Chaser the Border Collie - The Smartest Dog in the World?

Chaser the border collie has the largest human vocabulary of any dog, recognizing the names of more than 1,000 objects. Chaser leaps ahead of the previous record holder, another border collie named Rico, who knew 200 human words. The dog's vocabulary nearly puts her on intellectual par with three-year-old human children.

As part of a three-year training course at Wofford College, taught by psychologists Alliston Reid and John Pilley, Chaser was introduced to the names of 1,022 toys.

The dog still has a ways to go before he can compete with Guinness World Records breaking bird, a budgerigar named Puck, who in 1995 knew 1,728 words.

Check out the video.

Adopt A Pup at Peppermint Park - Union Township

Looking for a new best friend? Is it too sad to go to the shelter to look at the adoptable dogs? Want to introduce your dog to some new friends? Then plan to visit Peppermint Park Doggie Daycare from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, and Saturday, Jan. 22, to check out the Hamilton County SPCA Mobile Adoption Unit.

All dogs available for adoption through the SPCA are vaccinated, spayed/neutered, microchipped and are in good health. While you're there, take a look at Peppermint Park's indoor/outdoor play park and party area.

Peppermint Park Doggie Daycare is at 1284 Heitman Lane, just off Ohio 32 in Union Township. For more information, visit www.PeppermintParkddc.com or call 752-5046.

CPR Techniques To Help Your Dog

Pet safety and health is the number one concern as a responsible pet parent. However, accidents do happen and you need to be in an educated state to be able to literally save your dogs’ life. We have all heard about CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), which works for humans as well as pets. The techniques are a little different, though, since they are different types of creatures.

CPR works when someone’s heart and breathing have stopped. The thing is that it does not start a stopped heart; it is to keep the pet alive until the heart begins beating on its own or until a cardiac defibrillator can be used.

CPR on pets may not be very successful but at least it gives your pet a fighting chance until your veterinarian can provide the help you need. The ABC’s of CPR is airway, breathing and circulation in that order. If your dog is in distress, note the posture, if there is any bleeding, feces or vomit, and any breathing problems.

Be sure not to perform CPR if your dog is breathing or has a pulse. It is important to follow proper techniques if you are trying to save your pet with the use of CPR. For step by step instructions and a video go to -
http://www.petplace.com/dogs/cardiopulmonary-resuscitation-in-dogs-cpr/page1.aspx

Be a knowledgeable and observant pet parent and the life you save may be that of the precious pet that you love dearly.

For Vet assistance in the Greater Cincinnati area, you can check out:
http://www.petswelcome.com/ohio/cincinnati/

How To Educate Children With Pet Care

Pets are a great addition to a child's growing-up experience. Aside from learning about unconditional love, they also learn responsibility and respect. The following are some ways to teach your child to be a responsible and loving pet guardian.

1. Measure out the food portion yourself and have your child place it in the bowl and feed it to the pet. If it's an older child you can teach her how to measure out the food or exactly what to feed without under or overfeeding.

2. Tell your child to check periodically and make sure there is enough water in your pet's bowl.

3. Let your child assist you with bathing and grooming your pet. For instance, you could apply the shampoo and your child could scrub and help hold the pet. Your child can also help hold the pet during grooming and while you administer medication.

4. Teach your child how to play safely with your pet and to never be rough. Also show your child how to properly handle your pet, and if the child is old enough, how to properly pick the pet up if necessary.

5.Take your child shopping at the pet supply store and explain the differences between certain pet supplies and products. For instance, explain which toys are safe for dogs and why certain toys (such as rawhide) are not.

6. Have your child accompany you when walking the dog. If your child is old enough and your dog is easy enough to handle, show your child how to hold the leash and let him take a turn.

Hamilton County Holds Special Pet ID Day

State Fee Set To Increase In January

Hamilton County is trying to make it easy for pet owners to get new tags for their pets with special "Pet ID Days." On Sunday, the SPCA in Sharonville helped people register their pets and get a microchip identity tag. The $20 price tag included a free rabies shot.

Pet owners at the event said other vets charged as much as $100 for the service. Veterinarian Tamara Goforth said she is a big advocate of micro-chipping.

The device is placed under the pet's skin and is a permanent form of ID. County officials said that if people don't get their dogs licensed by Jan. 31, the cost will double.

That means the license will cost $38 instead of $19. The county will hold another special ID day on Dec. 19 at the SPCA's main adoption center in Sharonville.


Source: News 5 WLWT.com

Excessive Barking

Barking that is a behavior problem may result from one of several different issues. The key is to first identify the cause of the barking and then to change your dog’s triggers. I recently read this helpful article from Purina with some barking tips for dogs.

Loneliness Barking

When loneliness is the cause of incessant barking, giving your dog more attention may solve the problem. In a family situation, encourage family members to take turns playing with your dog and taking him for walks. When he is left alone, provide toys for him to amuse himself.

Sometimes more attention won’t solve the problem. If your dog has developed a habit of barking, place some pennies in a can and tape it shut. When he barks, shake the can near him and say “quiet” in a firm voice. The purpose of shaking the can is to startle him. If the barking resumes, shake the can again and say “quiet.” Keep the can away from him so he does not consider it a toy. As your dog catches on, your verbal command “quiet” should stop the barking.

If the can does not work, use a squirt bottle to squirt your dog’s legs and back accompanied by a firm “quiet” command.

Please remember, any action to deter your dog from barking must be made while he is barking. After-the-fact corrective action only confuses him. Use a strong, firm voice. Avoid yelling.

Separation Anxiety Barking

Dogs housed inside who are left alone may suffer from separation anxiety. And this may lead to excessive barking. The ideal way to prevent this problem is to train a puppy to be left alone. This can be done while crate training your puppy. Teaching your puppy to stay calm and relax in his crate will teach him to stay calm when left alone later in life. Adult dogs can also be trained to be crated, but this usually requires more time.

Territorial Barking

Some dogs bark to protect their territory and a “bark/reward” cycle may be established. A dog who barks at a letter carrier when the mail is delivered is “rewarded” when the letter carrier leaves. This bark/reward may lead him to bark at other service people, neighbors and passersby. If possible, introduce your dog to people who come to the home regularly. Short conversations with delivery or service people, with your dog present, may solve the problem.

Another solution is a firm “no” or “quiet” when your dog begins barking. If he responds by being quiet, praise him briefly. Remember, you have to be present when he is barking to give the “quiet” command.

Other Barking Behaviors

Often a dog will bark in an invitation to play. This is accompanied by body language -- tail-wagging or crouching with the head lowered and hindquarters raised. Barking usually stops when play begins or the invitation goes unanswered.

Sometimes pain or illness triggers barking. If a well-behaved dog in his usual environment begins barking or creating other forms of vocalization, a trip to the veterinarian may be in order.

A final thought

As with all aspects of behavior training, consistency is the key to success. Enlisting the cooperation of every family member is important in controlling your dog's barking, and in all other aspects of training. Verbal commands and expectations for your dog's behavior must be consistent if you are to be effective.

Source: Purina.com

Tips To Keep Cats and Dogs Out of Chewing Catastrophes

Dogs and cats will eat just about anything, and can end up on the surgeons table to have items removed. The American Kennel Club and Cat Fanciers Association offer these tips to keep your pet from digesting dangerous items.

* Prevention. You can avoid a trip to the emergency room all together by taking some extra time to pet-proof your house. Make sure the garbage is secured, food is kept out of reach, and put clothes, shoes, and toys away. Watch out for tinsel from your Christmas tree, beads, and buttons as well—these items are small enough for your cat to swallow.

* Provide an alternative. If you give your pet his own toys, then electrical cords and socks may not seem as appealing. Make sure to give your furry friend chew toys that are large enough so they can't be swallowed, and make them easily accessible for him.

* Supervision. You should always try and supervise your dog and cat during playtime. You can avoid serious injury and sky-high vet bills if you are watching your pets and can take quick action when you notice something is wrong.

* Regular exercise is important. Try and schedule regular exercise for your dog and cat. Well-exercised pets tend to get into less trouble.

Source: Paw Print Post by Janice Lloyd