 Hey Adam, did you see that picture that I sent you? That is Belly in the snow!
Hey there, yah - Belly looks content! Are you sure? That is actually my question. I constantly think that he is cold in the cold weather. I bought him many sweaters and jackets but he seems to hate them. How can I keep him warm in the winter? Also, often I avoid walks when it's too cold outside, just because I am afraid Belly will be uncomfortable. What do you think? I think that dogs communicate if they have an issue through their body language. For example, if you go out for a walk with Belly in weather that's too cold for him, he will either motion to go back into the house, resist moving forward, or walk with his tail in between his legs. In the picture Belly is laying in the snow and he looks very comfortable... That is very confusing to me. How can a domesticated dog be comfortable laying in the snow? He is not a penguin:-) I see. Even though Belly is not as adapted to the cold as his ancestors, he does look like a herding dog. These dogs have been selectively bred for about 4000 years. That's 4000 years of adapting to being outdoors. Because of this, it's very likely that Belly has strong instincts for surviving happily outdoors. Even so, I have seen many Chihuahuas who do well in similar weather as long as they keep moving. Their bodies are designed to move blood quickly and keep their core temperature warm. So don't skip out on the walks, they are more important than you may think, and a source of wellbeing! // Disclaimer: The contents of this blog are intended for informational purposes only. The contents are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your vet with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition of your dog/s.  Hey Adam, my precious dog Scout is amazing and so smart! I spend a lot of time with him just telling him how smart he is and he loves giving me kisses which is super sweet! Can you tell me how to stop Scout from smelling poop of other dogs when we go for a walk? I can't tolerate it that he does it, because I believe this poop is full of pathogens and will make him sick. I am also afraid it would make me sick later when he give me kisses.
You can teach your dog not to smell poop, but in order to do this you would have to teach Scout to be afraid of doing something that his body wants to do. So, I wouldn't do that. Your dog is investigating other dogs and animals by smelling their poop. Asking Scout not to smell the poop of other dogs would be similar to someone asking you to never smell your food again. Imagine having a bowl of strawberries that for some reason you guardian doesn't want you to smell. That would suck. Although, how can you compare strawberries to poop? When you smell the strawberries you are investigating them. Do they smell sweet? Bitter? By smelling what you eat, you get information about your environment. Dogs and many other mammals are the same: they get information about their environment through their sense of smell. But why poop??? There is a long scientific answer to your question. Feel free to google it. The short answer is that there is a great deal of information that is contained in the poop. By smelling it, dogs can learn about health, emotional state, fertility... They can also recognize if it's a friend or an enemy etc. I don't like it, but I get it. Your answer makes sense. Although, it doesn't resolve my issue with harmful bacteria that is in the poop. I am really afraid that Scout or I will get sick. There is a rare possibility that simply smelling poop can lead to illness in your dog, and even more rare are the cases where that passes on to a human. I base my decision on whether or not to let my dogs sniff or run free on the health of the environment. For example; if I'm walking through a dried out lake bed and there are several rotted fish carcasses in the area, the health of the environment is poor and I keep my dogs close. Or if I know I'm in an area where a family of raccoons live- as their droppings can carry a nasty kind of air born worm, and so I keep my dogs close. So basically what it boils down to is knowing your environment. It may be helpful to ask your local vet what kind of sicknesses are common in your area and then make an informed decision about where it's safe for Scout to smell poop of other animals or where it's not. // Disclaimer: The contents of this blog are intended for informational purposes only. The contents are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your vet with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition of your dog/s.  Hi Adam, how can I make my dog understand me? Specifically, yesterday I had a very bad day. I was frustrated with my business and overwhelmed with all the things that I needed to take care of. I ended up feeling depressed, and just wanted to be left alone. Sunday (that's the name of my dog) didn't get me at all. Although she saw that I was depressed, she just kept coming over and wanting to play.
I feel really upset about it, as I imagine that dogs have the capacity to know an emotional state of their owner and be supportive. Sunday was just super selfish, and I feel didn't understand or care about me. So I wonder. Do other dogs act the same way in these situations or does Sunday have some kind of issue that needs to be addressed? Hey there! I hope that you're having a better day.. The short answer to your question is yes, other dogs act that way.. Dogs have personalities which are an accumulation of nurture, nature, and many other factors, so there is no behavior that is "weird" to them.. just behaviors that are rewarding and behaviors that have not been rewarding.. Please remember, dogs (and animals alike) repeat behavior that is rewarding... ..So if Sunday persists in ignoring your unwillingness to play she's doing so because that is the most rewarding response that she has learned to do in the situation. So how did it become rewarding? Have you ever moved out of your depressed state at the same time that she was asking you to play? Yes, but not to a happy state - to an angry state. In other words, in the middle of being depressed, I became angry for a moment to tell her "go away" and then I go back to being depressed. Sometimes I do give into her cuteness and play with her for a bit. But that happens very rarely. So in this scenario, you are depressed (helpless) and she wants attention and probably wants you to cheer up (to be healthy).. Sometimes, her actions result in your being happy again.. which is a big score to her. But, even if that doesn't work, you still acknowledge her by becoming angry, which is almost the opposite of helpless and may look slightly rewarding to her too. Hey, Adam, I am sorry to cut you off, but I just feel that you are not addressing my real issue here: my dog doesn't get me! I sit there all depressed and want to be left alone. What's so hard about noticing that someone you love is depressed and leaving them alone? Would you leave alone someone that you love and is depressed? Hmmmmmm No. You are the whole world to your dog. She depends on you: when you are healthy and happy, she feels confident and strong. When you are unhealthy and vulnerable, she fees that way too (especially if you are the only other person in the "pack"). You can train her that staying in another spot or another room when you give a command is rewarding, but you can't stop the dog from being empathetic and wanting to improve the situation for their pack. // Disclaimer: The contents of this blog are intended for informational purposes only. The contents are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your vet with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition of your dog/s.  Hey Adam! We have been working with you for over three years, and are super happy with how relaxed and calm our dogs are after your grooms! We are surprised though that when you come over, the dogs are not all excited about their upcoming groom. This is confusing to us, as we imagine that the dogs should just be all happy to get groomed by you! Why don't our dogs look forward to their grooms?
Dogs look forward to walking in a park, socializing with other dogs, eating, etc. Grooming doesn't fall into that category of activities that are fun for them to do. Dogs see grooming as getting wet without being able to run around and "shake it off", and having to lay, sit and stand in different positions while I cut their hair. For instance, the dog would need to remain seated or laying down with their leg extended towards me so I can clip their nails. This is not nearly as fun to do as playing in a dog park with other dogs. But I heard other groomers call grooming "a doggy day spa". I imagined it's like a spa day to my dogs? This idea is an anthropomorphism, which is attributing of a human characteristic or behavior to an animal. It is a marketing tactic to make grooming seem more appealing. Think of going to the dentist. There are gentle dentists that will do their very best to help you feel as comfortable as it can get, but you still need to sit in the chair with your mouth open. Does that sound like a spa day? All sales tactics aside, what is really important to me is that your dogs are able to build trust with me. A big part of that trust that I have with the dogs that I groom is that they know that I know that it's not a spa day for them and that I feel compassion for them rather than expect them to like it. Most dogs that come to me do so after showing signs of trauma from their previous groom. I am happy to be there and work with them so that they can heal their old wounds, develop more trust and confidence with grooming, and finally get to the place where they can be happy after a groom=0) // Disclaimer: The contents of this blog are intended for informational purposes only. The contents are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your vet with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition of your dog/s.  Hey Adam, I have 2 dogs - a 90 pound Hound mix and a small English Bulldog. Although they are good friends, lately I noticed that the little one is trying to take over the sleeping spot of the large dog. She has a super comfortable bed of her own, with ton of soft blankets in it. She used to love her bed! Now, I find her every night sleeping in the middle of her brother's bed. I show her my disapproval and move her back to her bed, but it seems not to work. She just keeps taking over his space! Any advice?
First, I would like to know if this is a problem for anyone but you. Is it a problem for the large dog? I think so. He usually sleeps with me, but sometimes at night he goes down to his bed, and then he finds out that his bed is taken! He then lays down on the floor by his bed, which is not as comfortable. So he has an option to lay in your bed but instead he would rather lay on the floor. This tells me that sometimes he simply prefers to lay on the floor. But what about his sister? Why wouldn't he kick her out of his bed? He would if it was rewarding to him, but for whatever reason it isn't and it's his choice not to kick her out. As long as he has other options I'd say it's fair. Also, since this just started, perhaps your little one doesn't like her bed anymore. Is that possible? I guess. I saw this as her attempt to dominate her brother, but you seem not to think so? I really don't think so because sleeping is a passive activity. It's a very human concept to dominate someone in a roundabout way by sleeping in their spot. Dog's bed is usually where they put their head down. And if they want to be dominant, they show dominance directly when awake. // Disclaimer: The contents of this blog are intended for informational purposes only. The contents are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your vet with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition of your dog/s.  Hey Adam, my dog often gets attacked or threatened by other dogs in the dog park. The owners of other dogs seem not to be concerned about it and I always end up feeling frustrated and helpless.
So what do you do in these cases? I pick up my dog and leave the park. I understand your desire to create a safe environment for your dog and in some cases escaping dangerous situation would be the very right thing to do! If you assess that the situation is truly dangerous, then sure, pick up your dog and do whatever you need to create safety for both of you. However, if you do this every time, even when the situation is not really dangerous but just a bit uncomfortable, there is a cost to it. If only avoiding tense situations, your dog will have less of a chance to learn how to play nicely, share a space, and make new friends. Secondly, the dog learns that the only safe place for it is in it's owner's arms or outside the dog park. The dog also learns that their owner is not confrontational, which usually leads to the dog feeling that he/she needs to protect their owner. When a dog feels that they need to protect their owner, they learn that they are alone at the dog park, left without any support system. This just reinforces their coping mechanism which is usually to cower or act overly aggressive with strangers and other dogs. Do you suggest that I become confrontational with other dog owners and demand of them to pull their dogs away? Imagine that you are in a wolf pack and you are being attacked by a mountain lion. What would you expect your pack leader to do in this case? Talk to a mountain lion's mom? Haha. No. By the time they would talk to that mom, I could be seriously injured or even dead. It sounds like you suggest that I, as pack leader for my dog, step in and separate the dogs instead of trying to find their parents? Yes. This feels uncomfortable. Am I allowed to touch other dogs? Of course. If you or your family are in danger, it's your right to protect yourself and your pack. And this is a crucial moment where your dog can either learn that he/she has your support- or learn that he/she is all alone. Can you please specify what exactly I can do in this case? Can I push away another dog? Can I pull another dog back if it is attacking my dog? Whatever it takes for your dog to feel protected and safe. You don't need to be violent. In most cases it's enough for another dog to just see that there is a pack leader around who protects their dog. I like to step in if I see my little Chihuahua can't handle the situation on her own and tell the instigating dog "she is with me". I actually tell this to them while I am pointing to my dog, and they get it. In some cases I needed to step in between the dogs and redirect the other dog away from mine. Don't the owners of other dogs get upset? Yes, they have, but the safety of my dogs is my top priority. I believe that your dog can begin to really enjoy the dog park when he feels that he has your protection there! // Disclaimer: The contents of this blog are intended for informational purposes only. The contents are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your vet with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition of your dog/s. Photo credit: Jordyn Roach  Hey Adam, my dog had a surgery a while ago. The doctor said that she wouldn't be able to go for a walk for at least a month. Roxy is a very active dog and after only a week into her recovery Roxy is going crazy in the house! Any suggestions?
Adam: Let's start by making a list of Roxy's needs: food, exercise, socializing and interacting with the environment are some of the main ones. While she can't walk, she can still satisfy most of her other needs. Also, walks aren't just about exercise to dogs. Walks provide opportunities to interact with other dogs and the world in general, helping to prevent your pup from getting cabin fever. How much does Roxy weigh? 85 pounds. Well, it may be difficult to put her on a wagon, but at the very least, the yard would still give her a chance to smell other dogs and animals that are in the area, scan the environment with her eyes, and make herself known to her environment. If a friend has a calm dog and could bring it over to say "hi" that would be helpful too. You mentioned a wagon. I am just curious. Would you seriously consider pulling a dog on a wagon? Yes. I think about how I would feel if I was stuck in the same house for weeks and I am sure that however crazy that would make me feel, it should be way worse for a dog. I would speak to the vet to make sure that it's ok to do that in Roxy's case. Also, if the vet approves, it could be great to find a different way for Roxy to exercise. For instance, she may be permitted to swim. Or perhaps somebody could spend a few times a day with Roxy gently moving her limbs that are not injured. I also think that mental stimulation is important. You can achieve this by playing light games or performing light training exercises. For instance, there are toys, such as the wonderful Kong toys, that provide a challenge to dogs. These would be great to use when more active exercises are prohibited. The bottom line is: I believe that you will be supporting Roxy's recovery the most by focusing on meeting all of her needs and by being creative as to finding alternative ways for exercising and interacting with her environment. // Disclaimer: The contents of this blog are intended for informational purposes only. The contents are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your vet with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition of your dog/s. Photo credit: Jamie Street on Unsplash  Hey Adam, my little dog has been chewing on my journals. I get very upset and angry when she does that! Yet, once in a while she would get on my night shelf and surprise me with another chewed journal!
Adam: Dogs repeat behaviors that are rewarding. The behavior that's being repeated in this case is chewing the journal. But doesn't she get it how upsetting it to her mama? I get angry with her every time when I find my journal destroyed! I don't see how this can be rewarding to her. Adam: Firstly, chewing is a stress relieving activity. So, her chewing your journal could very well be an outlet for her anxiety. Second, if a giant angry man stormed into the space that you are in, and started screaming in a language that you can't understand, how could you know what he is screaming about? Wouldn't your first priority be your safety? Hmmmm this is the first time that I am curious about my Chichi's motivation for chewing my journals. Hearing that she may be anxious and found an outlet to relieve her stress makes me see it from a different perspective. Would you say that if I find a different way for her to release her stress, she may leave my journals alone? Adam: Not always - but if you replace the journals with something that she likes more, it would help. Dogs are creatures of habit. She loves those journals. I am guessing that you put a lot of energy into them and she probably (ironically) is doing this to be closer to you. Wow. I write in my journals a few times a day. And usually when I write, it's my time with myself, when my Chichi doesn't get attention. Adam: Bingo! The good news is you know she can't help herself and you know how to safely store your journals. There is a way for her to understand that the journals are off limits, but that could take hundreds of training exercises in catching her when and only when she is in the act of chewing a journal (or making them repulsive in any other sense). If I were you, I would just keep the journals out of her reach. Also, I've never seen a tired dog chew a journal! If a dog doesn't have enough of an outlet in nature, it will find one in your home=0) // Disclaimer: The contents of this blog are intended for informational purposes only. The contents are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your vet with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition of your dog/s. |
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Adam is the owner of Your Passionate Groomer. He is here to bridge the gap of communication between you and your dog/s. If you have a question in mind, just email: [email protected] Archives
May 2020
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