http://eurobichons.com/ Fri, 30 Jul 2010 13:12:52 +0000 MyBB http://eurobichons.com/showthread.php?tid=7059 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 16:49:59 -0400 http://eurobichons.com/showthread.php?tid=7059
and the puppies well the pictures tell all]]>
and the puppies well the pictures tell all]]> http://eurobichons.com/showthread.php?tid=7058 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 09:43:50 -0400 http://eurobichons.com/showthread.php?tid=7058 http://eurobichons.com/showthread.php?tid=7055 Sun, 25 Jul 2010 15:33:36 -0400 http://eurobichons.com/showthread.php?tid=7055 article and use it as a means of spreading the word for a more enlightened approach to pet animal ownership. If you use it in a club publication, newspaper or magazine, etc., please mention it also appears in "Behavior Problems in Dogs," 3rd. ed. (1999) and in the New "Better Behavior in Dogs," 1999, A Guide to solving all your dog problems, (Direct Books - (800) 776-2665).
Download as a text file

HOW DOGS THINK
A NON-VERBAL LINK TO CANINE COMMUNICATION

copyright 1995 by William E. Campbell

Have you ever seen a device or a program designed to correct a dog behavior problem that explained how smart dogs are and how they think? Most plans or gadgets enable owners, literally, to declare war on their hapless pets. Little or no concern is afforded to what the dogs happen to think about them. In fact, the implication is that dogs don't think at all ... either they just react to external stimuli like robots , or respond according to genetically controlled "drives." Dogs are rarely credited with the ability to solve a problem mentally; to analyze a situation; imagine ways to manipulate or control it, then take a pre-planned course of action toward a goal that was preconceived in the dog's mind. In short, the dog is considered a real dummy, then treated like a dummy. But this concept is not correct. Dogs are smart. They can, and usually do, think rings around their owners. And they can do it because most owners have never learned how to think like a dog.

Understanding Non-Verbal Thinking

We all wonder now and then what our dog is thinking. If we wonder aloud, perhaps when mealtime is approaching and the dog is looking expectantly at us, we might say something like, "I'll bet Tippy's thinking, 'When is my dinner going to be ready?' " In all likelihood, Tippy isn't originating any thoughts about 'when dinner will be ready.' It is more likely Tippy is imagining (or 'imaging' in his mind) the words and movements you usually say and perform before getting his dinner; something like, "You want dinner, Tippy?" All that tail wagging and those pleading eyes are aimed at stimulating you to say it.

But, an inability to originate thoughts in a spoken language does not make dogs unintelligent. Even people don't actively think in a spoken language unless they actively 'speak' it. For instance, during a short vacation to Japan, if you don't already speak the language, you'll probably pick up the meaning of a few words. After a few natives look at you in the morning and say "Ohio," you may eventually learn that they're not curious about where you're from, but are wishing you a "Good Morning." Still, you won't think in Japanese unless you live there a few months and actively speak it. Even a pet Akita will never learn to speak or think in the native lingo because their voice boxes, tongues and lips cannot formulate the sounds of Japanese ... or English, or French, etc, etc. The limit of our dog's language-learning is the meaning of the sounds of certain words. Luckily, dogs are quick to learn the sounds that are important to them.

With this in mind, when Tippy is prodding us about serving dinner, we'd be wise to discard ideas about complete sentences being originated and thought about, and replace them with the non-language concept of mental images. To illustrate this further; when most Tippys are asking for dinner they actually look from their owners toward the place where it is served, generally the kitchen.

Evidence of Imagery

Some very convincing research suggests that dogs think in sensory impressions; visual, sound and odor images, etc. This is not to say that they sit around on quiet days experiencing videos inside their brains. However, they likely share our ability to form and experience in their minds certain images, odors and sounds. The scientific basis for this idea came from Russia and was published in the US in 1973. A scientist name VS.. Rusinov1 was studying the electrophysiology of the brain and had several dogs wired with brain wave equipment and radio transmitters. When the dogs were brought into the lab from the kennels for experimental conditioning tests, the electroencephalograph machine was turned on to record their brain wave patterns. This was done at the same time each day, five days a week. One weekend, purely by accident, Rusinov brought a group of visitors into the lab and turned on the EEG machine. Lo, the dog that was normally schedule for tests during the week at that time was sending wave forms nearly identical to his regular working patterns! When the testing time passed, the dogs' brain waves soon returned to their normal 'at rest' forms. I never found any mention by Rusinov as to whether the dogs out in the kennel were actually performing their conditioned laboratory behaviorisms. Chances are they were not, but one thing is almost sure; compared to human experience in similar types of studies, the dogs were apparently experiencing them mentally2,3.

The late Polish scientist, Jerzi Konorski,3 taught dogs to salivate and expect food in their trays when a light flickered. This was done regularly every few minutes. However, after a few trials, the dogs started salivating and looking at the trays as if the food were actually there, even though the light had not flickered. Konorski ventured that the dogs were hallucinating about both the stimulus (the light) and the reward for salivating (the food). One thing is sure: Something was going on in the dogs' minds that made them behave as if they were happening.

Some Human Examples

Before going on with dogs, let us consider some facets of our own 'mind's eye,' as suggested by Konorski. Imagine we have a date to meet a loved one at a busy restaurant. We get there on time and sit at a table near the door. Fifteen minutes go by, but no friend arrives. We begin to wonder if they are coming at all. We start watching people approach the door. Pretty soon, people with similar features almost cause us to call out to them. The more concerned and anxious we become, the more apt we are to mistake strangers for our friend. When he or she finally arrives, the pleasure and relief we feel is often mixed with mild displeasure. We are ambivalent ... we have mixed emotions about meeting them in the future.

Almost everyone has mental imagery. Often, just the thought of a loved one conjures up their image. This can apply to sounds, as well. Think about your favorite musical piece and your can often hear it in your 'mind's ear.' These are positive images. They are emotionally pleasant. At the other end of the scale, recalling a terrifying experience can not only create its images, but sometime even make us shudder. This is an example of negative, emotionally unpleasant images.

Back To Dogs

So it is with our dogs. When we are late getting home, or if they over-miss us because we spoil them with attention and petting every time they demand it, they very likely worry in images, too. They may well recall images of us and our activities, such as fluffing the pillows on the sofa, putting away record albums, handling magazines and books, putting on shoes just before leaving, sitting in a favorite armchair, etc. As a result of this, they often engage in activities which involve them with these images: Pillows wind up on the floor, albums or magazines are moved or chewed, a chair seat gets dug up, shoes are brought out of the closet. If they can't have us there, they try to interact with things that symbolize us.

If dogs really do store up and recall images of us and life's other objects and experiences, it follows that we might use this to our mutual benefit. But since most owners do not understand how dogs think, this imagery is where the seeds of most behavior problems are sown. Dogs receive and recall conflicting images of owners and many important experiences.

The Puppy's Dilemma

Consider the new puppy whose owners come home at regular times and join in an ecstatically joyful greeting ceremony. This imagery is quickly ingrained, and the pup begins to anticipate the experience, just Konorski's dogs hallucinated about the flickering light and the food tray. However, as will happen in even the most well regulated household, one day the owner is late. The puppy begins experiencing the images of his tardy owners ... starts fretting, pacing. Well primed energies, ready for the greeting ceremony, demand an outlet as the adrenaline starts pumping.

What's going on in its mind's eye or ear? It probably imagines hearing footsteps, perhaps even sees the door open... which doesn't happen. But it should. This introduces conflict between what it wants and expects and what is really happening. Conflict creates frustration. Frustration produces anxiety, which triggers an even greater adrenaline rush. The pup searches for something real to satisfy its desire to 'experience' the owner ... a magazine or book it saw the owner reading recently. It is rich with the owner's scent. If it cannot have the owner there, it can at least have their genuine odor or taste. So it sniffs, tastes, maybe even swallows parts of the article. Naturally, this does not fully substitute for the whole owner, so the puppy's social appetite is not really satisfied.

Finally, here comes the owner. The puppy innocently launches into its joyous, semi-hysterical ritual. The owner starts to join in, but spies the pulverized magazine or book. What's this? Naturally, if not wisely, the owner angrily grabs the pup, drags it to the demolished object and scolds it, or slaps it's snout or rump, or both. The pet's single-track mind is riveted on the owner. It yips, rolls over, or struggles vainly to escape. Punishment concluded, the owner angrily picks up the remnants of the article and storms to the trash basket.

Psychic Trauma

The net result of this is a totally confused pup with a conflicting set of images of its owner. This sort of shock to the nervous system is called psychic trauma in both animals and humans. A conflict has been instilled between the positive image of the owner (happy Dr. Jekyll) and the negative (Mr. Homecoming Hyde). This creates frustration and anxiety about homecomings, growing in severity if the scenario is repeated a few times. (It is interesting that in many cases, owners tell us that the pup was fine for a day or so after the first punishment. This may equate to the human experience of repression, in which memory of the traumatic experience is suppressed, creating a sort of 'backwards amnesia.') Even when this occurs, since the punishment was not associated with the act of chewing up something, the puppy seeks out another article, perhaps a shoe, and the cycle is repeated until the total relationship between owner and dog is tainted with emotional ambivalence. Mixed feelings are eating away at the positive qualities of their relationship. Negative emotional impressions may start to dominate it.

At about this stage, many owners conclude that the punishment may not have been severe enough. That's why the correction was not permanent. So they intensify it. The relationship erodes further as weeks go by. Enough of this cascading negative effect and the owner is ready take drastic action. The dog, now hyper-sensitive to its owner's mood change, feels something is wrong. This often is reflected by new problems, such as submissive wetting when the owner comes home or approaches the dog at other times; off-schedule bowel movements or urination occur, etc.

Many pets act insecure, currying more favor when the owner is home, and hence, missing the owner even more acutely when left alone. Frustration and anxiety build, while the isolation-related, tension-relieving behavior mounts. The unwitting owner, who originally may have thought the dog is 'getting even' for being left alone, begins to consider it incorrigible.

HELP!

This is when outside help is often sought. A book is purchased. The veterinarian, breeder, pet shop, a trainer or behaviorist may be consulted. If lucky, the owner gets advice that brings genuine insight into pet/owner relationships and dog behavior. But, more likely, they find traditional quick fixes and the dog winds up in a desensitization program; gets dosed with anxiety relieving drugs or barbiturates; is stuck in a cramped crate or cage all day, or banned to the yard or garage, or has its mouth stuffed with chewed debris and taped shut for hours. Since none of these approaches deal with the causes, the 'thinking dog' and the total relationship with its owners and the environment, success is rare. The majority of these formerly precious pets find themselves rejected ... relegated to the local pound for five to seven days, where the odds are 3-to-2 they'll suffer society's 'ultimate solution'. But things don't have to be so grim, if the owners learn some 'dog think.'

Applying Positive Imagery To Solve 'Separation Anxiety'

Dogs that misbehave when they are left alone are said to be suffering from separation anxiety. The term is a neat buzz-phrase; almost everybody uses it. It sounds professional. The trouble is, as a transplant from human psychiatry, it really doesn't convey much useful information. However, the term is here, so we'll use it in its broadest sense, which is; "a troubled feeling when left alone or apart from a certain person or persons." This allows us to recommend a remedial behavioral program that deals with the realities of the dog's total relationships. First, however, we must be sure that the dog's veterinarian has ruled out the many physical/medical causes for anxiety, such as thyrotoxicosis, hyperthyroidism, pre-diabetes, encephalitis, allergies, hyperkinesis, etc. etc.

The Program

Dogs that are unduly upset when left alone usually enjoy their owner's attention and petting whenever they ask for (or demand it) when the people are at home. To apply the imagery concept to this relationship, we could say the dog 'sees itself' as directing, or leading the owner. When it wants some petting, it nudges or otherwise stimulates the owner, and the owner complies. The dog wants out, whines at the door or at the owner, and the door gets opened. Mealtime approaches, dog whines and prances, and dinner gets served. When the owner goes from room to room, the dog is either ahead, leading them, or close behind. This is the reality of their relationship, at least in the dog's mind. But, when the owner leaves, against the dog's wishes, the pet is predictably upset, and problem behavior occurs. This can involve barking, chewing, pacing, self-mutilation, off-schedule bowel movements, urination around the house, etc.

The leadership problem can be turned about by presenting a different reality to the dog; one in which the dog is pleasantly, but firmly and consistently told to perform some simple act, such as 'sit' whenever it attempts to gain attention or affection, or whenever the owner wants to give the dog some attention. All 'sits', or whatever command is used ('down' is a good one for highly bossy dogs) are praised happily as 3 to 5 seconds of petting is awarded; then the dog is cheerfully released with an "OK" or "Free." (Free is a good release because OK is too common a word.)

If a really bossy dog refuses to obey, and many do when they realize their relationship is being turned around, simply ignore the situation, turn away and go on about some other activity, ignoring the dog. Some dogs have refused to respond for as long as four days before coming to terms with a follower relationship. However long it takes, after a few days the dog's image of itself seems to evolve from one of giving direction to taking it with compliance prior to being petted, getting dinner, going out the door, getting on the couch, etc.

In moving around the house, whenever the dog forges ahead, simply about-turn and go the other way. This must be repeated until the dog walks patiently behind or, better yet, doesn't even follow. It is also helpful, but not vital, to practice down-stays of increasing length during several evenings a week.

Images of Hyper-Emotionality

Most 'home alone' problem dogs get extremely emotional when their owners get home; some even get excitable when regular departure times approach. To supplant these emotionally over-stimulating images, sit quietly for about five minutes before leaving, in the area where the dog will be left. No eye contact or speaking is allowed. Then, get up and go without looking at or speaking to the pet.

At homecoming, enter quietly and ignore the dog until it quiets down completely. Then it is greeted happily, but briefly, away from the door of arrival. This subdued routine soon replaces the dog's highly emotional mental images of returns and departures with calmness and serenity.

Here's the tough part for most all dog owners: When coming home the place is a mess! Pillows have been chewed, or the chair is tattered again, or a pile of poop graces the doorway, or some other problem is evident. If we keep in mind that the dog has in the past suffered from conflicting images at homecoming, it is imperative that no emotion, or even attention, should be directed at the remnants of the problem; such as chewed up magazines, shoes, defecation, etc. Instead, after five minutes of ignoring the dog, it should be greeted away from the scene of the misbehavior, and then pleasantly taken outdoors or to another room and left alone while the mess is cleaned up. This avoids creating new (or reinforcing old) conflicting images of emotional reactions to, or interactions with, the debris, defecation, etc.

I have always called this 'the secret clean-up'. It has worked wonders as part of programs ranging from digging in the yard to housetraining puppies. Just why it is such an effective adjunct to correction programs remains to be satisfactorily explained. In the meantime, we'll have to say that the lack of an image of the owner and the mess is more beneficial to correction than is the image.

The Big Picture

So, there it is. Dogs think in images and we can mold and change their behavior in hundreds of ways if we will think as they do. For instance, on the negative side, a set up whereby a car screeches to a stop, horn blaring, just as a dog starts toward the street from the sidewalk, then praising its retreat, is a valuable exercise in negative imagery. However, it must be repeated until the dog avoids the street when cars are not present, as well.

Teaching the 'panic' command to come needs the dog's name followed by a code word, a sound image that is exclusive to coming when it is absolutely necessary, and praise words or a vocal rhythm that is unique to that command, coupled with fast hand-clapping while taking a crouched position. These combined, positive images can create a dog that will dependably respond to your code word and come to your praise. It is especially important to teach this command when the dog is out of sight, as well.]]> article and use it as a means of spreading the word for a more enlightened approach to pet animal ownership. If you use it in a club publication, newspaper or magazine, etc., please mention it also appears in "Behavior Problems in Dogs," 3rd. ed. (1999) and in the New "Better Behavior in Dogs," 1999, A Guide to solving all your dog problems, (Direct Books - (800) 776-2665).
Download as a text file

HOW DOGS THINK
A NON-VERBAL LINK TO CANINE COMMUNICATION

copyright 1995 by William E. Campbell

Have you ever seen a device or a program designed to correct a dog behavior problem that explained how smart dogs are and how they think? Most plans or gadgets enable owners, literally, to declare war on their hapless pets. Little or no concern is afforded to what the dogs happen to think about them. In fact, the implication is that dogs don't think at all ... either they just react to external stimuli like robots , or respond according to genetically controlled "drives." Dogs are rarely credited with the ability to solve a problem mentally; to analyze a situation; imagine ways to manipulate or control it, then take a pre-planned course of action toward a goal that was preconceived in the dog's mind. In short, the dog is considered a real dummy, then treated like a dummy. But this concept is not correct. Dogs are smart. They can, and usually do, think rings around their owners. And they can do it because most owners have never learned how to think like a dog.

Understanding Non-Verbal Thinking

We all wonder now and then what our dog is thinking. If we wonder aloud, perhaps when mealtime is approaching and the dog is looking expectantly at us, we might say something like, "I'll bet Tippy's thinking, 'When is my dinner going to be ready?' " In all likelihood, Tippy isn't originating any thoughts about 'when dinner will be ready.' It is more likely Tippy is imagining (or 'imaging' in his mind) the words and movements you usually say and perform before getting his dinner; something like, "You want dinner, Tippy?" All that tail wagging and those pleading eyes are aimed at stimulating you to say it.

But, an inability to originate thoughts in a spoken language does not make dogs unintelligent. Even people don't actively think in a spoken language unless they actively 'speak' it. For instance, during a short vacation to Japan, if you don't already speak the language, you'll probably pick up the meaning of a few words. After a few natives look at you in the morning and say "Ohio," you may eventually learn that they're not curious about where you're from, but are wishing you a "Good Morning." Still, you won't think in Japanese unless you live there a few months and actively speak it. Even a pet Akita will never learn to speak or think in the native lingo because their voice boxes, tongues and lips cannot formulate the sounds of Japanese ... or English, or French, etc, etc. The limit of our dog's language-learning is the meaning of the sounds of certain words. Luckily, dogs are quick to learn the sounds that are important to them.

With this in mind, when Tippy is prodding us about serving dinner, we'd be wise to discard ideas about complete sentences being originated and thought about, and replace them with the non-language concept of mental images. To illustrate this further; when most Tippys are asking for dinner they actually look from their owners toward the place where it is served, generally the kitchen.

Evidence of Imagery

Some very convincing research suggests that dogs think in sensory impressions; visual, sound and odor images, etc. This is not to say that they sit around on quiet days experiencing videos inside their brains. However, they likely share our ability to form and experience in their minds certain images, odors and sounds. The scientific basis for this idea came from Russia and was published in the US in 1973. A scientist name VS.. Rusinov1 was studying the electrophysiology of the brain and had several dogs wired with brain wave equipment and radio transmitters. When the dogs were brought into the lab from the kennels for experimental conditioning tests, the electroencephalograph machine was turned on to record their brain wave patterns. This was done at the same time each day, five days a week. One weekend, purely by accident, Rusinov brought a group of visitors into the lab and turned on the EEG machine. Lo, the dog that was normally schedule for tests during the week at that time was sending wave forms nearly identical to his regular working patterns! When the testing time passed, the dogs' brain waves soon returned to their normal 'at rest' forms. I never found any mention by Rusinov as to whether the dogs out in the kennel were actually performing their conditioned laboratory behaviorisms. Chances are they were not, but one thing is almost sure; compared to human experience in similar types of studies, the dogs were apparently experiencing them mentally2,3.

The late Polish scientist, Jerzi Konorski,3 taught dogs to salivate and expect food in their trays when a light flickered. This was done regularly every few minutes. However, after a few trials, the dogs started salivating and looking at the trays as if the food were actually there, even though the light had not flickered. Konorski ventured that the dogs were hallucinating about both the stimulus (the light) and the reward for salivating (the food). One thing is sure: Something was going on in the dogs' minds that made them behave as if they were happening.

Some Human Examples

Before going on with dogs, let us consider some facets of our own 'mind's eye,' as suggested by Konorski. Imagine we have a date to meet a loved one at a busy restaurant. We get there on time and sit at a table near the door. Fifteen minutes go by, but no friend arrives. We begin to wonder if they are coming at all. We start watching people approach the door. Pretty soon, people with similar features almost cause us to call out to them. The more concerned and anxious we become, the more apt we are to mistake strangers for our friend. When he or she finally arrives, the pleasure and relief we feel is often mixed with mild displeasure. We are ambivalent ... we have mixed emotions about meeting them in the future.

Almost everyone has mental imagery. Often, just the thought of a loved one conjures up their image. This can apply to sounds, as well. Think about your favorite musical piece and your can often hear it in your 'mind's ear.' These are positive images. They are emotionally pleasant. At the other end of the scale, recalling a terrifying experience can not only create its images, but sometime even make us shudder. This is an example of negative, emotionally unpleasant images.

Back To Dogs

So it is with our dogs. When we are late getting home, or if they over-miss us because we spoil them with attention and petting every time they demand it, they very likely worry in images, too. They may well recall images of us and our activities, such as fluffing the pillows on the sofa, putting away record albums, handling magazines and books, putting on shoes just before leaving, sitting in a favorite armchair, etc. As a result of this, they often engage in activities which involve them with these images: Pillows wind up on the floor, albums or magazines are moved or chewed, a chair seat gets dug up, shoes are brought out of the closet. If they can't have us there, they try to interact with things that symbolize us.

If dogs really do store up and recall images of us and life's other objects and experiences, it follows that we might use this to our mutual benefit. But since most owners do not understand how dogs think, this imagery is where the seeds of most behavior problems are sown. Dogs receive and recall conflicting images of owners and many important experiences.

The Puppy's Dilemma

Consider the new puppy whose owners come home at regular times and join in an ecstatically joyful greeting ceremony. This imagery is quickly ingrained, and the pup begins to anticipate the experience, just Konorski's dogs hallucinated about the flickering light and the food tray. However, as will happen in even the most well regulated household, one day the owner is late. The puppy begins experiencing the images of his tardy owners ... starts fretting, pacing. Well primed energies, ready for the greeting ceremony, demand an outlet as the adrenaline starts pumping.

What's going on in its mind's eye or ear? It probably imagines hearing footsteps, perhaps even sees the door open... which doesn't happen. But it should. This introduces conflict between what it wants and expects and what is really happening. Conflict creates frustration. Frustration produces anxiety, which triggers an even greater adrenaline rush. The pup searches for something real to satisfy its desire to 'experience' the owner ... a magazine or book it saw the owner reading recently. It is rich with the owner's scent. If it cannot have the owner there, it can at least have their genuine odor or taste. So it sniffs, tastes, maybe even swallows parts of the article. Naturally, this does not fully substitute for the whole owner, so the puppy's social appetite is not really satisfied.

Finally, here comes the owner. The puppy innocently launches into its joyous, semi-hysterical ritual. The owner starts to join in, but spies the pulverized magazine or book. What's this? Naturally, if not wisely, the owner angrily grabs the pup, drags it to the demolished object and scolds it, or slaps it's snout or rump, or both. The pet's single-track mind is riveted on the owner. It yips, rolls over, or struggles vainly to escape. Punishment concluded, the owner angrily picks up the remnants of the article and storms to the trash basket.

Psychic Trauma

The net result of this is a totally confused pup with a conflicting set of images of its owner. This sort of shock to the nervous system is called psychic trauma in both animals and humans. A conflict has been instilled between the positive image of the owner (happy Dr. Jekyll) and the negative (Mr. Homecoming Hyde). This creates frustration and anxiety about homecomings, growing in severity if the scenario is repeated a few times. (It is interesting that in many cases, owners tell us that the pup was fine for a day or so after the first punishment. This may equate to the human experience of repression, in which memory of the traumatic experience is suppressed, creating a sort of 'backwards amnesia.') Even when this occurs, since the punishment was not associated with the act of chewing up something, the puppy seeks out another article, perhaps a shoe, and the cycle is repeated until the total relationship between owner and dog is tainted with emotional ambivalence. Mixed feelings are eating away at the positive qualities of their relationship. Negative emotional impressions may start to dominate it.

At about this stage, many owners conclude that the punishment may not have been severe enough. That's why the correction was not permanent. So they intensify it. The relationship erodes further as weeks go by. Enough of this cascading negative effect and the owner is ready take drastic action. The dog, now hyper-sensitive to its owner's mood change, feels something is wrong. This often is reflected by new problems, such as submissive wetting when the owner comes home or approaches the dog at other times; off-schedule bowel movements or urination occur, etc.

Many pets act insecure, currying more favor when the owner is home, and hence, missing the owner even more acutely when left alone. Frustration and anxiety build, while the isolation-related, tension-relieving behavior mounts. The unwitting owner, who originally may have thought the dog is 'getting even' for being left alone, begins to consider it incorrigible.

HELP!

This is when outside help is often sought. A book is purchased. The veterinarian, breeder, pet shop, a trainer or behaviorist may be consulted. If lucky, the owner gets advice that brings genuine insight into pet/owner relationships and dog behavior. But, more likely, they find traditional quick fixes and the dog winds up in a desensitization program; gets dosed with anxiety relieving drugs or barbiturates; is stuck in a cramped crate or cage all day, or banned to the yard or garage, or has its mouth stuffed with chewed debris and taped shut for hours. Since none of these approaches deal with the causes, the 'thinking dog' and the total relationship with its owners and the environment, success is rare. The majority of these formerly precious pets find themselves rejected ... relegated to the local pound for five to seven days, where the odds are 3-to-2 they'll suffer society's 'ultimate solution'. But things don't have to be so grim, if the owners learn some 'dog think.'

Applying Positive Imagery To Solve 'Separation Anxiety'

Dogs that misbehave when they are left alone are said to be suffering from separation anxiety. The term is a neat buzz-phrase; almost everybody uses it. It sounds professional. The trouble is, as a transplant from human psychiatry, it really doesn't convey much useful information. However, the term is here, so we'll use it in its broadest sense, which is; "a troubled feeling when left alone or apart from a certain person or persons." This allows us to recommend a remedial behavioral program that deals with the realities of the dog's total relationships. First, however, we must be sure that the dog's veterinarian has ruled out the many physical/medical causes for anxiety, such as thyrotoxicosis, hyperthyroidism, pre-diabetes, encephalitis, allergies, hyperkinesis, etc. etc.

The Program

Dogs that are unduly upset when left alone usually enjoy their owner's attention and petting whenever they ask for (or demand it) when the people are at home. To apply the imagery concept to this relationship, we could say the dog 'sees itself' as directing, or leading the owner. When it wants some petting, it nudges or otherwise stimulates the owner, and the owner complies. The dog wants out, whines at the door or at the owner, and the door gets opened. Mealtime approaches, dog whines and prances, and dinner gets served. When the owner goes from room to room, the dog is either ahead, leading them, or close behind. This is the reality of their relationship, at least in the dog's mind. But, when the owner leaves, against the dog's wishes, the pet is predictably upset, and problem behavior occurs. This can involve barking, chewing, pacing, self-mutilation, off-schedule bowel movements, urination around the house, etc.

The leadership problem can be turned about by presenting a different reality to the dog; one in which the dog is pleasantly, but firmly and consistently told to perform some simple act, such as 'sit' whenever it attempts to gain attention or affection, or whenever the owner wants to give the dog some attention. All 'sits', or whatever command is used ('down' is a good one for highly bossy dogs) are praised happily as 3 to 5 seconds of petting is awarded; then the dog is cheerfully released with an "OK" or "Free." (Free is a good release because OK is too common a word.)

If a really bossy dog refuses to obey, and many do when they realize their relationship is being turned around, simply ignore the situation, turn away and go on about some other activity, ignoring the dog. Some dogs have refused to respond for as long as four days before coming to terms with a follower relationship. However long it takes, after a few days the dog's image of itself seems to evolve from one of giving direction to taking it with compliance prior to being petted, getting dinner, going out the door, getting on the couch, etc.

In moving around the house, whenever the dog forges ahead, simply about-turn and go the other way. This must be repeated until the dog walks patiently behind or, better yet, doesn't even follow. It is also helpful, but not vital, to practice down-stays of increasing length during several evenings a week.

Images of Hyper-Emotionality

Most 'home alone' problem dogs get extremely emotional when their owners get home; some even get excitable when regular departure times approach. To supplant these emotionally over-stimulating images, sit quietly for about five minutes before leaving, in the area where the dog will be left. No eye contact or speaking is allowed. Then, get up and go without looking at or speaking to the pet.

At homecoming, enter quietly and ignore the dog until it quiets down completely. Then it is greeted happily, but briefly, away from the door of arrival. This subdued routine soon replaces the dog's highly emotional mental images of returns and departures with calmness and serenity.

Here's the tough part for most all dog owners: When coming home the place is a mess! Pillows have been chewed, or the chair is tattered again, or a pile of poop graces the doorway, or some other problem is evident. If we keep in mind that the dog has in the past suffered from conflicting images at homecoming, it is imperative that no emotion, or even attention, should be directed at the remnants of the problem; such as chewed up magazines, shoes, defecation, etc. Instead, after five minutes of ignoring the dog, it should be greeted away from the scene of the misbehavior, and then pleasantly taken outdoors or to another room and left alone while the mess is cleaned up. This avoids creating new (or reinforcing old) conflicting images of emotional reactions to, or interactions with, the debris, defecation, etc.

I have always called this 'the secret clean-up'. It has worked wonders as part of programs ranging from digging in the yard to housetraining puppies. Just why it is such an effective adjunct to correction programs remains to be satisfactorily explained. In the meantime, we'll have to say that the lack of an image of the owner and the mess is more beneficial to correction than is the image.

The Big Picture

So, there it is. Dogs think in images and we can mold and change their behavior in hundreds of ways if we will think as they do. For instance, on the negative side, a set up whereby a car screeches to a stop, horn blaring, just as a dog starts toward the street from the sidewalk, then praising its retreat, is a valuable exercise in negative imagery. However, it must be repeated until the dog avoids the street when cars are not present, as well.

Teaching the 'panic' command to come needs the dog's name followed by a code word, a sound image that is exclusive to coming when it is absolutely necessary, and praise words or a vocal rhythm that is unique to that command, coupled with fast hand-clapping while taking a crouched position. These combined, positive images can create a dog that will dependably respond to your code word and come to your praise. It is especially important to teach this command when the dog is out of sight, as well.]]> http://eurobichons.com/showthread.php?tid=7054 Sat, 24 Jul 2010 16:44:24 -0400 http://eurobichons.com/showthread.php?tid=7054
http://www.thedogsboutique.co.uk

I brought my boys 2 baby blue doggy bone sparkly colours and they refuse to take them off, going to have to sneak them off before they go to bed. Talk about 2 prima donnas in them.

Sarah xx]]>
http://www.thedogsboutique.co.uk

I brought my boys 2 baby blue doggy bone sparkly colours and they refuse to take them off, going to have to sneak them off before they go to bed. Talk about 2 prima donnas in them.

Sarah xx]]> http://eurobichons.com/showthread.php?tid=7053 Sat, 24 Jul 2010 12:12:37 -0400 http://eurobichons.com/showthread.php?tid=7053
3rd place in Open dog

Airmid Odin of Thor for Havanablast AKa Blitzy

1st place in Post Graduate

Both performed lovely, and what a lovely pleasent show it was too.
Sun was shining, and a nice atmosphere for a change.]]>
3rd place in Open dog

Airmid Odin of Thor for Havanablast AKa Blitzy

1st place in Post Graduate

Both performed lovely, and what a lovely pleasent show it was too.
Sun was shining, and a nice atmosphere for a change.]]> http://eurobichons.com/showthread.php?tid=7052 Fri, 23 Jul 2010 10:33:23 -0400 http://eurobichons.com/showthread.php?tid=7052 USA: House Votes to Re-Criminalize Sale/Distro of Crush Videos

US H.R. 5566—Crush Act Amendment
Sponsor: Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-CA) and more than 260 others.
ASPCA Position: Support
Action Needed: None at this time


Update—July 21, 2010: This afternoon, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 416-3 to approve H.R. 5566. While this is a great victory, the bill will not become law unless a companion version passes the Senate—and as of now, a Senate version does not exist. We will let you know if and when a Senate version is introduced so you can contact your U.S. senators in support of this important humane legislation.

On April 20, 2010, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in U.S. v. Stevens that the “Crush Act,” a 1999 federal law banning the creation, sale and possession of materials depicting genuine acts of animal cruelty, is unconstitutional and overbroad in its scope.

“Crush” fetish videos (also called "squish" videos) generally depict a woman’s feet as they crush to death small animals such as rodents and kittens. The Crush Act was intended to stop the creation and sale of these horrific videos depicting live animals being intentionally maimed, mutilated, tortured, wounded, or killed.

In response to the Supreme Court’s ruling, Representative Gallegly (R-CA) has introduced H.R. 5566. The new bill amends the Crush Act to give it a much narrower focus, but would still prohibit distributing, selling or offering to distribute or sell any depictions of animals being crushed, drowned, suffocated, impaled, or burned where such actions are illegal.

H.R. 5566 will help ensure that the crush video industry is not revitalized in the absence of any enforceable federal law. The original Crush Act was passed with little opposition—help us get this revision passed quickly, too.]]> USA: House Votes to Re-Criminalize Sale/Distro of Crush Videos

US H.R. 5566—Crush Act Amendment
Sponsor: Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-CA) and more than 260 others.
ASPCA Position: Support
Action Needed: None at this time


Update—July 21, 2010: This afternoon, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 416-3 to approve H.R. 5566. While this is a great victory, the bill will not become law unless a companion version passes the Senate—and as of now, a Senate version does not exist. We will let you know if and when a Senate version is introduced so you can contact your U.S. senators in support of this important humane legislation.

On April 20, 2010, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in U.S. v. Stevens that the “Crush Act,” a 1999 federal law banning the creation, sale and possession of materials depicting genuine acts of animal cruelty, is unconstitutional and overbroad in its scope.

“Crush” fetish videos (also called "squish" videos) generally depict a woman’s feet as they crush to death small animals such as rodents and kittens. The Crush Act was intended to stop the creation and sale of these horrific videos depicting live animals being intentionally maimed, mutilated, tortured, wounded, or killed.

In response to the Supreme Court’s ruling, Representative Gallegly (R-CA) has introduced H.R. 5566. The new bill amends the Crush Act to give it a much narrower focus, but would still prohibit distributing, selling or offering to distribute or sell any depictions of animals being crushed, drowned, suffocated, impaled, or burned where such actions are illegal.

H.R. 5566 will help ensure that the crush video industry is not revitalized in the absence of any enforceable federal law. The original Crush Act was passed with little opposition—help us get this revision passed quickly, too.]]> http://eurobichons.com/showthread.php?tid=7051 Fri, 23 Jul 2010 10:19:49 -0400 http://eurobichons.com/showthread.php?tid=7051 Clicking the headline will bring you to a page where you can fill out a form for your LOCAL senator and congressman. It's pre-written and there is an area where you can fill in your own words and feelings as well.

Please help stop puppy mills in the USA.
Not sure if they will allow non USA applications but hey, give it a go.

USA: Bring All Commercial Dog Breeders Under Federal Oversight

S. 3424/H.R. 5434—Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety (PUPS) Act
Sponsors: Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL) and David Vitter (R-LA); Rep. Sam Farr (D-CA)
ASPCA Position: Support
Action Needed: Use the email below to ask your federal legislators to support and cosponsor the Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety Act!

In May, Senators Durbin and Vitter and Rep. Farr introduced the Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety (PUPS) Act to bring all commercial dog breeders in the United States under federal oversight. Currently, only breeders who sell their dogs to brokers or pet stores are required to be licensed and inspected by the USDA. If passed, the PUPS Act would require any breeder who sells or offers to sell more than 50 dogs annually directly to the public—including over the Internet—to also be licensed and inspected.

The bill would also require all dog breeders licensed under the federal Animal Welfare Act to exercise every dog every day, including allowing the dogs to reach a running stride without the use of treadmills or similar devices. Requiring exercise could dramatically improve the lives of thousands of dogs suffering from lifetimes of confinement at the hands of the commercial breeding industry.

The ASPCA was disturbed by the most recent report by the U.S. Office of Inspector General on the USDA’s lax enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act. We are working with federal officials to ensure that the current law, as well as any amendments, is enforced consistently and aggressively against violators. In the meantime, strengthening the current law is critical if better enforcement is to have a significant impact.

Please email your senators and representative today and ask them to support and cosponsor the PUPS Act!

To learn more about this issue, please visit http://www.aspca.org/puppymills.]]> Clicking the headline will bring you to a page where you can fill out a form for your LOCAL senator and congressman. It's pre-written and there is an area where you can fill in your own words and feelings as well.

Please help stop puppy mills in the USA.
Not sure if they will allow non USA applications but hey, give it a go.

USA: Bring All Commercial Dog Breeders Under Federal Oversight

S. 3424/H.R. 5434—Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety (PUPS) Act
Sponsors: Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL) and David Vitter (R-LA); Rep. Sam Farr (D-CA)
ASPCA Position: Support
Action Needed: Use the email below to ask your federal legislators to support and cosponsor the Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety Act!

In May, Senators Durbin and Vitter and Rep. Farr introduced the Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety (PUPS) Act to bring all commercial dog breeders in the United States under federal oversight. Currently, only breeders who sell their dogs to brokers or pet stores are required to be licensed and inspected by the USDA. If passed, the PUPS Act would require any breeder who sells or offers to sell more than 50 dogs annually directly to the public—including over the Internet—to also be licensed and inspected.

The bill would also require all dog breeders licensed under the federal Animal Welfare Act to exercise every dog every day, including allowing the dogs to reach a running stride without the use of treadmills or similar devices. Requiring exercise could dramatically improve the lives of thousands of dogs suffering from lifetimes of confinement at the hands of the commercial breeding industry.

The ASPCA was disturbed by the most recent report by the U.S. Office of Inspector General on the USDA’s lax enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act. We are working with federal officials to ensure that the current law, as well as any amendments, is enforced consistently and aggressively against violators. In the meantime, strengthening the current law is critical if better enforcement is to have a significant impact.

Please email your senators and representative today and ask them to support and cosponsor the PUPS Act!

To learn more about this issue, please visit http://www.aspca.org/puppymills.]]> http://eurobichons.com/showthread.php?tid=7050 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 17:36:49 -0400 http://eurobichons.com/showthread.php?tid=7050         Hi

My name is Lyndsay and I am the owner of an 8 month old male bichon called snowey.
Joined this site for various tips on different challenges that come along.

look forward to exchanging tips.

Thanks

Lyndsay]]>         Hi

My name is Lyndsay and I am the owner of an 8 month old male bichon called snowey.
Joined this site for various tips on different challenges that come along.

look forward to exchanging tips.

Thanks

Lyndsay]]> http://eurobichons.com/showthread.php?tid=7047 Wed, 21 Jul 2010 17:56:58 -0400 http://eurobichons.com/showthread.php?tid=7047 ]]> ]]> http://eurobichons.com/showthread.php?tid=7046 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:18:34 -0400 http://eurobichons.com/showthread.php?tid=7046 so im new on here and have to introduce myself i believe, i have a10 week old bichon and a 15 month old daugher, things are alot of fun in my house at the moment, got lots of questions about my new addition hence why im here xxx]]> so im new on here and have to introduce myself i believe, i have a10 week old bichon and a 15 month old daugher, things are alot of fun in my house at the moment, got lots of questions about my new addition hence why im here xxx]]> http://eurobichons.com/showthread.php?tid=7045 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:56:55 -0400 http://eurobichons.com/showthread.php?tid=7045 http://eurobichons.com/showthread.php?tid=7044 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:51:07 -0400 http://eurobichons.com/showthread.php?tid=7044 http://www.lemondrop.co.uk/2010/07/19/bu...7#comments

I am somewhat bemused at the recent comments from Caroline Spelman specifically how a burka empowers women.Miss Spelman the wearing of a burka is not a religious edict it is not a hadith within the qu'ran as such it cannot make women within societyfeel wholly part of that collective. Women wearing this item of imprisonment usually have been circumcised as children against both ethical society and again not a requirement in the qu'ran yet you feel able as a non wearer to state that it has an empowering effect?The UK is regarded by many as a multi cultural society when in fact demographically it is still a Christian orientated society as such manypeople within will see your comments as denegrading to women who strive for equality, who do not require two independent male witnesses before rape is deemed an offence committed against a woman.That is what the burka brings to the UK, it also brings inequality to the unborn child who is born with rickets due to its mothers lack of vitamin D intrinsically linked to the wearing of the burka.I hope that Miss Spelman looks again at her comments and asks does she support illegal female circumcision, does she support equal rightsfor the unborn children facing an uncertain orthopaedic future due to the wearing of the burka, does she support honour killings, enforced marriages and finally does she support the Sharia system of law in which a woman requires two independent male witnesses when she makes an allegation of rape?]]> http://www.lemondrop.co.uk/2010/07/19/bu...7#comments

I am somewhat bemused at the recent comments from Caroline Spelman specifically how a burka empowers women.Miss Spelman the wearing of a burka is not a religious edict it is not a hadith within the qu'ran as such it cannot make women within societyfeel wholly part of that collective. Women wearing this item of imprisonment usually have been circumcised as children against both ethical society and again not a requirement in the qu'ran yet you feel able as a non wearer to state that it has an empowering effect?The UK is regarded by many as a multi cultural society when in fact demographically it is still a Christian orientated society as such manypeople within will see your comments as denegrading to women who strive for equality, who do not require two independent male witnesses before rape is deemed an offence committed against a woman.That is what the burka brings to the UK, it also brings inequality to the unborn child who is born with rickets due to its mothers lack of vitamin D intrinsically linked to the wearing of the burka.I hope that Miss Spelman looks again at her comments and asks does she support illegal female circumcision, does she support equal rightsfor the unborn children facing an uncertain orthopaedic future due to the wearing of the burka, does she support honour killings, enforced marriages and finally does she support the Sharia system of law in which a woman requires two independent male witnesses when she makes an allegation of rape?]]> http://eurobichons.com/showthread.php?tid=7043 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 04:28:33 -0400 http://eurobichons.com/showthread.php?tid=7043
When I collected Fleur she had been washed and groomed close because Karen said she was very matted and hadnt been groomed by her previous owner for many months but to me looked absolutely beautiful (however I had never owned a Bichon and therefore was a bit unsure as to what she should look like) Fleur just seemed like a normal dog to me. My attitude soon changed after my first trip to the vets with Fleur, I was told in no uncertain terms by the vet that I had a “Fat dog” who obviously wasnt cared for by her previous owner(the Vets words, not mine). Karen had told us this but we didnt really think it was so important but It became clear that Fleur was well extremely obese and overweight and that we needed to do something about it, by now Fleur was coming every where with me, I started to walk Fleur to work with me which was not far but must have seemed like a marathon everyday to Fleur (sometimes I had to pick her up and carry her!!!) I also started to monitor what she had to eat and how much. It was really good to see her go from what I would class as a couch potato dog (at first I thought that’s all she did!!) to a healthier looking and acting dog. As Fleur started to lose weight (checked regularly by the vet) she started to run around in the fields that we were walking through, she even started to chase rabbits (never caught any though).

By the time that Fleur moved over to Germany with Rachael she had lost nearly 4.5 kilos and was looking healthier and happier, she has now been in Germany with both Rachael and I for over a year and a half and neither of us would be without her. Rachael walks her to work everyday and takes her everywhere with her, we are both lucky to be in jobs that allow us to have Fleur with us all the time. Fleurs weight has now levelled out after losing 12kg and according to the vet she is well within an acceptable range, she has lost her big belly and looks great, we are always being stopped in the street by people who just want to stroke her.

I can honestly say that getting Fleur was one of the best things Rachael and I have ever done, she has so much character and is such a loving dog, we will definitely be looking to get her a companion when we get back to UK next year.




Karen I hope I have not gone on to much! I have tried to keep it brief but when talking about Fleur it is really difficult to not go on an on. As always thank you for your help and we hope to come and see you next year (with Fleur)

Paul]]>
When I collected Fleur she had been washed and groomed close because Karen said she was very matted and hadnt been groomed by her previous owner for many months but to me looked absolutely beautiful (however I had never owned a Bichon and therefore was a bit unsure as to what she should look like) Fleur just seemed like a normal dog to me. My attitude soon changed after my first trip to the vets with Fleur, I was told in no uncertain terms by the vet that I had a “Fat dog” who obviously wasnt cared for by her previous owner(the Vets words, not mine). Karen had told us this but we didnt really think it was so important but It became clear that Fleur was well extremely obese and overweight and that we needed to do something about it, by now Fleur was coming every where with me, I started to walk Fleur to work with me which was not far but must have seemed like a marathon everyday to Fleur (sometimes I had to pick her up and carry her!!!) I also started to monitor what she had to eat and how much. It was really good to see her go from what I would class as a couch potato dog (at first I thought that’s all she did!!) to a healthier looking and acting dog. As Fleur started to lose weight (checked regularly by the vet) she started to run around in the fields that we were walking through, she even started to chase rabbits (never caught any though).

By the time that Fleur moved over to Germany with Rachael she had lost nearly 4.5 kilos and was looking healthier and happier, she has now been in Germany with both Rachael and I for over a year and a half and neither of us would be without her. Rachael walks her to work everyday and takes her everywhere with her, we are both lucky to be in jobs that allow us to have Fleur with us all the time. Fleurs weight has now levelled out after losing 12kg and according to the vet she is well within an acceptable range, she has lost her big belly and looks great, we are always being stopped in the street by people who just want to stroke her.

I can honestly say that getting Fleur was one of the best things Rachael and I have ever done, she has so much character and is such a loving dog, we will definitely be looking to get her a companion when we get back to UK next year.




Karen I hope I have not gone on to much! I have tried to keep it brief but when talking about Fleur it is really difficult to not go on an on. As always thank you for your help and we hope to come and see you next year (with Fleur)

Paul]]> http://eurobichons.com/showthread.php?tid=7040 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 13:19:53 -0400 http://eurobichons.com/showthread.php?tid=7040 Trochleoplasty - deepening the trochlear groove.
Capsular and fascial imbrication - tightening the tissues around the joint.
Tibial tuberosity transposition - repositioning the point of patellar ligament attachment to the tibia so that it is aligned with the trochlear groove.
and also corrective osteotomies (cuts made in the bone to allow realignment of the limb) however her logs are so bowed they cannot be reduced .
Future well, we hope that she will be ok if not then next is reducing the bowleggedness which have moved her pelvic floor and girdle out of its correct position, she will have arthritis, but so long as she can walk we will get her there, she will start hydrotherapy as soon as the wounds healed.

Thanks guys for your support.]]> Trochleoplasty - deepening the trochlear groove.
Capsular and fascial imbrication - tightening the tissues around the joint.
Tibial tuberosity transposition - repositioning the point of patellar ligament attachment to the tibia so that it is aligned with the trochlear groove.
and also corrective osteotomies (cuts made in the bone to allow realignment of the limb) however her logs are so bowed they cannot be reduced .
Future well, we hope that she will be ok if not then next is reducing the bowleggedness which have moved her pelvic floor and girdle out of its correct position, she will have arthritis, but so long as she can walk we will get her there, she will start hydrotherapy as soon as the wounds healed.

Thanks guys for your support.]]> http://eurobichons.com/showthread.php?tid=7039 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 04:59:20 -0400 http://eurobichons.com/showthread.php?tid=7039 Some one tell me its normal.... hes almost 6 monts xx]]> Some one tell me its normal.... hes almost 6 monts xx]]> http://eurobichons.com/showthread.php?tid=7038 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 04:40:00 -0400 http://eurobichons.com/showthread.php?tid=7038
Copied from -----
Romanian Society For Preventing Cruelty To Animals~ The voice of the voiceless ~

I recently received a comment (Hi Pawan!) asking if Dove is animal-testing-free. I asked a few of my friends, and they all said they thought Dove was a highly ethical company and probably was cruelty-free. Dove must have some really good PR, that’s all I can figure (I do like their Campaign for Real Beauty — that seems nice), because Dove is owned by Unilever, which is on PETA’s bad list. PETA is targeting Unilever, hoping to convince it to go cruelty-free the way Pepsi and Coca-cola have — right now Unilever is torturing piglets and mice. Do not buy products from Dove if you think piglets and mice should live pain-free lives.(Unilever also owns Axe, Degree, Finesse, Lever 2000, Pears Transparent Soap, Pond’s, Q-Tips, Salon Selectives, Snuggle, Suave, Sunlight, Sunsilk, Sure, Vaseline, and Wisk. If you care about animal suffering, please don’t buy those either — cut Unilever off until it stops torturing piglets.)]]>
Copied from -----
Romanian Society For Preventing Cruelty To Animals~ The voice of the voiceless ~

I recently received a comment (Hi Pawan!) asking if Dove is animal-testing-free. I asked a few of my friends, and they all said they thought Dove was a highly ethical company and probably was cruelty-free. Dove must have some really good PR, that’s all I can figure (I do like their Campaign for Real Beauty — that seems nice), because Dove is owned by Unilever, which is on PETA’s bad list. PETA is targeting Unilever, hoping to convince it to go cruelty-free the way Pepsi and Coca-cola have — right now Unilever is torturing piglets and mice. Do not buy products from Dove if you think piglets and mice should live pain-free lives.(Unilever also owns Axe, Degree, Finesse, Lever 2000, Pears Transparent Soap, Pond’s, Q-Tips, Salon Selectives, Snuggle, Suave, Sunlight, Sunsilk, Sure, Vaseline, and Wisk. If you care about animal suffering, please don’t buy those either — cut Unilever off until it stops torturing piglets.)]]> http://eurobichons.com/showthread.php?tid=7037 Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:00:29 -0400 http://eurobichons.com/showthread.php?tid=7037 Has anyone tried John Paul Pet The Conditioning Spray - any reports good or bad ?????]]> Has anyone tried John Paul Pet The Conditioning Spray - any reports good or bad ?????]]> http://eurobichons.com/showthread.php?tid=7036 Thu, 15 Jul 2010 13:15:52 -0400 http://eurobichons.com/showthread.php?tid=7036

Please listen , when a breeder spends hundreds of pounds in giving information and advice so that you and your doggies live well together read that information IT MAY SAVE YOUR DOG FROM A VETS VISIT.

Incidently the dog has been gone over a month with no side effects until the diet was altered.]]>

Please listen , when a breeder spends hundreds of pounds in giving information and advice so that you and your doggies live well together read that information IT MAY SAVE YOUR DOG FROM A VETS VISIT.

Incidently the dog has been gone over a month with no side effects until the diet was altered.]]> http://eurobichons.com/showthread.php?tid=7035 Thu, 15 Jul 2010 06:41:52 -0400 http://eurobichons.com/showthread.php?tid=7035
My name is Kat Tighe. I'm an American living in England (Hampshire) for a couple of years through my husband's work. We brought our older maltese with us (no quarantine anymore....) and he thoroughly enjoyed life in the countryside with us until we had to put him down because of sinus cancer. He was a spectacular.

We are starting the process of thinking about a dog again and I have registered as part of getting my toes back in the water. We've decided on a Havanese after doing quite a bit of research and so I hope to hear from other owners and eventually find a breeder and the right pup. If there are any breeders who read this and are within 50-100 miles, I would like to meet you, even if you don't currently have any puppies. I'd love to meet prospectie parents and just interact with the dogs to make sure it's the right decision for us. Would also be open to adopting an older dog if it was the right fit.

Anyway, I do go on! I'm looking forward to learning more from everyone on the forums! Kat]]>
My name is Kat Tighe. I'm an American living in England (Hampshire) for a couple of years through my husband's work. We brought our older maltese with us (no quarantine anymore....) and he thoroughly enjoyed life in the countryside with us until we had to put him down because of sinus cancer. He was a spectacular.

We are starting the process of thinking about a dog again and I have registered as part of getting my toes back in the water. We've decided on a Havanese after doing quite a bit of research and so I hope to hear from other owners and eventually find a breeder and the right pup. If there are any breeders who read this and are within 50-100 miles, I would like to meet you, even if you don't currently have any puppies. I'd love to meet prospectie parents and just interact with the dogs to make sure it's the right decision for us. Would also be open to adopting an older dog if it was the right fit.

Anyway, I do go on! I'm looking forward to learning more from everyone on the forums! Kat]]> http://eurobichons.com/showthread.php?tid=7034 Thu, 15 Jul 2010 03:10:23 -0400 http://eurobichons.com/showthread.php?tid=7034