Dog tips to watch for

IF your dog gets badly hurt and injured you should rub firmly the very tip of his tail (the bone part), the rubbing will release endorphins which act like a morphine injection and will give your dog some pain relief until you can get him to the vets or other area with medical assistance.

Cover his eyes and ears at the same time as you transport him and this will settle all his senses and will also help give him relief

Watch when two dogs meet. They shake hands in their own way just as we do. While we use the touch system by shaking the other person’s hand, the dog uses his olfactory system by scenting the other dog out, particularly in the nether regions. This form of communication between two or more dogs is total and they are getting every piece of information they require from that dog, by what they smell. Is it a bitch, is it an entire dog, has it been neutered? All will be told in this initial meet and greet. It will also watch for Calming Signals (another issue) of great importance which can be covered at a later time.

Watch your dog sniff around before it goes to the toilet. Is it looking for a good spot to go? Is it making enquiries as to who else has used this area as a toilet? Why do many dogs scratch the ground after going to the toilet? Are they spreading their scent further around? Are they marking territory? I’ve been here, I own this spot.” If they want to claim a particular area, they will most likely spread their urine over the top of any existing urine in the area. They could be declaring to all and sundry – this is mine. I am bigger and stronger than you who have been here before me. Don’t challenge me.