Tag: dogster-homepage-3-posts

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my five funny dogs, Poppy, Bailey, Kodah, Ned, and Fred.

I have found there are three stages to being a good veterinarian:

1. Newly graduated – worrying that you know nothing
2. Gaining confidence – thinking that you know everything
3. Years of experience – realizing that you can never know everything

The reason we can’t know everything is that it is simply impossible for one person to know and remember every detail of anatomy, physiology, disease, treatment, or behavior. Plus, our understanding of these things is constantly changing. When you start to believe you have nothing left to learn, you start down a slippery slope toward narrowmindedness and failure. It is a stage that most vets will experience; what makes a great vet is coming out the other side, being open to new information and different points of view.

I wanted to take this opportunity to revisit some ideas that I once “knew”, that I have since learned that I were either completely off base, or that there are a number of valid points of view.

Nutrition and Raw Feeding

Over the last few years in particular, I have come to realize how much our nutritional education is driven by the pet food industry. More specifically, the large companies that control the vast majority of pet food brands. I definitely came away from university with a clear idea of what was ‘good’ pet food, and what wasn’t. Throughout most of my career, I would steer my clients towards the two major veterinary pet food brands, taking little time to really explore other options. Don’t get me wrong, these foods are a good option, and I still use them as part of my pets’ and patients’ diets, but I no longer believe they are the best.

Until quite recently, I was, at best, skeptical about raw food diets. While I am still wary of the potential for foodborne pathogens, particularly after seeing an entire litter of pups succumb to botulism from some incorrectly stored meat, I believe that raw diets definitely have a place in canine and feline nutrition. When stored correctly, and formulated to meet nutritional requirements, there are actually some major benefits to raw feeding.

My personal favorite these days is the fresh-frozen diets, that combine the benefits of raw food with the safety of gentle cooking, and the confidence of feeding a balanced diet. For me, price and convenience are the only reasons to choose kibble, and that’s not something I would have said five years ago.

Behavior

I was very much a subscriber to the dominance hierarchy approach to dog behavior and training, believing in a linear relationship between members of a pack. Following this belief, I recommended that my clients assert dominance and ensure submission from their dogs. In the past couple of years, I have learned of a slightly different view of pack behavior, with individuals assuming different roles within a group. Although a lot of what I previously thought and taught still applies, as it is important for dog owners to establish themselves in a leadership role, this different approach has allowed me to better understand the dynamics between different dogs, and allow me to tailor my training and interactions.

Spaying and Castration

I trained in Australia, where there is a considerable stray and abandoned dog and cat population, which has had a significant influence on the recommendations about whether or not to spay or castrate, and at what age. I was taught to perform these surgeries before or at six months of age; something I am still happy to do with cats, but not with dogs.

We know that early-age spaying reduces the risk of mammary cancer in dogs, but this risk increases only slightly after the first season (but significantly more after the second). Allowing female dogs to reach sexual maturity before spaying – particularly large and giant breeds, who may not reach this stage until 2-3 years old – is just as important as reducing their cancer risks, as it can have major health implications if performed too early.

Similarly with male dogs, having a blanket castration age of 6 months can seriously impair some dogs’ social and physical development, while for some it may be the ideal age. Some males have low testosterone levels, and may never require castration, while others will be so sexually frustrated that they won’t respond to training or commands without it. Then there are breeds like Rottweilers, whose risk of osteosarcoma (bone cancer) may actually increase with neutering.

So I have learned that it is far better to treat each case individually, rather than have a set-in-stone policy.

Holistic and Alternative Therapies

If you’d asked me five years ago about my opinion of holistic treatments, I would have rolled my eyes and said they were a load of nonsense. Since then, I have undertaken a course in veterinary acupuncture, have become open to the idea of reiki, and am very keen on exploring the herbalistic manipulation of the endocannabinoid system. Realizing that holistic treatments are about diagnosing and treating the body as a whole, rather than being the ‘airy-fairy’ methods I once thought them to be, has opened my eyes to a wider world of therapeutic options.

The Biggest Lesson

Look, I’m not going to lie. I have heard some crazy, absurd, and even dangerous ideas from pet owners over the years, and it can sometimes make you a bit jaded about listening to different opinions. But some of the more interesting and nuanced approaches to pet care have also come from my clients; I just had to be willing to listen to them and do my own research. Coming to terms with the things I was wrong about has not been disheartening, it has been freeing, because I know that I can be open to learning new ideas, and seeing things from different perspectives.

As Socrates once said, the only true wisdom is in knowing that you know nothing.

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my five funny dogs, Poppy, Bailey, Kodah, Ned, and Fred.

Every summer, thousands of dogs are seen at veterinary practices suffering from heat stroke, and strangely, I see more cases in the UK than I ever did in Australia. Why? It’s about humidity.

We tend to be much more aware of the dangers of hot weather when the mercury soars, but when temperatures are relatively mild and it’s the humidity that’s sky-high, we’re less inclined to take precautions. If it’s 100°F outside, we know it’s too hot to take the dog out for a run; we know how dangerous it is. But would you be worried about letting your dog run and play to their heart’s content if the temperature was 75°C? Most of us wouldn’t think of this as being particularly hot, and I suppose it’s not, but if humidity is high and wind speed is low, your dog could be in danger.

I Hate the Humidity

How I managed to survive in Brisbane for 30 years, where humidity levels are rarely below 60%, is something of a mystery. When I lived in Alice Springs for a time, I was amazed at how a temperature of 45°C (110°F) could feel cooler than 32°C (90°F) in Brisbane. It was all because the summer humidity in the red center of Australia was around 25%, compared with 75% in Brisbane – that’s a hell of a difference! But exactly what difference does it make?

When we get hot, we sweat; some more than others, and I’m definitely one of the ‘some’! When humidity levels are low, the sweat evaporates rapidly, helping to bring the body temperature down – the body’s cooling system operating as it should! When it’s really humid, our perspiration doesn’t evaporate, leaving us sweaty, and uncomfortable.

You’re probably wondering what this has to do with dogs, when they don’t actually sweat. And that is exactly my point.

Dogs Don’t Sweat, They Pant

The canine cooling system is also based on evaporation, but of saliva from the tongue. There are a few other behavioral and physiological adaptations that help keep their body temperature within normal limits, but evaporative cooling is their primary method. And in humid conditions, it’s a very inefficient one.

The issue with dogs that exercise in warm or hot conditions isn’t so much about getting hot, as it is about cooling down.

Even on a cool day, your dog’s body temperature will creep up towards the upper limits of normal as they exercise, but their cooling system keeps them from overheating. On a hot day, that temperature can quickly climb to a level that the cooling system struggles to cope with. When conditions are humid, their body temperature can stay elevated for a dangerously long period, and struggle to return to normal. And this can be deadly.

I would always choose to put off a walk on a hot or humid day rather than risk exposing my dogs to heat stress. It’s just not worth it.

How Do I Keep My Dogs Safe from Heat Stroke And From Boredom?

You may have seen my previous post about Kodah’s love of the garden hose, and using water can be a great way to keep your dogs occupied during Summer. However, Kodah is so energetic when playing with water that I have to keep his water pistol under wraps until the evening. Early morning exercise can be okay, but it’s much safer to wait until late afternoon, when the temperature is on its way down.

You might think that a dog like Kodah would need loads of physical exercise every day, but what’s really important for him is keeping his mind active. So when the temperature or humidity are too high to allow him to be physically active, I find ways to keep his brain busy and his body cool.

Paddling Pool

I have learned over the years that, without investing in a seriously sturdy pool, I’m better off buying a few cheap ones. That way, it’s not the end of the world when he inevitably breaks them.

Ice Treats

These are great for all the dogs, and you can make different sizes with different flavors. I usually just use some of their regular kibble in a silicone cake or cupcake tray, but any container will do. Add boiling water, and allow to sit for 20 minutes before popping them in the freezer. The flavor disperses into the boiling water, so the ice is tasty, and the challenge of reaching the food inside keeps the dogs busy for hours.

Ice Water

This one’s not an activity, but it’s a great way to keep their water cold all day. Instead of putting ice cubes in the water that melt too quickly, and could potentially be a choking hazard, I half-fill the water bowl and freeze it overnight. I then top up the bowl with regular water, so they have icy cold water all day.

Frozen Toys

During summer, I will pop a few of the dogs’ favorite toys in a plastic bag, and keep them in the freezer overnight. Each morning, they have a selection of chilly chew toys to keep them busy.

Stay Home, Stay Alive

Although it feels a bit mean sometimes to leave the dogs behind when we go out for a summer’s day, I would much prefer to find fun ways to keep them cool at home than to risk the deadly effects of heat stroke.

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my five funny dogs, Poppy, Bailey, Kodah, Ned, and Fred.

Poppy and I go back a long way. Although she has lived with my husband, Reece, for longer than I have, I gradually went from being an unwelcome interloper to her second (if not first) favorite person in the world. There is one area, however, where we constantly butt heads: my bed.

Far from occupying a kennel, or even a dog bed, Poppy spends much of her day luxuriating on our king-size orthopedic mattress. More specifically, my side of the mattress. I’m not sure if it is a mark of affection or respect, or perhaps a sign of some deep-seated resentment, but no matter how often I ask, encourage, and push her to make herself comfortable on the end of the bed, or even on Reece’s side, she inevitably shuffles her way back to mine.

Why Does It Bother Me?

I don’t object to Poppy spending her day enjoying the comfort of our bedroom – she’s an old girl and she deserves to feel as content and comfortable as possible. But there are two main reasons that I wish she’d migrate to another part of the bed.

1. She sheds so much!
2. The mattress never gets to ‘decompress;

Despite being regularly brushed and groomed, Poppy sheds her black hair by the handful, with most of it embedding itself in my sheets. I have gone out of my way to make our bed dog-friendly, even buying a shaggy, fluffy bedding set to make the pooches more comfortable and protect my nice bamboo sheets underneath. However, Poppy seems to feel that the only way to truly experience the comforts of being in bed is by really being in bed.

Even on a warm day, I will invariably come upstairs to find that she has pushed the fluffy blanket aside so she can snuggle under the comforter, her head resting comfortably on my pillow.

The other issue is that my side of the bed has someone in it, almost 24 hours a day. Until recently, we had a memory foam mattress, which eventually developed a permanent dip on my side. I’m not the lightest person in the world, and I’m not blaming Poppy for making an indentation in the bed, but the fact that she would curl her 70-pound body into the impression left by mine, means that the mattress didn’t get much chance to bounce back.

Fortunately, we recently upgraded to a hybrid mattress, so my mattress-dipping days are behind me.

Does She Not Understand?

It’s always hard to know just how much our dogs understand, but what I can tell you is that every time I walk into the bedroom, she will give me a sheepish look as she shimmies over to another part of the bed, leaving rumpled bedclothes in her wake. She doesn’t leap from the bed; she moves out of my spot. To me, this shows that she’s not confused about whether or not she’s allowed on the bed; it’s where on the bed that’s the issue.

Does She Not Care?

I would like to think that, most of the time, Poppy loves and respects me, and in all our other interactions, her behavior certainly suggests that is the case. So why does she defy my wishes in this one area, on a daily basis?

Is it just that whatever warm and fuzzy feelings she gains from sleeping on my side of the bed outweigh any potential guilt or shame? There’s no fear of punishment – I might not like her sharing my spot, but I’d never punish her for doing so. I do, however, give her lots of praise when she is lying in spots that aren’t mine.

Is It Love? Is It Respect?

Is the fact that she prefers my side of the bed a sign of her deep love and affection for me? Or is it a sign of respect for my husband that she wouldn’t dream of sleeping on his side? I guess we’ll never know (but I choose to believe the former!).

Why Don’t I Just Stop Her?

Obviously, if it was a really big deal I would stop her from sleeping on the bed at all, or lock her out of our room. The thing is, Poppy’s not getting any younger, and I have decided to put her comfort ahead of my own. I’ll just have to up my brushing game and maybe ask my cat Clutch to show her how fun it is to be vacuumed!

Until next time,

 
 
 

Hi, I’m Allison! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my three mixed-breed dogs from Thailand, Jelly, Lorraina, and Manic.

Uh-oh. It is quiet. Too quiet. That can only mean one thing: my dog is up to something.

Those moments of silence always made me panic slightly. Manic loves looking for adventure, trouble, wild animals, anything! Even though we had a fenced-in yard, the fencing was old, so Manic would find a weak spot and squeeze himself underneath.

Despite having 2.5 acres of wooded land to explore, Manic always longs for freedom.

The First Time Manic Escaped

Manic was only in the USA for about three days before he escaped the first time. When I searched the entire property and could not locate him, my mind was in a whirlwind. Is he stuck underneath some old logs? Did he jump in the pond and drown? Where could he have possibly gone?

Then, I looked out over the fence and saw him running across a cornfield. That was not good. The people who owned that property had put up plenty of signs saying “No Trespassing” and “Private Property”. What would they do if they saw him? I know that they sometimes go hunting; what if they think he is a wild dog and shoot at him?

There was also the issue of road traffic. The field is about 12 acres large, with direct access to the road. Manic is not smart enough to check for cars before crossing a street. And if he sees something interesting on the other side of the road, trust me, he will try to get there without hesitation.

Too many situations could endanger him, so I went over the fence and tried to see if I could call him back without “formally” trespassing. After about 30 minutes of pushing my way through brambles and climbing over fallen trees, I could finally get close enough to grab him by the collar and lead him back home. He was filthy and panting heavily, and I was swearing under my breath as I led him back home through brambles, ditches, and rocks.

Little did I know this would not be the only time he would escape.

Manic’s Adventures on the Outside

Over the next few months, Manic would continue to find small gaps in the old fence. Sometimes, I would find the gaps and repair them as best I could (I am pretty handy, but not THAT handy!). But he was a tricky one, that Manic of mine. He would disappear for 30 minutes at a time and eventually show up at the back gate. Once, he was gone for almost three hours, and I imagined all the horrible things that might have happened.

But he would always come back, burrs in his fur, mud on his paws, and tongue hanging out. I would let him through the gate and he would walk straight into the house and have a drink of water. Once his thirst was quenched, he headed back to the door, expecting me to let him out again.

“Fat chance,” I would mumble.

Manic looked at me pleadingly for another taste of freedom. However, all the exploration had exhausted him. So, he settled down on his dog bed, facing the sliding doors to watch the world as he drifted off to sleep.

This would give me time to find where he could have escaped. I put on my boots and headed out to examine the fence that encircled the property. Sometimes, I found a bit of soft earth where he dug and slipped under. Other times, he would scale an old rock wall to escape. But the other places remained a mystery to this day.

My Little Escapee

Manic now has a GPS collar with a built-in fence. Whenever he tries to leave the property, the collar beeps just loud enough to keep him where he is meant to be.

I am sure Manic had amazing times out in the wilderness. Part of me wishes he could go off into the woods, chasing deer, digging holes, and running along fallen trees. I would love to have him run across fields and up and down hills without a care in the world.

Sadly, there are too many dangers out there for a carefree and slightly reckless dog like Manic. But when he dreams, I hope he relives his adventures on the outside.

If you want to read last week’s post, click here: Snip Snip: Manic Gets Neutered

Hi, I’m Savanna! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my spunky Chihuahua mix, Penny.

You should know by now that we love to travel with Penny. So when we do, we are always looking for places we can take her, including dog-friendly restaurants. Not only are the number of restaurants that allow dogs increasing, but some of the restaurants even have menus just for dogs.

It’s always awesome to stumble across restaurants with secret dog menus, because Penny gets a yummy treat too instead of having to beg for our food. I’m going to talk about one of our favorite dog-friendly restaurants to eat at when we go on vacation, as well as some other restaurants where you can get special items just for your dog.

Keep in mind that unless a restaurant has a patio or outdoor dining space, they likely don’t allow dogs for health and safety reasons. Even if a restaurant has an outdoor dining space, you should always call ahead to make sure they allow dogs!

Shaggy’s Pensacola Beach – Our Favorite Dog-Friendly Restaurant

I mentioned in an earlier post that one of our top places to vacation is Pensacola Beach, Florida. Not only do they have two dog-friendly beaches, but several of the restaurants are dog-friendly as well.

Our favorite is Shaggy’s, because not only are they super dog-friendly, but they also have a menu just for dogs! You can choose from a beef hot dog, burger patty, or grilled chicken and steamed rice, and they also have dog-friendly ice cream! They also bring a water bowl for your dog to drink out of. The best part is that all the meals are served inside a Shaggy’s frisbee “plate”.

We order grilled chicken and steamed rice for Penny, and we get a lot of food for such a small dog! She doesn’t eat it all (but a big dog might), but needless to say she doesn’t bother us for our food one time. The frisbee is also much too big for her to play with, and she doesn’t play with frisbees anyway, but it’s still a cute touch. And we can play with it even if Penny can’t.

If you ever find yourself in Pensacola Beach with your dog, I highly recommend Shaggy’s. You can order the Beach Balls for yourself, which are fried balls of mashed potatoes stuffed with cheese and bacon with ranch and queso to dip them in. They’re easily one of the most delicious things I’ve ever eaten.

Shaggy’s also has locations in Biloxi, Gulfport, Pass Christian (Pass Harbor), and The Rez, all in Mississippi.

Dunkin’ Donuts Pup Cup

Of course all dog owners are familiar with the pup cup, which is another one of Penny’s favorite treats. But in case you don’t know, a pup cup is a small cup filled with just whipped cream (or in some cases, vanilla ice cream instead), and they’re usually free!

Our favorite place to get Penny a pup cup is Dunkin’ Donuts (whipped cream), but there are several other places you can get one for your dog, including:

• Chick-Fil-A – vanilla ice cream and a dog treat
• Culver’s – vanilla frozen custard, usually with a Milk Bone
• Dairy Queen – vanilla ice cream
• McDonald’s – whipped cream
• Shake Shack – vanilla custard, peanut butter, and a dog biscuit
• Sonic – whipped cream
• Starbucks Puppuccino – whipped cream

If you have a Pelican’s SnoBalls in your area, they also have a snow cone for dogs. It’s usually vanilla or peanut butter flavored with a dog treat on top. It’s not free, but it’s still really affordable, and sometimes we have to spend a little extra on our pups!

If you’re looking for something with a little more sustenance than what a pup cup offers for your dog, there are plenty of other restaurants and eateries where you can get your dog a treat.

Penny hasn’t tried any of these personally, but we’re sure your dog will love them nonetheless! Just make sure you consult your vet first if your dog has any dietary restrictions.

• In-N-Out Pup Patty – unseasoned burger patty with no salt
• Johnny Rockets Dog Burger – a cut up burger patty
• Lazy Dog Rice Plate – cut up beef and rice
• Sprinkles Doggie Cupcake – a dog-safe cupcake with yogurt frosting
• Tim Hortons Timbits – sugar-free, dog-friendly donut holes

What’s Your Pup’s Favorite Treat?

Although Penny loves Shaggy’s, you may have your own dog-friendly restaurant your dog loves to eat at in your area. There are certainly plenty more places with secret dog menus that aren’t as well known. But if nothing else, you can at least spoil your dog with a free pup cup!

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my five funny dogs, Poppy, Bailey, Kodah, Ned, and Fred.

Check out Part 2: Hairballs, Cat Litter, and Fur on EVERYTHING on Catster.com to learn more.

I am feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, and the trouble is, I can’t take a day off. Sure, I can put in for holidays from my veterinary work, but I still have to do my other full time job: taking care of 5 dogs and 5 cats. Don’t get me wrong; I love my pets, and no one forced me to take on this many, but I think that it’s important to share the not-so-fun side to living with this many animals.

I was recently away for a few weeks, visiting my family in Australia, as my Dad had to spend some time in hospital – something I could only do because my husband stayed behind to mind the zoo. Despite it being a stressful and emotional time, it was also strangely relaxing. Why? Because Mum and Dad don’t have any pets. Personally, I don’t know how they can stand living without the unconditional love that comes in the form of a fluffy four-legged creature, but that’s their choice. It did, however, allow me to experience life without the daily chores that occupy much of my time at home. Dog walks, picking up poop, feeding time, medication, ordering food and medication, cleaning litter boxes, daily (sometimes twice daily) vacuum cleaning, removing fur from my clothing, and sleep punctuated by toilet breaks and feline hijinks were replaced by crossword puzzles, quiz shows, and early nights – ah, the life of a retiree!

Back to normal…or what passes for normal in my house!

Thankfully, my Dad is doing well, and I have returned to my fur-filled home. All ten pets were thrilled with my return, as was my husband. As I do much of my work from home, while Reece works long and unpredictable hours, most of the day-to-day pet care falls to me, so he had been juggling a lot in my absence. You would think that having a few weeks respite from my ‘second job’ would have left me well rested and ready to dive back in, but the opposite seems to be true. I find myself feeling overwhelmed by my responsibilities, and it made me realize that this very important aspect of pet ownership has been missing from my weekly posts.

I’ve shown you Ned and Fred’s hilarious antics, Kodah’s love of water, Bailey’s incredible hip surgery, and Poppy’s little spa treatments. You may have seen Clutch’s attraction to the vacuum cleaner, Alex’s obsession with licking plastic, and Cyril’s dedication to inconvenience. You’ve probably already guessed that sharing a home with this many animals is going to involve a lot of work, but you might not realize just how much.

I have a couple of go-to phrases I like to trot out when talking to people about having pets (and I believe they also apply to having children!):

• An immaculate house or pets: pick one (you can’t have both).
• If you don’t feel a little bit mean some of the time, you’re going to regret it later
  • This one is particularly relevant to puppy training!

Although my dogs have shown themselves to be wonderful company when I am having a difficult time with my chronic fatigue, there’s no such thing as a day off with dogs. At the very least, there’s:

Toilet Breaks

Tiny dogs = tiny bladders and minimal self control, so we had to learn to be extra vigilant when it came to house training the Chihuahuas. Fred, in particular, has proven to be most challenging in this area, and has yet to fully ‘graduate’ from toilet training. If you don’t spot his subtle cues, you’re likely to find an unpleasant surprise hidden somewhere inside. Ned is better at waiting, but he does signal his need for the loo by gently tapping me on the leg at 4am. Whilst Poppy, Bailey, and Kodah can easily last upward of 8 hours before needing a trip outside, the Chihuahuas need to be let out about every 4-6 hours.

Meal Times

Twice a day I set out five dog bowls with different foods and portions, some with medication, and some (Kodah) needing tomato ketchup or mayo to disguise their tablets. Mealtimes need to be monitored to make sure that each dog eats from the right bowl, and that Ned doesn’t steal Kodah’s food (yes, you read that correctly, the 4 lb Chihuahua will steal the 80 lb German Malinois’ food).

Deactivating the Dog Alarms

Whenever the doorbell rings, anyone walks past the house, or a tree branch starts to look a bit shifty, the Kodah-Ned-Fred alarm system is activated. I don’t really know why we even have a doorbell. Sometimes the alarm system settles on its own, but other times I need to manually override it by checking to make sure that the suspicious-looking tree branch is not a threat, or taking the alarm system outside before it springs a leak in its overexcited state.

Constant Vigilance!

When I’m not crippled by fatigue, there are dog walks, grooming sessions, Kodah training and playtime, not to mention the vacuuming, washing, and damage repair that go hand-in-hand with a house full of pets. Although we are fortunate to have a group of cats and dogs that generally cohabit peacefully, there are the occasional ‘differences in opinion’ and games of chase that go a bit far, and it’s better to be paranoid than complacent. 99% of the time, any arguments fizzle out uneventfully, but it’s that 1% that needs our intervention that ensures we are always vigilant about the interactions amongst the family.

There are no days off when you have a dog, let alone five. You can’t call in sick, you can’t just let them order takeout, and you can’t expect them to hold their bladder because you’re not feeling up to it. On the plus side, dogs also don’t take days off from showering you with love and affection – there is no off switch for that!

You might be thinking that, compared with the daily demands of dogs, cats are low maintenance, but you’d be surprised to learn how much work they can be.

Hi, I’m Allison! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my three mixed-breed dogs from Thailand, Jelly, Lorraina, and Manic.

Living on a small island made me aware of how bad a dog population can become if it remains unspayed or intact. Though the animal clinic there was small with limited staff, they worked overtime to educate the community on the issues of unchecked breeding and why spaying and neutering are essential. The veterinarian would even do the procedures for free for some people on the lower end of the economic scale.

I fully understood how important desexing dogs was and had no issues getting Jelly spayed when the vet said it was the right time. But why did I feel guilty when it was Manic’s time to get snipped?

Would Manic Become Less of Himself?

When Jelly got spayed, I wasn’t worried whether it would “alter” her personality. I just did not want her to get pregnant. I have seen dogs who could have only just had their first heat become impregnated, which can be too much of a strain on their bodies. Even though we primarily kept Jelly at home, she would like to wander around the area and explore. It was too risky to leave her intact.

Plus, isn’t the whole idea that getting a dog fixed will change its personality a myth? Some people think their dogs—males in particular—will get sluggish, lose their spark, and gain weight. Maybe this was why I was hesitant to make Manic’s neutering appointment. Manic was always a bundle of energy, zooming everywhere with his tongue hanging out and eyes so wide he could see from one side of the island to the other. I did not want to take his shine away along with his…you know.

But I also did not want him to be a father.

The Day of the Surgery Arrives

Since we lived a short distance from the clinic, one of the vet techs drove over on his motorbike with a side cart to get the patient. We hustled Manic onto the side cart and into the crate, and off he went. I admit I did tear up a little bit. I implicitly trusted the vet team with the procedure. But what if he was not my over-rambunctious little furball anymore?

Manic was brought back home after the procedure, still unconscious. We carried him into the bedroom, laid him down on a towel, and waited for him to wake up from his drugged slumber.

Manic’s Recovery

When Manic finally woke up, the first thing he did was take a few staggering steps and urinate on the floor. The poor thing was still incredibly groggy. But it got worse at night. Manic normally slept on a blanket on the floor in the bedroom. Jelly claimed our bed as her own, and Lorraina slept on the couch. We had always slept in perfect harmony. However, Manic was very sore after getting neutered and acted very confused about why he felt this way. So, we let him sleep in the bed next to Jelly.

Jelly loved Manic, but she got territorial when he was on the bed. She would growl softly to remind him that he had infringed on her space. But for some reason, Jelly let him sleep right next to her. She did not growl once, even when he would repeatedly spin around in the middle of the night due to the discomfort from the stitches. He had a rough few days and nights, but Jelly was patient with him (Lorraina ignored him).

His slow recovery, combined with my waiting to see if his personality had changed, made me feel horrible. I had caused my dog pain, and he would never be the same.

The Aftermath: Still My Manic

After about a week, Manic was walking about without any issue. But would he still appreciate life with the same vigor and excitement he had before the surgery?

He absolutely was.

Any stress and anxiety I felt about who Manic was going to be after he got neutered left my mind. It took him about three weeks to get back to his old self. He still did his evening zoomies. He still jumped up on us, demanding head scratches. He still explored the world with the same energy and excitement before the surgery. He was exactly the same.

Better yet, he was NOT fathering any puppies!

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my five funny dogs, Poppy, Bailey, Kodah, Ned, and Fred.

I hate when people use stereotypes on dogs. I hate it even more when they turn out to be right! Chihuahuas have long been labeled as yappy, bitey, demanding, and notoriously hard to toilet train, and Ned & Fred have lived up to all of these. Fortunately they are also loving, loyal, affectionate, and highly entertaining.

Toilet training has been one aspect of dog ownership that I thought I’d mastered, with my love of crates playing a significant role in my success. Dogs usually avoid toileting in their bed, so keeping them in their crate overnight, and for half an hour after meals, meant that I could take them outside from the crate and celebrate when they went to the toilet outside.

The problem with a tiny Chihuahua pup is that, even in quite a small crate, they can maintain a good distance between themselves and any offensive waste, so we weren’t getting the usual success with this method. Fortunately, they had settled well in their crates overnight, feeling safe and secure in their little bedroom, and seemed happy to be left in there when we went out. So this is when we tried something unconventional.

Swapping Crate Training for Bed Training

It started with Ned, who was the first in our house, and the first in our bed. Snuggled close against my chest at night, he never went to the toilet in our bed, and always waited for me to take him outside in the morning. Ned will only get up and down from our bed using a little step, and he has to squeeze past me to get to it. Sometimes he’ll wake me up earlier than I’d like, by gently pushing on my hip, but he has never had an accident in the bed.

So, when Fred came along, after he had proven content to be left in the crate without fuss, we tried the same method of overnight toilet training. And it has worked…sort of. Fred is fearless, and has no hesitation in launching off our rather tall bed, so I have a very small window of time between hearing him hit the floor, and getting him downstairs and outside. I am not always successful.

Another hurdle is the incredible stubbornness of Chihuahuas. I have stood outside for 30 minutes in sleet and rain, with Fred staring back at me, surprisingly unfazed by the inclement weather. Within five minutes, I find a sneaky puddle or nugget behind a door, which he manages to do unseen!

Toilet Training Obstacle Course

The problem with these tiny dogs is that it’s a lot easier to spot a big dog in the act, allowing you to say “stop!” and take them straight outside. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve spotted a pool of urine behind the sofa or a tiny poop beside my desk, when I was literally sitting right there! How did I not see it happen??

The result of their sneaky habits meant that they were receiving strong, positive reinforcement when they were toileting outside, and a neutral response to going inside, so there was no real deterrent to pooping in the warm comfort of home. And so, another new approach was needed: physical obstacles.

We’ve put up a stair gate to block access to my office (which, to be fair, is where the cats’ litter boxes are, so they could be forgiven for thinking that room is a toilet), used pillows to stop them getting behind the sofas, and have even erected a blockade around the base of our bed to prevent underbed poops. By preventing access to their favorite indoor latrine areas, we have the opportunity to spot the Chihuahuas searching for the ‘ideal spot’, allowing us to turf them outside.

The Upside of the Tiny Dog

Despite the frustration of taking over a year to housetrain Fred (though there is still the occasional indoor accident), one benefit of the tiny dog is that the accidents are also tiny. Their other saving grace is that, luckily for them, even when they’re naughty, they are so irresistibly cute!

Hi, I’m Allison! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my three mixed-breed dogs from Thailand, Jelly, Lorraina, and Manic.

Dogs have always been seen as the ideal companions for people. While some breeds are mainly used as working dogs, their loyalty and dedication remain unmatched. People who have dogs as pets consider them family members and believe that if they were people, they would be best friends.

However, when I think about my dogs and their individual personalities, I really struggle to believe we would be best friends if they were people. To be honest, I don’t think I would like them at all.

Jelly: The Clingy Bestie Who Cannot Survive Without You

On the surface, Jelly seems like the perfect introverted friend. You know the ones I am talking about—the friend who does not want to go to a restaurant but would much rather get a pizza and binge-watch the latest TV series. Jelly would be the friend who would exercise with you out of love but is completely fine lounging in bed all day. She is not high-maintenance and has no embarrassing habits.

But since Jelly is a Velcro dog, she would be the clingy friend. A very clingy friend.

If Jelly were human, I could imagine her texting me every 10 minutes to ask me what I was doing. If I were to hang out with someone else for a few hours, she would make me feel guilty about it—maybe even start crying because I was ditching her and getting a new BFF. If Jelly and I were to go to a party or a bar, I know she would follow me continuously, even if I went to the restroom. She would also drop hints that she would want to go home after being out for 30 minutes.

Jelly, as a person, would need constant reassurance about your friendship but will still doubt your loyalty.

Lorraina: Always Looking for Trouble or a Fight

Lorraina is not a fan of other dogs. She was not like this when she was younger, but due to her small size, she got picked on by other dogs. This fueled her rage and made her distrustful of other dogs—no matter what size. She is wonderful with people, but if she sees another dog, she is going after them.

This would make having Lorraina as a friend very difficult. I can imagine us walking around, and if someone accidentally steps on her foot, she is going to punch them in the face without hesitation. If we would go to a bar and someone looked at her for too long, I bet she would grab the nearest beer bottle and smash them over the head. Lorraina would definitely be that person who would pull the fire alarm in a building or slip an unpurchased item into someone’s bag to set off the security alert at a store.

Legally, it would be unwise to have Lorraina as a friend.

Manic: Partying Like It Is 1999…All the Time

Manic is usually high-energy and is up for anything and everything! As long as it was not raining, he would spend the whole day outside, chasing chipmunks and squirrels, digging holes, and running around like crazy.

As a human friend, Manic would be up until the crack of dawn. He would be the type of person who shows up at your house at 10 pm and tells you about an underground party that is about to start. He would be the type of person who would do donuts in a parking lot or skinny dip in a neighbor’s pool. Manic would live life to the fullest at full volume.

If Manic got caught doing things he shouldn’t have, he would use his charm and looks to try to get out of the situation. He would flash a smile and run his fingers through his hair, saying things like, “Gee, I didn’t know how loud I was being” or “Gosh, I didn’t know what the speed limit was on this road.” But the next day, he was out again, running red lights, breaking into amusement parks, or doing keg stands.

Manic would be, simply put, too exhausting for me to befriend.

Do I Even Like My Dogs if I Don’t Want Them as Friends?

Of course. Without a question. I love each of my dogs and their personalities because they are dogs. Yes, Jelly is a Velcro dog, and I almost trip over her because she follows me around. But I love her. Yes, Lorraina will lunge at any dog that isn’t Jelly or Manic, hoping to draw blood. But I love her. And, yes, Manic lives his life with his paw on the gas pedal. But I love him.

However, if they were people, I would have to pass on building friendships with them.

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my five funny dogs, Poppy, Bailey, Kodah, Ned, and Fred.

We were always a large dog family; two Labradors and an Irish Wolfhound – it couldn’t get much larger than that. Within this trio of large and larger dogs, Poppy ruled the roost with a calm and quiet poise. Despite being twice her height, Finn, and later, Remus, accepted her leadership without question. When Potato, the rescue Chihuahua with a boatload of personality, joined the pack, I was a little worried about what Remus would make of him, and how ‘Tate’ would react to this towering hound. The answer? With confidence and aplomb.

His head held high and tail aloft, Tate made it very clear where he stood in the pecking order: shoulder-to-shoulder with Poppy, and miles above poor Remus! Tate’s dominance over the 150 pound Wolfhound was so well-established that Remus would never approach the Chihuahua’s food bowl, even when he was out of the room!

When Remus passed away, Kodah, the boisterous and lively German Shepherd x Malinois entered the fray, and Tate did not hesitate to let the little whippersnapper know who was boss. Kodah was almost 18 months old when we tragically lost Tate, and to help fill the enormous hole he left in our hearts, we brought home tiny Ned.

I’m not going to lie; I was worried about how this introduction would go. Kodah found new dogs beyond exciting, and wasn’t always the best at reigning himself in. It turns out there was no cause for concern.

Tiny Dogs On Top

I don’t know if it was the legacy of Tate’s strict tutelage, or the tendency for small dogs to work extra hard at reaching the top of the pile, but it took just one angry yap in Kodah’s direction for Ned to solidify his position in Tate’s shoes. And when Fred came along, he didn’t hesitate to join his cousin Ned on top of Kodah – figuratively and literally.

The interesting thing about Kodah is that, despite being a lively, confident, and intelligent boy, he seems to be happiest when following directions. It’s no wonder these dogs are often employed by the police and armed forces! With the exception of the occasional lip curl when Ned or Fred attempt to dip into his food bowl, Kodah is never anything but gentle in his dealings with the Chihuahuas; I cannot say the same for how they treat him!

Despite Kodah being more than ten times their size, Ned and Fred show zero hesitation when it comes to jumping on his back, pulling at his fur, hanging off his face, and taking toys from his mouth. And if I’m interpreting things correctly, Kodah absolutely loves it. I have often observed him picking up a toy and very deliberately taking it over to Fred, knowing that the toy-hogging Chihuahua will take it from him, every single time. Although it would take just one flick of his head to keep possession, Kodah always engages in a game of tug-o-war that he will inevitably concede to his much smaller opponent. Does this mean that Fred is dominant to Kodah? It turns out that it’s not as simple as that.

The Dominance Myth

There’s still a lot of debate surrounding canine dominance, and more recent and popular theories suggest that wolf pack dynamics are based more on the roles each pack member plays, rather than a simple dominance hierarchy. The wolves – or dogs – that we would traditionally think of as top dog or alpha, tend to be the decision-makers and leaders of a group, and there is not a constant battle for this top spot. Within a pack, there may be scouts, guards, caregivers and even jesters, and in our house, I can certainly see some of those roles coming out in our dogs.

• Poppy is a true leader, respected by her pack and all those who enter our home.
• Bailey is a nurturer; her calm and amiable nature puts everyone at ease.
• Kodah performs well as a scout and alert dog, though I’m not sure he would actually put his guard skills into action when push comes to shove.
• Fred is a jokester, while his offsider Ned is assertive enough to be both a guard dog and decision-maker, often leading the impressionable Fred astray!

So why does Kodah give up his possessions so readily to a dog a fraction of this weight? I believe it’s because he knows that if he was to win the game using his superior strength, Fred would be unlikely to want to play again in future – and where’s the fun in that? He clearly enjoys the game, and is happy to let Fred win if it means he gets to keep on playing. And every now and then, Fred even lets Kodah win. But when it comes to the things that really matter – his dinner, for instance – Kodah the pushover disappears. If their relationship were as simple as a straight dominance hierarchy, he would feel compelled to allow Ned and Fred to take food from his bowl without protest.

The dynamic between Ned and Fred is not quite so clear. If Fred has a toy Ned wants – and he does usually hog ALL the toys, Ned does not simply take it from him. There needs to be a bit of noise and grappling before he takes possession. In the reverse situation, Fred will not even attempt to take Ned’s toy, but will whimper and cry piteously until Ned chooses to abandon the item of his own volition.

Dogs are Adaptable

There are theories that the roles adopted by individual wolf pack members are predetermined by their genetics, but I think they may be more fluid than that. Certainly when we’re dealing with a group of non-related dogs, such as the pack in my home, individuals seem to be able to adapt to the needs and vacancies of the group, with dynamics sometimes changing with the death or addition of dogs. Of course, this isn’t always the case, and there are times when certain individuals simply will not tolerate living together. However, often if they are allowed to work out their differences, even dogs with high levels of friction can eventually learn how to live together in relative peace.

If you have a group of dogs at home, see if you can identify the roles they might have adopted – leader, nurturer, guard, or joker – and how that might affect the way they treat each other, and you.

Hi, I’m Allison! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my three mixed-breed dogs from Thailand, Jelly, Lorraina, and Manic.

Are Velcro dogs born with the uncontrollable desire to be with their owners every waking moment, or is it something they grow into? I thought a Velcro dog was something they inherently are based on their breed. Chihuahuas and Golden Retrievers come to mind when I think about a Velcro dog breed.

But do dogs grow into being Velcro dogs? I guess some do. Jelly turned into a Velcro dog after our move from Thailand to the USA.

My Mellow Jelly

Jelly has always been a fairly mellow dog. She was never a super high-energy puppy, which I greatly appreciated! She was perfectly happy to sit and watch a movie instead of going on epically long hikes. In fact, when we take her on walks now, she always gets a second wind when she realizes we are headed back home. She will race ahead of Manic and Lorraina as if to say, “We made it, guys! We are at the homestretch! C’mon! The air-conditioning and our comfy beds are calling our names!”

Jelly’s mellow personality is a welcome balance between Manic’s drive for chaos and Lorraina’s desire to start fights.

However, she has become a Velcro dog.

Click, Click, Click, Click… 

I have the pleasure of working at home. This is really beneficial because the trio do not have to remain cooped up inside for most of the day. If the day is warm, Manic will probably spend close to 10 hours outside. He entertains himself within our fenced-in 2.5-acre property by digging holes, chasing squirrels, tracking rabbits, watching birds, or napping in the sun. Lorraina will spend about half the time outside but greatly enjoys coming inside for her naps on her orthopedic bed.

But not Jelly. It could be a perfect spring day, and if I am not outside, she will not go. Instead, Jelly prefers to be always roughly three feet away from me. If I am at my desk, she is curled up in the spare dog bed I keep in my office. If I am going to take a quick power nap, she needs to be lying right next to me. If I want to watch TV in the living room, she is on the couch next to me. Jelly liked being my shadow. And I did not mind it…most of the time.

The times when it got a bit hard to deal with was when I would leave my desk for minor things. For example, I would get up to go to the bathroom. One minute later, I would hear click, click, click, click. That was the sound of Jelly’s nails clicking on the floor as she went to see where I was. I opened the bathroom door, and there she was, staring at me. Her eyes seemed to ask me why I thought I had the audacity to leave the room.

“Jelly, I was gone for two minutes,” I would say, walking back to my desk. Jelly would settle back into her bed and fall asleep.

If I would get up to get some water from the fridge, the same situation would happen.

Click, click, click, click.

I would turn around, and there she would be, giving me that stare again.

If I went to the laundry room to wash clothes, click, click, click, click. If I went to get a cup of coffee, click, click, click, click. No matter where I went, in less than a minute, I would hear click, click, click, click. 

Oh, Jelly. I am not going to leave you.

But, in her mind, I had left her once.

How Did It Begin?

When we brought Jelly to the USA from Thailand, she seemed to grow into a Velcro dog. I think the entire journey caused her some serious stress. She did not know what was going on or where she was going. Being crated to go on a boat, van, and then a plane must have been so overwhelming for her. And then having to adjust to a whole new world. Wow.

I suppose I do understand why she keeps her eye on me. If I were in her position, I would not entirely trust me, either. Maybe one day, she will trust me to go to the bathroom or get a snack from the kitchen without thinking she will never see me again.

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn. Read my introduction to learn more about me and my five funny dogs, Poppy, Bailey, Kodah, Ned, and Fred.

Let’s get one thing out of the way before I tell you all the ways that crates are great. Many people hate the idea of putting their dog in a cage, but I think it’s all about perception. If you stop looking at it as a cage, and think of it as a doggy bedroom, it can open your eyes to what a crate can really represent for your dog.

Your dog’s crate should be somewhere they want to go, so it’s important to make them comfortable and cozy.

There are loads of benefits to making a crate a temporary or permanent fixture in your home, as well as some unconventional ways my dogs have put them to use! So before you dismiss them as cruel or unkind, let me tell you why I think crates are great.

The 7 Reasons I Think Crates Are Great:

1. They Provide Security

Imagine you’re a pup who’s just been brought into a new home. There are lots of new rooms to explore, but it’s also a bit daunting. Having a smaller, snug space that is just theirs, with soft blankets and cuddly toys, can be a wonderful way to make sure they feel safe and secure. And if your dog is comfortable in a crate at home, it makes traveling much easier too – their bedroom can come with you!

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2. They Help With Housetraining

As a rule, most puppies will avoid toileting in their bed, so having your pup spend the night in their crate means you can take them out first thing in the morning and celebrate as they do their business outside.

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3. They Can Help Prevent Excessive Barking and Howling

There are many different reasons why some dogs become incessant barkers, but the most common is anxiety. Some dogs feel overwhelmed by the world around them, others feel they need to guard house and home from anything that moves. If your dog has been brought up with a crate, they are less likely to feel anxious about being alone, or like they need to defend your home.

If your dog is particularly attached to you, putting them in their bedroom when you go out means they are less likely to spend the day pining and searching for you, helping avoid the development of separation anxiety.

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4. They Keep Your Dog Safe

Much as you might try to puppy-proof your home, there will always be power cords to chew, breakables to knock over, dangerous items to eat, and narrow spaces to get stuck in. Knowing your pup is safe and sound in their crate allows you to shop, shower, and sleep in peace.

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5. They Give Your Dog Space

If you have a busy home, with kids and pets creating chaos left, right and center, having a crate gives your dog somewhere to retreat when they need some time and space to themselves. For this reason, it’s important to make sure children know that if your dog has taken themselves off to their crate, they should be left alone.

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6. They Can Be a Great Time-Out

While a crate should never be used for punishment, they are a great way to settle a hyperactive canine. When Kodah is getting a bit worked up, we’ll often tell him to go to bed, and he’ll go and lie down and chill for a while. This has become such a regular part of his routine that I have noticed that if he’s become over-excited, he’ll actually take himself off to his crate! For a dog that thrives on order and direction, he often uses his crate like a ‘reset’ button.

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7. They’re the Perfect Recovery Space

If your dog is recovering from surgery, a crate is the perfect place for them to do it. And if your dog is no stranger to a crate, they won’t be stressed when they find themselves back in one.

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Our Dogs Love Crates

Once Kodah was over 12 months old, we packed away his crate, but found that his hyperactive behavior started getting worse. He became more vocal, running around the house as though he didn’t know what to do with himself. Back up went the crate and things improved. Most of the time that he’s in his crate, the door isn’t closed or latched; he just uses it as his bed. That’s if it’s not been occupied by another dog, or even a cat!

When Bailey started wanting to spend more time outside, we put a soft bed outside to stop her from lying on the hard ground. However, she ignored the bed. When we set up a crate for her outside, she immediately started using this on a daily basis.

With Kodah’s crate being set up under our front window, the top of it has become prime real estate for cats and the Chihuahuas, Ned & Fred. On occasion, I’ve even caught Kodah enjoying the view from up top!

How To Get Your Dog to Love Their Crate

If you’re bringing a new dog or puppy into your home, get a crate set up first. Place it in a quiet corner where they can still feel part of the family, but away from busy, high traffic areas. Make it cozy. Drape blankets over the top and sides, and use beds and blankets to create a wonderland of comfort inside. Don’t go investing in a top-of-the-range dog bed straight away in case your dog turns out to be a chewer!

Provide some toys and chews, but don’t leave anything in with your pup that could break or become a choking hazard. For overnight, I usually recommend providing a small amount of water in a heavy bowl that won’t tip over; enough for them to have a little drink if they’re thirsty, but not so much as to really test their bladder strength.

Put them in their crate after meal times, and after about 20 minutes take them out to the toilet. This will help them create the association that they will be allowed out to the toilet from the crate, and receive lots of praise for going!

The First Few Nights

The first nights with a new puppy are the worst, and where you will set the scene for your dog’s future. Weaken here, and regret it forever!

Some dogs settle quietly from their first night, others will protest long and loud. If you have near neighbors, I recommend letting them know that you have a new pup and that there may be some noisy nights ahead. One of the main reasons most people cave into their puppy’s cries is for fear of upsetting the neighbors.

Be prepared that your pup may scream and cry and howl for hours. And hours. Get yourself some earplugs. The moment you give in and take them out for a cuddle, you have rewarded them for sticking it out, and they know that next time, all they need to do is keep on crying until they get what they want. Eventually they will settle down. I promise you.

It may take a couple of nights, or it might be a week; be strong. You will feel mean and cruel and horrible, but you will be grateful in the end that you have a pup that can be left alone without screaming the house down. If you want to check in to make sure they’re okay, do it quietly and without them seeing you. A baby monitor is a great way to keep tabs on them from a distance.

If you ‘save’ them from their crate, they will never see it as their bedroom, but something to escape from. Once they have settled into sleep there, it becomes a place of sleep and relaxation.

Crates Don’t Need To Be Forever

You might decide to make your dog’s crate a permanent fixture, or it may just be a training tool – whatever works for you and your family is fine. There are some really nice cupboards and cabinets for dog crates that look like proper furniture, so they don’t have to be an eyesore.

In our house, the crate door is open overnight, so the dogs can choose to sleep inside or not. Of course, most of the time there are at least two in the bed with us!

Crates Aren’t Always the Perfect Solution

Yes, I think crates are great, and that a lot of separation anxiety and obsessive barking can be prevented and helped by having one in your home. However, there will always be times when a crate isn’t the right solution for your dog.

Dogs that have been abused, abandoned, or locked up in cages will often have powerful, negative reactions to a crate, and there is no way it will ever be a place of comfort for them.

For tiny dogs, like my Chihuahuas, crates may not work as well for potty training, as it’s hard to find a crate that’s large enough to be comfortable, but small enough that they won’t just use one end as a toilet. I’ll talk a little more about this issue in an upcoming article: Ned, Fred, and Bed: An Unconventional Approach to Toilet Training.

Hi, I’m Allison! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my three mixed-breed dogs from Thailand, Jelly, Lorraina, and Manic.

Before I moved to the US with my dog trio (and husband) in tow, I made sure that they had a place they could explore outside. In Thailand, the dogs had free-range of the neighborhood but never went too far. I loved that they could run around, explore nature, and get exercise. At their new home, they had over two fenced-in acres of wooded land to call their playground.

Now, interacting with nature can lead to some issues. It was not uncommon for dogs to attack and kill some of the wild animals, like snakes and rats, in Thailand. Sometimes, they would try to attack a monitor lizard but get lashed at right back.

However, here in the States, the dogs have plenty of animals they have never seen before—leading Manic and Lorraina to pair up to cause trouble.

Chipmunks and Rabbits and Squirrels (Oh My!)

While it is not the heart of the Serengeti, Maryland has its fair share of wildness, especially if you live in the rural areas. Squirrels, chipmunks, and various songbirds are incredibly common. Rabbits, raccoons, opossums, groundhogs, foxes, turkeys, geese, and deer are frequently seen during certain times of the day. There is a rumor about coyotes in the area, which I hope is just a rumor.

The mix of animals living freely in my backyard is wonderful, but I underestimated how my dogs would react to all these new fuzzy creatures at their doorstep. Lorraina and Manic decided that the best way to get these animals was to team up.

Team Work Makes the Dream Work

In the morning, Lorraina and Manic are already eager to start some trouble. The morning is when the squirrels and chipmunks are most active at the bird feeders, so before I let them out, I clap my hands to scare away the unsuspecting creatures. Once they get a head start, I let the dogs out.

Manic shoots out of the door like a cannonball and launches himself over a stone wall to get to the nearest trees as quickly as he can. Lorraina, who is far less nimble, runs to the other side of the stone wall to catch up to Manic, excited about what kind of trouble they are going to get into. If it was a squirrel, it usually beats them up a tree and can leap to another one, leaving Manic and Lorraina confused and frustrated.

If it was a chipmunk, however, things were different. We have a lot of chipmunk burrows in the rock wall on the property, so if they can get into their home fast enough, the dogs cannot get them. But if they were foraging in an open area, they would need to run up the nearest tree.

Now, while chipmunks can climb trees, they are not meant to be up there for that long. But once Manic and Lorraina knew they had one up a tree, they would sit under it for an hour, waiting for it to come down. I would rustle them up back into the house to give the chipmunk time to climb down.

Rabbits were a different story. They would give my dogs quite a chase, disappearing between fence posts. But this is only if they notice the dogs. If they are busy nibbling on grass, they hardly notice the dogs creeping up on them. Thankfully, the saying “quick like a bunny” is true. The rabbits continued to outsmart them. Most of the time.

A Dog’s Hunting Instinct

I understand that dogs have an instinct to hunt. Even though we have domesticated them, many dogs will still have the urge to chase, catch, and, unfortunately, kill creatures. Sadly, Manic and Lorraina have managed to kill a few of the animals they encounter. It breaks my heart for the small mammals I have had to bury, but can I really blame them for acting like, well, dogs? As perfect as I think my dogs are, they have things ingrained in them that I don’t think I can change.