A Crocked Toad.

While I was walking two dogs yesterday evening, we came across a toad. I wondered what it was doing out there at 6pm. Despite one of the dogs very near it, and wanting to check it out, it did not hop away. I used my foot to nudge it. It did not move. Obviously knowing it was dead, I wanted to know for how long already. I put some pressure on it with my toes. Still soft. If it was scorching hot yesterday, it would have been rock hard. I wonder what caused its passing, because of the still-upright position and original physical form. At least it died happy.

Teaching Chance to walk on-leash

Chance has pulled through from the parvovirus. She is back to her playful, submissive behaviour. She is still waiting to be adopted. Anyhow, I shall wait until after this upcoming long holidays for enquiries about her before putting her into an animal shelter. In the meantime, for the past three visits, I have been conditioning her to accept the leash and collar; and ultimately to obediently walk on-leash. This will give the potential adopter a head start in getting her to walk on-leash.

In my first post about Chance, I mentioned that she likes to go into submissive belly-up posture. Well, on the first training day, she did exactly that when I pulled her with the leash. So I deferred this step, and just let the leash twist around her body, with the intention of letting her feel the presence of it. Initially, she was eager to follow me, and didn't mind the leash being around her. 

 



After awhile, Chance began to roll over when I looked back at her. I ignored her and continued to walk. Being the kind who is sticky to me, she had no choice but to follow me. I worked on this first phase of the process for remaining of the walk for the day.

 

On our next meeting, I repeated the previous step for a while before proceeding to hold the leash. She again rolled over. I dropped the leash and walked on. She followed. I picked up the leash again. I repeated this step whenever she rolled over, until she was willing to walk while I held the leash.

It was natural for her now to call the shots. This time she stood her ground - sometimes she sat down - and resisted from moving. I pulled her, but realised it was not effective and correct to do so, so I dropped the leash and walked away. This time she did not follow me until I was quite far ahead. On ocassions when I see cars approaching, I have to squat down and call her over. I will again hold the leash and proceed to walk. She will again resist. This process repeated several times for the remaining of our walk.

On the third visit, she was more obliging to walk beside me, though occasionally - but not as frequent - she resisted from moving. I was confident she would fully cooperate in future. One of her favorite place - and mine - for us to relax is at a gazebo at a nearby park. This was the first place I brought her to while waiting for the vet to open. For ten minutes, she gets a to enjoy a belly rub.

Canine Brotherhood

I came across these three dogs in the same area I found Chance.  Subsequent visits confirmed that the three of them go about in a team. Two of them - a male Retriever-mix, and a  female Terrier-mix - had a worn-out collar attached to them. The third one was a female mongrel. All three were cautious with my presence and stayed within arms length from me. But they were friendly, hoping that I have food for them. I had some kibbles in the car, and they ate it half-heartedly. Guess they were used to human food to fully appreciate the kibbles.

The mongrel was the most friendly. On that first meeting, I managed to touch her wet nose with my stretched arms. The other two were less enthusiastic, especially the Retriever. I later realised that this mongrel is the alpha. Her closest follower is the terrier. Whenever I want to get close to the terrier, this mongrel will intervene between us, while placing her foot on her body. There was an instance of affection demonstrated by this alpha. It could be the terrier was not well, because the alpha was licking the area beneath her right eye. The Retriever was, and is still always by himself.

I had given these three dogs simple, unimaginative nicknames: The mongrel is called Alpha Girl; terrier is Terrier Girl; and Retriever is called GR. The first two videos below are ones which shows the first and third meeting with them. All three were apprehensive during the first meet. Alpha Girl was the friendliest, with her licking my fingers and always offering her "hand" to me.  Though this is a sign - I later learnt - of dominance, it would be easy to train her to give "hand".  On the third meet up, I could pet her, while Terrier Girl started licking my hands. GR still stayed away. However on the sixth meet up, as shown in the last picture, GR began to sniff my hand, and I managed to pet him gently.

Being in a commercial area with many restaurants, these dogs will not have a problem getting food. In fact, these pack of three are among 4 or 5 packs who have staked a claim at different spots within a one-kilometer radius- with at least a restaurant nearby. I have not seen such a profound example of "territorial settlement" in a canine world. In spite of this, Alpha and Terrier Girl still eats the kibbles that I give them. GR doesn't eat it at all.

Thoughts of rescuing them have come across my mind. But who is going to take them in? Besides, no one is to be left behind because I reckon the one left behind will be lonely and depressed. On the other hand, these dogs here seem safe from the dog catchers. That's the benefit of living in areas where the humans are a majority non-Malays, where
the presence of dogs are not only tolerated, but accepted in the community.

There is one area I would like to share, where canine senses are concerned. There were times when they were not around their favourite spot when I stop by in the car.  But before I can even switch off the car engine, these dogs are seen running happily toward the car. Canine senses always intrigue me.

                                                         

Fear of Thunder

A majority of dogs are afraid of the sound of thunder. Jon is of no exception. However, in his case, I am not surprised because he has been on the streets before he was adopted, and was exposed to various forms of man-made and natural stimulation. When there is a thunderstorm, Jon will lie down at a corner and look up in the air, or go under the car and wait for this period of anxiety to pass.

As for Max, he has never been afraid of thunder. At least until last week. More on that later. In fact, Max is not afraid of anything or anyone except Jon. Max is gung ho and inquisitive in nature. This is a disadvantage to him because he does not anticipate danger. Any stimuli affecting the 4 organs on his head is worth inspecting. In effect, he is flexible and willing to learn. However, training him would be much easier if only he is more focused and have a longer attention span. Anyway, during a thunderstorm on a weekend recently, I noticed that he was very nervous. I was surprised by his reaction to this continuous thunder. In fact, the behaviour was much more intense than what Jon displays. The pictures below shows Max sitting in a hunched position and looking up at the sky; and one shows him huddling. Jon is seen cowering in fear, where his favourite refuge spot is under the car. In the video - it may not be clear to you - he is seen panting very heavily. It was as if he had just come back from a run.

I am unsure when this behaviour developed, because I only get to observe my dogs the most during weekends. I will never get to see how they behave when it rains during a weekday.

In a recent post, Scratch and Mark, where I questioned whether scratching the ground after eliminating is a learnt or instinctive behaviour, I would be interested to know if this change of behaviour - from being unafraid of thunder to being terrified of it - is a learnt behaviour. Was Max observing and learning from Jon's fearful behaviour towards the sound of thunder? Have any of you experienced behaviours like this, where your dogs pick up behaviours which they have previously not exhibited before?

Human, Caution

I wasn't sure whether to post this under my regular postings or under "Fun Pics and Videos". After considering how afraid stray dogs are of humans in this country due to the ill-treatment meted on them, I decided not to use this post as a form of entertainment at the expense of these dogs. I had written a post on some stray dogs and cats which I feed - upon the request of a client of mine - and described some of the things which some people in that neighborhood do to them.

During one of my visits, I took the opportunity to take visual shots of them after I offered them some food. While the brown dog was eating the food, the other one was very cautious of my presence. I actually stood more than 20 feet away from him, and that was the distance it seemed to be comfortable with.

For the record, my client informed me last week that someone had put a cement slab to cover the drain (the one shown in the picture), and one of the dogs was trapped in the drain.

Scratch and Mark

Max is now 18 months old. He was neutered at 5 months old. It was not an easy decision to make at that time, because I had to weigh the benefits of preventing him from engaging in "territory marking" behaviours, and the cons of him not fully maturing mentally. The outcome from that decision is that now he does not lift his leg at all when peeing; and that he still behaves like a puppy. Even physically, he is small by mongrel standards.

From the first day Max entered into our lives, Max had not learnt to lift his legs even though he sees Jon do it every day. Twice a day. Every time Jon tells his competitors of his existence in an area, I had hoped that Max has not begun to see the reasons behind this behaviour. Luckily he did not pick up this habit before he was neutered. However, this morning I was taken aback of what Max did after he pooed. He scratched the floor. It was as vigorous as any performed by a dog. I actually talked to him by asking " You have learnt this from Jon, didn't you?"

This is a interesting behavioural development I want to monitor. One year after having been neutered, he has learnt - albeit slow - the language of territory marking. But the one question I want to know is: "Is it possible to learn these behaviors after a male dog has been neutered?"

A Chance at Life

I have named the female stray dog which I found last week as Chance. It was named as such because - as is always described when people happen to meet - I had just finished having my breakfast at a restaurant I have not been before when she was spotted.

As of last evening, her given name will be very significant to her. She needs it survive for the next few days. Chance had developed parvovirus. When I saw her, she was listless, and had greenish color vomit in the cage. The vet was busy with a patient, so I had no opportunity yet to speak to him. I decided to take Chance for a walk. Just like the day before, she was reluctant to walk while I am holding the leash. But if I let it go, she willingly walks. Immediately, she went to an open space to eliminate. I observed her poo. Normal.

The next 20 minutes was all about urging her to get used to the leash. Before going back, she pooed one more time. It was watery. I told the vet about this, including that of the vomit. He said that she had vomited three times already, and then proceeded  to test her for viruses. The parvo test result was positive. Chance was promptly put on drips.

I hope Chance will not have a complicated route to recovery. The chances of her pulling through is 50-50. However, I was disturbed by the fact that the vet knew that she vomited 3 times for that day, and still not do anything about it. It was only when I told him of the condition of the poo, that he tested her.

Female Dog up for Adoption

The objective of this post will be more as an advertisement. An advertisement for a female mongrel dog I rescued yesterday. There is a story behind this well-intended advertisement.

There are many strays in this Puchong area. I hope to feature them in my blog soon. However, I saw this white puppy-size dog sniffing around. Not far away, there were a pack of strays, and this dog approached them, while displaying a submissive position. These dogs ignored it. It must be new to the neighbourhood and hence turned away. Guess it's not easy to join the club.

I called for this dog's attention. To my surprise - unlike other strays - it did not run away, but actually came to me. As I took my first stem towards it, it went into submission by turning over on its back. That was when I knew it was a female. I fed her some kibbles which I keep in my car. Her appetite was voracious.

I decided to take her to the vet for a full check-up, and vaccination. She is in good condition, and on Monday will be vaccinated. The vet said she could be about 6 months old.

I realised, while waiting for the vet to open his clinic, that she was very sticky to me. I was pacing up and down the road, and she followed me. And in between stops, she rested and tried to sleep. But as soon as I took a few steps away, she awakes and follows me. Can I conclude that she can be trained easily because of her willingness to be submissive?

I hope someone in Malaysia, while having an intention of adopting a dog, is reading this. Please email me for enquiries, or leave a  comment enquiring for details.

I am friendly. Rub my belly if you want.

Trying to befriend the other dogs, but was snubbed.

When Your Pet Dog Departs

Finished reading "Born To Bark" last night, ending with Stanley's Cairn Terrier - Flint - passing away. They have been companions for 13 years.

I would like to make a quick note of Stanley's closing words:

" Each dog is different. Each have two minds, one that belongs to his breed and another that makes him different from every other dog that has ever lived. The sad part is that none of my dogs has stayed around long enough for me to fully understand them, despite all of my psychological training. God gives us dogs to be our companions but demands them back after our short lease on their lives expires."

"...I am also comforted by a remembrance of something that Sir Walter Scott once wrote:

I have sometimes thought of the final cause of dogs having such short lives and I am quite satisfied it is in compassion to the human race: for if we suffer so much in losing a dog after an acquaintance of ten or twelve years, what would it be if they were to live double that time?

Max's and Jon's Dog Day Morning

It was 4.30am and I had just come back with the dogs from their walk. Almost immediately it was my turn to eliminate. Halfway through, I heard yelps and growls from downstairs. The two are at it again! Or rather, Jon is having a go at Max again. I have heard this commotion before, and it is always as a result of Jon being irritated with Max running up-and down, and sometimes bumping into him. Lately I learnt that Jon have no intention to tear Max apart. He only clamps on Max's upper neck, and will let go after Max lets out 2-3 yelps.There are occasions of blood on the nose and ear. They look more likely of accidental bites than intentional bites. In fact, Jon is not the type who will draw blood from another dog or person. As an example, he once got badly hurt on one of his eye during a fight with a beagle-mix in the neighbourhood. That dog got an injury to his leg that only made him limp for the next one week. On the other hand, Max is not aggressive at all, and hence will not know how to retaliate forcefully.

This morning's incident was a bit different, in a sense that the yelps and growls were longer. Sounded as if Jon had intention to hurt Max. I rushed downstairs and called Max over and ran my hands over him. His neck was wet with Jon's saliva. As expected, there were no traces of blood. Max looked really terrified. He even went inside the cage to take refuge.

I would need to view the CCTV footage to get an inkling what triggered this incident. But I suspect that Max's irrepressible active movement had caused this. Over the past few weeks, I noticed Jon has fully tolerated Max and not resorting to growling at him to show his "alphaness". Or rather Max has fully accepted his role as a follower. On many occasions, while petting both of them, they get close together till their muzzles nearly get into contact. Hence, I am quite certain Jon was not picking on Max for no apparent reason.

House-training a puppy

Was at Chapter 9 of "Born To Bark", with Stanley Coren describing how he had house-trained his terrier when it was a puppy.

There were many pointers that I wish to take note and use it as a guide when another opportunity arises. Maybe I will come across another abandoned puppy and take it home. Stanley provided situations when "accidents"will  happen, and as I was reading this, I recall that these has happened before, and that I did not understand and hence manage it well for the benefit of Max. He mentioned that:

"The traditional method of house-training involves establishing a routine and paying attention to time. Puppies don't have control over sphincter muscles until they are 5 or 6 months of age., but certain things predict when they need to poop or pee. Eating or drinking starts a wave of rhythmic contractions along the length of the digestive tract that results in elimination. Waking up from a nap and becoming active also triggers this response,and a bout of vigorous play can do it as well. Within 5 to 15 minutes after each meal, nap, or round of playing, you can predict that the pup will need to empty its bowels or bladder."

Stanley also mentioned that he uses a kennel crate as part of the house-training process. The puppy will treat this crate as its den, and it will instinctively try to avoid relieving themselves until they can.

"Ultimately, the dog comes to view the whole house as part of his den that must be kept clean. Usually, dogs will generalize this to include all indoor areas, whether your home or someone else's".

Relating this to Max: I boarded Max at a vet on the day I found him. He was there for two weeks because I had to be away for a holiday in 2 days time. When I got back home and went to see him to claim him back, the vet complimented Max, saying he is intelligent, and will not pee in his cage. I didn't ask her in detail how he relieved himself. Roughly, I can imagine how he did it. At home, I had a 3 foot-cage for Max, which was to be situated in the living room. He can't be put outside because Jon is there. I placed layers of newspapers on the surface. That evening Max did not eliminate at all. The next morning, the papers were still clean. I brought him to the garden to relieve himself before going to work. He finally eliminated. When I got back home at night, there were traces of urine on the floor surrounding the cage. "Now I know what the vet meant."  He definitely must have stood on two legs and  did it like a human man.  As for the poo. there were only little traces of it in the cage. Later, I knew that he had consumed most of it. From that day onwards, for as long as 3 weeks, I had to place thick layers of newspapers within a 2 feet radius from the cage. And every night I will have to replace the newspapers. The ones onside the cage rare;y needed to be changed.

Stanley mentioned that puppies tend to want to relieve themselves after play and sleep. The play part applies to Max. After running up and down the length and breadth of the house during play time, he will pee. That is in spite that he just did it 10 minutes earlier. There was one  method I that used to correct this behaviour - and it was wrong.  I would hold his head and push his nose toward the pee and scold and tap his muzzle with my fingers.

He was still brought out to eliminate twice a day even though he had done so in ( around) the cage. Within two weeks, the habit of eliminating outside the cage was broken. He didn't even poo anymore. Even now, I am very proud of him that he can hold his bladder for 16 hours - even if there is a temptation of a garden around for him to use - for me to come back and bring him out.