea now about the dangers of a tennis ball but that doesn’t mean that you should never use them. It simply means that they should only be used under supervision and they should never be left in your dog’s crate.
So here are a few rules to follow when it comes to tennis balls:
1. Your dog should always be supervised when it has a tennis ball 2. Never leave tennis balls lying around. They should be out of your dogs reach. 3. Only use one ball at a time. When they get 2 balls it can get stuck in the back of the mouth.
4. Say to heck with tennis balls and switch to a black “Kong” toy.
Summer Is Tick Time
in Uncategorized/by Wayne BoothI mentioned that ticks are back because it is summer but actually in some parts of the country ticks are a problem year around.
Ticks are known to carry many different diseases including but not limited to Ehrliciosis, Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Ticks prefer large animals to get their meals and because of that deer and dogs are always a favorite. Because of our deer population ticks are able to thrive. In fact some experts say that we would not have as big of a tick problem if we did not have deer.
So how do you keep these nasty creatures away from your dog so you and your dog will stay safe and healthy? There are a couple of easy ways to do it.
There are products like Front Line that you simply apply to your dog’s skin monthly. These products have been around for years and have done a pretty good job of keeping dogs tick free. However there is always somebody looking for the better mouse trap.
For some dog owners that better mouse trap is Seresto. Seresto is a collar for your dog that will give your dog flea and tick protection for 8 months. A couple of advantages that Seresto offers is the fact that you do not have to remember to use the topical treatment that you have been using in the past.
Seresto can be used on puppies that are 7 weeks and older. You do not have to remove the collar to bathe your dog. However if your dog swims or is bathed once a month or more the duration of the product is reduced to 5 months. Simple fix, take the collar off when your dog swims or gets a bath.
It appears that this product makes protecting your dog year around much easier. No remembering to do it on the first of each month.
Of course it is always a good idea to check your dog for fleas and ticks on a regular basis when you give your dog a few minutes of special attention or when you are brushing.
Does your dog need more training? If so visit us at Canine Behavior Specialists and give us a call, or for our out of town readers .
Until next time,
P.S. Do you need some advice from a Canine Behavior Specialist? If so CLICK HERE now!
About the Author: Wayne Booth is owner of Canine Behavior Specialists in Nashville, TN. Wayne has been teaching people how to become Professional Dog Trainers since 1990 and he is the Training Director of Canine Behavior Specialists Network.
8 Good Reasons To Train Your Dog
in Uncategorized/by Wayne Booth1. Training a dog can help him keep his home. It’s a fact that many dogs are turned into animal shelters each year because they are considered by their owners to be out of control. They may be exhibiting “behavior problems” such as soiling the house, jumping on people or barking too much. Training a dog can help solve these problems. If a puppy continues to soil the house or jump on people or otherwise cause problems at home, chances are that many times his owner will end up turning him in to an animal shelter. It just takes a little training to solve these behavior problems and help a dog keep his home.
2. Training helps a dog be more responsive. Dogs that are trained are used to watching their owner and listening for commands. They are more attuned to their owners and focused on them instead of distracted. This makes a dog a pleasure to be with. You can teach these dogs more and more.
3. Training can be fun for dogs. If you train your dog with positive reinforcement then you and your dog can have fun while you train. Your dog is rewarded with something pleasant for doing each small thing right and you, the trainer, get positive feedback from your dog. What’s not to like?
4. Training is a great way to spend time with your dog. The two of you are working on something together. You have a project that you both understand. You’re comrades or, if you like, teacher and pupil. It’s one of the best ways there is to get close to your dog and really understand how he thinks and his true personality.
5. Training actually improves your relationship with your dog. As your dog learns more he becomes more educated and more intelligent. That means he’s more capable of understanding you, just as you’re more capable of understanding him. The bond between the two of you grows as you spend time together.
6. Training your dog can lead to other activities, such as agility, rally, flyball, canine freestyle and other things that you can enjoy doing with your dog. All of these activities depend upon you and your dog first establishing a relationship through training together.
7. A well-trained dog is welcomed nearly everywhere. Vets, groomers, and other businesses that work with animals will be able to tell that your dog has received the kind of training that sets him apart from other dogs.
8. Good training can save your dog’s life. A dog who responds to you when you call him — who immediately returns to you when you see a car heading toward him — there are situations where training can literally save your dog from disaster.
Is your goal to have a well trained dog? If so visit us at Canine Behavior Specialists and give us a call, or for our out of town readers .
Until next time…