PawNation http://www.pawnation.com PawNation http://www.pawnation.com/media/feedlogo.gif PawNation http://www.pawnation.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/How To Talk To Your Doghttp://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/23/how-to-talk-to-your-dog/http://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/23/how-to-talk-to-your-dog/http://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/23/how-to-talk-to-your-dog/#commentsWhat we say to our dogs is important. How we say it is crucial. Different tones of voice are used to distinguish between commands, corrections, and praise. Commands are given in a firm, strong tone of voice. No chanting please. Corrections get a little lower, sharper and growlier. Praise is more exuberant and excited - pleasant, but not so exuberant as to incite him to wiggle out of control.

All commands should be preceded by the dog's name. How else will Rover know you're talking to him? But even before that, you're going to teach Rover to look at you. Trace a line with your index finger from Rover's eyes to yours. As soon as he makes eye contact, talk to him and encourage him to sustain the eye contact for a few seconds with a "Good watch!" in a pleasant, upbeat tone of voice. You can also get Rover's attention by taking a little tidbit of food after letting Rover sniff it, moving the food up to your eye level. When Rover looks up, praise him and give him the food treat. Now that you have his attention, he is ready to listen.

RELATED: Keeping Your Dog Busy

Your dog's mother did not repeat herself over and over again. Neither should you. Once the dog understands what the command means, it should only be said once, "Rover, sit!" If he continues to sniff the air, or otherwise ignore you, it's "NO, sit!" (an instructive reprimand) and then if you must, place the dogging the sit position.

When teaching a command for the first time, it is important to help the dog to be successful by luring him into the position. Dogs are not born with an innate understanding of words. They learn by associating words with actions.

RELATED: Teaching Leash Walking

Be consistent! You should only ask the dog to do one thing at a time. If you ask your dog to "Sit down," how is he to know which to do? "Sit" and "Down" are two different commands. Be specific with your commands. When you want him off the couch, don't interchange commands like "down" and "off." Make sure all family members are using the same commands; otherwise the confusion will delay training success.

RELATED: Potty Training Pointers

Above all, keep it positive. You're communicating and building a relationship. You work for rewards (salary, bonuses, commissions), so will your dog!

Vocabulary List

WATCH ME or LOOK AT ME! Get your dog to focus on you and make eye contact.

PHEWY/ECH/NO/WRONG! Wrong choice, the dog blew it. Should be said in a low, firm tone of voice.

OUCH or IEEE! Stop that mouthing, it hurts. When your dog bit down too hard on his littermates, they yelped at him and stopped playing.

GOOD DOG/WHAT A GOOD KID! Right choice. Should be said in an upbeat, happy tone of voice. You want the dog to know that what he did was wonderful and he should keep doing it.

SIT! The most basic of all commands. Can be practiced before eating, at street corners, in elevators, whenever you need to get active control of your dog.

DOWN! This means to lie down. Down is a very subordinate position so some bossy dogs may not readily comply. To be used when you want your dog to be comfortable or when you need control of a dog throwing a tantrum. Do not confuse this with "Off!"

STAND! Use this when you want the dog to go from a sit or down and stand with all four feet on the ground. This is very useful at the vet's office or at the curb on a rainy day.

STAY! This means do not move from whatever position you are in. You may ask your dog to "sit stay," "down stay," etc.

OKAY! Dog is released from whatever position you asked him to assume. He is done working until the next command is given.

LET'S GO! This is the command for controlled walking, what you do on a regular basis with your dog. The dog may go out to the end of his six-foot leash and sniff around and do his thing but he may not drag you down the street or trip you by crisscrossing in front of or behind you.

HEEL! This is a very precise position at your left side. The dog walks along beside you. If you stop, the dog stops. Heel is a good command to use on very crowded streets or when you want your dog very close, such as when there's broken glass in your path.

COME! When your dog hears this command, he should leave whatever he is doing and come to sit in front of you. Because this can be a lifesaving command, you should always give it in the most cheerful, inviting tones. Reserve a very special treat for teaching it and never use it to call your dog to you to do something he does not like.

OFF! Use this for jumping up on either people, furniture, or counter tops. Don't confuse this command with "down."

TAKE IT! Teach your dog to take food or toys using this command. The dog should wait until you give the "take it" command before putting the offered object in his mouth.

DROP IT or OUT or GIVE! This means that the dog should spit out whatever is in his mouth. It is important to teach this command using a reward system or you can create an overly possessive dog.

LEAVE IT! This tells your dog not to even think about picking up the object, to avert your eyes from the object, other dogs, rollerbladers, etc. Very useful on city streets.

 

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]]>co-articleDogsPuppiesTrainingPet Finder2013-05-23T13:58:00+00:00Daily Adorbs for May 23, 2013http://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/23/daily-adorbs-for-may-20-2013/http://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/23/daily-adorbs-for-may-20-2013/http://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/23/daily-adorbs-for-may-20-2013/#comments
  • MATTHIAS HIEKEL/AFP/Getty Images
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    Need a little cute in your life? We all do. There's nothing wrong with getting a warm and fuzzy fix on a daily basis. That's why we're here, with a dose of the most aww-inducing animal pictures on the Web this week.

    MANDRILL CUTENESS

    Tacari the mandrill is pictured in his enclosure at the zoo in Dresden, Germany. Isn't he beautiful?

  • Chester Zoo/facebook
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    SAVE THE SPECIES

    In the U.K., the Chester Zoo's team is working on helping to protect the threatened dormouse, a very adorable species. The team also works to protect fen raft spiders, sand lizards, butterflies and rare moths. 

  • The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore/facebook
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    BIRTHDAY GIRL

    Daisy the rhino turned 45 yesterday at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. She's a beautiful lady.

  • Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic
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    POM PERFECTION

    In North Hollywood, Calif., Giggy the Pomeranian poses with her owner, Lisa Vanderpump, while attending Bravo Media's 2013 For Your Consideration Emmy event at the Leonard H. Goldenson Theatre. 

  • Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium/facebook
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    NOM NOM NOM

    At the Pittsburgh Zoo, a sea turtle is seen enjoying a nice lettuce snack. Yum!

  • Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden/facebook
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    CHECKING OUT THE WORLD

    Gladys the baby gorilla is loving life! She is seen with her human surrogate mother, checking out her outdoor environment. She is progressing very well, and eventually will join the other gorillas at the zoo. So cute!

  • Blackpool Zoo/facebook
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    RAVISHING LITTLE REINDEER

    In England at the Blackpool Zoo, an adorable reindeer calf arrived last week. So, so cute!

  • Zoo Praha/facebook
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    TOO MUCH CUTENESS

    A small sea lion cub was born to mom Abeba at the Praha Zoo in the Czech Republic. Mama sure looks pleased, don't you think?

  • MATTHIAS HIEKEL/AFP/Getty Images
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    PRETTY IN PINK

    Gorgeous flamingos are seen pampering themselves at the zoo in Dresden, Germany.

  • Taronga Western Plains Zoo/facebook
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    STRONG SWEETIE

    In Australia at the Taronga Western Plains Zoo, an eland calf that was abandoned by its mother at birth is currently being hand-raised by the zoo's nurses. The youngster was very small at birth, but has been putting on weight, thanks to regular bottle feedings. 

  • Chessington World of Adventures Resort/facebook
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    MEERKAT BABY

    At the Chessington World of Adventures Resort in the U.K., zookeepers are currently hand-raising a baby meerkat after it was rejected by its mother. What a little cutie!

  • HENDRIK SCHMIDT/AFP/Getty Images
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    TAPIR'S GOT GAME

    Baru the tapir is seen playing with a soccer ball at a zoo in Leipzig, Germany. 

  • Amiee Stubbs/Nashville Zoo/facebook
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    LYNX LOVE

    In Tennessee's Nashville Zoo, a female Eurasian lynx cub shows off her cuteness. The youngster is currently being hand-raised by zoo staff. 

  • Jim Schulz/Chicago Zoological Society/AP Photo
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    MAMAS-TO-BE

    Three pregnant bottlenose dolphins are pictured at the Brookfield Zoo in Illinois. Their names are Spree, Allie and Tapeko, and they're due to give birth this summer. Aren't they beautiful?

  • Frantisek Vlcek/MAFRA/isifa/Getty Images
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    TURTLES REBORN

    A rare brown roofed turtle is photographed swimming around at the Prague Zoo in the Czech Republic. The zoo is the first zoological garden in the world to successfully procreate these small water animals.

  • ANDREW WINNING/AFP/Getty Images
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    THE ROYAL SEARCH

    Princes Charles is seen with his son, Prince William, greeting a search dog during a conference on the illegal wildlife trade at the Clarence House in London. 

  • PRAKASH MATHEMA/AFP/Getty Images
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    DARLING LITTLE DUCKS

    Adorable ducks play with each other in a hotel garden in Kathmandu. 

  • Matt Cardy/Getty Images
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    WHO DAT?

    In Bristol, England, a cute mongoose lemur looks out from its enclosure at the the Bristol Zoo Gardens. 

  • GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images
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    I'VE GOT MY EYE ON YOU

    A seagull keeps a watchful eye on its baby during Pope Francis' general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. 

  • PETER KNEFFEL/AFP/Getty Images
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    MALLY THE MONKEY

    German Environment Minister Peter Altmaier visits Mally the capuchin monkey, formerly owned by singer Justin Bieber. The German customs authority confiscated the monkey about two months ago, when Bieber entered the Munich Airport. 

  • YURI KADOBNOV/AFP/Getty Images
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    IT'S ALL ABOUT ME

    A dog is seen performing in the Moscow Cat Theatre show in Russia. The theater was recently re-opened after a top-to-bottom renovation. Awesome!

  • Houston Zoo Animal Enrichment/facebook
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    I WILL GET YOU

    At the Houston Zoo in Texas, a leopard named Kadu is seen playing with a root ball (with a thawed rat inside) as a form of enrichment. The carnivores at the zoo are encouraged to work for their food. 

  • ROBIN VAN LONKHUIJSEN/AFP/Getty Images
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    DARLING DOLPHIN

    At Dolfinarium Harderwijk in the Netherlands, children look at a dolphin swimming by. So cool!

  • Carrie Antlfinger/AP Photo
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    EXTRA-PUG-TERRESTRIAL 

    Peke the Pug is pictured as E.T. at the Milwaukee Pug Fest in Franklin, Wis., after winning first place in the costume contest. The annual event helps pay for medical and dental bills for rescued pugs.

  • Rosamond Gifford Zoo/facebook
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    MONKEY BABY

    At the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in New York, a baby paras monkey has been born to new mother Becca. This is the fifth baby paras monkey born at the zoo. So cute!

  • Rosamond Gifford Zoo/facebook
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    PLEASED TO MEET YOU

    Moose the baby fennec fox meets the county executive at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in New York. 

  • TARONGA ZOO/AFP/Getty Images
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    A RHINO WAY OF LIFE

    A male white rhinoceros calf is seen walking alongside his mother at the Taronga Zoo in Australia. Very adorable!

  • Rebecca Blackwell/AP Photo
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    ALL THAT JAZZ

    In Saint-Louis, Senegal, people and animals congregate together on a fishing beach while attending the 21st edition of the annual Jazz Festival.

  • Sanjay Kanojia/AFP/Getty Images
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    PARCHED BABY

    An adorable monkey is photographed drinking water from a tank tap on a very hot day in Allahabad, India. 

  • Rodrique Ngowi/AP Photo
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    TURTLE TIME

    Acupuncturist Claire McManus watches a pair of beautiful sea turtles who are recovering from a stranding at the New England Aquarium in Quincy, Mass. 

  • Zoo Antwerpen/facebook
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    AMAZING LITTLE AARDVARK

    At the Antwerpen Zoo in Belgium, a baby aardvark is receiving around-the-clock TLC from keepers. The sex of the cub is unknown, and the youngster needs to be fed every three hours. What a cutie!

  • ALI AL-SAADI/AFP/Getty Images
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    IT'S POLLINATING TIME

    A beautiful photograph shows a bee collecting pollen from a red flower in Baghdad. 

  • PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP/Getty Images
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    WHAT DO WE HAVE HERE?

    A beautiful Siberian tiger gets up close and personal with the camera in his enclosure at the zoo in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. 

  • National Aquarium/facebook
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    MAGNIFICENT MANATEE

    At the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Md., a manatee is pictured looking very adorable. Unfortunately, there are fewer than 5,000 manatees left in the southeast region of the U.S. 

  • BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images
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    CUTE CHICK

    A baby chick is seen being held during the 5th annual BlogPaws 2013 conference in Virginia. BlogPaws organizes the conference for pet bloggers to gather and meet with their pets. 

  • Greensboro Science Center/facebook
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    JAZZY JAVAN BABY

    In North Carolina's Greensboro Science Center, an endangered Javan gibbon newborn named Duke is being fed by a bottle. Isn't he adorable?

  • Julian Parker/UK Press via Getty Images
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    ROYAL RUFFS

    The Norwegian royal family poses for a picture with their family dog, Milly Kakao, as they celebrate Norway National Day in Asker, Norway.

  • Jens Meyer/AP Photo
    38 of 40

    MONKEY BUSINESS

    Gorgeous 7-week-old lemur twins take a ride on their mother's back at the zoo in Erfurt, Germany. 

  • PA
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    LEMUR LOVE

    At the Edinburgh Zoo in Scotland, a baby red-bellied lemur is pictured riding on the back of its mother, Gizmo. Can you spot the little cutie?

  • Joe Songer/The Birmingham News/AP Photo
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    Next: See More Adorable Animals!

    A PIRATE'S LIFE FOR ME

    In Birmingham, Ala., Harley D. the Yorkshire Terrier is seen receiving a pirate hat during the Do Dah Day Pet Parade. 

 

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]]>AdorableAll Petsbadge-adorableBirdsBugsCatsco-galleryDogsExoticFish and Marinefranchise-daily-adorbsNewbornsZooCharlotte Braun2013-05-23T13:22:00+00:00Reptiles Make Home in UK Man's Cable Boxhttp://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/23/reptiles-make-home-in-uk-mans-cable-box/http://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/23/reptiles-make-home-in-uk-mans-cable-box/http://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/23/reptiles-make-home-in-uk-mans-cable-box/#commentsreptiles living inside his cable box, according to the Metro U.K.



"The Internet at our home in Whitleigh went down and our TV picture was dodgy," said Martin Burgess-Moon.

The cable company dispatched an engineer to investigate the problem at Burgess-Moon's house. When the engineer opened the cable box, he found the source of the issue. A nest of slow worms had made their home in the box, coiling around the cables inside.

The snake-like, limbless reptiles enjoy protected status in the U.K. It is illegal to intentionally kill or injure them. Fortunately for all, the Virgin engineer managed to fix Burgess-Moon's connection without moving the creatures.

"Thankfully, our Internet and TV are now working," said Burgess-Moon. "Our guests remain in the box and can stay as long as they like."

A SNAKE AND HIS AWKWARD FAMILY:

 

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]]>badge-yikesco-articlefranchise-the-daily-dishReptilesSlow WormsWeirdPaul Ciampanelli2013-05-23T11:18:00+00:0020 Natural Home Remedies for Petshttp://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/23/20-natural-home-remedies-for-pets/http://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/23/20-natural-home-remedies-for-pets/http://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/23/20-natural-home-remedies-for-pets/#comments
  • Alamy
    1 of 21

    It's hard to see our pets suffer from injuries and afflictions, especially when they can't tell us how they feel. But there are ways we can make them feel better when they are suffering from common woes - no trip to the vet required. Take a look at how you can become your pet's savior by using simple ingredients you have at home. Fight fleas, calm tummies, stop hairballs and more, all with basic ingredients like butter, oranges and tea. Your pet will feel better soon, and so will you. 

  • Thinkstock
    2 of 21

    Citrus Fruits for Fleas

    Fleas do not like the taste of most citrus fruits. You can use this aversion to your advantage by putting a small amount of lemon or orange juice on your pet's fur to help protect against the pests. (TreeHugger)

  • Thinkstock
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    Raw Carrots to Remove Plaque

    Blergh, dog breath! Help fight your pooch's stinky breath by giving him some raw carrots after he eats. The veggie's abrasive texture will scrape away plaque, while the saliva created by your dog's chewing will help remove loose food particles. (Discovery Health)

  • Alamy
    4 of 21

    Apple Cider Vinegar for Ear Infections

    Mixing one part apple cider vinegar and one part warm water can help clear out your cat's uncomfortable ear infections. Just dab a cotton ball with the solution and carefully rub it around your cat's ear. Never force anything down your kitty's ear, including liquids and Q-tips. The apple cider vinegar inside the ear will help prevent bacteria from growing, and save your pet from itchy infections. (Honest Kitchen)

  • Alamy
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    Parsley for Bad Breath

    If your pet is suffering from toxic-smelling breath, this garnish could be the answer. Steep a few sprigs of parsley in warm water and let the mixture cool. Put the parsley water into a spray bottle and give your pets a squirt anytime they have a foul mouth. Never give human breath enhancers to a pet. Also note that bad breath can be a sign of health problems. If the issue continues, take your pet to the vet. (Discovery Health)

  • Thinkstock
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    Oatmeal for Bunny Hairballs

    Cats aren't the only animals with fur issues. Rabbits can get hairballs, too. To help your bunny fight the fluff, feed it an occasional handful of oatmeal during shedding season. The fiber in the oats helps a rabbit's digestive system stay clear. (Hobby Farms)

  • Alamy
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    Electrolyte Water for Diarrhea

    Just like us, dogs lose electrolytes when dealing with stomach bugs. Giving your dog flavorless electrolyte water can provide the fluids she needs to regain her strength and fight off illness. This also helps prevents your pet from suffering the effects of dehydration. (PetMD)

  • Thinkstock
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    Chamomile Tea for Upset Tummies

    The natural disinfecting effects of chamomile tea can help your dog fight a upset stomach. Chamomile can help relieve colic, gas, anxiety and some skin irritations. Chilled tea can be sprayed on affected areas of the skin to provide immediate relief. Warm tea bags can also be used for irritated eyes. (PetMD)

  • Alamy
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    Plain Yogurt for Healthy Digestion

    A small amount of plain yogurt can keep your dog's  good bacteria levels in line. The presence of good bacteria helps rid the animal of bacteria that could cause health problems. Eating yogurt is also a good way to protect against yeast infections. (PetMD)

  • Alamy
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    Butter to Pass Hairballs

    If you notice your cat is having hairball issues, a delicious butter treat might be the trick. Try feeding your cat a half teaspoon of butter for a few days. This should help any hairballs in your cat's system pass through the digestive tract. Exercise and a high-fiber diet are also great for preventing hairballs. (PetMD)

  • Thinkstock
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    Cranberry Juice for Bladder Issues

    If your cat is susceptible to bladder problems, a little unsweetened cranberry juice can be a big help. The juice's acidity helps prevent blockages that can cause infections and irritation. Try adding some to your cat's water to provide relief, but talk to your vet first about safe dosages. (PetMD)

  • Alamy
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    Epsom Salt for Swelling

    Dogs dealing with swelling should relax in a nice bath. Soaking your dog in warm water with Epsom salt can help reduce swelling and shorten an injury's healing time. You can also give your dog a wet wrap of the solution, if baths are not an option. (Care2)

  • Thinkstock
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    Brewer's Yeast to Repel Fleas

    Adding a small amount of brewer's yeast and garlic to your dog's food can keep fleas from pestering your pet. The same treatment can also be used for cats, but garlic should be omitted since it is toxic to felines. (PetMD)

  • Thinkstock
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    Canned Pumpkin For Diarrhea 

    Diarrhea can be caused by a variety issues, with many of them being minor. For many cats and dogs a little canned pumpkin along with their food will put an end to this ailment. The remedy does not work for all pets, but trying a bit of pumpkin will not hurt your pet. If diarrhea lasts over 2 days, it is important that you take your pet to the vet. (petMD)

  • Alamy
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    Hydrogen Peroxide for Smelly Messes

    Many vets swear by a mixture of 4 cups hydrogen peroxide, 1/3 cup baking soda and a little bit of dish detergent to get rid of foul odors. A few sprays of this mixture on clothes, furniture or your pet's coat can get rid of all kinds of smells, including pesky anal-gland odors. (PetMD)

  • Thinkstock
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    A T-shirt to Prevent Itching

    Dogs with chronic itching may benefit from some new clothes. A form-fitting T-shirt made of a light fabric can help keep bothersome allergens off your pet's skin and prevent scratching of irritated areas. (Vetstreet)

  • Thinkstock
    17 of 21

    Sugar to Heal Horse Scrapes

    Horses can get scraped up during rides. Stop wounds from becoming worse by using sugar and iodine. Mix the two ingredients into a paste and apply to the scrape or burn. The sugar helps to keep the flesh healthy while the iodine fights off infection. (Equisearch)

  • Thinkstock
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    Baking Soda for Bee Stings

    Bee stings aren't fun for anyone. You can help your pet get through by swiping the stinger away with a credit card and applying a baking-soda paste to the wound. If it seems like the allergic reaction is growing worse, take your pet to the vet. (Martha Stewart)

  • Alamy
    19 of 21

    Dryer Sheets for Thunderstorms 

    While the noises and flashes of a thunderstorm can scare your dog, the static that builds up in their fur may be part of the problem. Rubbing a dryer sheet along its fur can help remove the annoying static electricity that could be bothering your pooch. (Martha Stewart)

  • Thinkstock
    20 of 21

    Olive Oil for Gum Removal

    Kids won't get gum stuck only in their own hair; they may get it tangled in your pet's coat as well. To remove chewing gum from fur, soak the gum in olive oil, rub it with your fingers until it softens and then comb it out. 

  • Alamy
    21 of 21
    Next: Natural Supplements For Pets!

    Baby Oil Prevents Ear Infections 

    Baby oil is good to use before you give your dog a bath. Water can travel down the ear and cause infections and discomfort. To prevent this, carefully place cotton balls moistened with baby oil in your dog's ears and then remove them once the bath is done. 

 

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]]>Catsco-galleryDogsFleas and Ticksfranchise-spotlight-on...HealthHorsesRabbitsSafetyKelli Bender2013-05-23T00:01:00+00:002013 National Geographic Traveler Photo Contesthttp://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/23/2013-national-geographic-traveler-photo-contest/http://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/23/2013-national-geographic-traveler-photo-contest/http://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/23/2013-national-geographic-traveler-photo-contest/#comments
  • Richard Sidey/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
    1 of 12

    This year marks the 25th anniversary of the National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest. Are you a talented photographer? Do you think you have a shot at winning the contest this year? Submit your photographs in four categories: Travel Portraits; Outdoor Scenes; Sense of Place; and Spontaneous Moments. The entry fee is $15 per photo, but there's no limit to the number of submissions per entrant. Entries are due by Sunday, June 30, 2013, at 6:59 p.m. EDT.

    The competition will be fierce, according to Keith Bellows, National Geographic Traveler magazine's editor in chief. "In the last few years, it seems as if the quality of shots has taken a quantum leap forward," Bellows said. "The pictures increasingly reflect a more sophisticated way of seeing and interpreting the world, making the judging process more difficult."

    Should you enter the contest, here are 12 of the beautiful photos you'll be competing against.

    GENTOO CHICKS

    Two newly hatched Gentoo penguin chicks get their first glimpse at the Antarctic wilderness in Richard Sidey's photograph. (2013 National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

  • gary migues/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
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    OREGON SEA LION

    Gary Migues photographed this sea lion on the Pacific Coast of Oregon. (2013 National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

  • Douglas Croft/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
    3 of 12

    MORNING GAME DRIVE

    Photographer Douglas Croft wrote, "Our first morning game drive on Safari in South Africa brought us this magnificent leopard. He was bathed in the orange hues of the sunrise and it was breathtaking." (2013 National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

  • Mary Ellen Urbanski/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
    4 of 12

    UNEXPECTED ALLIANCE

    "I have seen alligators and turtles together in ponds before, but never like this," Mary Ellen Urbanski says of her photo. "I was at Bluebill Pond in Harris Neck NWR when I saw what I thought was an alligator sunning itself on a stump. As I got closer, I realized that it was actually perched on the back of a turtle!  I wish I had been there to witness how this surprising esprit de corps had came to pass!" (2013 National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

  • Paul Lee/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
    5 of 12

    WHO NEEDS TO FLY?

    Paul Lee says of his photo, "This is one of the Big Major Cay's pigs swimming in the clear, turquoise waters of the Bahamas. Pigs are great swimmers!" (2013 National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

  • Peter Stanley/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
    6 of 12

    HANGING AROUND

    Peter Stanley describes his photograph: "A 2-year-old mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei) of the Sabinyo family plays in the bamboo forest of Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. In 1981, this population fell to 240 because of rampant poaching and habitat loss. Today, the population is estimated to be around 800 and rising, and this photograph represents the exciting turnaround and hope for the next generation. Thank you to the conservationists, rangers and educators working to protect these magnificent cousins of ours and their habitat in the Virunga massif." (2013 National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

  • Kandace Stroupe/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
    7 of 12

    IN THE RAIN

    "This photograph was taken while I was on vacation in South Carolina," says photographer Kandace Stroupe. "It was a rainy miserable day until I happened upon this alligator hanging out in a local pond." (2013 National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

  • Adam Lichtcsien/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
    8 of 12

    RUFFLED FEATHER INSPECTION

    "A cafe outside of Aquas Calientes in the Cuzco region of Peru has perches for wild parrots that come and feed on seed and fruit left out for them," says photographer Adam Lichtcsien. "This curious little fella was peeking out from behind a leaf to get a better look at me. Apparently, he was entertained by the odd human with the camera because he let me get only a few inches away, where my ring light could better illuminate his beautiful feathers." (2013 National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

  • Natalie Murray/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
    9 of 12

    LOOK INTO MY EYES

    Natalie Murray describes her photograph: "This picture was taken on a game drive in the Addo Elephant National Park, the third largest national park in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The park contains a wide diversity of fauna, flora and landscapes, and incorporates semi arid landscapes all the way to a marine reserve. These zebra were so calm and you just got the feeling they wanted to be photographed!" (2013 National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

  • Petra Bensted/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
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    TOGETHERNESS

    This photo depicts a family of snow monkeys cuddling up together for security and warmth. Says photographer Petra Bensted, "They appeared very protective of one another and seemed unsure of my presence." (2013 National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

  • Mark Gottlieb/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
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    OSPREY LAUNCHING

    Photographer Mark Gottlieb said, "I clicked this photo as the osprey was taking off from his perch." (2013 National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

  • Jessi Fikan/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest
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    Next: National Geographic Wild's Dr. Pol Decodes Your Dog

    HIDDEN TREASURE

    Jessi Fikan's photo depicts a surprise companion, the Pacific tree frog, lurking in the lichen. (2013 National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

 

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]]>AmphibiansAwesomebadge-pawsomeBirdsCatsco-galleryExoticfranchise-the-daily-dishNational GeographicPhotographyReptilesWild AnimalsPaul Ciampanelli2013-05-23T00:01:00+00:00Fox Steals Golf Ballhttp://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/22/fox-steals-golf-ball/http://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/22/fox-steals-golf-ball/http://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/22/fox-steals-golf-ball/#comments

 

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]]>All PetsAwesomebadge-adorableco-videoCuteFoxesFunnySmall and FurryWild AnimalsCharlotte Braun2013-05-22T19:41:00+00:005 Tips For Safe Car Travels With Your Pethttp://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/22/5-tips-for-safe-car-travels-with-your-pet/http://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/22/5-tips-for-safe-car-travels-with-your-pet/http://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/22/5-tips-for-safe-car-travels-with-your-pet/#comments
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    When it comes to taking our pets for rides in the car, it's only natural that some will be more into it than others.

    RELATED: 10 Tips For Traveling With Pets

    But whether you have the dog that loves to stick his head out the window and catch a breeze, or the cat that is intent on scratching through the upholstery on your backseat, there are some ways you can ease the stress on everybody and plan for a more pleasant ride:

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    Make sure your pet is secured while you travel.

    Never leave your pet (especially your cat) free to roam around the car. There are many options for safely securing them-from harnesses to car seats to crates and carriers. Find what works best for you and use it every time your pet rides with you in the car.

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    Keep a pet kit in the car.

    Fill a small box with some things you might need while out with your pet: extra water, treats, a towel, waste bags, first aid essentials, and cleaning wipes (if you've ever had a pet get sick in your car, you know that the more cleaning aids you have on hand the better!).

    RELATED: Pet Travel 101

    Keep the kit in the trunk of your car so you know that you're always covered in an emergency.

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    Get your pet used to the ride.

    Some pets take to car rides right away, while others are a bit more resistant. Start your pet off with short drives around the block to get them comfortable, and by the time you need to take them somewhere further away, they'll know what to expect.

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    Never leave your pet alone in the car.

    It doesn't matter what the weather is like outside or how short of a time period you'll be gone, leaving your pet alone in the car is incredibly dangerous.

    RELATED: Happy Flying With Your Dog Or Cat

    Even with the windows open, cars can easily become furnaces in hot weather, and in cold weather, they quickly become frigid without the heat blasting. Always choose to be safe rather than sorry and avoid ever leaving your pet alone in the car.

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    Next: How To Safely Bike With Your Dog

    Don't feed your pet a huge meal before setting out.

    Same goes for giving your pet a lot to drink. We all know how easy it is to get a little car sick-avoid the possibility of making your pet miserable on a long car ride by only feeding light meals. If you can, try to not feed your pet in the three to four hours prior to setting off.

 

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]]>Car RidesCatsco-galleryDogsKittensLifestylePuppiesSafetyTravelCare22013-05-22T17:38:00+00:00Oklahoma Tornado Lost and Found Petshttp://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/22/oklahoma-tornado-lost-and-found-pets/http://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/22/oklahoma-tornado-lost-and-found-pets/http://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/22/oklahoma-tornado-lost-and-found-pets/#comments
  • Moore Oklahoma Tornado Pets Lost & Found/facebook
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    In the wake of the tornadoes that devastated Oklahoma this week, animal lovers have taken action to help reunite owners with their lost pets. The OKC Metro Area Lost and Found Pets website exists to keep track of pets lost, found and reunited. The site and its corresponding Facebook page are designed to keep lost-and-found efforts organized in a centralized portal, and cut down on the chaos of countless personal lost-and-found Facebook pages.

    Already, the site has led to successful reunions. Sugar is one of the many pets who became separated from her family after the storms. Dana and Nate Ulepich were desperate to find Sugar, and posted the black Bull Mastiff/Staffie mix's information to OKC Metro Area Lost and Found Pets. The family soon was brought back together, and Sugar's profile moved to the site's "Reunited!" section.

    Many other Oklahomans' pets remain missing. Click through our gallery to meet just a handful of these lost animals. Maybe you can help.

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    FOUND:

    "Small chihuahua/dachshund mix
    Small, tan female.
    May have just had puppies.
    Moore, Oklahoma
    Neighborhood behind Warren Theatre
    (405) 476-9075"

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    LOST:

    "Nermal is a tortoise colored cat (brown, caramel, black) with orange eyes. No front claws and has been fixed. Was not wearing a collar.

    "We are also missing Tigger! Tigger is a black & orange brindel dog. Tigger was wearing a collar and is also fixed.

    "They are missing from the S. Robinson area. My friend is currently unable to go and search for them at the shelters. If you have found them or know where they are please message me. Your help is greatly appreciated!"

  • OKC Lost Pets
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    FOUND:

    "male tri-color corgi-type dog. 

    "I found this sweet little boy on the side of the road at Eastern Ave & I-240. May be a tornado displaced pet. He's very affectionate, loves to have his chest rubbed! I have him with me for now but may need to move to shelter at Cleveland County Fairgrounds by the weekend.

    Toni 405.830.0429 or 405.310.3028"

  • OKC Lost Pets
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    LOST:

    "missing pomeranian!!! Help missing from Harrah and Briton Rd female white with black/brown spots very frendily answers to the name Gracie I am heart broken this is my 3 year old grand daughters dog I was sitting her while my daughter moved to her new house and she got out of my yardShe does not have her collar on she got a new one and the old was taken off to change tags and didn't get put back on before she came to my housePlease if you see her or have her please please call and return her to my grand daughter You can call Heather at 405-706-1000 or Christine at 405-501-0020 we will hive u some cash we just want the dog back she is are baby please please bring her home everyone is worryed bout her!!!! daighter lives in moore and hoping the dog didnt try to go home"

  • OKC Lost Pets
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    FOUND:

    "Found a terrier breed by our office on 59th and I-35 in OKC. Looks to be a border terrier puppy. No tags. He is a boy. Looks to be pretty young. If no one contacts me by the end of work today, I will take him to the tornado animal displacement center in Norman, OK on Robinson.

    "My email is Jenna.r.jacoby-1@ou.edu
    Number 972-979-3623."

  • OKC Lost Pets
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    LOST:

    "Lost Male Apple Head Chihuahua. Name is Kujo and was last seen on the corner of 5th and Janeway in Moore. Across the street from St. Andrews. No collar at the time. Mostly ivory/cream color short haired coat. Some white around the neck and side of head. Fine hair on inner back legs. Faint white spot on head. Darker cream color hair along spine. Hops more than runs. Kujo was my first birthday gift from my now husband and in desperate need to find him. Any info please let me know."

  • OKC Lost Pets
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    FOUND:

    "Currently at Home Depot Center. Female cat. Very sweet. Calico.Found with a Tabby cat but we couldn't catch her. Her intake # is X39735"

  • OKC Lost Pets
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    LOST:

    "Lost very near Plaza Towers Elementary School day of the tornado. I'm trying to help my friend's son find his lost pet. Contact me at bonasweet@cox.net if found."

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    FOUND:

    "Yellow /Fawn Lab-ish dog. running around 149th and Western in Moore

    "email pookiejab@yahoo.com"

  • OKC Lost Pets
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    LOST:

    "2 male cats. One is grey and white weights about 13lbs. He is a male named Ruger. The other is a mancoon named Cosmo. The 3 in the single pic is a blue cream or a torti. She is a domestic short blue cream.I'm not sure if they have tags on them or not. They lived on ginger ave. Again I'm not sure if they have collars. If found please call 405-474-1170 (richard) or 405-905-0470 (tiffany) sattre"

  • OKC Lost Pets
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    FOUND:

    "Dachshund Female. If you know this pretty little lady she is at the Oklahoma animal resource center.. found in tornado and I know she would love to see her family"

  • OKC Lost Pets
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    LOST:

    "Female dog. Her name is Bently. She has a light pink collar on. Mix of pitbull and husky. Tan with white patch on top of head and chest. If found please call 405-924-1095 or 405-338-8443"

  • OKC Lost Pets
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    FOUND:

    "Hope this Golden is owned by the person who is looking for her mom's Golden retriever..she posted on this site..no photo though. Description sound like this found golden.. Thank goodness she or he is in safe though."

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    Next: Hurricane and Tornado Safety for Pets

    FOUND:

    "Cat found at my residence in the Lake Woods Addition near 34th st & Eastern in Moore, Tuesday morning. White, gray & black."

 

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]]>CatsCausesco-galleryDogsfranchise-the-daily-dishLifestyleLost PetsOklahomaRelationshipSadSafetyTornadoesPaul Ciampanelli2013-05-22T12:45:00+00:00Prehistoric Dog Lovers Profiledhttp://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/22/prehistoric-dog-lovers-profiled/http://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/22/prehistoric-dog-lovers-profiled/http://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/22/prehistoric-dog-lovers-profiled/#commentsAn analysis of ancient dog burials finds that the typical prehistoric dog owner ate a lot of seafood, had spiritual beliefs, and wore jewelry that sometimes wound up on the dog.

The study, published in PLoS ONE, is one of the first to directly test if there was a clear relationship between the practice of dog burial and human behaviors. The answer is yes.

"Dog burials appear to be more common in areas where diets were rich in aquatic foods because these same areas also appear to have had the densest human populations and the most cemeteries," lead author Robert Losey, a University of Alberta anthropologist, told Discovery News.

The discovery negates speculation that dogs back in the day were just work animals brought along on hunting trips.

RELATED: Edward Scissorhands Fossil Found

"If the practice of burying dogs was solely related to their importance in procuring terrestrial game, we would expect to see them in the Early Holocene (around 9,000 years ago), when human subsistence practices were focused on these animals," Losey continued. "Further, we would expect to see them in later periods in areas where fish were never really major components of the diet and deer were the primary focus, but they are rare or absent in these regions."

For the study, Losey and his team researched dog burials worldwide, but focused particularly on ones located in Eastern Siberia. Siberia appears to have been an ancient hotbed of dog lovers, with the earliest known domesticated dog found there and dating to 33,000 years ago. Dog burials in this region, however, span across a more recent 10,000-year period.

The researchers found that most of the dog burials in this area occurred during the Early Neolithic 7,000-8,000 years ago. Dogs were only buried when human hunter-gatherers were also being buried. When pastoralists later came through, they did not bury dogs, although they did sacrifice them from time to time.

RELATED: Top 10 Naughtiest Pets

"I think the hunter-gatherers here saw some of their dogs as being nearly the same as themselves, even at a spiritual level," Losey said. "At this time, dogs were the only animals living closely with humans, and they were likely known at an individual level, far more so than any other animal people encountered. People came to know them as unique, special individuals."

The burials reflect that association. One dog, for example, was laid to rest "much like it is sleeping." A man was buried with two dogs, one carefully placed to the left of his body, and the other to the right. A dog was buried with a round pebble, possibly a toy or meaningful symbol, placed in its mouth. Still other dogs were buried with ornaments and implements, such as spoons and stone knives.

The burials reflect that association. One dog, for example, was laid to rest "much like it is sleeping." A man was buried with two dogs, one carefully placed to the left of his body, and the other to the right. A dog was buried with a round pebble, possibly a toy or meaningful symbol, placed in its mouth. Still other dogs were buried with ornaments and implements, such as spoons and stone knives.

One of the most interesting burials contains a dog wearing a necklace made out of four red deer tooth pendants. Such necklaces appear to have been a fashion and/or symbolic trend at the time, since people wore them too.

RELATED: Prehistoric Dog Lived, Died Among Humans

"The dog buried wearing the necklace was buried in a region where human diets were relatively rich in riverine fish," Losey said. "The dog, however, was consuming relatively little fish, having a protein diet with more emphasis on terrestrial game. This suggests the dog was likely a recent arrival in the region, and its body chemistry had not yet adjusted to the local fish diet."

All of the hunter-gatherer dogs were similar in appearance to large varieties of huskies, similar to today's Siberian huskies.

Erik Axelsson, a researcher at Uppsala University's Science for Life Laboratory, has also studied prehistoric dogs. He too found that human and dog diets, burial practices and more often paralleled each other, revealing how close the dog-human bond has been for thousands of years.

Axelsson said, "Dogs and humans share the same environment, we eat similar food and we get similar diseases."

Based on the number of burials, we also often spend eternity together too.

 

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]]>co-articleDogsfranchise-the-daily-dishLifestylePrehistoricPrehistoric DogsRelationshipThe DishDiscovery2013-05-22T12:12:00+00:00A Conundrum: Adding Human Food to Commercial Pet Foodhttp://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/22/a-conundrum-adding-human-food-to-commercial-pet-food/http://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/22/a-conundrum-adding-human-food-to-commercial-pet-food/http://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/22/a-conundrum-adding-human-food-to-commercial-pet-food/#commentsA recent survey study in the U.S. found that 59 percent of dogs receive table scraps in addition to their regular diet. This supplementation amounted to 21 percent of the total daily caloric intake. The point of the study was to evaluate owner feeding patterns and pet obesity.

For the past three weeks I have manned a booth at a major pet expo and at other minor pet events. I had an opportunity to chat with people about the feeding habits of their dogs. These conversations suggested that the research survey above may have underestimated the amount of human food being added to the average canine diet. Almost all of the over 200 people we talked with added meats, vegetables, and carbohydrates to their dogs' kibble.

Why Dog Owners Supplement With Human Food

Many reasons for supplementing kibble were cited. Some added ingredients thought to be beneficial for specific health problems. Others supplemented based on their beliefs of nutritional or health benefits of specific ingredients or types of food. The common theme was that owners doubted the quality of commercial food and felt that any addition of wholesome, human food added quality that was missing from the regular diet. And they are correct to be wary.

The history of commercial pet food parallels the economic prosperity of America following World War II. New wealth creation and population growth meant supermarkets chains replaced country or corner markets. Processed foods became the norm, not the exception. All of these changes created massive amounts of agricultural waste from slaughterhouses, grain mills and processing plants. This waste provides inexpensive ingredients that can be used in pet food. These are not quality ingredients, but they are adequate and readily available. This is why pet food is less expensive than human food. If your dog's lamb and rice kibble was made with the same prime USDA lamb chop that you eat, you simply couldn't afford it. If it is good enough for a human it will be sold to a human at much higher prices per pound, not put in pet food!

RELATED: Top Five Dog Bite Prevention Tips

Despite the quality problems and some of the inherent short comings of processing commercial pet food, these foods do contain the necessary amounts of all 42 daily nutrients needed for pets. Most of the people we talked with realize that and it is the reason they continued to feed commercial food. They know that the human food they add, although wholesome, is not nutritionally complete, and think the commercial pet food supplies the adequate quantity of necessary nutrients to their dogs. Unfortunately, supplementing commercial food with human food has two possible undesirable outcomes: malnutrition or obesity.

Why Human Food Upsets a Dog's Health

Commercial pet food is formulated based on calorie ingestion. In order to receive the necessary amounts of the 42 essential nutrients a pet must consume the label's directed calories (cups or cans). By supplementing with human food and decreasing the amount of commercial food, pets will meet their calorie requirements before completing their nutrient requirements. Human food alone cannot provide those nutrients. Because the feeding programs vary from owner to owner there is no one veterinary vitamin/mineral supplement that will be adequate for every pet.

RELATED: Dogs and Cats Get Bipartisan Support

Adding meat also adds excess phosphorus without calcium and upsets that delicate balance. Vegetables and carbohydrates add precious little in the way of vitamins and minerals unless provided in quantities that would add so much bulk to a diet that it would alter feeding behavior. Although well intentioned, this feeding program will result in long term nutrient deficiencies.

The alternative of feeding the prescribed amount of commercial pet food and then adding human food to the dog's diet results in excess calories. We all know where that leads.

RELATED: A Heartfelt Thanks To Dogs

That was the interest of the study cited above.

The Alternative to Feeding Human Foods to Dogs

Before you feed human foods to your dog, seek advice from a veterinarian who is board certified in nutrition, or a veterinarian with both nutritional training and familiarity with USDA food databases and NRC and AAFCO standards. Work together to formulate a complete and balanced human food alternative. That way every bite your pet takes, human or commercial, is nutritionally adequate. It also makes calorie control easier so that excess weight gain can be avoided.

Or better yet, with the same help from a veterinary nutritionist, formulate an entire complete and balanced homemade diet so there is no need to add any commercial pet food. That way there is no doubt about the quality of the ingredients; you control it.

Dr. Ken Tudor

"A Conundrum: Adding Human Food to Commercial Pet Food" originally appeared on PetMD.com

 

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]]>co-articleCommercial Pet FoodDogsHuman FoodNutritionPuppiespetMD2013-05-22T00:10:00+00:00Dog Bite Prevention Q&A With Darlene Ardenhttp://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/22/dog-bite-prevention-qanda-with-darlene-arden/http://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/22/dog-bite-prevention-qanda-with-darlene-arden/http://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/22/dog-bite-prevention-qanda-with-darlene-arden/#comments
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    This week is National Dog Bite Prevention Week! Needless to say, we at PawNation love dogs, but we also acknowledge that they can be dangerous in certain circumstances. Dogs bite nearly five million Americans every year, and there are many different reasons why bites can happen. We talked with animal behavior consultant Darlene Arden to learn why dogs bite, and how to behave around them and train them so attacks can be avoided.

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    PawNation: What causes a dog to bite someone?

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    Darlene Arden: Any number of factors can cause a dog to bite, but fear is often the reason. Sometimes it's redirected aggression. Pain is another. Most dog bites are by family dogs. Most people don't realize that they must supervise children with pets and teach their children how to behave around dogs - their own and someone else's. Children tend to talk loudly, swoop down on dogs and move suddenly. No dog can understand what it could have done to elicit that sort of response from a small human. Children often tug, poke, prod, climb on and otherwise cause pain. A dog has no choice but to clamp down in pain, and then the dog is blamed for the bite. Before the age of 7, children don't fully understand that they can inflict pain.

    Other bites can come from trespassing on someone's property and the dog seeing it as a threat to his territory. Staring at a dog is considered a challenge. Don't look a strange dog in the eye. Sometimes there is an organic problem, like an underlying brain tumor, that can cause a dog to bite. And some dog breeds are better around children than others.

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    PN: Are certain breeds more prone to biting?

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    DA: Anything with teeth will bite. The more provoked the dog, the more likely the bite. That's the problem with the Pit Bull bans. If you look at the old "Little Rascals" movies, the kids' dog was a Pit Bull. But drug dealers and criminals who use them for dog fighting train them to bite. As the saying goes: Punish the deed, not the breed.

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    PN: Should "play biting" in a puppy always be discouraged, or is it a normal part of development?

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    DA: The only ones puppies should be allowed to play bite are their mother and littermates, because they are the only ones who can truly teach bite inhibition. Never let a puppy bite your fingers. If the puppy does bite, yelp like a puppy and then hand him an appropriate toy and praise him lavishly when he takes it. Puppies teethe and so they need a variety of things - hard toys, soft toys, etc. - to chew. They do not, however, need your fingers, and you will only encourage a biting problem later on. Stop it before it starts.

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    PN: What is the best and safest way to non-threateningly approach a dog?

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    DA: Don't look the dog in the eye. Turn your head to the side. Move slowly. Ask if you may pet the dog. If the owners aren't there, don't go on their property to pet the dog. Don't pat the dog on the head, because that appears to the dog that he is about to be hit. Instead, close your hand into a fist and let the dog sniff your knuckles. If he seems okay with that, you can gently scratch him under the chin and then move your hand around slowly until you're petting him behind the ear. Be gentle.

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    PN: What are the warning signs of an aggressive dog?

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    DA: There are different types of aggression, but generally speaking, watch for a dog who becomes rigid and very still. The dog may lunge without making contact, bark threateningly, he may mouth a person or animal in attempt to establish control, bare his teeth, punch with his nose, snarl (growl and show teeth), his mouth may snap, he might nip quickly without leaving a mark, or bite leaving a bruise, he may leave puncture wounds, he may hold on and shake. His eyes may narrow. He may raise his hackles. Never make the assumption that a dog is friendly, especially if you see a display of any of these behaviors.

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    PN: How should I behave around a dog that already appears agitated?

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    DA: Stand still and look away from the dog. You might try yawning. Sometimes dogs yawn because they yawn, and other times it's used as a calming signal to calm himself or someone else. He should recognize your yawn as a sign that you are OK. Don't make any sudden moves. Don't run away from the dog. Teach children to act like a tree. And if the dog lunges, drop down to a fetal position and cover your head with your hands.

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    PN: If I must approach an aggressive dog for some reason - i.e., if it's hurt and needs help - how can I best protect myself?

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    DA: Even a sweet dog will bite if he's injured. He's in pain and afraid. Muzzle the dog before you do anything else to assure that you're not bitten. Be aware of his body language. Approach slowly and talk in a gently, reassuring voice. No eye contact. Ignore a wagging tail because it doesn't always mean that a dog is friendly. He can wag his tail while attacking you.

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    PN: If a dog bites someone, does it mean the dog needs behavioral training?

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    DA: The dog needs a complete veterinary workup, including a neurological workup and complete thyroid panel to determine if the aggression is illness-induced. That said, all dogs need positive training. I recommend operant conditioning (clicker training) to build the bond, or lure and reward if someone physically can't work with the clicker. No dog should be left untrained. It's not fair to the dog or owner.

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    PN: What should I do if a dog bites me?

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    DA: Always be sure that your dog is up to date on his vaccinations. He can pass along disease with a bite. Put a clean towel over the bite to stop the bleeding. Elevate the injured area, wash the injured area daily and apply an antibiotic ointment daily. See a doctor, who will want to know if the dog has had all of his shots and if he's up to date on his vaccinations, especially rabies. Your doctor can tell how deep the bite is and treat you appropriately. Dog bites must be reported.

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    PN: What should I do if my dog bites someone else?

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    Next: How to Legally Avoid Dog Bite Issues

    DA: You are responsible. If the person will allow it, take him to the hospital and offer to pay his medical bills. The owner is usually responsible unless the other party provoked the attack.

 

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]]>Causesco-galleryDog BitesDogsfranchise-dogs-decodedPsychologyPuppiesSafetyTrainingPaul Ciampanelli2013-05-22T00:01:00+00:00Navy Dolphin Finds Rare 130-Year-Old Torpedohttp://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/21/navy-dolphin-finds-rare-130-year-old-torpedo/http://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/21/navy-dolphin-finds-rare-130-year-old-torpedo/http://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/21/navy-dolphin-finds-rare-130-year-old-torpedo/#commentsA Navy dolphin training to look for mines off the coast of San Diego found a museum-worthy 19th-century torpedo on the seafloor, military officials said.

The brass-coated, retro wonder of technology was one of the first self-propelled torpedoes used by the U.S. Navy. Just 50 of these so-called Howell torpedoes were made and only one other example has been recovered; it sits in the Naval Undersea Museum in Keyport, Wash., outside of Seattle.

The 130-year-old, 11-foot-long (3.3 meters) weapon was discovered back in March during a mine-hunting exercise that the Space and Naval warfare Systems Center Pacific (SSC Pacific) was conducting with bottlenose dolphins. [Top 10 Animal Recruits in War]

"Dolphins naturally possess the most sophisticated sonar known to man. They can detect mines and other potentially dangerous objects on the ocean floor that are acoustically difficult targets to detect," operations supervisor Braden Duryee, of the SSC Pacific Biosciences Division, said in a statement.

RELATED: Edward Scissorhands Fossil Found

Dolphins use their natural sonar, called echolocation, to determine the size and shape of underwater objects by sending out a series of clicks that bounce off their targets and boomerang back to them. The marine mammals can be trained to report what they have found to human handlers using certain yes or no responses. Handlers can then investigate what the dolphins find by sending the animals to mark an object's location with a weighted buoy line.

In this case, one of the dolphins indicated to its handler that it had detected a minelike target. The recovery dive team initially thought the dolphin had found an old tail section off an aerial drop mine, according to a statement from SSC Pacific, but officials soon realized they were handling a much rarer artifact.

"It was apparent in the first 15 minutes that this was something that was significant and really old," Christian Harris, operations supervisor for the SSC Pacific Biosciences Division, said in a statement. "Realizing that we were the first people to touch it or be around it in over 125 years was really exciting."

RELATED: How Penguins Lost Their Ability To Fly

The Howell torpedo had a 132-lb (60 kilogram) flywheel that would be spun prior to launch. With a warhead filled with 100 pounds (45 kg) of gun cotton, the weapon had a range of 400 yards and could reach speeds of 25 knots, military officials said.

"It was the first torpedo that could be released into the ocean and follow a track," Harris said. "Considering that it was made before electricity was provided to U.S. households, it was pretty sophisticated for its time."

The torpedo is being kept in a tank of water to prevent erosion on its surface. The historical weapon will eventually be shipped to the Naval History and Heritage Command at the Washington Navy Yard.

RELATED: Swarming Ants Offer Robot Rescue Tips

Navy officials said last year that the U.S. military may begin retiring its dolphins in 2017 in favor of cheaper mine-hunting robots.

Dolphins' amazing sonar ability can be a blessing and a curse for marine mammal-military relations; the animals are acutely vulnerable to high-powered naval sonar used during military tests, and past naval exercises have been linked to dolphin strandings.

 

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]]>All PetsAwesomeco-articleDolphinsFish and Marinefranchise-the-daily-dishMilitaryTalentedDiscovery2013-05-21T12:44:00+00:00Rare Egg Guarded 24 Hours a Dayhttp://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/21/rare-egg-guarded-24-hours-a-day/http://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/21/rare-egg-guarded-24-hours-a-day/http://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/21/rare-egg-guarded-24-hours-a-day/#commentsegg that represents the first fruits of an ongoing British crane conservation project is being guarded 24 hours a day, according to the Guardian U.K.



The Great Crane Project launched in 2010, its goal to restore the population of wild common cranes that have been missing from U.K. wetlands for hundreds of years.

Now a nesting pair of cranes raised in captivity by the Great Crane Project has laid an egg - not only the first common crane egg laid for the project, but the first laid in western Britain in 400 years, according to conservationists.

"Cranes are an iconic part of British wildlife and one that was all but lost for centuries," said Nigel Jarrett of the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. "There is a long way to go before cranes become widespread again, but it is absolutely momentous to see this egg laid at Slimbridge."

Video cameras and guards keeping a round-the-clock watch on the nest help protect against egg collectors. The practice of egg collecting has been outlawed for decades but that doesn't stop some collectors from raiding nests illegally.

GREY CROWNED CRANE AND MORE BLUE-EYED ANIMALS:

 

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]]>BirdsCausesco-articleCommon CranesCranesEggsfranchise-the-daily-dishWildlife ConservationPaul Ciampanelli2013-05-21T11:46:00+00:00Okla. Tornado Survivor Finds Missing Dog During Live TV Interviewhttp://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/21/okla-tornado-survivor-finds-missing-dog-during-live-tv-intervie/http://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/21/okla-tornado-survivor-finds-missing-dog-during-live-tv-intervie/http://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/21/okla-tornado-survivor-finds-missing-dog-during-live-tv-intervie/#comments
"This was the game plan all through the years," Garcia said. But the game plan went wrong, and Garcia lost track of her dog.



Just as Garcia described calling for her dog and not getting an answer, CBS reporter Anna Werner spotted something furry in the wreckage behind them. "A dog! Hi, puppy!" Werner said. It was Garcia's Terrier, poking his head out of the debris and trying to make his way back to his owner.

​


"Well, I thought God just answered one prayer, to let me be OK," Garcia said. "But he answered both of them."

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR PETS FOR A DISASTER:

 

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]]>Awesomebadge-awwco-videoDogsfranchise-the-daily-dishHeart-WarmingPaul Ciampanelli2013-05-21T10:49:00+00:00Marine And His Beloved Dog Reunited In Surprise Ceremonyhttp://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/21/marine-and-his-beloved-dog-reunited-in-surprise-ceremony/http://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/21/marine-and-his-beloved-dog-reunited-in-surprise-ceremony/http://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/21/marine-and-his-beloved-dog-reunited-in-surprise-ceremony/#commentsHere's a story that will bring tears of joy to your eyes.

Care2 has already brought you the heartwarming story of a dog welcoming his sailor "mom" home after seven months service in Afghanistan, and the touching account of a pit bull service dog reunited with his owner, a disabled veteran.

Now we have another wonderful story to share with you: the tale of how Marine Sergeant Ross Gundlach, a dog handler, was able to meet up again with his good buddy Casey, a yellow lab who was his constant companion in Afghanistan from 2011 to 2012. Gundlach had promised Casey he would find her again, and last Friday, he was able to keep his promise.

RELATED: Woman Grieving Over Cocker Spaniel Amazingly Reunited With Lost Dog

It was all thanks to one fire marshal.

While in Afghanistan, Gundlach and his bomb-sniffing dog carried out 150 missions together, and according to Gundlach, Casey never missed a single one. In fact, the Marine credits Casey for the fact that he made it back home safely. Perhaps that's why he has a tattoo on his right forearm depicting Casey with angel wings and a halo, sitting at the foot of a Marine.

This summer, the 25-year-old, from Madison, WI, left active duty to take classes at the University of Wisconsin, but he didn't forget about Casey; instead, he began working on adopting the four-year-old dog. He first discovered that Casey had completed her military service and was now working at detecting explosives for the Iowa State Fire Marshal's office.

RELATED: Success! Chagos Islands Now A Fully Protected Marine Reserve

When State Fire Marshal Director Ray Reynolds received a letter from Gundlach explaining that he had a special connection with Casey and wanted to adopt her, Reynolds was so touched by the Marine's request that he decided to arrange a surprise reunion.

Here's what Reynolds did next. From The Associated Press:

First, he got in touch with the Iowa Elk's Association, which agreed to donate $8,500 to buy another dog for the agency.

"We have a motto in our association that as long as there are veterans, the Elks will strive to help them," Iowa Elks Association president Tom Maher said.

Then, Reynolds came up with a ruse to get Gundlach to Des Moines, telling Gundlach he needed to come to the state Capitol to plead his case in front of a "bureaucratic oversight committee."

When Gundlach arrived with his parents, Reynolds told them the meeting had been delayed and invited them to join an Armed Services Day celebration in the rotunda. There, hundreds of law enforcement officers, military personnel and civilians were seated, keeping the secret - until they brought out Casey.

RELATED: Hurricane Pet Rescues (Videos)

You have to love Gundlach's comments: "It was a total surprise." "I owe her. I want to take care of her, but I owe her. I'll just try to give her the best life I can."

Governor Terry Branstad officially retired Casey from active duty during Friday's ceremony, thanking the dog for a "job well done."

All animal lovers and pet owners can surely relate to this story and feel moved by the undeniable bonds that link Gundlach and Casey.

What a beautiful story!

 

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]]>AdorableAwesomebadge-awwco-videoCuteDogsfranchise-the-daily-dishHeart-WarmingLifestyleRelationshipCare22013-05-21T09:10:00+00:00Why Large Dogs Die Younghttp://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/21/why-large-dogs-die-young/http://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/21/why-large-dogs-die-young/http://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/21/why-large-dogs-die-young/#commentsWhen I was on vacation a couple of months ago, I posted a link to an article entitled "Why Small Pups Outlive Large Dog Breeds."

Fully Vetted reader 3Dogs1Cat (great handle!) asked for more information when the research was published in the April 2013 issue of American Naturalist. Here it is.

A 70 kg Great Dane has an average lifespan of about 7 years, whereas a 4 kg Toy Poodle can expect to enjoy a lifespan of about 14 years. This well-known pattern poses a conundrum for evolutionary biologists. Across species, large mammals live longer than their small counterparts. In marked contrast, within species, fast growth and/or large size seem to carry costs in terms of an individual's life span. This phenomenon has been documented not only in dogs, but also in mice, rats, and horses, and some have argued that lifespan even tends to be longer in humans with shorter stature.

RELATED: Top Five Dog Bite Prevention Tips

Researchers have yet to determine why the patterns that we observe within species are opposite to those observed across species. In no species is the negative relationship between size and lifespan more evident than in the domestic dog. Artificial selection has led to breeds that range in body size from the 2 kg Chihuahua to the 80 kg Mastiff. Large breeds die at a median age of 5-8 years, whereas small breeds are expected to live on average about 10-14 years, i.e. twice as long. But why do large dogs die young?

RELATED: A Heartfelt Thanks To Dogs

To answer this question from a demographic perspective, Cornelia Kraus, Samuel Pavard and Daniel Promislow compared age-specific mortality in 74 breeds using data from more than 50,000 dogs, including their ages and causes of death, stored in the Veterinary Medical DataBase (VMDB). The authors hypothesize that larger breeds might have higher mortality rates due to the costs of increased, and suboptimal, growth rates. The question, though, is when those costs are paid. Do larger dogs live shorter lives because they have higher juvenile mortality, because their minimum or "baseline" mortality as young adults is increased, because they start aging earlier, or because the rate at which they age is faster?

RELATED: Veterinarians And Owners Need To Listen

The analyses show that the size-lifespan trade-off in dogs is mainly driven by a size-related speeding up of the mortality hazard. In fact, size affects many aspects of the mortality curve, but the strongest effect is on the rate of aging, which is positively correlated with breed size. Large dogs age at an accelerated pace, as though their adult lives are running at a faster pace than small dogs'. Hence, a first answer to the question of why large dogs die young is that they age quickly.

Future studies will need to determine the mechanisms behind these differences in mortality curves, and in particular, how the shape of mortality curves is determined by differences in underlying diseases that cause death. Dogs are a highly promising model to unravel the detailed evolutionary, genetic and physiological links between growth and mortality.

The complete article is available for download for $19.

Dr. Jennifer Coates

"Why Large Dogs Die Young" originally appeared on PetMD.com.

http://www.petmd.com/blogs/fullyvetted/2013/may/why-do-large-dogs-die-younger-then-small-dogs#.UZukIavwK_0

 

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]]>Big Dogsco-articleDogsHealthPuppiespetMD2013-05-21T00:10:00+00:00Sea Lion Worried About Little Girlhttp://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/20/sea-lion-worried-about-little-girl/http://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/20/sea-lion-worried-about-little-girl/http://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/20/sea-lion-worried-about-little-girl/#comments

 

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]]>Adorablebadge-awwco-videoCuteFish and MarineHeart-WarmingSea LionZooCharlotte Braun2013-05-20T18:05:00+00:006 Best Exercises To Do With Your Doghttp://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/20/6-best-exercises-to-do-with-your-dog/http://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/20/6-best-exercises-to-do-with-your-dog/http://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/20/6-best-exercises-to-do-with-your-dog/#comments
  • Getty Images: Mike Kemp
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    By Elizabeth Narins

    Some fitness partners flake out, miss workouts, or make excuses. But here's a partner that won't: your dog. New fitness classes for out-of-shape people and their pets are popping up across the country (to find out if any are near you, review our list of the Best Pet-Friendly Fitness Classes). And it's about time: More than 52 percent of dogs in the U.S. are overweight or obese, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention's 2012 National Pet Obesity Survey. Compare that to the stats for their owners: About one-third of Americans are obese, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control. 

    Working out with your dog doesn't just benefit your health, though. It can be a real treat for your pet--and for you. "A dog is the best motivator you'll ever have," says Tricia Montgomery, founder and president of K9 Fit Club, a Hinsdale, IL-based fitness club for people and their pets. "All they want to do is spend time with you and please you," she says. "They look forward to it." And although they won't judge you for skipping workouts, it's tough to say no when you have to face a wagging tail. 

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    The Fat-Blasting Doggy Workout Circuit

    If you don't live near a dog-friendly class--and aren't into running with your canine--you can still get in on the fit-pet action. Montgomery created this 30-minute circuit, which alternates between cardio and body-weight training moves, to give you and your canine a heart-pumping full-body workout.

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    Rover's reverse lunges with paw
    Tell your dog to sit. Then face him with your feet together. Step back with one foot so that your front leg is bent at a 90-degree angle with your knee directly above your ankle. At the bottom of each lunge, ask your dog for his paw to "shake." Release the dog's paw as you stand to return to your starting position. Repeat on the other side, and ask your dog for his other paw. Repeat for 20 reps. NOTE: If your dog doesn't know how to "shake"--or won't do it 20 times--pat him on the head instead.

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    Sit-and-stay side shuffles

    Holding the leash so your dog moves with you, perform a side shuffle across the room or workout area. Then, facing the same direction, shuffle back to your starting position. Repeat 10 times.

    RELATED: 21 Ways To Make Fitness More Fun

  • Getty Images: Dragan Grkic
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    Paws push ups

    Ask your dog to sit or lie down next to you while you get into pushup position. Keeping your abs tight, and elbows tucked into your sides, lower your body until it hovers above the ground, then push back up. Do as many as you can, dropping from your toes to your knees if needed. While you recover, have your dog do five Doggy Push Ups: Tell him to sit, then lay down five times. 

  • Getty Images: Grove Pashley
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    Waggin' wall sit

    With your back against a wall, sit so your knees are bent at a 90-degree angle. If your dog is small, hold him.

    RELATED: 5 More Fun Ways To Exercise With Your Pet

    If your dog is large, ask him to put his paws on your lap to increase the challenge. Hold the wall sit for up to one minute.

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    High-paw knees

    Perform high knees back and forth across the room or outdoor space while your dog walks or jogs next to you. Repeat for one minute.

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    Next: 8 Ways To Protect Yourself If Your Dog Bites

    Puppy planks

    With your dog laying next to you, get into pushup position on your toes or knees with your elbows under your shoulders. Tighten your core and make sure your butt is aligned with your shoulders so your body forms a straight line. Hold for up to one minute while breathing normally. 

 

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]]>co-galleryDogsExercisingLifestyleWorking OutWomen's Health2013-05-20T17:17:00+00:001 Human Year Does Not Equal 7 Doggy Yearshttp://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/20/1-human-year-does-not-equal-7-doggy-years/http://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/20/1-human-year-does-not-equal-7-doggy-years/http://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/20/1-human-year-does-not-equal-7-doggy-years/#commentsWhere did you first hear the idea that seven dog years are equal to one year of human life?

No one knows who came up with it, but it first appeared in math textbooks in the 1960s, when students were asked to calculate the age of a dog using the 7:1 ratio. Apparently we were indoctrinated at a young age.

But those textbooks were barking up the wrong tree.

According to scientists, the myth that one calendar year is equal to seven dog years is just that - a myth. Since dogs age differently, depending on their breed and stage of life, the real calculation is far more complicated.

We all know that dogs are amazing: last week Care2 brought you the story of the pit bull who saved his owner from a burning house. Dogs can also use their super sniffers to track down invasive weeds, and comfort dogs have performed miracles working with the families of Newtown and Boston.

RELATED: Two-Legged Chihuahua Has New Home for Thanksgiving (VIDEO)

Dogs are also the most diverse mammal species on the planet. Once fully grown, they can vary in weight from six pounds to 200 pounds and have widely differing body shapes and hair types.

So it makes sense that there is a big variation among breeds in terms of life expectancy.

Here's where the calculation gets more complex. Big dogs die younger than smaller breeds, meaning an adult chihuahua will age less every calendar year than a great dane, for example.

RELATED: Cute Animal Video of the Day: Puppy's Best Whistling Attempt

How does this work? The Telegraph explains:

But the equation is complicated further by the fact that smaller dogs also mature more quickly than larger ones, meaning that in the early stages of life they age faster, experts said.

This means that after two calendar years, a smaller dog is "older" than a larger one - but after five years it becomes "younger" in relation to its total lifespan.

Dr Kate Creevy, assistant professor of internal medicine at the University of Georgia told the BBC that once the varying rates of ageing at different stages of a dog's life and its overall life expectancy are taken into account, the animals on average age about six, not seven years for every human year.

This is actually the opposite of what we see in most mammals: gorillas, whales and lions tend to live much longer than rats, mice, and voles. If that happened with dogs, great danes would live longer than chihuahuas, but actually it's quite the opposite.

From the BBC:

"Small dogs reach skeletal and reproductive maturity sooner than larger breeds. Once they've achieved those measures of adulthood they carry on to live longer," says Dr Kate Creevy, assistant professor of internal medicine at the University of Georgia.

What this means is that small dogs have a shortened juvenile period and an extended adulthood, while large dogs can take two years to achieve their fully mature size, but then may only live another four or five years.

You can click here to find a chart that will help you figure out your dog's true age.

RELATED: Cute Animal Video of the Day: Puppy Confused by Identical Twin

Across the spectrum, as Creevy points out, six is a more accurate number for the number of dog years that make up a human year.

But depending on whether your favorite pooch is a bulldog, a border terrier or a chihuahua, the actual growth period and life expectancy will vary greatly.

Next time someone talks about "dog years," let them know it's much more complicated than that!

TOP TIPS FOR SENIOR DOGS AND FOOD:

 

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]]>co-articleDogsfranchise-the-daily-dishLifestyleMythsPuppiesCare22013-05-20T12:10:00+00:00Pet Store Puppies More Prone to Behavioral Problemshttp://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/20/pet-store-puppies-more-prone-to-behavioral-problems/http://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/20/pet-store-puppies-more-prone-to-behavioral-problems/http://www.pawnation.com/2013/05/20/pet-store-puppies-more-prone-to-behavioral-problems/#commentspuppies purchased from pet stores are more likely to display behavioral problems later in life, according to a groundbreaking University of Pennsylvania study.

Frank McMillan, director of well-being studies at the Best Friends Animal Society in Utah and a co-author of the paper, told the Penn Current that he was curious about behavioral problems in pet-store puppies after a similar study two years ago that focused on puppies from commercial breeding facilities. Most puppies in pet stores are from these puppy mills.

McMillan said the results of the study are grim. "The problems span so many different types of behaviors, and the differences are rather extreme for some of the behaviors."



Pet-store puppies fared worse in 12 of 14 behavioral variables measured and failed to score better on any measure.

"I wasn't expecting the effects to be so across-the-board bad," said James Serpell of the Penn School of Veterinary Medicine, and one of the study's co-authors.

A number of factors contribute to poor behavior in pet-store puppies. Their mothers may suffer greater stress breeding in puppy mills, where the puppies are often weaned and separated from their litters too early and are not properly socialized.

These puppies grow up to display unusual aggression toward their owners and other dogs, as well as an increased risk for running away. Neutered pet-store dogs were more well-behaved, but still more aggressive than neutered non-commercial dogs.

McMillan and Serpell said that at least until the reasons behind the behavioral problems in these dogs are better understood, they recommend not purchasing puppies from pet stores.

50 CUTEST PAWNATION PUPPIES RIGHT NOW:

 

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]]>Adoptionbadge-sadBehaviorCausesco-articleDogsfranchise-the-daily-dishLegalPet StoresPsychologyPuppiesPuppy MillsSadSafetyPaul Ciampanelli2013-05-20T11:46:00+00:00