Meet the dog who survived the gas chamber and now has a new life…

http://bit.ly/sKWZ88

Dog Survives Gas Chamber, Gets New Life is a post from: K9 Magazine

Ivan Pavlov was a Russian physiologist whose main area of study was digestion. Part of his research involved measuring saliva production under various conditions, and part of his experiments involved dogs.

As his research progressed, he started to notice that dogs salivated before they were actually given any food, and he decided to investigate this phenomenon. He worked out that the dogs were fed by laboratory assistants wearing white lab coats, and they responded to these lab assistants even when they didn't have their dinner bowls in their hands.

Pavlov then started connecting food with other signals. For example, he would ring a bell then feed the dogs. Before too long, the dogs would drool at the sound of the bell, anticipating a meal.

A learned response (for example salivation) to a particular trigger (a white coat or the sound of a bell) is known as a conditioned reflex. The process by which dogs make the connection between the stimulus and the reflex is called conditioning. Dog trainers who use clicker training methods will use this phenomenon when they condition their dog to the clicker. They will click, then give their dog a treat over and over again, until the dog links the click with being given a treat.

B.F. Skinner was an American psychologist who studied at Harvard University. His early work was with rats and some apparatus that he constructed. The rats were taught to press a bar, but what happened after they pressed it strongly influenced how often they did so. If pressing on a bar resulted in a treat being dispensed, the rats pressed the bar more and more. He called this behavior “operant conditioning” because it operated under the effects of the environment the rats were in.

Skinner used his newly discovered theories of behavior modification during World War II, when he trained pigeons to keep pecking on a target which kept missiles on track. He then applied them to teaching mathematics to children. At the time, children were asked to complete a whole page of maths problems before being given any feedback, and learning if they had answered them correctly. Skinner invented a “curriculum machine” which delivered questions to a student, assessed their answers and rewarded them for being right. He then spent about 10 years working with students and teachers using operant conditioning to improve learning performance. 

Skinner's discoveries are used regularly in dog training, whether it is deliberate or not. Any behavior that is rewarded, is likely to be repeated. So, if you are teaching a dog to sit and give him a treat every time his bottom hits the ground, he is much more likely to sit again, and again. Similarly, if your dog manages to steal a treat when he jumps onto the kitchen table, he has been rewarded for this behavior, and will probably do it again. Whenever you are interacting with your dog, keep a close eye on what you are rewarding.

Dog Training Royalty: Ivan Pavlov and B.F. Skinner is a post from: K9 Magazine

Anyone who owns a dog studies cynology in some way. Whenever they think about what they are feeding their dog for dinner, or when they take their canine companion to a training class, they are furthering their knowledge of their dog's health and well being.

It is important that dog owners do learn about how to best care for their pet, but it is even more important for those who want to work with dogs. Why? A solid understanding of the physical and emotional needs of dogs will help you do your job better. Whatever your business, you will be able to quickly recognize when your canine client isn't well, or isn't happy. For example, pet sitters often have to deal with separation anxiety in the dogs they care for. If they are aware of the symptoms of this condition and how to manage it, the dogs in their care will be much happier, and this will result in repeat business for them.

The word “anthropomorphism” is quite a mouthful. It means attributing human characteristics to inanimate objects or animals. Anthropomorphism is widespread, with many people now referring to themselves as their dog's mum or dad. It is responsible for  the proliferation of fashion outfits and accessories for our canine companions.

Dogs aren't small furry people. They think differently, and are motivated by instinct and drive. They don't pull the laundry off the washing line because they are angry at you for going out and leaving them alone. They do it because they are bored, and pulling on those colorful flapping clothes is fun.

Another good example of anthropomorphism is when a dog looks guilty when you come home because he has gone to the toilet on the floor. He is not guilty, he is acting submissive because he can interpret your body language – your tension, stomping and loud voice. Frans de Waal is an ethologist (one who studies animal behaviour) and in his 1996 book “Good Natured”, he discusses an experiment that was done on a Siberian Husky. This dog shredded newspapers when her owner was out, and showed all the signs of being guilty when she was scolded on their return. Interestingly, when the owner shredded the newspapers themselves, and scolded their dog, her behaviour was exactly the same. This suggests that she had made no connection between the shredded newspapers and her owner's response.

There is another point that needs to be made about an owner getting angry at their dog when they come home to find puddles on the floor, or their new magazine in pieces. Dogs can't make connections between events that are separated by time. If you come home and get angry at your dog for something he has done while you were out, he has no idea why you are cross, and he will ultimate learn to fear you. This is not good for your relationship with him.

If you do need to correct  your dog for his behaviour, then you must do it immediately. Even a few minutes later is too late.

Another circumstance when anthropomorphism causes problems is when a dog is frightened. If a child is frightened, a pat or a hug will soothe and comfort them. If you do the same for your scared pooch, you are actually rewarding him for his behaviour ie being frightened. The result is that he is likely to continue being scared. As a veterinarian, I am often faced with owners who pat and soothe their dog for snapping or growling at me. They hope that this will help their dog settle down, but they are actually increasing the likelihood that his behaviour will continue.

Dogs, Cynology and Anthropomorphism is a post from: K9 Magazine

The top scoring breed is Dachshunds. Congratulations to the team behind the Dachshund Breed Council for their impressive work and commitment to breed health. The top twenty includes Leonbergers, Bernese Mountain Dogs and Hungarian Vizslas. Full list of top twenty available here http://www.thekarltonindex.com/wordpress/?page_id=116

At the other end of the scale several breeds are visibly doing so little in terms of breed health that more than twenty score Zero out of 100 and sixty breeds scored less than double figures. Included in this group of breeds is Shih Tzu, Pomeranian and Yorkshire Terrier. Full list of poor performing breeds can be found at http://www.thekarltonindex.com/wordpress/?page_id=118 On completing the first full index,

Philippa Robinson founder of the Karlton Index says:

“The full review of all breeds has been very enlightening. On the whole findings are disappointing but there are glimpses of brilliant work being done in some quarters like the Dachshund Breed Council and the teams addressing the health agenda in Leonbergers and Vizslas for instance. The teams behind the top performing breeds are characterised by a determined urgency and they tackle health without a hint of complacency. But over twenty breeds scored zero, in other words nothing of substance could be found on health. Clearly the claims that media attention and external criticism of dog breeding is unwarranted and unnecessary because breeders are “doing all they can” to improve the health of dogs, are flimsy at best in this group.

Many in the bottom twenty breeds came from the Toy group. Some of the more controversial breeds like Bulldog, Pug and Neapolitan Mastiff also score poorly despite coming under additional scrutiny from being on the Kennel Club’s list of high profile breeds. I was surprised that many popular breeds like Boxers, Dalmatians and Poodles also came out with low scores.

The framework is based on recognised business improvement tools and to that end the entire aim of the project is to support the work being done by breed clubs. My conclusions are that the Kennel Club and other interested stakeholders should target resources more effectively for breed clubs. They need much more support to develop balanced health strategies and embark upon meaningful health surveillance.”

The next assessment against the Karlton Index is scheduled for Spring 2013

Learn more: www.thekarltonindex.com

The Karlton Index A New Way to Measure Dog Health is a post from: K9 Magazine

Take a look….

Night time dog walking safety tips
http://www.k9magazine.com/k9-insider-september/

Our pick of the best dog collars for 2011
http://www.k9magazine.com/best-dog-collars/

How to teach the recall using a whistle – K9 Magazine's Ryan O'Meara tells us how to teach a dog to recall using the whistle
http://www.k9magazine.com/dog-whistle-training/

Dog personality test: how well do you REALLY know your dog?
http://www.k9magazine.com/dog-personality-test/

Why our friend the dog is the world's greatest salesman
http://www.k9magazine.com/dogs-in-advertising/

How much you should you be feeding your dog?
http://www.k9magazine.com/how-much-should-i-be-feeding-my-dog/

K9 Kitchen: Make your own healthy homemade dog treats
http://www.k9magazine.com/homemade-dog-treats-part-ii/

I find dead people
We spend a day with a cadaver dog handler

What’s Inside K9 Magazine Issue 47? is a post from: K9 Magazine

They say:

Our recently-published book about man's best friend, the clever canine, and what we can learn from him in order to enhance and improve our lives, has been so well received, and is such a great read, that we decided to make it the very first of our Hubble and Hattie titles to be available as an eBook. We are particularly proud that the conversion to eBook was done entirely in-house at Veloce. Initially, the Clever Dog! eBook is available only for Apple devices (iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch), and is downloadable via the iBooks app, which will also allow sample pages to be viewed. Although the eBook costs less than the physical book, its content is identical, and so represents excellent value for money!

ABOUT THE eBOOK
The dog is undeniably the most successful domestic animal of all time. He shares his life with ours, has integrated into our society, and won the hearts and minds of millions of us.
We call ourselves dog lovers because we do sincerely love them: they are fully-fledged members of our family, and we have elevated them to positions of authority in the human world. Assistance dogs, protection dogs, detection dogs, companion dogs … they all enhance our lives immeasurably.

In this book we will examine a whole raft of canine skills and talents, and try to piece together how and why the dog has enjoyed such immense success as a domesticated animal.

We will look at the dog as a problem solver, conflict resolver, and health asset. As a decision maker and hero. And as a loyal and trusted friend.
Clever Dog! is a compendium of life lessons we can learn from our dogs, based on a combination of what we know about them and – indeed – what we think we might know about them.

He's earned his epithet ‘Man's best friend:' in this book, our aim is to examine how he did it and how we might emulate his talents in order to enjoy the same fortune and fulfilment in our lives.

Be happy and successful: learn from the best!

AVAILABLE NOW!

£9.99, $19.95

Clever Dog: What's Inside?

• Interesting take on self development/improvement lessons
• Interesting facts and data on how the human/canine relationship evolved
• Amazing examples of how dogs have succeeded and achieved
• Practical insights into how humans can use the dog as a life example
• Incredible stories of canine bravery, endurance and talent
• Understanding leadership from the world's most famous pack animal
• Learn how to settle conflicts without 'drawing blood'
• Understand how to develop and enhance relationships, learning from the best
• Climb the career ladder by following the winning strategy of the dog
• How to embrace and cherish independence without being a 'loner'

View sample pages and sample text at – http://www.hubbleandhattie.com/books/a-l.html

The Author
Ryan O'Meara is a former professional dog trainer who has dedicated his life to learning about, writing about, and working with his one true passion: dogs.
Upon leaving school at the age of 16, Ryan embarked on his professional dog training career, indulging his love of all things canine. Having achieved success as a trainer, working with more than 2000 dogs, Ryan set up his own business, K9 Media Ltd, a specialist pet publishing company responsible for more than 300 pet related websites, as well as the world-renowned K9 Magazine. Ryan is a World Animal Day ambassador, and he appears frequently in the media discussing all things dog.

Clever Dog by Ryan O’Meara Becomes First For Publisher is a post from: K9 Magazine

This is interesting for two reasons:

1. You can't re-wind the clock. So you get just one chance to make an impression on your puppy socialization efforts.

2. If it's so crucial and you only get one go at it, it's little wonder there are so many dogs who are – frankly – under socialized as adults.

Check this article out.

Puppy Socialization: Why Does it Matter? is a post from: K9 Magazine

How to dog proof your home is a simple to follow, detailed plan for keeping your dog safe and deterring potential dog thieves from making your dog one of their latest victims.

You can read it at: http://www.dogtips.co/dog-proof-home/

I'm sure we'd all agree, to lose a dog to theft or straying would place an unbearable burden on our lives as committed, responsible dog lovers.

The 5 minutes it takes to read the guide could, literally, prove to be life saving.

Dog Proofing Your Home Guide is a post from: K9 Magazine

We think yes. Yes they can!

Mental stimulation and fully engaged body language – a perfect advert for the pleasure of bringing out a dog's full potential.

Is This The Happiest Dog in the World? is a post from: K9 Magazine

Mariah Carey – All I want for Christmas.

Mariah’s dog Jack has appeared in a number of her music videos. This is probably the most famous of them.

400 400

The Cult – Edie

Extra marks for the rock outfit from Britain for including two fantastic looking dogs in the video which also relate directly to the lyrics of the song – “The dogs lay at your feet Edie”

400 400

Guns n Roses – Sweet Child ‘o’ Mine

The intro to this song is what it’s all about. Slash has said he wrote the now iconic opening for a bit of a joke. So it’s nice to see a beautiful looking Rottweiler staring straight at us in the video even before that memorable intro kicks into action.

400 400

Fall Out Boy, The Take Over, The Break’s Over

Bonus points for the emo originals for not only featuring a dog but also basing the entire song around the dreams of frontman Pete Wentz’ stunning Bulldog named Hemingway. This vid really is heavy on the canine action.

400 400

Soundgarden – Blackhole Sun

An iconic video. Weird on a number of levels but not least for the metamorphising face of the harlequin Great Dane who stars.

400 400

Oasis – Songbird

Liam Gallagher chasing dog. Funny. Enough said.

400 400

Jane’s Addiction – Been Caught Stealing

OK so it’s not so much about dogs in the video but this is probably Jane’s most well known song and opens up with a cracking dog bark mixed into the musical intro. Dogs rule musically.

400 400

Snoop Doggy Dogg – Who am I, What’s my Name?

How could we possibly put together a list of dogs in music videos without including the Snoopy Doggy de Dogg himself. Dogs turning into gangstas all over the place here.

400 400

Blur – Parklife

The album cover featured a racing Greyhound. It was the album that cemented the Britpop era. There’s some dogs in the video – but are they Greyhounds? You’ll have to watch.

400 400

The Baha Men – Who Let the Dogs Out?

Who let the dawgs out, who, who, who, who, who, who? implore the Baha men. They ask us over and over again who let the dogs out. They seem quite determined to quiz us as if we might have been involved somehow. Sadly, the song doesn’t reveal the identity of the dog releasing culprit. The song is a huge steaming pile of stink. Video is pretty doggy though.

400 400

OK Go – White Knuckles

Well, we certainly couldn't have a list like this without THIS dog filled music vid now could we?

Did we miss any?

Best Music Videos Starring Dogs is a post from: K9 Magazine