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Showing posts with label Infor about dogs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Infor about dogs. Show all posts

1/10/13

Has Your Dog Been Displaying Wolf Like Behavior

I have been wondering since my dog passed away a month ago about some of the things she use to do, and why she did them. So I began to do some research to find out something about the different things she has done throughout her life. Because I have never seen any of my other dogs display that type of behavior before. And I was amazed that many of the things my dog was doing were common wolf behavior in the wild. But it is nothing to be a scared about if your dog is doing the same, because it is not vicious behavior. I tried to find out why all dogs do not display wolf like behavior seeing that they are all descendents of wolves, but could not find much to explain it other than some feel it has to do with the breed of the dog and if the dog breed is kept pure, but could not find much more than that to explain in more detail.

I will tell you what behavior my dog use to do and then tell you why the wolf does it in the wild. And see if your dog has done any of this type of behavior to.

1/9/13

7 Ways Dogs Can Help Your Health

Dogs may be good at more than fetching sticks and greeting you after a long day at work. As it turns out, simply having them around may lessen your kids' chances of getting the common cold.

Owning a dog may improve the health of children in that household, according to new research from the University of California, San Francisco. In a study of mice, researchers found that the house dust from homes with dogs worked to protect against a common cold strain, the respiratory syncytial virus.

"Mice aren't identical to humans. There are obvious differences," explains Dr. Susan Lynch, co-investigator of the study and a professor at UCSF. "But we can do things in the animals that we could not possibly do in humans, and we can get samples to examine disease that would be very difficult to assess in humans."

Animals fed house dust from dog-owning homes did not exhibit the usual symptoms of RSV, including mucus production and lung inflammation. In fact, their symptoms were comparable to animals that weren't exposed to the virus in the first place.

The Advantages of Owning a Dog

Fitter, happier, more productive... If you want to be all that and more, get a dog.

A friend indeed

There's a reason dogs have long been called a man's best friend. Their loyalty, intelligence, devotion and affection are incredibly rewarding. From taking a long walk together on a beautiful spring morning, being greeted by a happily wagging tail at the end of a long day to relaxing at home in each other's company, owning a dog can raise spirits and engender a sense of wellbeing like almost nothing else.

And of course for all the love you put in, a dog will give you it back tenfold.

1/8/13

Do Animals Have Souls?

Question: Do Animals Have Souls?

Will We See Our Pets in Heaven?One of life’s greatest joys is having a pet. They bring so much happiness, companionship and enjoyment that we can’t imagine life without them. Many Christians wonder, "Do animals have souls? Will I see my pet in heaven?"

Answer:

In the past few decades, scientists have proven beyond any doubt that some species of animals possess intelligence. Porpoises and whales can communicate with other members of their species through audible language. Dogs can be trained to do relatively complex tasks. Gorillas have even been taught to form simple sentences using sign language.

Dog's Belly Buttons

Ask dog owners whether or not their pet has a belly button and most will probably say no. That is because most canine belly buttons are not readily visible.

However, the answer to the question is that dogs definitely do have belly buttons. The main reason for many people thinking that dogs do not have a belly button is that canine belly buttons are very different from those of humans. While human navels are easily visible, canine belly buttons are often nothing more than a faint scar. They do not resemble a hole in the stomach. They are usually flat (unless there is a medical problem such as a hernia) and hairless.

Consider a dog’s navel, which is also known as the umbilicus. This is where the blood vessels from the placenta attach to the puppy before it is born. These blood vessels are vital to life because they provide nutrition and help with oxygen and waste product removal.

Once a puppy is born, it no longer relies on the blood vessel or umbilical cord. The mother will often eat the umbilical cord. It does not take a long time for the spot where the umbilical cord was attached to heal. In a day or so, the area scabs over and it soon becomes difficult to tell where the blood vessel was attached.

1/7/13

Dog Breeds That Don't Bark

Most people don't think of dogs as being a non-barking animal, however there are actually several different breeds of dogs that don't produce a regular dog bark. This is not to say that these dog breeds don't make a noise, some are very loud and vocal, but they really don't bark, at least not the ordinary sense. 

Non-barking breeds can be found from around the world. Not all are common dogs and many are not recognized by all Kennel Clubs, although they may be recognized by other groups and organizations. Some of the common northern breeds as well as the hounds all have their own unique types of sounds, however these dogs also have the ability to bark as well as make the alternate sound. 


Perhaps one of the best known "barkless" dogs is the Basenji. This is one breed that is not rare although it is also not extremely common. It is recognized by the American Kennel Club, Canadian Kennel Club and the Kennel Club of the United Kingdom. It is actually from Africa and is one of the oldest domesticated breeds of dogs, highly recognizable because of its very specific coat coloration and physical appearance. They are typically a copper, red, brindle or black with significant white markings on the chest, face and bottoms of the legs and feet. They have a very alert appearance with large, pricked triangular ears and wrinkles across the forehead. Most Basenji's are described as having a fox-like face and very athletic body appearance. The tail makes a tight curl over the hips and is a requirement of the breed standard.

Dogs who can't bark

Imagine walking into a room filled with caged dogs. One would expect to be greeted by a chorus of barking erupting from the caged canines. However, in some test laboratories the dogs devocalized.

Devocalization is a surgical procedure whose only purpose is to prevent the patient from barking. The Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association (HSVMA) classifies the devocalization of any dog in the same category as other non-therapeutic surgeries such as "declawing, ear cropping and tail docking."

Devocalization is unlike the other non-therapeutic procedures in that it is an invasive surgery and as such carries risk of complications and pain. The HSVMA states devocalization is an "invasive procedure with the inherent risks of anesthesia, infection, blood loss, and other serious complications."


Given the complexity, the obvious cost, and the potential complications that devocalization can create, one would think it is only performed on lab animals when a major benefit is perceived to occur.Why else would this procedure be performed on lab dogs?

1/5/13

Does My Dog Recognize Himself in a Mirror?

Many people are puzzled by the fact that dogs seem to ignore images of themselves reflected in a mirror. Young puppies encountering mirrors for the first time may treat the image as if it is another dog. They may bark at it, or give a little bow and an invitation to play as if they are encountering a real dog and engaging in a social interaction. However, after a short while they lose interest. Afterwards then often seem to treat their reflections as if they were of no consequence at all. 

When we humans look into a mirror we immediately recognize that the image that we are gazing at is our own. It seems so natural that we tend not to think about it is something special, however psychologists treat this as a major mental feat because it requires self-awareness, which is one of the most sophisticated aspects of consciousness. In effect we must be able to mentally step outside of ourselves and consider ourselves as separate entities from the rest of the world.

Can Dogs see Colors?

The question if dogs are colorblind, specifically red-green colorblind or if dogs only see shades of gray is raised among dog owners quite often. Even on the internet the question concerning dog vision is discussed controversial. But there is a simple answer to that question which I would like to share with you supported by some scientific resources.

Actually there are two distinct questions which I would like to ask, answer and set in relation hereafter: 
  • Can dogs see colors? — Answer: Yes 
  • Are dogs colorblind? — Answer: Yes 
Let me explain this two answers to you a bit more in detail.

Dogs can see colors

Dogs not only see in shades of gray but also can see distinct colors contrary to what most people belief. About one hundred years ago some scientific tests were made to find out more about the color vision of dogs. But these tests weren’t that scientific as they thought and the researchers concluded only that color vision doesn’t play a part in the daily life of a dog.

Can Dogs See Color? And How Do We Know?

Thursdays are always the worst day for little dogs to play fetch at my local park. That’s because mowing is Fridays and on Thursdays the grass is often over one-tennis ball tall. It was on one such Thursday after having to search for my dog’s ball for the third time, that I exclaimed, “It sure would be useful if, instead of being green, this tennis ball were blue and yellow. Then, Jonesy could more easily find it himself.” Well, a passing pet owner quickly corrected me. “That wouldn’t help. Dogs are color blind.”

For a second I thought, Duh, that’s right. Dogs don’t see color the way we do. But then I remembered that they can distinguish blue from yellow. That’s because while dogs can’t see all of the colors we can, they can perceive some differences.

While humans have three types of photoreceptors in their eyes that transmit signals about color to the brain, dogs have two types of photoreceptors. We know that these photoreceptors work to transmit information allowing dogs to perceive differences in color because dogs have told us so. Well, sort of.


Do dogs and cats really dream

How many pet owners have gotten a chuckle out of watching their dog sleep while its paws race frenetically in place?

Many figured that Rover was romping somewhere in dreamland, and scientists say they were right: Pets do dream while sleeping.

As dogs and cats doze, images of past events replay in their minds much the same way humans recall experiences while dreaming, said Matthew Wilson of MIT's Picower Institute for Learning and Memory in Cambridge, Mass. That's because the hippocampus, a part of the brain involved in memory, is basically wired the same way in virtually all vertebrates and mammals, he said.

"If you compared a hippocampus in a rat to a dog; in a cat to a human, they contain all of the same pieces," said Wilson, an associate professor of brain and cognitive sciences.

Like people, pets go through multiple stages of sleep, from periods of slow wave sleep to REM (rapid eye movement), where most dreaming occurs.

"From the minute your head hits the pillow and you're out, the dreaming process begins," he said.

Non-REM dreams consist of quick snapshots of things usually done that day. During the deeper sleep state of REM, dreams last much longer and tap into a vast pool of past experiences drawn from weeks, months, even years in the past.

1/2/13

LIFE HISTORY OF A DOG

The normal life span of a small or medium-size dog is about 15 years. A large dog lives only about ten years, however. On the average, a ten-month-old dog is sexually mature. Smaller bitches go into their first heat (become responsive to their first mating) at an earlier age than larger ones.

Fetal puppies grow in their mother's womb before they are whelped, or born. Whelping is usually a painless task. After each of her litter is whelped, she licks the pup as dry as she can. The newborn, hungry puppies snuggle by the teats on the bitch's underside, where she nurses them.
The puppies draw nourishing milk from their mother until they are weaned, or given food more solid than milk to eat. The time of weaning depends on the size of the litter and the amount of milk in the bitch. Sometimes it occurs as early as three weeks. Puppies should not be weaned, however, any later than their seventh week.

The Secret Life of the Dog youtube video


We have an extraordinary relationship with dogs – closer than with any other animal on the planet. But what makes the bond between us so special?

Research into dogs is gaining momentum, and scientists are investigating them like never before. From the latest fossil evidence, to the sequencing of the canine genome, to cognitive experiments, dogs are fast turning into the new chimps as a window into understanding ourselves.

Where does this relationship come from? In Siberia, a unique breeding experiment reveals the astonishing secret of how dogs evolved from wolves. Swedish scientists demonstrate how the human/dog bond is controlled by a powerful hormone also responsible for bonding mothers to their babies.

What is a wolf pack mentality

You can find a host of wolf packs within high school and college athletic programs. And why not? In a battle of mascots, North Carolina State University's Mr. Wuf would devour Sammy the Slug of University of California-Santa Cruz hands down.

However, in nature, wolf packs are less about ferocity and more about order. The complex wolf pack dynamics more resemble those of a teenage clique than a group of wild beasts. Of course, they still stalk prey, such as elk or rabbits, and get into vicious fights with each other, but you'll discover that these canines follow an incredibly sophisticated group hierarchy.


Wolves naturally organize themselves into packs to maintain stability and assist with hunting. These are often groups of three to seven wolves led by an alpha male and alpha female. From there, the couple's pups and possibly younger, unrelated wolves comprise the rest of the pack.

What is a wolf

Answer


The Wolf (Canis Lupis) is a wild dog technically, dogs are domestic wolves sort of. 
Common Facts:
There are many kinds of wolves, The Gray Wolf A.K.A The Timber Wolf. 


Wolves are incredible animals as they will care for there cubs (or pups) with great care indeed I study wolves and watching their process is quite fascinating as I have watched their cubs grow up and seen the few breeds. Wolves come in many sizes and shapes and colours like; Brown, Creamy White, White, Black, Grey, Reddish Brown or brown they can also come in a mixture of these colours Eg Grey and White. Unfortunly the Mexican Wolf IS endangered, even more sadly they are extinct in the wild =(. 
Evolution:

1/1/13

Curse of the Devil's Dogs

Traditionally viewed as dangerous pests, Africa's wild dogs have nearly been wiped out. But thanks to new conservation efforts, the smart, sociable canines appear ready to make a comeback

Sboniso Blessing Zwane, a wildlife biology research assistant, drives me along bumpy dirt trails through the rugged hills of Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in South Africa. Rhino mothers and their calves graze alongside zebras; wildebeests, elephants and giraffes mingle on the grasslands; and grizzled Cape buffaloes block the trail, glaring at us before ambling off in their own sweet time. The park, in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa, was once the heartland of the Zulu kingdom and has some of the greatest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. But we pass the animals here with barely a glance. We're on the trail of one of the continent's most endangered carnivores—the wild dog.

Members of the canid family, which includes jackals, wolves and domestic dogs, the wild dog is a distinct species, Lycaon pictus, or "painted wolf." Wild dogs once roamed most of sub-Saharan Africa by the hundreds of thousands, but today there are fewer than 5,000. They're victims of habitat loss, which has both reduced their food supply and put them increasingly at odds with lions and hyenas, their natural enemies. Moreover, people have long slaughtered wild dogs, partly because the animals have been known to attack livestock but also, apparently, because of their fearsome reputation; they kill prey with such bloody ruthlessness that some farmers, I'm told, still refer to the animal as "the Devil's dog." Today wild dogs inhabit less than 50 protected national parks and private game reserves in southern and eastern Africa, where the roughly three million-year-old species is making what amounts to a last stand.

"Wild dogs are much better hunters than even lions and leopards," says Zwane, a Zulu who assists on a wild dog research project run by the Smithsonian Institution's National Zoo, as we bounce along in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi's late afternoon sun. "Once they target prey, it rarely escapes." The claim is arguable—cheetahs, lions, leopards and hyenas are also superb hunters—but, as if to prove Zwane right, a herd of about 30 impala, led by a big buck, dashes past us heading for thick bush, their eyes wide. He beams. Moments later, two of the most extraordinary creatures I have ever seen run by in pursuit of the impalas. They resemble wiry, muscular dogs, but have long, slender, supermodel legs; broad heads and massive jaws; bushy white-tipped tails; and comical Mickey Mouse-shaped ears. Their sinuous bodies are splashed with dark brown, gold, white and black splotches, like camouflage suits.

Why Do Muslims Dislike Dogs?: Distressing Facts

Muslims don't like dogs? Many of them don't.

As a non-Muslim, I find this attitude shocking and hard to understand. I found this out about six months ago chatting with some Muslims on an international forum. Somehow the subject of dogs came up. What I heard from them was that dogs are dirty, angels never enter a house with a dog, black dogs are evil, and Allah will penalize you for owning a dog. This news was so distressing I had to research further, and this article is the result of that.

In the Islamic religion they have the Quran that can be compared to the Christian Bible. There are also the Hadiths, which are supposed to be a supplementation for the quran. The Quran is to be considered the word of Allah, whereas the hadith is to be considered the word of Muhammad. Hadiths started being written hundreds of years after Muhammad's death. I find it interesting that the hadiths with negativity towards dogs, directly contradicts the teachings of the quran.

Dogs in Quran



In the Name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful (Dogs in Quran)



Dogs in the Quran ?? Are'nt they dirty (Najis) ?!!!!!


I heard this from a Muslim friend. So I told him to read the Quran and find what Quran says about dogs. It is interesting to know that dogs are mentioned in the Quran 5 times, not just once, 7:176, 18:18, 18:22 (three times). NO WHERE does God call the dogs dirty animals or give any indication that they should be avoided or treated the way many Muslims think they should. Actually the story of the people of the cave, in Sura 18, gives the indication. that we should appreciate.

The people of the cave, 3, 5 or 7 were mentioned in the Quran and every time God insists on letting us know that their dog was there with them. Their story can be as complete without the mention of the dog, but God did, Why ?

12/27/12

scientists prove dogs are better than cats

For those cynics amongst you who dare to doubt my clinical objectivity, here are the results of an independent study published in New Scientist Magazine. Cat fanciers prepare to choke on your fur-balls…

THE world is divided into “dog people” and “cat people”, each passionately believing that their preferred pet is superior. Until a decade ago, there was very little scientific evidence either camp could muster to support its claims. Then animal behaviourists became interested in dogs and unleashed a pack of ingenious experiments testing canine capabilities and cognition. Recently, researchers have started doing similar work with cats. Could it be time for that showdown?There are obvious pitfalls in trying to use science to resolve this perennial dispute. Every pet-owner knows their furry family member is special – a unique being with its own talents and foibles. Yet scientific research tends to look at species as a whole and deals in averages and trends when attempting to quantify their characteristics. Then there is the thorny issue of comparing two very different animals. Some might argue that the whole venture is doomed to failure, but here at New Scientist we like a challenge. So we have pitted cats against dogs in 11 categories. It’s a winner-take-all competition with “best in show” being awarded to the pet that prevails in the most categories. Let the fur fly…


1. BRAINS


At 64 grams, the average dog brain is far bigger than its feline equivalent, which weighs in at a mere 25 grams. But then the average dog is much heavier than the average cat. If instead you measure brain mass as a percentage of body mass, cats win by a whisker.

Felophiles should not gloat yet. In general, smaller mammals have slightly larger brains relative to their body size than bigger ones. This means cats’ brains are exactly the mass you would expect for their size, whereas dogs have slightly more upstairs than you would predict.

12/13/12

How to Find a Responsible Dog Breeder

If you've checked shelters and rescue groups and still haven't found "the one," here's what to do

The Humane Society of the United States

So, you've decided to get a dog. You're prepared to feed, exercise, train, clean up after, work through problems with, and love a dog every day for the next 10 to 20 years.

You've evaluated your lifestyle and know exactly what sort of dog you're looking for (e.g., a high energy dog to go running with, or a more sedate dog to lounge on the couch with), and you know that you need to seek out your desired characteristics in an individual dog, not a breed, because a breed is no guarantee of temperament or likes and dislikes.

Start at a shelter or rescue group

dog
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