Dogs are pack animals. We have heard that many times from many experts. Have we ever stopped to think about what that means? If dogs are pack animals then what does that mean about them and how they are hard wired? As pack animals, how do they think and operate? What is normal, healthy behavior? What is the best way to set them up to win with us and in our homes? Perhaps if more people knew they would understand how to take better care of their canine companions emotionally as well as physically.

When an animal is a pack animal it means it is used to cooperating within a group in order to survive. Pack animals learn to work together for the greater good of all its members. That isn’t to say that there aren’t competitions and rivals and members jockeying for a higher status within the pack. It simply means pack animals live by “the strength in numbers” approach to survival, as most animals in the wild do.

Pack animals, such as dogs, need to know where they rank in their pack or family unit. Believe it or not, all the dogs in a pack don’t want to be the alpha dog. The most stressed out dog in the pack is the alpha dog because that dog is responsible for the safety and wellbeing of its pack. They are constantly on guard for danger and looking for food. They are never able to let down their guard completely because not only do they have to provide for and protect their pack, they also have to keep all its members in line and deal with the young hot shots who dare to challenge their position of dominance. It’s not easy being the top dog. It is a lot of work and responsibility. The rest of the pack members can relax and respond when called. They don’t have to be on constant alert. When we provide strong assertive leadership to our dogs at home, it enables them to relax and enjoy their lives as pack members more. When we assure them that we are protecting and providing for them, they can relax and enjoy life more. It relieves them of stress.

As pack animals, dogs are very social. They are used to living with other dogs and being part of a community. They instinctively know they have to conform and live by the rules of their pack in order to survive. They must know their place in their pack. That is very important to dogs. They don’t all have to be top dog. They just need to know where they stand in the hierarchy of the pack.

When dogs are sick and weak they are banished from a pack. Seems harsh and brutal and sometimes it is if you observe nature. Nature’s law is survival of the fittest. Otherwise, one weak or sick dog could jeopardize the health and safety of the rest of the pack as a whole. That is why dogs will try to hide when they are sick or hurt. They can’t talk to us to tell us they don’t feel good and they probably wouldn’t if they could anyway because it is against their survival instincts. Act like you are strong and healthy so you don’t get challenged, attacked or banished to solitude. That is a dog’s motto. Solitude is death for a dog!

That’s why two dogs are happier and healthier than one. Dogs get lonely when they are left alone all day. It isn’t natural for them. It is very sad to see a lonely dog that lives all by itself in the back yard all day and night. That is a very sad, lonely dog that isn’t even being included as part of his own pack. He is excluded and left out of the shelter, meals, love, companionship and pack activities. He has been banished and is probably very needy for love and attention. His status in his pack is very low. If you can’t include your dog as a family member in your home, then don’t get one. Dogs need companionship. If you believe dogs are meant to be outside then at least get our one lonely dog a companion pack mate to keep it company in your yard.

People often think that having more than one dog is more work and wear and tear on their home. Yes, there is twice as much food to buy and feed them, twice as much pet waste to clean up and vet bills too. But, they keep each other company, happy and socialized. So, there is less guilt and concern about leaving one dog alone all day in the yard. Two dogs are always happier than one, unless there are special circumstances and behavioral problems, like aggressive dogs. For the most part, since dogs are social, pack animals please either include then in your family as a member or at the very least get them a litter mate to keep them company, happy and socialized. Two dogs are better than one for each other and for you too because they provide twice as much unconditional love and fun than only one dog would! Be a strong, assertive, loving pack leader and you could provide a home for your own small pack of pups, at least two, instead of one.

Deborah Brightstar-The Doggie Diva, owns and operates Doggie Diva Pet Care, LLC, a licensed, bonded and insured, pet sitting company in Tucson, AZ. She customizes her service with a, “We take care of your pets and home as if they were our own!” approach; providing the highest quality of care and service to all of her clients. Deborah’s intention is to exceed her clients’ expectations with proactive communication and tending to thoughtful extra details that show she cares.

She shares her active, creative and fun-filled life and heart full of love with her two rescued greyhounds Kali and Dora and the love-of-her-life, Pepper, her English Springer Spaniel and Pet Therapy partner. In her spare time, she enjoys, yoga, meditating, reading, writing, hiking, wine tasting and traveling. For more information, visit her website at http://www.doggiedivapetcare.com or follow her at http://www.twitter.com/doggiedivaDeb.

Dogs being as curious as they are chew anything and everything. And sometimes just like children, something goes down the wrong pipe. If your dogs choking the first thing you will notice is your dog becoming very panicky and trying to remove the obstruction with their paws. You will know immediately this not a dog sneezing, or kennel cough in dogs. Bluish or cyanotic gums or tongue is an indicator that something is blocking the airway, much different from other dog health problems.

A dog choking is considered an emergency situation and should be treated as quickly as possible. First thing you should do is look inside your dog’s mouth to see if there is something you will be able to remove manually. Keeping in mind bones, rawhide and many other natural treats can splinter and if they are allowing air to pass have a vet remove it. A splintered bone can have sharp edges that can tear the soft tissue so do not try to remove them yourself.

For a blockage not visible, you will treat it almost the same as if a person is choking. Using the Heimlich maneuver clasp your hands around your dog’s waist, squeeze, and at the same time push the abdomen upward in a rapid sharp motion. Repeat as often as necessary to dislodge the object. If you are unable to dislodge the object and your dog becomes unresponsive, AR artificial respiration is needed. Hold the snout keeping the jaws shut and begin respiration through the nose. Make sure the chest is rising so you know air is getting into the lungs.

Always keep in mind even though this may be your best friend, a dog in distress can attack out of fear so always be careful. Knowing first aid, the Heimlich maneuver, and CPR can possibly save your pets life one day. Have everyone in the house should review these important life saving techniques from time to time. When seconds save lives, you really don’t want to have to Google something this important when your pet is in distress.

Seann Sackett

This article was written by Seann Sackett, he a dog expert and co founder of DoggyHigh.com a Dog community site.

All too often we let our emotions get the best of us, when it comes to deciding on the when to get a new puppy or dog. There are right and wrong times. More often than not, impulsive decisions frequently lead to regretful and sometimes grave results.

Adding a puppy or dog to your household requires serious thought and candid thought to at least seven questions. Before making a decision that will affect not only your life, but also that of the animal, you must first ask yourself, and then discuss with other members of the family these questions.

1. Are we financially prepared to assume the responsibilities of adding a puppy or dog to our current budget? Costs definitely include food, supplies such as crate, collar, leash, toys, grooming equipment, and inoculations; which must be done regularly or replaced as needed. Then there is the obligatory spay or neuter expense every responsible dog owner willing faces. Also, equate into your financial responsibilities, the inevitable unforeseen medical expenses and perhaps replacing a few destroyed items here and there. Finally, depending on the breed, there may be professional grooming expenses.

2. What is our lifestyle? This question is vitally important when deciding on a breed. Just because the neighbors have a wonderful “whatever,” you must take into account if that is the perfect breed for your family and lifestyle. Determine, are we an active family looking for an active dog? Do we plan to include our dog in our activities or will they be left at home? Or, are we a more laid back, not so active family, which would welcome a more laid back breed? Also, consider are there now or will there be a new infant, toddler, children under five years of age or elderly relative living in your home? If the answer any of those is yes, you have a lot to consider. Puppies, untrained, high-energy and larger breeds can be more difficult to handle. Puppies require a lot of attention and supervision. Without meaning to, any of the above may knock over and injure an infant, toddler, small child or elderly person. Perhaps an older or well-trained dog may be a wise choice.

3. Does anyone in our family have health issues? Allergies are one of the most common reasons why puppies and dogs are surrendered to rescues and shelters or abandoned. Before getting the pet, make sure there are no allergies!

4. Who will be the principal caregiver? Too often one person typically gets trapped in that thankless, unappreciated spot. They are the one that ends up making sure the animal is at least fed, watered, walked, cleaned up after, groomed, and exercised. Are YOU willing to assume that responsibility without resentment? If not, do not get a dog!

5. Do we have permission to have a dog? If you are a tenant, is your landlord willing to put into writing, they have given you permission to have a dog in THEIR house or apartment? Another of the uppermost reasons animals are surrendered or abandoned!

6. Do we have the time and are we committed to spend it with the new addition? At a minimum, they require 2 to 4 hours per day for socialization, walks, exercise, grooming, and training. Will they be kennel or crate for more than 6 hours a day? If the answer is yes, are you willing to make arrangements for a dog walker or doggie daycare? Remember, if no one is home all day, your dog’s day starts the minute they hear the key in the lock. Will you be too tired to give it the attention it needs when you get home? Are you prepared to make the commitment of time, to appropriately train and exercise your pet, BEFORE they develop serious behavioral problems? If not, are you willing to seek professional assistance in adequately training your pet?

7. Do we have experience and the patience needed to live with a puppy? It is perfectly normal for a puppy to be high energy and possibly destructive. Are you willing to calmly deal with that stage of their development? Are you aware and prepared to assume the alpha role? The housetraining and chewing stage is not an easy time for many pets and owners. It is stressful for both! If you are unable to housetrain or deter your dog from chewing, are you willing to seek help from a professional trainer before giving up on your pet? The same holds true for adult dogs of particular high-energy breeds. If not properly trained and exercised, there will be serious behavioral issues! Are you prepared for them?

Bottom line: If you have truthfully answered yes to the seven questions, this could be the right time. You are now prepared to make an informed decision that will change your life and theirs in a committed happy, healthy, and forever loving way. Stay away from pet stores! Most likely those puppies are from dreadful puppy mills. Their breeding is uncertain. Generally, the health of their puppy is less than perfect. If you have a specific breed in mind, do your homework and find a reputable breeder. It makes an enormous difference. If your priority is to save a puppy or dog’s life; your new best friend is waiting for you at a local rescue or shelter.

Karen A. Soukiasian, GOOD DOG! – DOG TRAINING and BED-n-BISCUITS dog boarding and training – Owner/Trainer, St. Augustine, Florida – AKC CANINE GOOD CITIZEN and S.T.A.R. PUPPY Evaluator
http://www.freewebs.com/gooddogsite
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