An Interesting Sport To Consider For Your Dog

Dog Tracking
There are many attributes of your dog that go unnoticed and completely forgotten about.  Hey it’s easy to do, considering most people have dogs strictly for companionship.  However, you have to remember that these animals have a long ancestry which, depending upon the type of dog breed he is, has underlying qualities and desires that you may find interesting to explore.

One such characteristic would be a dog’s natural ability to catch a scent and then track that scent in order to hunt down and find the prey. Many dogs were specifically bred to track game of all sizes, however, every dog has this capability to some degree.  In other words, if your dog has a nose, then he has the ability to track.

But you already knew this to some degree.  Recall the last walk you are on with your pooch, his nose was probably going crazy at every corner and at every vertical object.  You’ve seen him nose the ground every chance possible and even sniff the air catching the scent of something, or someone.

Tracking Is A Sport

There is even a widely practiced dog sport that has dogs compete in the art of tracking.  This sport takes advantage of these animals’ natural ability to pick up on a scent and follow the trail to a particular object, terrain, or person. There are different levels which presents greater challenges such as additional turns in the terrain, a longer track, and even multiple objects to find.

The interesting aspect of tracking competition is that while in most other dog sports, like obedience or agility competitions where people are in charge, tracking competitions have the dog leading the way. The dog as a harness attached to him with a 30 foot leash which his handler will follow as he hunts down the trail. Some dogs take their time and are very meticulous, while others confidently track their scent at a fast pace.

When a test is given, each dog will receive their own track. There are two judges who are then assigned to follow each particular dog handler team.  In order to put on such a test, it takes quite a bit of land and the operation is very labor intensive. This means that not every dog off the street can enter and compete.  They must have certification on tracking abilities before even entering a particular level of competition.

Practicing Good Dog Owner Etiquette While At The Dog Park

Taking your dog to a dog park where he can roam free and socialize with other dogs is beneficial to both your pet as well as your peace of mind knowing that you are providing your companion with a high level of socialization. For example, in the city of San Diego there are two locations near the beach which offer a designated dog park which is a fenced in environment, in addition to a “dog beach” which is a section on the shore totally set up for dogs to roam free off leash.

Needless to say, the animals must also be accompanied with their owners, obviously.  However, there are a few aspects and responsibilities of bringing your dog to such an environment that you must consider.  Too many people make the mistake of letting their animals run free and completely disconnecting from the entire time their dogs are out socializing.  By sitting on a bench in waiting until it’s time to go home, you are potentially missing out on maintaining obedience etiquette with your dogs.

What does all this mean? I’m simply referring to the fact that your dog may cause several problems that you may not be aware of my leaving him alone at the dog park without any interaction from you.  Below are a few ways that you can ensure your pet’s safety and fun while at the dog park, in addition to keeping him under control and obeying your commands.

1. Leash your dog every now and again and walk him outside of the fenced enclosure. Initiate the basic commands that he is used to such is sit or stay. Be sure to reward the dog and then allow him to return to his fun. By practicing this activity you are letting him be reminded that obedience is still an important rule even though he is in the middle of doggie heaven.

2. While he is out running around with other packs of dogs, occasionally walk out and call him by name.  Have him follow you for a quick petting before returning him to his games.  This accomplishes two things: you are reminding him that you are still the leader and you are also letting other dominant dogs see that you have territory over your dog, thus preventing dominance aggression from other animals.

3. Always keep a close eye on your dog and be quick to avoid situations that may lead to unwanted behaviors.  Be careful to look out for mounting, intense staring, or aggressive body language between two or more dogs. Watch out to make sure your dog does not suddenly lie on his back, tail tucked in, and possibly start urinating.  This is a sign that your dog is completely overwhelmed and in fear.  This happens all too often when groups of dogs get together at these parks and by nature, root out the submissive ones.

Do Dogs & Cats Have Emotions?

Animal behaviorists have always been fascinated about studying whether or not dogs and other animals have emotions. While some researchers conduct ongoing studies to find scientific evidence, regular folks like you and I could answer that question immediately with a resounding “Yes!”

Having been around dogs and other animals all of my life I can tell you that these lovable companions have emotions just like you and I.  All you have to do is look at them, watch them, and listen.  Watch their faces change expression and their tail and body showing signs of communication in connection with people and other animals. Common sense can clearly show that what a dog displays on the outside tells an enormous amount of information of what’s going on inside.

Most animal behaviorists start their research with the thought of what it would be like to be a dog.  Skepticism is the initial drive which these men and women spark their research with.  They wonder if dogs and other animals actually “feel” anything inside.  As you can probably guess, since you cannot place an emotion under a microscope, most scientists dismiss the idea.

However, as time goes on, more and more people are becoming less skeptical about the idea of dogs and other animals having emotions. For example, there are scientific journals that are considered prestigious publications who have reported such findings as rats experiencing joy, mice that have empathy, and elephants which feel grief. Now with this information is clearly founded that yes, your dog and mine, has emotions.

Now the big question is, why? Why have emotions evolved in certain species as adaptation tools to their environment? The answer could be in the possibility that these emotions have evolved to become somewhat of a “social sticky” which glues the bond between animals and each other for a variety of social reasons.

Interesting Examples

We know that emotions allow animals to be flexible and adaptable to there behavior through a variety of venues. An interesting study has reported that mice are empathetic, yet they’re also fun loving. Other reports show that iguanas seek pleasure, baboons become angry, and elephants – surprisingly enough – have flashbacks and post traumatic stress disorder. That’s not all, we have reports that fish are sentient and that otters show affection as well as grief.

Many researchers also concluded that animals which are living as companions to humans, especially dogs, can develop specific emotions due to our relationship with them.  There are quite a few common emotional traits that are shared by both dogs and people alike

Holly – Minskin

Cat Breed: Minskin

Motto: who cares

See my full profile >

Kuan Li – Unknown

Cat Breed: Unknown

Motto: where’s my breakfast????

See my full profile >

RIVER – Domestic Medium Hair

Cat Breed: Domestic Medium Hair

Motto: Leave me alone, unless I want attention.

See my full profile >

Simon – Ragdoll

Cat Breed: Ragdoll

Motto: meow

See my full profile >

Lambert – Labrador Retriever

Dog Breed: Labrador Retriever

Motto: I’m the Man of the House!!!

See my full profile >

Sophie – Chihuahua

Dog Breed: Chihuahua

Motto:

See my full profile >

lira – Finnish Spitz

Dog Breed: Finnish Spitz

Motto: bow wow

See my full profile >

Next Page »