I've been intrigued lately by a breed of dog called the Carolina Dog. These dogs have been in the news lately, because a study of the genetics of the domestic dog suggested that several of the American dog breeds (Chihuahua for example) have origins from ancient Asian breeds rather more recent European ones. The study, c0mparing mitochondrial DNA, suggested that Carolina dogs are quite accurately called "American Dingos," because of a close genetic relationship to the same genetic pool that created Australian Dingos. Both dogs appeared to have originated from dogs in East Asia rather than having genetics more closely related to European breeds. Carolina Dogs certainly look a lot like Dingos, and they also fit the drawings and descriptions from Native American Indians long before Read More
Archives for 2013
Canine Behavior and Acoustics in Shelters and Kennels
If I was a dog in a noisy kennel I'd be the one flip spinning in circles, or chewing my mouth bloody on the cage door. I know that sounds a bit dramatic, but I'm afraid it is probably true. I am just one of the individuals who is especially sensitive to noise, and a loud and noisy environment is like hell on earth to me. It is also true that, although some individual mammals are more sound sensitive than others, all people and all dogs are profoundly affected by the acoustic environment around them. Sound is a critically important part of any animal's environment, and that is especially true of animals who have no choice about the environment in which they live, even if just temporarily. That is why I recently did a webinar for the ASPCA on Canine Behavior and Acoustics, in which my Read More
The Laugh is on Me: Short Story Contest
I'm sure you've never been in a position to feel foolish while training or performing with your dog. What's that? Perhaps just once, you've found yourself red-faced and fighting the flames of humiliation while working with your dog? If you're anything like me, you actually have a multitude of such stories, and some of them get funnier and funnier as the years go on and time heals all. That's why I thought it would be great fun to have a "The Laugh is on Me" contest, about what is now (perhaps not then?) the most amusing thing that has happened to you that could be filed in the category: Dogs are here to keep us humble. I am, in part, motivated by how much I have enjoyed some of your stories in the comments section, and how many rich and varied experiences our readers have had. So start Read More
Coming to England! Come Say Hi!
I am truly excited about coming to England this November, where I'll be speaking in Milton Keynes, Newcastle and Bristol for the The Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors. I'll be in Milton Keynes the evening of November 5th (Someone explain that name to me! It sounds more like an author than the name of a city.), in Newcastle on November 6th and Bristol on the evening of the 8th. The talks are being organized by the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors, a stellar organization that works to promote science-based animal training and provides a great deal of education to the public about animal behavior. (Truth in lending: I do get a speaking fee, but the primary motivation is to raise money for a good cause.) Here's the topic for the talks: Are You Thinking What I'm Read More
Zucchini, and Other Crisis
Well, seriously, an entire army of you begged for the Zucchini Yum recipe. Well, okay, maybe 4 or 5. I'd already written it out on Facebook, so it's no work to replicate it here. And really, if you don't have them, it might not make sense, but at this time of year, Zucchini truly does qualify as a CRISIS. (Later today I'll answer some of the comments about dogs fighting in the home--some heartbreaking, all fascinating--, but for now, in the knick of time): ZUCCHINI YUM RECIPE NUMBER ONE: 6 med Zucchini peeled and chopped or shredded, 4 TB butter, 2 med tomatoes diced and seeded, 2 c shredded cheese, 2 c soft bread crumbs, 2 eggs, 1 med onion diced, 1 tsp basil dry or a buncho chopped fresh basil (best!), 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt & pepper each. Saute Zucchini in Read More
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