You never know out in the park, but I am thinking this specimen has some papillon. It is all about the ears.
Have you got a dog who would rather play with you than a toy--24/7? Or perhaps your pup is the first to greet every human that enters the park? And then there is the doorbell. Of course, that human out there is here to see the dog. Right?
That's Oliver. While he does occasionally take an interest in his toys, it is not often enough for me. I have to grab the camera quickly when he becomes playful near the toy basket. More often than not, his preference is to play with me or Tanner's ears and tail. Fortunately, Tanner rather enjoys the attention and is extremely easy going about Oliver's enthusiasm.
So what's the problem, you ask? There are those times when a toy is preferable to Oliver wanting to play with me. Despite what you see on this blog, I do have other activities to fit into my days, not to mention another blog to attend to.
Even at agility classes, I am learning that Oliver will need to eventually enjoy a toy for his reward, rather than a treat. Treats are not allowed on the competition agility courses. Oh dear! If there's one thing that Oliver definitely is, it is FOOD MOTIVATED. Treat training works really well for him, even though the treats are itsy bitsy, teeny weeny. They have to be or he'd be 20 pounds by now and looking more like a bull dog. Then we'd be headed for the canine version of the gym and Doggie Weight Watchers.
This morning when we went to the dog park, we were the solitary visitors--first time ever. I discovered quickly that Oliver has no use for the dog park when there are no dogs or people to greet. I played fetch with Tanner for nearly 45 minutes, while Oliver spent most of that time lounging in the grassy shade of an enormous oak tree near the gate. Yes, you heard me right. He laid near the gate, just waiting to go home. I was shocked!
When I finally approached with his leash, he jumped up on the gate and gave clear indication he was READY to go. It was as if he was saying, "I'm no outdoorsman mom. I wanted to socialize. Where is everyone?"
So, what is my plan? Use the treats that he so dearly loves, to motivate him to play with toys and explore the outdoors. The treat pouch is back on my shorts, and I'm in training mode once more. It's time to get this boy to play with toys. I'm going to dig out the dog game book and teach him some ways to enjoy his toys. Hurray. I found this book on Amazon and have placed a photo link to it right here, so you can order it too, if you like.
What's Oliver doing right now? Standing at my computer chair, imploring me to allow him on my lap. Maybe he's really a cat...hmmm?
Here's your opportunity to chime in. I could use the advice today. What would you do to encourage your toy dog to play with toys and explore your yard? Ideas? Hit the comment link next to the envelope icon and shoot me some thoughts. Thanks!
Look! It's a Papillon activity book; just what I need. I'm going to order this one.
If you’ve ever wondered exactly what your dog is thinking, a spunky Papillon named Genevieve will let you know. In the new book “Small Dog, Big Life: Memoirs of a Furry Genius” by Dr. Dennis Fried, the clever canine lets us humans in on the secrets of dogdom.
Though she’s only seven pounds, Genevieve’s personality is much larger. Told from her point of view, the book is part memoir and part education for canine-kind. She recounts her youth, learning to live with her humans and their peculiar habits, her exploits as a “juvenile paplinquent,” the joy of pizza, and the many lessons she’s learned along the way.
Genevieve is a strong-willed dog with a few ideas of her own. She shares her version – the real version – of the history of dogs and people as well as a few insider tips for her fellow dogs: beware of cats, how to properly ride in a car, dog park etiquette and more. She even offers a few suggestions for her own version of agility training with obstacles like The Blanket Tunnel and The Bed Vault and exercises like The Supersonic Crawl. With wit and creativity, the tales and philosophies of this playful Papillon will keep you entertained from start to finish. And who knows? You might even understand your own dog a little more.
Predatory Drift is a sudden, and drastic change in a dog's demeanor that is characterized by behaviors associated with hunting small prey.
The term is most often used to describe a medium to large dog who has suddenly and uncharacteristically targeted a smaller dog as prey (dinner).
Predatory Drift is NOT Aggression, but it can mean injury or death for small dogs.
Predatory Drift happens when the larger dog's instinct to hunt are triggered.
These instincts can be triggered when play escalates or gets too much like the real thing (an out of control chase game). It can happen when a small dog gets scared or injured and squeals or wriggles in a way that makes them look like prey (dinner), Predatory Drift can happen just because thesize difference says, "You are comparatively bite-sized, or move like something that is bite-sized, and I am a canine predator."
The most alarming fact about Predatory Drift is that it can happen even with well-behaved, well-socialized, playful dogs who play well and often with no aggression, and no fights.
Dogs who are triggered into predatory drift, may or may not have ever been in a dog fight, and may or may not be generally well-behaved and obedient. There is NO protection against predatory drift. It is not a good dog/bad dog problem.
Predatory Drift is not about how brave, strong, feisty, or fearless the small dog acts. Predatory Drift is not about how well your medium or large, or extra large dog plays, listens to you, or how many times they have met, played with or been around a small dog.
Predatory Drift can even happen between two dogs that know each other well and have lived, played, and or known each other for years. In the right situation, a sudden shift happens and the predatory sequence (like dominoes falling) is triggered and completed with lightening fast speed.
While it is not a problem seen every day, all it takes is the slightest trigger -an injury, a fight, a response to something startling or scary. Predatory Drift is a SIZE MATTER! It usually involves a grab and shake, which instantly breaks the small dog's neck. There is no time to react. This in not a fight, it does not escalate. There is a trigger and then it is over.
Read more...
Should dogs of different sizes be allowed to play together?
Are off-leash parks and fenced dog parks safe for your small dog?
