Dogs Cats And Horses We Love Them All

We have a long history with domesticated animals and even the nay Sayers can’t deny their roll in society past and present.

There is evidence that as long as 10,000 years ago the Native Americans had domesticated dogs as depicted in early rock paintings. Apparently, the dogs in the painting look remarkably like the Carolina dogs of today.

It has been well documented that dogs and horses of past have been bred to assist us in various ways whether it be pack dog, work horse, hunter or herder. There is no doubt that they have value and have contributed to society in many ways.

The cat however is a very interesting animal indeed. I have yet to see a cat that can herd, or help with the hunt or carry supplies on their backs for us. The cat is strictly a companion to us, that is if they decide to allow you to be graced with their presence. Most cats still have that strong hunting urge as evidenced by your cats offering of that bird he just caught or mouse he brings to you. Most cats get attached to an area that they claim as their own. Some cats get very attached to the people who love them but as a general rule I think the cat feels he is the one who rules and he is allowing you to care for him. Still, we love them.

Horses are a special breed and have a tremendous ability to assist us in ways as only the horse can. Horses have been our mode of transportation much longer than our current ways of getting around. They are to me of such beauty, grace, and power and I always think of them in that way much more than an animal that works for us. They are spectacular.

Dogs however are by far the most domesticated of all animals. They not only help us but they are so genuinely attached to people and their antics are a constant source of pleasure to us. Just look at children or elderly people in an old folks home. If a child finds a stray dog they will surely beg you to allow them to keep the dog. If you take a dog into an old folks home you can see the dog respond happily around them and the smiles on peoples faces are a joy to see.

I had a Springer Spaniel when I was younger and he was the funniest, most easy- going dog around. He was unusual in that he had a very special relationship with our guinea pig. We had the best time watching these two at play. It was the same every day. The guinea pig would wait at the hallway entrance and would stay there until the dog noticed. Then the chase was on! The dog would bark and chase him all the way down the hall. The guinea pig at the last minute would veer to the left and run into the bedroom and go under the bed. The dog was big and somewhat clumsy and would never be able to slow down in time and he’d crash into the wall, get up and then go put his nose under the bed and bark. They would do this four or five times in a row and then curl up together and sleep. Those two made us laugh. It was great!

As animal lovers, we also can adorn our walls with prints and motivational posters of them. They also make great gifts.

We love our animals, as it should be. Be kind and take well care of them.

How To Let Your Dog Enjoy Family Time

Dear Adam,

I adopted a 1 year-old female dog about a year ago. I have 2 cats who grew up with dogs and like dogs. When my dog first arrived, the first few days she was subdued– being in a new surrounding – but then she wanted to play rough with the cats… which didn’t set too well with them.

The cats run and she chases when we try to have them all in the same room together when watching TV, etc. I’ve been keeping them separate with baby gates (the dog in the kitchen and the cats in family room) and don’t let the dog over unless both cats are outside. The dog ends up spending too much time in the confines of the kitchen with this method.

Is there a way to teach her that we don’t want her rough-housing with the cats so they can all be together in the same room when I am present? The e-collar sounds good but so expensive. Maybe a less costly solution? Thanks. Enjoyed the book!

Willie Mae & DeAnne

Dear Willie Mae & DeAnne:

When the cats run, they are triggering your dog’s prey drive. This is instinctive. However, it is also natural for a dog to defer judgement to his pack leader.

What this means is that: You must act like the pack leader.

In other words, if you tell you dog to lay down, you must USE THE TECHNIQUES in the book (timing, consistency and motivation) to keep the dog in a down-stay.

I personally LOVE having cats around when I’m training. What could be better to proof your dog around?

Remember, your dog should stay down UNTIL you give him the “Take a break!” command. If he gets up to chase the cats, then you’ll need to correct him back into the down position.

If he gets up again, it’s a sure bet that your corrections lack motivation. (Correct more firmly. Make sure you’re getting slack in the line. If the dog’s body is moving when you correct him, then you’re using muscle instead of technique… not good!)

You don’t need an electronic collar. Just a $12 prong collar and a six foot leash.

Once you get your dog to hold a down-stay around cats using nothing more than proper timing, consistency and motivation, your friends will think you’re a genius. Or the lost love child of Sigmund and Roy.

Now if you can just get those darn cats trained!

That’s all for now, folks!