“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.

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:

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.

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.

The companionship of a dog can truly be one of life’s under appreciated joys. However, that joy can be seriously diminished if your dog exhibits excessive behavior problems. Aggression, inappropriate barking, jumping up on you or visitors, destroying household items and other unacceptable behavior can usually be eliminated through effective obedience training.

As pack animals, dogs are most content when they know their place in the social hierarchy of the pack, be it as a leader or as a subordinate.

If the dog’s perception is that you are not a strong leader, he will most likely assume the role of “alpha” dog. Bad behavior will worsen since, as the pack leader, he will believe that he can do as he pleases without regard to your wishes.

Until you establish yourself as the alpha member of the pack your efforts to teach proper behavior to your pooch are doomed to fail. By providing high quality obedience training you will teach your dog that you are the leader and that he must follow comply with your wishes.

Dog Training

When you begin obedience training try to make it a fun activity for your dog. Be sure to reward your dog for correct behavior. Rewards can take the form of tasty treats, petting, giving him a favorite toy or  vigorous praise.

Never punish your dog while teaching obedience as it will make him associate training with negative feelings. When you need to correct your dog’s behavior make it a penalty rather than punishment. A penalty can be anything from a quick tug on his leash, a “time out” by simply stopping an enjoyable activity, or simply ignoring him.

For training purposes you should keep in mind that rewards are more effective than penalties. Find out what your dog really enjoys and use it when training. The old “using a carrot or a stick” adage should be forgotten. Instead, try to use many different types of “carrots” and throw away the stick.

If you are not sure about specific training techniques you may benefit from studying the tactics used by professional dog trainers. There are several terrific training courses and guide books available online that you may want to consider to help you in your quest for the obedient dog.

by Jim Navary

In order to keep your canine pal safe at home you should become familiar with the common household substances and items that can be dangerous – even fatal – if ingested. This list is not all-inclusive but it does contain information on some of the dangers typically found in homes.

Household Cleaning Products
While many household cleaning products can be used safely around dogs , it is essential that proper storage and use directions be followed. Product labels normally include appropriate warnings when their use presents a potential hazard. Check labels for statements such as “keep children and pets away from area until thoroughly dry”. While cleaners containing chlorine bleach can safely disinfect household surfaces when used safely, they can cause severe chemical burns when swallowed or skin contact is made. Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, and stomach upset are typical symptoms of ingestion of these products.

To avoid accidents with cleaning products be sure to keep them in their original packaging if it can be tightly sealed. Packages that cannot be re-sealed should be stored in a properly labeled sealed container.

Help your dog avoid poisoning

Herbicides, Insecticides and Other Pest Control Products

Flea and tick control products intended for external application should be kept safely out of reach to avoid ingestion or over exposure. As with cleaning products, read label directions carefully before using as these are poisonous chemicals that must be used only as directed.

Mouse and rat poisons when ingested can result in a life-threatening situation. It is critical to keep these products well sealed and in a location that is completely inaccessible to your dog.

Other insecticides and herbicides, fertilizers, weed killers and the like also pose a serious threat to your dog’s health if ingested. When these substances are applied to lawns be sure to keep your dog away from the treated area in accordance with the time period recommended by the manufacturer. When exposed to wet or granular chemicals, skin reactions may occur. Also, if the chemicals stick to your dog’s paws, he may lick it off and be sickened.

Food Hazards

A number of foods that are not only safe, but that are even considered healthy choices for humans, can be dangerous or even deadly to dogs. Keep the following foods out of your dog’s diet:

Grapes/Raisins Chocolate Onions
Coffee & Grounds Tea Garlic
Avocados Nuts Salt
Alcohol Yeast Dough Chewing Gum
Persimmons Raw Eggs or Fish Nutmeg
Mushrooms Potato Peelings Most Bones
Baking Soda/Powder Sugar Free Foods Containing Xylitol

Rotting food found in garbage may contain bacteria that could produce food poisoning. Be sure to keep garbage in securely closed trash cans. Dogs find garbage in plastic trash bags particularly tempting and they can easily tear open the bags looking for “goodies”.

Bathroom Hazards

Drugs intended to treat human medical conditions can make pets very sick. Never give your dog any medications unless your veterinarian specifically instruct you to do so. Keep all meds in tightly closed, secured containers well above the counter and away from dogs. Particularly dangerous common over-the-counter medications include aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen, antihistamines, cold medicines, vitamins, diet pills, and topical creams/ointments.

Other bathroom products such as toothpaste, skin lotions, and some soaps can cause stomach pain, vomiting or diarrhea. Also, keep toilet lids closed so that your dog does not drink toilet bowl water that has been treated with cleaning chemicals.

Household Plants

Numerous plants typically found both inside the house and in the yard can make your dog very sick. Some of the more common hazardous plants include:

Chrysanthemum Schefflera Lilies
Tulip Bulbs Narcissus Bulbs Oleander
Azalea Rhododendron English Ivy
Sago Palm Cyclamen Yew
Amaryllis Autumn Crocus Pothos
Hibiscus Hydrangea Marijuana

The ASPCA website has a very useful searchable data base of both non-toxic and toxic plants for dogs, cats, and horses. Visit http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/ to access their system.

Miscellaneous Hazards

– Ethylene glycol antifreeze and coolants can be fatal, even is very small quantities. Although less toxic, propylene glycol antifreeze can still be dangerous.
– Mothballs can be toxic to dogs particularly those containing naphthalene. They can result in blood cell damage, swelling of brain tissue, seizures, coma, and even death.
– Tobacco products
– Paints and Solvents
– Small objects that fall on the floor can be easily swallowed by a curious dog. Such items as coins, small toys, jewelry, screws, nails, buttons, batteries, etc. may result in internal injuries and may require surgery to remove them.
– Electrical cords should be covered and blocked to prevent access. Chewing on a live wire could prove fatal.
– Strings, ribbons, and similar items can damage your dog’s intestines and could be fatal if not surgically removed.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR PET IS POISONED

Do Not Delay! Time is very critical for successful treatment of accidental poisoning. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-425-4435. Be ready to provide your dog’s age, weight, breed, and any symptoms. Have the product container or a sample of the plant at hand so that the poison can be correctly identified and an appropriate treatment can be recommended.

So Quiet on the Canine Front is our fourth installment showcasing the MGM short comedies in their “Dogville” series released between 1929 and 1931. This 1930 short is a parody of the classic “All Quiet on the Western Front” with an all canine cast.

So Quiet on the Western Front