Spay Day is an annual campaign of The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International to inspire people to save animal lives by spaying or neutering pets and feral cats.
Officially the last Tuesday of February, Spay Day includes events and activities taking place throughout February across the United States and U.S. territories, and around the world.
In Houston, SNAP celebrates the day with their annual Neuter Scooter for a Nickel event. The goal is to neuter as many male cats as they can in a single day for just five cents each.
Visit www.snapus.org for more information.
Why You Should Spay or Neuter Your Pet
Stopping pet overpopulation starts with you!
Spaying or neutering your pet is an important decision for pet owners. As animal lovers who value our pets, it is important to understand the impact of this decision.
~Learn the truth behind spaying and neutering myths.
~ Learn about the health benefits of spaying and neutering.
~Learn about the behavior benefits of spaying and neutering.
~Commonly asked questions about spaying and neutering.
It happens everywhere
In every community, in every state, there are homeless animals. In the U.S. as a whole, there are an estimated 6-8 million homeless animals entering animal shelters every year. About half of these animals are adopted, and tragically, the other half are euthanized. These are healthy, sweet pets who would have made great companions.
The number of homeless animals varies by state—in some states there are as many as 300,000 homeless animals euthanized in animal shelters every year. These are not the offspring of homeless “street” animals—these are the puppies and kittens of cherished family pets and even purebreds.
Yes, your pet’s offspring could be shelter animals
Many people believe that their pet’s puppies or kittens would never become homeless shelter animals. But the reality is that every time the dog finds his way under the fence to visit the neighbor’s female dog, or the indoor/outdoor cat comes back home pregnant again, the result is a litter of dogs or cats. Even if they are placed into homes, it is still possible for them to end up in shelters once they become “hard to handle,” or for them to reproduce further and for the next generation of puppies or kittens to wind up homeless.
Many people are surprised to learn that nationwide more than 3 million cats and dogs are euthanized in shelters. Spay/neuter is the only permanent, 100-percent effective method of birth control for dogs and cats.
Not just for dogs and cats
When being conscientious about the pet overpopulation, don’t forget to spay or neuter your pet rabbit. Rabbits reproduce faster than dogs or cats and often end up in shelters where they must be euthanized. Spaying or neutering rabbits can reduce hormone-driven behavior such as lunging, mounting, spraying and boxing. Spaying females can prevent ovarian, mammary and uterine cancers, which can be prevalent in mature females.
Millions of pet deaths each year are a needless tragedy. By spaying and neutering your pet, you can be an important part of the solution. Contact your veterinarian today and be sure to let your family and friends know that they should do the same.
“It often happens that a man is more humanely related to a cat or dog than to any human being.”
~Henry David Thoreau
Stephanie Bennett
Certified Canine Trainer & Behavior Specialist
Professional Dog Training in Houston, TX
323-573-0727
Become a fan of Get Along Little Doggie on FACEBOOK!
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3 Puppies and their girls after Puppy Class.
Bite Inhibition and Socialization.
Preventing bad bite inhibition and poor socialization are the most urgent priorities when it comes to your new puppy. These things need to be worked on before your puppy is 18weeks old. Unfortunately, many owners don’t consider or think about training until the puppy is 5 or 6 months old. This is actually a poor time to start training as the puppy is no longer a puppy, but an adolescent. That’s right a teenager! The good news is that dog adolescence doesn’t last near as long as human adolescence. The bad news is that the transition from puppyhood to adolescence is the most difficult time for owners. This is the most common age that dogs are surrendered to shelters. However, if you start puppy class before 18 weeks of age, you will have a much better chance of making it through teenagerland without pulling your hair out!
Puppy classes provide a clean, non-threatening, controlled environment for your puppy to play and socialize with other people and puppies. Puppies must play together to build confidence and to learn proper doggie etiquette. A puppy that is properly socialized and given the chance to play with other puppies is much less likely to develop fear or aggression as an adult.
The Big Daddy, critical reason for puppy class is provide the best opportunity for your puppy to develop bite inhibition and a soft mouth. Puppy biting is absolutely natural and normal. But, those little needle teeth hurt! Still, one of the biggest mistakes we can make is to punish them for biting. We have to teach the puppy by giving appropriate feedback. The more appropriate feedback, the less dangerous she will be as an adult dog. As far as bite inhibition goes, there are no better teachers than other puppies. Puppies give each other excellent feedback when bitten too hard. “Hey that hurt! I’m not going to play with you anymore!” It’s a wonderful and amazing thing to watch.
The best puppy classes intermingle short training sessions with off leash play. To search for trainers and classes in your area, visit www.apdt.com
In Houston, there is still time to join Get Along Little Doggie’s Puppy Class (10-18 weeks) that meets every Saturday at 11 AM through March 6th @ Urban Tails in Midtown. Call 323-573-0727 for more information.
Looking for more new puppy tips? Check out this BLOG.
“A house is not a home until it has a dog.”
~Gerald Durrell
Stephanie Bennett
Certified Canine Trainer & Behavior Specialist
Professional Dog Training in Houston, TX
323-573-0727
Become a fan of Get Along Little Doggie on FACEBOOK!
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Hundreds of thousands of dogs have been turned into animal shelters because their owners didn’t know how to deal with behavior problems and couldn’t find a reliable resource to help them. We, at the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, think it is long overdue to dedicate a month where we can bring awareness to the importance of socialization and training, and most of all, to inform the public that training your dog can be simple and fun! The APDT has selected January as the perfect month because, as we all know, so many dogs and puppies are adopted and brought home during the winter holidays. Our desire is to help these new pet parents start off the new year with their newest family member in the best way possible.
The APDT is planning a variety of events in January 2010 to celebrate National Train Your Dog Month. It is our hope that the everyday dog owners will visit our Web site, so that they can see how easy and fun training can be, and how patience, consistency and a deeper understanding of their dog’s behavior can lead to happier, healthier and harmonious households. We have a wide range of topics that we’ve covered so that pet owners will recognize themselves & their dogs. We have provided a great deal of information that will help using methods that are kind gentle and that have an emphasis on building your relationships with your dogs.
In addition the APDT has more than 5000 members who are willing and able to help dog owners who need help with their dogs. If there is one thing that current television shows about dog training have taught the public its that there are solutions to help dogs with behavior problems and there are alternatives to try before giving up your dog.
Our web site content will include contests winners from our membership, downloadable handouts on training, and regular updates on Facebook and Twitter with fun ideas and tips on how to train your dog. APDT members nationwide will help promote the event and focus on bringing awareness to their own home towns.
Please join the APDT in celebrating National Train Your Dog Month!
“There is honour in being a dog.”
~Aristotle
Stephanie Bennett
Certified Canine Trainer & Behavior Specialist
Professional Dog Training in Houston, TX
323-573-0727
Become a fan of Get Along Little Doggie on FACEBOOK!
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Each time I start the training process with a new client, whether it be a new, nippy puppy or a destructive, bored dog, I always recommend a slew of chew/ interactive toys. One of my main goals is to turn the dog into a chew- toy- fanatic. A chew- toy-aholic, if you will.
I have written before how incredibly important mental stimulation is for your dog. See USE YOUR BRAIN. Not only that, but chewing is a very natural doggie behavior, whether we humans like it or not. We must give them appropriate items to help keep them occupied.
So here is a list of my favorites (not in any particular order). They are great stocking stuffers for Fido.
If you Google any of these products, you will find many places to purchase them online.
1. Bob-A-Lot by Star Mark
2. Kong (Stuff with low-fat peanut butter or non-fat cream cheese and freeze.)
3. Bully sticks (More easily digestible than rawhide.)
4. Busy Budy Squirrel Dude by Premiere
5. Everlasting Fun Ball by Star Mark
6. Everlasting Bento Ball by Star Mark
7. Busy Buddy Bouncy Bone by Premiere
“We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare and love we can spare. And in return, dogs give us their all. It’s the best deal man has ever made. ”
~M. Acklam
Stephanie Bennett
Certified Canine Trainer & Behavior Specialist
Professional Dog Training in Houston, TX
323-573-0727
Become a fan of Get Along Little Doggie on FACEBOOK!
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Holiday times can be joyful or a source of stress for all of us, and that goes for your dogs, too!
With some advanced planning and a little training, you can make things more festive and fun for Fido and less stressful for you!
The Association of Pet Dog Trainers offers these helpful tips:
Things to Keep in Mind Throughout the Holiday Seasons
- Dogs can be very sensitive to changes in their environment and routines. When family members take time off from work and school, house guests come to stay, or other visitors roll through the home in droves, you need to try to preserve a few of your dog’s routines, such as regular meal schedules and walks, exercise or play sessions.
- If there’s considerably more activity than usual, plan some quiet times for your dog as well.
- The added stress and excitement of holiday festivities can increase your dog’s thirst too, so make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water to drink.
- If your dog is the excitable or anxious type, he might benefit from an over-the-counter remedy, such as Rescue Remedy, to help keep him calm down and relax. Ask your veterinarian about his or her recommendations as well as how much you should use and how often.
- Comfort Zone DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) can also help maintain your dog’s calm demeanor. DAP mimics the effects of a pheromone emitted by nursing female dogs, thought to calm the puppies. It can be delivered through a wall diffuser (similar to an air-freshener plug-in), a special collar impregnated with the substance, or can be directly sprayed on bedding or a bandana worn by your dog.
Holiday Décor: Dog Safety Issues
Holiday trappings help to maintain the merry mood but can be fraught with dangers for your dog. Here are some things to watch out for:
Christmas Trees
- Tinsel, popcorn strands, and other garland-like decorations can cause serious internal injuries if ingested, and these are just the kinds of things that curious dogs can’t resist.
- The ribbons, string, and other wrapping accessories found on gifts can be very problematic as well. These can lead to choking or strangulation for a curious pup.
- Water at the base of natural trees can contain anti-freeze and other preservatives that are deadly to your dog.
- All Christmas trees should be firmly anchored to the wall or ceiling to prevent it from being toppled by an inquisitive pooch.
If you can’t avoid all these things, try encircling your Christmas tree and gift display with an exercise pen to keep your dog away but still allowing you to enjoy your holiday cheer.
Electrical Cords
- Make sure these cords are well-secured, so your dog doesn’t make a chew toy out of them. Consider using cord containers or running them through PVC to avoid having your dog chew on them when you cannot supervise it.
Snow Globes
- While many are still made of glass, others can be found in chewable plastic with plastic bases. Chewed plastic shards from broken globes can be life-threatening. Many globes also add an anti-freeze-like substance to the water inside to slow the movement of the snow inside, so a double danger!
Scented candles
- Candles can be attractive because of their smell, taste and texture. Make sure they are perched on high shelves out of Rover’s reach! Never leave a lit candle unsupervised as they are easily knocked over and quickly become a fire hazard.
Who’s at the Door?
No where does the average family dog get into so much trouble as at the front door! Inappropriate greeting behaviors, door-dashing, and just over-the-top excitement can make the front door a source of stress for everyone during the holidays. Here are some ideas for making the doorway a safer place:
Train polite greeting behaviors
- Practice! Heavily reinforce ‘sits’ and ignore jumping up. Turning your back on a jumper can work very well too. For added control, tether your dog to a heavy stationary object to prevent him from following you or jumping on your back as you turn away. Practice with lots of different people and practice in your doorway area to make sure your dog knows it where he’ll need it! You can also teach your dog to wait behind a boundary line away from the door entryway or teach him to go to a particular place, like a dog bed, while guests enter the home.
A safe place
- If you haven’t had time to train for all the comings and goings at the door, it’s always good practice to have your dog crated, securely fastened on a tether, or on a leash while guests are arriving or departing.
Taming the Mob
Entertaining guests can make the holidays merry, but it’s important to remember how visitors can be stressful for our dogs.
Avoid visiting pets
- Unless your dog is already great friends with your visitor’s pets, it’s a good idea to suggest your guests leave their pets at home. Having multiple animals in the home presents management challenges you may not be prepared to handle amidst all the other distractions you’ll be facing.
Keep snacking to a minimum
- Make sure your guests know not to feed your dog from the table. Lots of fatty tidbits handed out by well-meaning visitors can also lead to a dangerous bout of pancreatitis or intestinal upset. If your friends can’t help but offer your dog a treat (who can resist!), have a portioned supply of his special treats or even his kibble on hand that guests can use instead.
Clear the area!
- Keep a watchful eye for plates and cocktails left at dog level. Since good intentions are prone to fail with so much going on, consider confining your dog to his crate or another room while your guests are bustling about (make sure he has something wonderful to do while he’s there) just to make sure he doesn’t get into trouble.
Dogs and kids don’t always mix!
- Holiday gatherings can be very over-stimulating for dogs and kids alike, so never leave the dog alone with any little people, even his own kids. Interactions between the dog and kids should be strictly supervised by an adult who’s dog-savvy enough to know when your dog needs a break.
Finally, if your dog is prone to fearfulness, anxiety or over-excitement when company is around, his crate or private place is best to keep him calm and safe.
Train In Advance!
Great manners are always made, not born, and it can be fun to work with your dog on the life skills he’ll need to be the life of the party. Here are a few things you’ll want to incorporate into your training plan:
“Sit and wait” or “down and wait”
- Great skills for your dog to learn! Taught positively, these exercises help your dog relax and enjoy his calm and relaxed participation in a family gathering. They can also prevent unruly door greetings and eliminate door-dashing.
“Place” or “go to bed”
- This cue basically involves teaching the dog to proceed to a specified place and wait there for further instructions. Use this one to keep him away from the food table during meal times, which prevents begging and discourages guests from passing your pooch tidbits under the table.
“Leave it”
- An invaluable tool for any dog owner and can help head off a dog who’s aiming for a gift basket, dropped food item, or just about anything else. Trained positively, your dog will gladly disengage from just about anything you’ve assigned a “leave it” to.
“Drop it”
- A suitable companion to “leave it,” “drop it” can be used to ask your dog to relinquish an already acquired item. This can be trained through a series of fun trading games that will teach your dog to happily spit things out in anticipation of something better!
Counter-surfing counter-measures
- Already confirmed counter-surfers should be confined away from the action, since the high temptation, high distraction environment of a holiday party will be more than they can bear! But if your dog still hasn’t scored off the counter yet, using “leave it” training will go a long way to helping your dog understand that counter-surfing doesn’t pay!
Bring on the noise!
- Many holiday celebrations include noisy displays such as fireworks that can drive your dog batty. Start preparing in advance by playing fireworks sound effect recordings on your home stereo. Start the volume at a very low, almost imperceptible level until you’re sure that your dog is comfortable; then crank up the volume half a click. Continue progressing at that rate until bombs bursting in air are no big deal for your dog. If you have a dog who’s already acutely sound-sensitive, find a good trainer or behavior consultant with experience in this area to help you get ready.
References
- DAP with Comfort Zone
- Rescue Remedy
- ASPCA Animal Control Poison Center 1-888-4-ANI-HELP
- Premier’s Manners Minder
“Love the animals: God has given them the rudiments of thought and joy untroubled”
~ Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Stephanie Bennett
Certified Canine Trainer & Behavior Specialist
Professional Dog Training in Houston, TX
323-573-0727
Become a fan of Get Along Little Doggie on FACEBOOK!
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Watch tomorrow night as I attempt to combine dog training and reality television!
I don’t know how much practical dog training will be featured, but it should be good for a laugh anyway!
The Little Couple airs Tuesday, Nov 3rd @ 9PM on TLC.
About The Show:
Bill Klein and Jen Arnold are just like your average newlyweds — except for the fact that they’re both under 4 feet tall! “The Little Couple” is a new series for TLC that follows the couple as they embark on their new life together. They’ll face not only the struggles of two little people in an average-sized world, but will also move to a new city, negotiate the purchase of a home, and weigh the risks of planning a family – all while navigating the ups and downs of any new marriage!
Visit the TLC website for more information.
“You enter into a certain amount of madness when you marry a person with pets”
~Nora Ephron
Stephanie Bennett
Certified Canine Trainer & Behavior Specialist
Professional Dog Training in Houston, TX
323-573-0727
Become a fan of Get Along Little Doggie on FACEBOOK!
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I found this article on one of my new favorite websites: Dogtime.com
It is chock full of excellent information on all things DOG .
Check out the following top ten list. Are you a responsible dog owner?
There are few things in life that are more fun and rewarding than bringing a dog into your family. Your dog will offer your family years of love and loyalty, as long as you provide him with food, shelter, responsible care and love in return.
With these ten basic care tips tucked safely under your belt, you will be prepared to offer your pooch the best life he could ask for.
1. Give your dog an identification tag. Every pet should always wear a collar that sports an identification tag with your name, telephone number and address. It is a fact of life that dogs can sometimes get out of their houses or yards, and may need a little help getting back home. If your dog’s got some sort of identification, it will greatly increase the chances that he will be returned safely to you.
2. Talk to your veterinarian or local animal shelter about the rules and regulations governing pet ownership in your area. Know the type of licensing and vaccinations that are required to keep your pet legal and up to date on health essentials.
3. Whenever you take your dog outside the confines of his house or yard, make sure that he is on a leash. No matter how well-trained your pet might be, you cannot guarantee that you will be able to control your dog under all circumstances. Some breeds, like Siberian Huskies, are bred to run, and will do so at the first opportunity. Keeping your dog on a leash is best for you, your dog and your community.
4. Dogs are social creatures that like to be with their families, which is why it is important for your dog to spend time indoors with you. While a fenced yard and dog house are both good ideas for your pet, they cannot replace the companionship of people. Give your dog a pleasant outdoor space, but don’t leave him out there alone for long periods of time.
5. Just as people need regular checkups to stay healthy; your dog needs an annual visit to the veterinarian for a thorough examination. If you don’t have a veterinarian yet, there are plenty of resources that can help you find a good one, including the local animal shelter, or a friend who has dogs. A regular relationship with a vet is a key to maintaining your pet’s good health.
6. By spaying or neutering your pet, you are doing much more than just helping to control animal overpopulation. Dogs that are “fixed” tend to live longer and healthier lives, and have fewer behavioral problems like biting. Spaying or neutering pets should be one of your first steps on the road to responsible pet ownership.
7. A conscientious dog owner will make sure that his pet has a nutritious diet every day. Your veterinarian can recommend a food for your dog, and advise you on appropriate portions. Your dog also needs to have fresh water readily available 24-7.
8. You wouldn’t think to refrain from training a child in appropriate behavior, and your dog needs the same loving care from you. One of the best ways to learn how to train your dog using positive methods is through a training class. Not only will you learn how to properly control your pet, but you and your dog can enjoy the bonding experience as well as the opportunity to socialize with other dogs and their owners.
9. Your dog needs to stay physically fit to stay healthy, and it will be up to you to see that he gets sufficient exercise. Finding plenty of time to play with your dog, combined with a daily walk or two, should give your canine companion the level of physical activity that he needs. If you are in doubt about how much exercise is enough for your dog, you can talk to your veterinarian about what is appropriate for him.
10. You can bet that your dog is going to offer you plenty of love and loyalty, and this is primarily what he will want from you in return. It is important that you show patience when working with your dog. If he is exhibiting some behaviors that you are having trouble controlling, you can contact your veterinarian or animal shelter for additional advice and guidance.
A dog can be a wonderful addition to your family. With the proper care, he will be a welcome member of your clan for many happy, healthy years.
Source: Adapted from the Humane Society of the United States
“Gratitude: that quality which the Canine Mongrel seldom lacks; which the Human Mongrel seldom possesses!”
~Lion P.S. Rees
Stephanie Bennett
Certified Canine Trainer & Behavior Specialist
Professional Dog Training in Houston, TX
323-573-0727
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Over Half the Nation’s Pets are Now Overweight!
“Pudgy pooches and fat cats are now the norm.” states Dr. Ernie Ward, founder and President of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP). “This is the first generation of pets that will not live as long as their parents. Even worse, the majority of today’s overweight pets will endure painful and expensive medical conditions – all of which can be avoided.”
To raise awareness about the dangers of pet obesity, APOP (PetObesityPrevention.com) held its third annual National Pet Obesity Awareness Day on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009. On this day, hundreds of veterinarians gathered data on the waistlines of our nation’s pets. Pet owners may log onto the group’s website and answer questions and report their pet’s size and weight.
“This year APOP partnered with the Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA) to heighten the discussion of pet obesity at the nation’s veterinary medical schools. Too often veterinarians aren’t taught how to prevent obesity – only to treat the consequences,” comments Ward.
“We’re very excited to be working with APOP on this year’s SAVMA’s One Health Challenge of Obesity Awareness – both for pets and people. Obesity is a serious issue and veterinary and human medical students are eager to get involved in educating our communities about the risks for both humans and our pets.” states Ryan Colburn of Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Student AVMA Global and Public Health Officer, ad hoc.
Currently APOP estimates 50% of dogs and cats in the United States are overweight or obese (84 million). 44% of our canine companions are overweight or obese (33 million) and a staggering 57% of our cats are too heavy (51 million).
“This epidemic is needlessly costing pet owners tens of millions of dollars in unnecessary medical bills, not to mention the crippling arthritis, challenges of diabetes, and increased risk of cancer these pets endure.” says Ward. “We’re loving our pets to an early – and painful – death.”
The biggest cause of the pet obesity epidemic? “Carbs. Today’s pets consume high carbohydrate and sugar treats and foods that create changes in their brain chemistry, causing them to crave these foods even more. I call it ‘kibble crack’ because we’re literally creating an addiction to these high-calorie carbohydrate foods,” replies Ward.
What’s the cure? “Everyone wants a magic pill for losing weight when the safest, cheapest and easiest cure already exists: eat less, eat healthier and exercise. Put down the biscuit and pick up a carrot; instead of feeding your cat a carbohydrate-based diet, look for a high-protein alternative. Take your dog for a walk each day. Small steps go a long way toward big weight losses.”
Ward, who is also a certified personal trainer, USA Triathlon-accredited coach and Ironman athlete, offers this weight loss advice for pet owners. “Your best workout buddy is your dog. They never give excuses; any chance to get outside is a good one for a dog. Dogs and people are a perfect match in terms of aerobic abilities, dietary needs and emotions. If you’re having a bad day, take your dog for a walk or jog. I may feel lousy at the beginning of a run with my dog, but I’ve never ended a run that way.”
Health Risks associated with Obesity in Pets
1. Osteoarthritis
2. High blood pressure
3. Type 2 diabetes (cats)
4. Insulin resistance (dogs)
5. Kidney disease
6. Cancer
7. High cholesterol
8. Respiratory disease
9. Skin disease
10. Increased surgical complications
About APOP and Dr. Ward
The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention is an independent organization not associated with any veterinary pharmaceutical, pet food, or other veterinary industry organization. Dr. Ernie Ward is a licensed veterinarian, certified personal trainer, and USA Triathlon accredited coach. He and APOP help people and pets lose weight and sustain a healthy lifestyle by creating parallel weight loss and lifestyle programs.
Contact
Dr. Ernie Ward
www.PetObesityPrevention.com
“A dog is one of the remaining reasons why some people can be persuaded to go for a walk. ”
~ O.A. Battista
Stephanie Bennett
Certified Canine Trainer & Behavior Specialist
Professional Dog Training in Houston, TX
323-573-0727
Pedigree is promoting an international holiday for Dogs. Dogs Rule Day is Saturday, October 10th, 2009.
“If anyone deserves their own holiday, it’s dogs. So let’s celebrate our best friends and recognize their contribution to the quality of life on earth. All we have to do is give our own dogs a little extra love, share our stories and pictures with friends, and do a little something extra to make the world a better place for dogs.”
Click HERE to visit the official website and for 101 ways to celebrate with your best friend.
These are my top ten favorites:
#100. Spend as much time as you can with her.
#89. Belly rubs every hour on the hour.
#78. Let him run to his heart’s content.
#61. Teach him a new trick. Reward heavily.
#58. Start or support a local spay/neuter program.
#33. One word: bones.
#19. No vacuum cleaning.
#11. Give her the other half of your sandwich. Just this once.
#6. Volunteer at a shelter. Learn more at volunteermatch here.
#1. Adopt a dog! What better way to celebrate than with a new best friend. Find a shelter dog here.
“Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made.”
~Roger Caras
Certified Canine Trainer & Behavior Specialist
Professional Dog Training in Houston, TX
323-573-0727
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This story has been all over the news, but I particularly liked this article I found on Livescience.com:
By Jeanna Bryner, Senior Writer
The canine IQ test results are in: Even the average dog has the mental abilities of a 2-year-old child.
The finding is based on a language development test, revealing average dogs can learn 165 words (similar to a 2-year-old child), including signals and gestures, and dogs in the top 20 percent in intelligence can learn 250 words.
And the smartest?
Border collies, poodles, and German shepherds, in that order, says Stanley Coren, a canine expert and professor emeritus at the University of British Columbia. Those breeds have been created recently compared with other dog breeds and may be smarter in part because we’ve trained and bred them to be so, Coren said. The dogs at the top of the pack are on par with a 2.5-year-old.
Better at math and socializing
While dogs ranked with the 2-year-olds in language, they would trump a 3- or 4-year-old in basic arithmetic, Coren found. In terms of social smarts, our drooling furballs fare even better.
“The social life of dogs is much more complex, much more like human teenagers at that stage, interested in who is moving up in the pack and who is sleeping with who and that sort of thing,” Coren told LiveScience.
Coren, who has written more than a half-dozen books on dogs and dog behavior, will present an overview of various studies on dog smarts at the American Psychological Association’s annual meeting in Toronto.
“We all want insight into how our furry companions think, and we want to understand the silly, quirky and apparently irrational behaviors [that] Lassie or Rover demonstrate,” Coren said. “Their stunning flashes of brilliance and creativity are reminders that they may not be Einsteins but are sure closer to humans than we thought.”
Math test
To get inside the noggin of man’s best friend, scientists are modifying tests for dogs that were originally developed to measure skills in children.
Here’s one: In an arithmetic test, dogs watch as one treat and then another treat are lowered down behind a screen. When the screen gets lifted, the dogs, if they get arithmetic (1+1=2), will expect to see two treats. (For toddlers, other objects would be used.)
But say the scientist swipes one of the treats, or adds another so the end result is one, or three treats, respectively. “Now we’re giving him the wrong equation which is 1+1=1, or 1+1=3,” Coren said. Sure enough, studies show the dogs get it. “The dog acts surprised and stares at it for a longer period of time, just like a human kid would,” he said.
These studies suggest dogs have a basic understanding of arithmetic, and they can count to four or five.
Basic emotions
Other studies Coren notes have found that dogs show spatial problem-solving skills. For instance, they can locate valued items, such as treats, find better routes in the environment, such as the fastest way to a favorite chair, and figure out how to operate latches and simple machines.
Like human toddlers, dogs also show some basic emotions, such as happiness, anger and disgust. But more complex emotions, such as guilt, are not in a dog’s toolbox. (What humans once thought was guilt was found to be doggy fear, Coren noted.)
And while dogs know whether they’re being treated fairly, they don’t grasp the concept of equity. Coren recalls a study in which dogs get a treat for “giving a paw.”
When one dog gets a treat and the other doesn’t, the unrewarded dog stops performing the trick and avoids making eye contact with the trainer. But if one dog, say, gets rewarded with a juicy steak while the other snags a measly piece of bread, on average the dogs don’t care about the inequality of the treats.
Top dogs
To find out which dogs had the top school smarts, Coren collected data from more than 200 dog obedience judges from the United States and Canada.
He found the top dogs, in order of their doggy IQ are:
- Border collies
- Poodles
- German shepherds
- Golden retrievers
- Dobermans
- Shetland sheepdogs
- Labrador retrievers
At the bottom of the intelligence barrel, Coren would include many of the hounds, such as the bassett hound and the Afghan hound, along with the bulldog, beagle and basenji (a hunting dog).
“It’s important to note that these breeds which don’t do as well tend to be considerably older breeds,” he said. “They were developed when the task of a hound was to find something by smell or sight.” These dogs might fare better on tests of so-called instinctive intelligence, which measure how well dogs do what they are bred to do.
“The dogs that are the brightest dogs in terms of school learning ability tend to be the dogs that are much more recently developed,” Coren said. He added that there’s a “high probability that we’ve been breeding dogs so they’re more responsive to human beings and human signals.” So the most recently bred dogs would be more human-friendly and rank higher on school smarts.
Many of these smarty-pants are also the most popular pets. “We like dogs that understand us,” Coren said.
We also love the beagle, which made it to the top 10 list of most popular dog breeds in 2008 by the American Kennel Club. That’s because they are so sweet and sociable, Coren said. “Sometimes people love the dumb blonde,” Coren said.
And sometimes the dim-wits make better pets. While a smart dog will figure out everything you want it to know, your super pet will also learn everything it can get away with, Coren warns.
“If you think dogs can’t count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then giving Fido only two of them.”
~Phil Pastoret
Stephanie Bennett
Certified Canine Trainer & Behavior Specialist
Professional Dog Training in Houston, TX
323-573-0727
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