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By Jim Navary, May 29, 2011

“When is a puppy fully grown?”

That question is probably not foremost in your thoughts when you bring a new puppy into your life. That adorable little face, those huge soulful eyes, and that cute wiggle when he walks are what come to mind when thinking about your new pup. But gradually, as your puppy gets older and perhaps a bit destructive, you may find yourself wishing that he would grow out of some of those youthful traits and begin acting more like an adult dog.  By the time he’s chewed your third pair of shoes you will probably begin to wonder…

“When will this puppy be fully grown?”

Happiness is a warm puppy -- Charles Schulz

Although there are some similarities between early development stages of puppies and human babies, the process is considerably quicker for canines.

Newborn puppies go through many changes during their first three weeks .  They open their eyes, take their first steps, and begin to act like a tiny dog. During this early stage they are not really aware of the world beyond  ”mom”  and siblings.

Somewhere between the third and fourth week your puppy’s senses of sight, smell, and hearing rapidly develop. All of a sudden he’ll discover that there is more to his world than just his canine family. His relationship with his new human family begins to take shape. This is a critical time for the development of your puppy’s personality and behavioral traits. Take care to avoid stressful or traumatic experiences as they may significantly influence how your dog will behave as an adult.

Your puppy will begin learning proper pack “etiquette” during the fifth through seventh weeks. If he begins to bite inappropriately or play too rough, his mother will correct him. These early lessons provide some of the social skills he will need as he interacts with humans and other dogs.

For the first three months of his life your puppy will experience many new things. Whenever possible, try to make these learning experiences positive. In doing so you are much more likely to avoid behavioral problems as he enters adulthood.

After three months or so your puppy enters a “toddler” stage of development. He gains more independence and tries to explore his world as he sees fit, not at the prompting of his mother or his human family. Shoes, furniture, books, and just about anything within reach will fascinate him. He will also learn what they taste like as he begins teething. This is a good time to begin very basic obedience training and establish your role as pack leader.

Your puppy will reach adolescence at around six to eight months, well on his way toward adulthood. Although the transition from adolescent to adult varies, depending upon the breed (or mix of breeds), you can be pretty sure that he has reached adulthood by the time his second birthday rolls around.

That’s when a puppy is fully grown.

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By Jim Navary, May 3, 2011

Today’s Canine Photo of the Day features “Panda” the cutest little Catahoula Leopard Dog puppy. Yes, he looks like a little panda and he’s very mellow and sweet.

Panda - an adorable Catahoula Leopard Dog puppy.

Panda is available for adoption at Blackjack Animal Rescue of Piney Flats, Tennessee, located between Bristol and Johnson City.

Please click Panda’s photo for additional information about him and the Blackjack Animal Rescue.

Catahoula Cur – Catahoula Leopard Dog T-Shirts, Sweatshirts, and Other Merchandise for Sale

Click on image below:

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By Jim Navary, April 30, 2011

by Jim Navary

If you have a pet pooch, chances are that he or she knows more about you than you know about him because he has made a close study of your habits.

If you doubt that, tell me how he knows that when you grab your car keys and your wallet you are about to “go for a ride”.

They also learn quickly how to discover if you are sad or cranky or ready to play with them. They learn the time and place for family meals and the time and place when it’s bed time.

In return for all of this, how much have you bothered to learn about your dog? Most likely not one-tenth as much as he has taught himself about you. Yet it is really quite easy to learn once you put your mind to it.

Barking Dog

Barking serves many different purposes. Sometimes it is used to repel and sometimes to attract. Some barking styles indicate, “go away,” whereas others can be interpreted to mean, “I’m over here, where the heck are you?” Even the most inexperienced of dog watchers will notice that dogs have a variety of different types of barking ranging from the muted woof of appreciation, to the sharp pitched yelp of alarm, to a the loud string of angry barks indicating aggression.

I think it was Sir John Lubbock, 19th century British behaviorist, who noted that a dog’s bark is an effort to copy the human voice. Wild dogs, he pointed out, do not bark. Neither do their cousins the wolves, nor does any member of the canine family that has not heard humans speak or the barking of domestic dogs.

There is all the difference in the world between a bark and a growl. When a dog barks he flings his head high, leaving the throat exposed. It is definitely not a war cry. But when he growls he lowers his head in order to protect the vulnerable throat area, preparing for an impending attack.

When you walk up the path to a house and the family dog comes barking to meet you, you are in no immediate danger. But if he advances toward you, growling and with his head lowered and his tail as stiff as a ramrod, then look out for trouble.

If you stand absolutely still with your hands on your chest not one dog in ten will actually bite. However, if you make threatening gestures, or if you turn and run, your chances of one or more bites are extremely high. A strange dog’s growl should never be disregarded by anyone who values his skin.

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By Jim Navary, March 20, 2011

As the chill of winter fades away, it’s important that dog owners remain mindful of several dangers that can be found in gardens, garages, or tool sheds.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, annually their Animal Poison Control Center handles tens of thousands of phone calls regarding pets that accidentally ingested or came in contact with weed killers, pesticides, and poisonous plants. Here are 7 straightforward suggestions to help make sure that your best friend is not affected by these springtime hazards.

1.    When taking your dog for a walk, keep your dog away from lawns and stay well away from poisonous lawn and garden products. One especially dangerous product is cocoa mulch. Dogs are drawn to this byproduct of chocolate due to its sugary smell. Dogs that swallow cocoa mulch can become extremely ill with neurological or gastrointestinal difficulties.

2.    Pesticides and herbicides are  classes of dangerous substances that should always be put away in inaccessible areas. Especially dangerous pesticides include snail bait, fly bait, mole or gopher bait, and most types of rat poison. Similarly, granules and sprays used to control weeds can wreak havoc on our pets’ digestive tracts. Always examine the manufacturer’s label for proper storage and usage instructions when working with these potentially hazardous products.

3.    The fertilizers that assist in keeping our plants healthy and green can sadly result in gastrointestinal problems for our pets, ranging from stomach upset to deadly obstructions. Make sure you follow the directions that accompany  chemical fertilizers and never let your dog or cat run outside before the appropriate waiting period has passed.

4.    Don’t let your green thumb cause health problems for your pet. Several very common outdoor plants are poisonous to dogs and cats and may result in heart problems or liver failure. Among the most dangerous of these plants are the Sago Palm and other members of the Cycad family. Even certain mushrooms can lead to liver failure. Plants that can endanger the heart include Oleander, Lily of the Valley, rhododendron, azaleas and foxglove.

5.    If you are  composting, keep up the good work! You are doing your part for Mother Earth. However, the food and garden waste that you toss in your compost pile or bin might result in problems for your pets if they are tempted by the range of odors they give off. Moldy foods, coffee grounds and a number of different fruits and vegetables are toxic to dogs and cats. Make an effort to investigation the “people foods” that your pet should never eat.

6.    Keeping your pet out of other people’s yards not only makes for good neighbors but can also keep your pet healthy and safe. You never really know what varieties of plants, flowers, or other hazards they may come across if permitted to wander freely.

7.    Needless to say not all potential risks fall into the category of poisons. Your gardening tools may seem innocent enough. However hoes, rakes, trowels, shovels, and tillers can cause injuries to eyes, noses, paws, or other parts of your inquisitive pet’s body. All unused implements should be kept in a properly secured location. Please don’t leave them lying around on the ground.

As the weather improves our yards and gardens can be great places to relax. Adhering to these few simple guidelines will help keep your pet healthy and safe.