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Helping Your Dog Understand Communication

An open line of communication between owner and dog does not always ensure that the messages sent will be received correctly. A common instance in which unintentional messages are sent to a dog is during a fearful episode. The dog encounters a frightening object, event, or person and displays a variety of fear reactions, which may include shaking, barking, and backing away. The owner then sends out messages to comfort and assure the dog that there is no reason to be fearful.

These messages are highly potent as the owner lovingly strokes the dog and commiserates with a cross between baby talk and sincere empathy, “It’s okay, no one will hurt you.” The message the owner intends to send to the dog is the information that the situation is not threatening. The message the dog receives through the stroking and baby talk is that acting and being fearful is rewarding and pleasing to the owner.

Being consoled and stroked overshadows any information the dog could receive from the environment should he be allowed to remain in the situation without any intervention. Furthermore, the dog is reinforced for exhibiting fearful behavior by the pleasure of being stroked and consoled. Avoid the strong temptation to lovingly comfort the fearful dog lest he learn to act frightened for subsequent reinforcement.

Helping Your Blind Dog Around The House

Dogs can adjust to blindness and poor eyesight with very little difficulty. Their senses of hearing and smell begin to function as directional indicators, even though they may occasionally bump into table and chair legs or stumble over objects.

The following steps may help a blind pet find his way about the house and yard more easily.

1. Mark upright obstacles, such as chair legs and door jambs, with a light-scented cologne, spray or other scented substance. This helps the dog identify perpendicular objects.

2. Use a different scent on the floor about 6 inches from steps or similar obstacles. Use a light scent to avoid the buildup of odors around the house, which has been the only owner complaint about this method.

3. Wear a small bell or a bracelet that jingles. Visitors can also be equipped with such jewelry. This allows the dog to follow his owner’s movements more easily.

Sightless dogs adjust well to the problem, with little trouble to the owners. The suggestions above have been helpful in cases where the owner feels the need to do something to make the adjustment a little less difficult for the dog.

Older blind dogs may be handicapped, but they should be treated, as far as possible, as if they were normal. This means using the earned-petting routine regularly and performing obedience routines learned before the onset of blindness.

Helping The Mother Dog Give Birth

Sometimes you may have to assist the mother while she is giving birth. Puppies are usually delivered head first in a diving position while some are born tail and hind legs first. If the mother is having a hard time with the delivery, you can help her by gently pulling out the exposed puppy as she restrains. However, if only the legs are out, call the vet immediately for advice. If the mother does not lick the newborn puppy, you will need to remove the membrane from his face and clear the fluid from his nose and mouth. Rub the newborn puppy vigorously with a towel in order to stimulate his first breath. Do not handle the newborn puppy more than what is necessary.

Helping a weak puppy after delivery

Once the puppy has been cleaned, check to make sure that he is breathing properly. If he looks normal but appears weak or lifeless, gently but firmly massage him with a towel, particularly around the head and the chest. A puppy that stays in the birth canal for a long period of time results in a lack of oxygen to the brain.

If he is still not breathing after you are finished rubbing him with a towel, suspend him by his hind legs for a few seconds to allow the fluids to drain from the air passages. Gently shake him while keeping a secure grip on his hind legs. This should stimulate him to start breathing. Once the puppy is breathing, keep him warm and comfortable by wrapping him in a towel until the mother has finished giving birth. When the whelping has finished, show the weak puppy to his mother and make sure that he finds a productive nipple. Observe him for a few days to ensure that he is not bullied by stronger puppies in the litter.

The mother normally chews through the umbilical cord. If she does not, you can tie off the cord using a thread about 2 inches from the puppy’s belly and then cut it on the opposite side of the knot, away from the puppy. Be very careful when doing this and do not pull on the umbilical cord.

Sometimes the mother may reject the puppy if it is taken away. In this case, bring the puppy to her and allow her to lick him and then place him where he can suckle.