We begin this week’s “RUFF TAILS” featuring a beautiful 14-month-old pure bred Golden Retriever named Willow.
I came from Golden Goose Farm in New Jersey. Mom says true to my golden retriever nature I am a “five-star LOVE dog”. I love every human and every dog I meet. If you are in my path, then I must meet you. LOL.
I love playing fetch and receiving big cuddles. Mom says when you come to the door, I will bring you a gift of a shoe or a stuffed animal.
Mom says I have made the whole family so happy since I joined them a year ago.
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K9 CORNER WITH PAUL CAISSIE
I have many clients who have asked me this specific question. Can a dog be changed of a particular behaviour?
The simple answer is “NO”. For example, our dog Jaxon, developed a behaviour, as a puppy, and never outgrew it. He has coprophagia, (eats poop) which can be associated to a medical issue, but is a particular common behaviour in a lot of K9’s. We manage this behaviour, as it is not medical. In training, you can manage the dog and its behaviours for a better life with you. The human must be committed to train and invest time in the process. If this occurs the pack leadership, direction and bond is solidified and the K9 will understand and follow with pack harmony.
This then creates the pack love and understanding between human and dog that establishes good behaviour and obedience.
There are many fabulous dog owners out there that do commit to cost invested training and spend the time it takes to build the K9 bond. It is worth it.
In my professional opinion any dog over any training process can be rehabilitated unless there is a medical condition that prevents it.
Welcome to Doggie Dialogue
As we covered in last week’s blog the importance of vaccinating your dog against rabies, this is true with the hepatitis and parvovirus vaccinations as well. (Most important for puppies) These vaccinations help your dog live a healthy and longer life.
All vaccines are not the same, and some “shots” will depend on the needs of your dog, depending on their age, lifestyle, and location on where they live.
Reactions to a vaccine are uncommon but do happen. Symptoms from a vaccine could be the following, your dog seems sluggish, lethargic, or may develop a fever. These symptoms tend to disappear a day or two after your K9 receives their vaccine.
However, there are some K9’s that have serious reactions to different types of vaccinations. Some dogs may show signs of shock or anaphylaxis. Signs of shock can be the following, your dog may experience low blood pressure, slow heart rate, and generalized weakness.
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction, signs are usually vomiting, diarrhea, hives, and possible facial swelling. You must take your dog to the vet immediately or to an emergency veterinary clinic.
Treatment from adverse reaction resulting from the vaccination can be reversed with proper treatment. Treatment for serious reaction will require epinephrine, intravenous fluids, and possibly cortisone.
Your vet will keep record of this reaction in their files to ensure there is no repeat. Some vets may recommend spreading out the doses, as needed.
It is important to remember that the risk of having a serious reaction to a vaccine is very low for most dogs.