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  • Understanding barking in dogs

    Understanding barking in dogs

    Barking is a component of a dog’s language. It may be annoying to humans, but it is meant to communicate something. Given our desire for fast and easy solutions we might just shush the dog and not really listen to what he/she is saying to us.

    Unfortunately this can result in the dog feeling unheard, who then resorts to more barking, a bit like us shouting when we feel unheard. Alternately a dog may end up looking for other forms of communication such as biting, or outlets for frustration. The first step in resolving barking issues is to identify what the dog is trying to tell us.

    All barks are not the same. Let’s analyse six different kinds of barks as documented by my teacher Turid Rugaas in her book Barking: The Sound of a Language.

    Excitement Barking: It’s a high-frequency hysterical-sounding bark. It can be accompanied by whining. One observes it when a hyper dog is highly aroused, like when people come home or the dog is going out in a car or there is another dog in sight.

    Warning Bark: It’s a single “woof” sound meant to convey a warning. It’s not going to be loud and prolonged. But it has an important message. Often people don’t even notice this bark. So a dog feels like his/her message was ignored and then takes charge of the situation. This can result in aggression or a full-fledged barking problem. Acknowledge warning barks.

    Fear Barking: This is a long series of high-pitched barks, similar to excitement barking. But you can sense the dog’s fear. The bark could end in a howl. A classmate of mine once explained this: “When a dog has fear in his voice, you just know it!” What a dog is afraid of is hard to predict and sometimes hard to understand. But it’s important to accept it and respect it. A dog will take time to overcome his/her fears. It’s important to note what s/he is expressing fear towards and give him a chance to get away from it.

    Guard Barking: This type of barking occurs when a dog feels the need to defend himself/herself against a perceived threat. The barking is often accompanied by plenty of growling. Due to the growling, it is often mistaken for aggression or dominance. But the need to defend oneself comes from a fear. It is a pity when such dogs are then reprimanded or dominated. It pushes them further into a corner and can force them to go into a shell or snap back. A dog that feels a need to guard has to be removed from that position immediately. Further training can help the dog learn to be less fearful in such situations.

    Frustration Barking: This is a monotonous bark that keeps repeating and sometimes ends in a howl. It is born out of boredom or utter frustration. Such dogs are crying out for help. They need mental stimulation or need some serious reconsideration of their lifestyle. A behaviorist should be able to help in such a situation

    Learned Barking: Such barking can be recognised by looking at the dog. The dog will bark and then keep looking back at people to see what reaction he/she is getting out of the people. He has learnt that barking gets him a certain reaction. Giving him any reaction, including yelling at him, gives him exactly what he is planning on getting. Work with a behaviorist to correct this behaviour. But do not reprimand him. That will make matters worse.

    First published in Bangalore Mirror Bureau | Jul 13, 2015

    Article written by Sindhoor Pangal. She is a Canine Behaviour Counselor and founded Bangalore Hundeskole. She studied dog behaviour in Norway & USA and is a member of Pet Dog Trainers of Europe.

    Sindhoor Pangal’s Blog : www.nishidiaries.wordpress.com

  • Quick Recipes for your pet (Smoothie & Meat Broth)

    Quick Recipes for your pet (Smoothie & Meat Broth)

    Recipe 1: Banana, Strawberry and yoghurt smoothie

    Does your pet look at you with soulful eyes whenever you have your morning cup of coffee? Have you wondered if there is a drink that you two can share as comrades before the morning walk? Well, a fruit smoothie is a surefire way to kick start your day as its power packed with essential nutrients and antioxidants that would keep illness and doctors away!

    Banana is a good source of fibre that is essential for regular bowel movement. It also promotes normal heart health due to the presence of potassium. Strawberry is a good source of antioxidant and vitamin C. Yoghurt is a good source of calcium and contains probiotics that aid digestion. A combination of the above ingredients make a delectable smoothie guaranteed to leave you and your pet asking for more!    

    Here is an easy method of preparing it:

    • 1 cup of banana and strawberries
    • ¼ cup milk
    • 1 cup flavoured yoghurt   

    Combine the cup of fruits and yoghurt in a blender into a thick mixture. If it is too thick you can add milk to thin it down. Serve the smoothie to your pet in a fancy bowl.   

    Recipe 2: Meat Broth 

    The pleasant fragrance of homemade broth is bound to bring instant hunger pangs for our pets. The wafting aroma of slowly cooked meat on a bed of vegetables will ensure that your pet does not leave the kitchen unless you feed him a big bowl of this scrumptious and nutritious broth.

    Apart from being a good source of protein, it also protects and promotes stronger joints and also helps to detoxify your pet’s liver. If your pet loves bones then you can pressure cook the broth so that the bones turn soft and your pet can chew on the juicy marrow. If your pet does not eat bones then you can just use chunks of boneless meat either chicken, turkey or beef.    

    Here’s a simple method of making meat broth:

    On a large pot place the chunks of meat and fill it to the brim with water. To this you can add vegetables like carrot, celery, spinach or potato. Add the juice of one lime as the acidity ensures that the minerals come out of the meat. When it comes to boil remove the grayish froth as it contains impurities. Turn the heat down and simmer, let the meat slowly cook along with the vegetables. You can cook the broth slowly for 3 to 4 hours or till the meat falls off the bones.

    Once it has cooled down you can separate the meat and vegetables through a sieve. If your dog is a fussy vegetable eater then you can mash the vegetables and mix it with meat. If your dog is not used to chewing bones then you can de bone the meat and serve the broth with vegetables. This meat broth tastes best with rice (white or brown) or bread.   

    Happy Cooking!

    Recipe by Harshitha

     

  • Flying Kites Brings Joy, Not to the Lives of Birds

    Flying Kites Brings Joy, Not to the Lives of Birds

    Have you ever flown Kites in your life? I am sure you have. But, have you ever thought that the threads used for flying Kites could severely injure the birds? I guess not.

    The threads used for flying kites, referred to as Manjha, are putting to danger the lives of many species whose realm is the open sky. Coated in glass, the Manjha threads may prove ideal for kite fights, but are dangerous enough to incapacitate the birds for life. While flying kites, the threads get entangled in the branches of tress. While landing onto their nesting habitats, the birds haplessly are ensnared by the threads. Once stuck to the Manjha, the birds try relentlessly to free themselves that is when the threads entrap the birds in an unescapable riddle.

    People for Animals, a wildlife hospital and rescue centre, has been dealing with an average of three Manjha cases a day. The threads are strong enough to pierce through the skin of the birds, slice wings and penetrate bones. Even the normal threads used for flying kites inflicts a similar damage, albeit causing harm to a lesser extent.

    While a few birds are lucky enough to escape unhurt, for a large majority, their ordeal isn’t always so privileged. The threads often cause injuries that last a lifetime. PfA has encountered close to 500 Manjha cases last year. The issue proves fatal when the threads are left over after the thrill of flying kites has dissipated.

    The Black Kite are the most frequently encountered birds that fall prey to the Manja string. Why should a magnificent creature such as the Black Kite die because of our ignorant action?

    Why should we continue to seethe in our bliss when it is inflicting great suffering on these innocent creatures?
    Why should a Kite kill the Kite (bird) every time it is thrown into the sky?Lets remember that when we use the Manja string as a tool to tear paper Kites in the sky, we are also tearing the blood-filled wings of these hapless birds.

    The Manja string kills, as long as we continue to use it. The choice is ours to make.

    Article written by Zuber Ahamed. He is the Content, Design and Publishing Executive at People for Animals (PfA), Bangalore

    PfA : http://www.peopleforanimalsbangalore.org/
    Animal Rescue Helpline : 9980339880

     

     

  • Chapter 1: Fonz teaches his 2 legged pet a FITNESS lesson

    Chapter 1: Fonz teaches his 2 legged pet a FITNESS lesson

    Ting-Ting-Ting…   Oh God! It’s that irritating noise again. Come on buddy raise your arm and switch it off! Sigh! He’s still sleeping oblivious to that awful noise. I swear one of these days I am just going to chew that annoying noise maker and throw it out of the window! Being a four legged creature is not easy you know, even the smallest of sounds appear louder to me and scare the wits of me.

    My two legged pet, Vikram, is never capable of switching it off. Being a slothful creature, he just throws his pillows on it to cover the noise and unless his wife wakes him he is never up. The noise appears from this instrument which he loves to hold in his hand and most often seen held on his ears to talk to someone. I always get confused whether it is me he is addressing or that weird thing he calls as his ‘cell’. 

    Let’s face it, he is one lackadaisical pet! I literally have to drag his blanket off him and go near his head and give my loudest bark to rouse him. I cannot help it, I need to be out to relieve myself! By the way my name is Fonzie. I know it is a very weird name, but my pet has this queer penchant for cheesy 70’s American sitcoms! I am named after this leather jacket wearing hood who just has to snap his finger to have girls fawning all over him! I wish I was that lucky with my own set!

    Anyway, it is time for my morning walk and Vikram is just putting on his shoes. Vikram’s wife Nina is always chiding him about getting into better physical shape. I agree with her, infact it is high time I stepped in to help him. I always see him working on his laptop and when he is not he is always on the couch eating and drinking like there is no tomorrow.  I need to get him into shape. I bet he cannot even bend down to touch his toes!

    We now start our walk around the park. Vikram is busy typing something on his cell and is holding my leash in his other hand. His hold on the leash slackens a bit, so I start running, dragging my dear pet who holds onto my leash as if his life depends on it! He screeches my name but I do not heed to him, I am thoroughly enjoying my morning run. The chill air cooling my fur, my two legged buddy panting behind me, I feel wonderful. Even my crush Ginger is giving me an encouraging bark! I just cannot believe it, this is the first time she has acknowledged my presence .I definitely need to do this more often, maybe the female variety like males who loves to show his pet who the boss is!

    So, I finally stop after two big rounds and Vikram collapses on the ground beside me panting for air. He yells at me, drags me home and complaints about me to his wife. Nina laughs and tells him that I did a headstart on his fitness regime and he ought to appoint me as his fitness trainer. Vikram merely grunts and gets ready to go to office.

    The poor guy does not know what is in store for him, as I take him into task and effectively keep him on his toes! I run away with his briefs, making him run up and down his stairs clutching his towel. I snatch his bag of crisps and throw it out in the garbage and I eat away his burgers when he is not looking. I hide his shoes, making him look for it all around his two storey house. I continued dragging him for a run. It is been a couple of weeks now and I must say he has become agile and fit. Infact, he has stopped yelling and has resigned himself to enjoying his morning run. Let us see what other changes I can bring about in him!

    Tip : Having a dog is like having your own holistic fitness trainer. Taking him out for regular walks will make you physically active and more social. It is a proven fact that having a pet around you will reduce your level of stress and blood pressure and make you less prone to depression. 

    All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

    Story by Harshitha

     

  • 4 Ways to Celebrate Christmas with your pet

    4 Ways to Celebrate Christmas with your pet

    The holiday season is here and it is all about the spirit of giving and sharing love and goodwill with your dear ones. Since your pet is part of your family it is necessary to include him in the festivities and it is your responsibility as a pet parent to ascertain that he enjoys a safe and friendly festive season.

    Here are a few tips to help your pet enjoy the festive season:

    • Avoid overfeeding: Festive binging causes distress not only to man but also his pet. Ensure that house guests and family members do not over indulge your pet as it would cause him to have indigestion, diarrhea and vomiting. Do not feed him sweetmeats and chocolates and keep him away from unattended plates and beverages.
    • Simple decorations: Tinsels, electric wires, baubles and other decorative pieces will grab your furry friend’s attention. So make sure they stay out of his reach as it would cause choking hazard, obstruct his digestive tract or cause vomiting. If you light candles ensure that you place them on candle holders and are fixed on a sturdy surface as pets are known to knock things over and possibly cause a fire alarm. Christmas tree should be kept on a safe place with a strong support so that it does not topple or fall accidentally on your pet. So, it would be a good idea to keep your festive decorations simple and attractive.
    • Need for private space: If you are having a house full of guests your pet is bound to get nervous with all the noise. Make sure he has a small room to retreat complete with his bedding, food and water. Ensure he stays away from party poppers and crackers as the noise would terrify them and possibly damage their hearing ability.
    • Give to the less fortunate: The true spirit of Christmas is about reaching out to the needy. You can make donations to your favourite animal charities or sponsor a meal at the animal shelter. It will be a fun time out with your family and definitely make the less fortunate animals happy on the joyous occasion.   

    So go ahead and make this festive season different and worthwhile with your four legged buddy! Happy Holidays!   

    Article by Harshitha

     

  • Only pet cemetery in Bangalore for over 10 years

    Only pet cemetery in Bangalore for over 10 years

    Memories echo the moments of joy. The moments spent with your pet cannot wither away with the dust of time. We often revisit these memories, intangibly. On the contrary, human memories are formed by faculty of the physical and tangible experiences of life. Probably that is why we honour and cherish the memories of our perished beloveds by building a final resting place in honour of their memories.

    It has been over 10 years since Hazel became the first pet to be honoured with a burial at the People For Animals pet cemetery.  Ever since then over a thousand pet owners have utilised the services of the pet cemetery and cemented the eternal bond with their pet.

    At the pet cemetery, life comes a full circle. A passed away pet provides life to the various in-care animals at the Wildlife hospital. PFA is a not-for-profit venture and all the money donated towards the pet cemetery is used exclusively for running the animal welfare organisation. The donation pet owners pay to give their pet a worthy resting place goes to the rescue, treatment and rehabilitation of orphaned, injured or displaced urban wildlife.

    Pet cemetery at PFA’s shelter at Kengeri is proud to be the only pet cemetery in Bangalore for over 10 years. The doors of the shelter are always open for pet owners, who visit the grave of their pet on regular basis. The pet owners offer pujas and final rites similar to those reserved for humans.

    The indescribable bond shared by the pet owner and the furry member of their family becomes that much more evident after the pet passes away. For the pet owners, the pet is alive not only in memories but also in physical reality.

    Article written by Zuber Ahamed. He is the Content, Design and Publishing Executive at People for Animals (PfA), Bangalore

    PfA : http://www.peopleforanimalsbangalore.org/
    Phone : 9900025370

     

  • 7 Reasons that will motivate you to get a dog

    7 Reasons that will motivate you to get a dog

    “There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you
    we stick together, we can see it through
    ‘Cause you’ve got a friend in me
    you’ve got a friend in me.”
    – Randy Newman

    A pet lover will definitely relate to this song as it brings into mind the greatest bond ever – man and his pet. There is a lot that we can learn from dogs. They teach us to live life to the fullest, love openly, to forget about our worries and to be affectionate. In other words, to become a better human being. For all those naysayers who feel that dogs are loud and dirty, here are a couple of reasons why you must consider having them for your well being:

    1. They keep you healthy: Having a dog is like having your own personal trainer. He will keep you on your toes cum rain cum shine. They ensure that your old ticker is healthy by making you take the 30 minute brisk walk or jog every day. Research has shown that having your pet around you reduces your blood pressure level and the chances of succumbing to a cardiovascular disease. Also heart patients heal faster when they have their pets near them.
    2. They can detect the presence of cancer: Dogs have an amazing sense of smell and for this reason they are most often used to detect bombs. But what most people are unaware of is that they can also help to detect the presence of cancer in your body. Just by your breath he can determine the presence of lung or breast cancer, or by constant sniffing he can detect the spot that is cancerous.
    3. They can detect seizures: Remember the scene in Hachiko’s story where the dog does not allow his master to go to work as he knows something bad will happen. Well, his master dies of a sudden heart stroke. If only he stayed behind to listen to Hachiko’s warning! It is true that your pet can detect the oncoming of a seizure minutes before it actually occurs. He will ensure that you sit on not fall down with his insistent barking.
    4. They boost your immunity system: Research has proven that a baby born into a household that is pet friendly will be less prone to asthma and other allergies. It has also shown that earlier the infants are exposed to dogs the lesser the chances they have of getting pet allergies later in life.
    5. They provide security: Looking for a bodyguard? Well, look no further than your four legged buddy! With his awesome sense of hearing and smell he can detect the presence of burglars and other anti social elements. Just having your hound around you will improve your physical and mental well being.
    6. They make you more social: When you take your dog out for a walk you may notice a lot of kids and friendly people trying to strike conversations with you. It helps you to make more contacts and be more social. It will also make you feel less lonely and not prone to depression.
    7. They reduce stress: Just watching your pet snuggle up and lick you will make you feel mushy and very happy. It also reduces your level of stress by promoting the stress reducing hormone in your body called oxytocin. Your level of self esteem and self worth will also increase as you will be the primary care giver for your four legged chum.

    So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and get yourself a pet dog, preferably adopt one. They will make your life worthwhile!   

    Article by Harshitha

     

  • Making boarding stress free for dogs

    Making boarding stress free for dogs

    With the holiday season round the corner, it’s likely that many pet parents are planning to travel. That perhaps means boarding for dogs. Here’s how you can make it much easier on your dog.

    Before you do anything you need to understand that boarding is a stressful experience for most dogs. Dogs are not used to being left in an unfamiliar place without family for extended periods of time. So be nice to your dog if you intend to board her and understand that it’s going to be rough on her. Prepare her for it and be prepared for the repercussions of boarding as well.

    The first thing to do is the pick the right boarding place. Boarding is not the time to socialise your dog. Socialisation needs to happen when the dog is under your supervision and in a great state of mind. So try not to pack in too much during this time and stick to basic boarding that gives your dog maximum peace and quiet during this confusing and stressful time. Pick a boarding that provides your dog with some amount of private space to retreat into during stressful times.

    Boarding is also not the time for training. Learning happens best when the mind is fresh. Save training for later – when you are back, your dog has had time to settle down, return to normal and is ready for lessons. However, you do need to ensure that the training you have done or are doing, does not get reversed during boarding. So meet with the boarding staff to understand their routine. Work with them to figure out something that will not interfere with your training. For example, if you are working on leash training, you don’t want the boarding staff to use a different method and confuse your dog. It’s better to have off-leash play areas for the dog instead of leashed walks. My clients don’t play fetch with the dog. So they ask boarding staff not to incorporate any fetch into routine into their dogs when boarding.

    Once you have identified the boarding, prepare your dog by visiting the place a few times ahead of the actual boarding. Leave the dog behind for short periods, a few hours at most. Let the dog get familiar with the place and gain confidence that you will be back.

    On the day, pack a few essential things for your dog. Pack your dog’s bowl, a few toys, blankets and a bed. All of your dog’s medication and special meals, if any, should go along. Any special instructions – like not playing fetch – or medical instructions and emergency contact numbers should be given in writing. Emergency contacts should include your number, your vet who knows your dog’s medical history and a local contact will take the trouble to respond to emergencies.

    Once at the boarding place, look at the dog’s private quarters and use the blankets to create more privacy. Remember that when a dog is boarding, the point is for the dog to be as calm and relaxed as possible. Meet the staff, talk to them kindly and demonstrate to them special instructions, if any. Don’t fuss around your dog. Leave unceremoniously. One last word of advice – avoid boarding during Diwali. Diwali is scary beyond words for dogs. Being away from you makes it much worse. Try to keep your dog with you. If you must board, try to pick a boarding, as far away from the city centre as possible.

    First published in Bangalore Mirror, Oct 6, 2015, Times Group

    Article written by Sindhoor Pangal. She is a Canine Behaviour Counselor and founded Bangalore Hundeskole. She studied dog behaviour in Norway & USA and is a member of Pet Dog Trainers of Europe.

    Sindhoor Pangal’s Blog : www.nishidiaries.wordpress.com

  • 7 ways to take care of your pet during the rainy season

    7 ways to take care of your pet during the rainy season

    The steady pour of rain, the cool sting of winter air and the constant show of clouds is bound to bring about a fit of blues to you and your pet. You take all the precautionary care by dressing up warmly and staying indoors, but what about your four legged buddy? We must be aware that this is the season where they are most likely to fall ill due to the moisture and lack of exercise. So, make sure your furry pal is healthy and gets his daily exercise despite the fact that the elements are against him, with the awareness of safety and precautionary measures during this particular season.

    Your pet can enjoy the rainy season as much as you if you follow these tips:

    • Ensure your pet’s fur is dry: A damp fur is a breeding ground for fungi and bacteria so make sure you give his fur a good rubdown before and after his walk. Blow drying the fur is also a good option. Your pet’s bath time can also get a bit difficult with the constant rains and no sunlight so you can use a dry shampoo for the time being instead of bath.
    • Clean the paws: Paws are always exposed to the ground and hence are very sensitive as they can contain pathogens which could cause illness. Since paws are easily prone to infection make sure you cover your pet’s feet with protective boots or shoes as it will ensure that grass, mud or insects do not get into its paws. If he refuses to use them you can always wipe and clean his paws after his walk.
    • Keep the bedding dry: Nobody likes to sleep in a cold damp bed, even your pet. Whichever part of the house your pet prefers to sleep, ensure it is dry and well covered, as a cold surface is bound to bring joint pain. Also the bedding should be changed frequently to make sure there is no bacterial growth.
    • Clean the ears: During the wet season, moisture gets easily collected in the ears. Due to this the ear wax and moisture collaborate and cause ear infections. So you must keep your pet’s ears dry especially after he finishes his walk. If your pet has long closed ears tie it up over his head so that it stays dry.
    • Keep your pet active indoors: Since it is wet outside you can cook up various games that your four legged chum can play indoors. If you have a flight of stairs make use of them, run up and down with your pet. If you have a spacious hall, clear the tables and sofas and play a game of ball or Frisbee with your faithful hound. Or you can create a treasure game by hiding away his favourite treats and toys and asking him to find it. He is bound to have lots of fun as it would test his sniffing and intelligence level.
    • Monitor his feeding: Since your pet is most often indoors during the rains you must add additional fiber to his food by increasing his intake of fruits and vegetables. This will ensure regular bowel movements even though his walking is cut down. If his activity levels have reduced you must reduce the portion of food in order to avoid overweight issues.
    • Watch out for infections: During the wet season pets are most often prone to infections. So if you catch your hound itching, scratching, constantly licking and having odorous ears you must take him to the vet.       

    Article by Harshitha

  • Get Ready for the Bengaluru Dogathon

    Get Ready for the Bengaluru Dogathon

    This event is a walk for Canine parents and their wards. The walk was conceived by Mr.Pradeep Kumar owner of Pet Needs and AWE Entertainment partners Shweta Sanjiv and Parikshit Das.

    The event is set to entrall the Bangalore audience with a whole day of fest activities, games and stalls. The main highlight being the walk which the dogs with their owners will have around the Kanteerva Stadium over 30 to 45 mins on Sunday, November 29th.

    The fest area at St Josephs school ground is open to dogs, pet owners and visitors with an array of entertainment all with a centric theme related to the canines. The other zones at the event are the adoptions zone, silent demonstrations by Animal Activists and NGOs, Zones where talks by industry experts on Dog Grooming, Health Care, Behavioural Training will be conducted. The organizers have welcomed select NGO/NPO/Dog Shelters to show case their mission and work and raise funds at the venue. Participants and visitors are also welcomed to sponsor dogs of the participating NGO/NPOs for the Walk. 

    The event will have friendly competitions as Music Hoop, Dress Up, Heavy Pooch, Dog Macho Eater and more. To keep the crowd entertained there will be puppet shows, song requests, live grooming and stalls even for the dogs from food to accessories.

    On the serious front, booths for registration and licensing will be available for all by the BBMP. Nominal Fees to be borne by the pet owners. 

    It will be wrapped up by a fashion show by retired police dogs and rescued mutts followed by the award ceremony.

    It will be a first of its kind event with the aim to show case that dogs if responsibly taken care can be allowed in many public places.

    For more details contact Parikshit / Shweta : 080 40965397
    Event Date : 29 November 2015
    Or log on to: https://www.facebook.com/thebengalurudogathon