Merry Murphy Pet Sitters

We Humanize Our Dogs-So What?

Very often you hear Cesar Milan "chastising" a dog owner for treating his dog like a human.  I guess we do that a lot.  No doubt we are to blame for a lot of our dog's misbehavior-such as the owner that unknowingly reinforces the aggressive behavior of a biting little chihuahua.

We also know that dogs are pack animals and need a leader.  We have all seen the dog owner who lets their dog take over as the alpha dog of the home.  But this characteristic goes for humans as well.  We all need leaders and rules.  Many of us "run in packs" as well- perhaps in just  a more sophisticated way.  So this complicated relationship between man and his dog is perplexing to us just as our other relationships with people.  We project onto our dogs just as we do with the people in our lives.

As time goes on, new theories will emerge on the relationship between man and his dog, and new training methods will come to the forefront as a result.  It is my opinion that we can't but help to humanize our beloved companions.  I will always think my dog understands when I am sick, and acts accordingly.

Having a pet in my life is fantastic, even if I give my dog credit for amazing feats he might not even realize he has accomplished.  I am sure it works the other way too!

Dogs Prefer Their Water Via Toilette

Dogs don't realize that we humans find it disgusting when they drink fresh water from a home toilet.  Still it is their drink of choice.  Even kitty likes the coolness of the lavatory, and porcelain is the dog or cats preferred material when it comes to drinking water in a nice cool basin.  That is, they prefer a deep porcelain bowl that maintains cold to cool aerated water, better known as the toilet,commode,or some other French word.  They know from just sniffing the water bowl whether or not you have lately provided fresh water.  Dogs do not like the taste of water that has stagnated and picked up the taste of plastic,etc.  In this case, your dog may turn to the toilet.  Your cat may run away from home.

Don't fret if you find your dog or cat does indeed prefer to drink his water from a commode. It is nothing to be ashamed of; it happens to the best of us!  Simply keep the toilet lid closed (though some dogs have learned to open the lid), or just keep the bathroom door closed.   If chemicals are maintained in your toilet water, it is a necessity to close the bathroom door...  Another solution, to keep your dog or cat from drinking toilet water, is to buy a porcelain or ceramic drinking bowl.  The key to a ceramic bowl is to keep the water fresh and to drop in a few ice cubes.  As for felines, a few people are known to provide champaigne glasses in their bathrooms for the cat's drinking water-yet they know they had better keep the water fresh!  

It is good that humans have come so far in figuring out the mystery of the dogs preference for drinking water from a toilet.  We face complex decisions ourselves in deciding what is the best way to drink our own water.  There are even people who could be described as "water snobs".  There is the current trend to drink tap water, filtered tap water,commercial filtered tap water, and mineral water from deep inside the earth that has never seen the light of day in thousands of years. To be sure, each viewpoint and prefernce maintains its own drinking snobs.  So dogs too have their preferences...clean fresh water!

 

When Older Dogs Reveal Separation Anxiety

Often we simply think of the "rescued dog" when dealing with a dog's separation anxiety, but what about when it happens to your older dog after many years of never having shown any symptoms of this behavior?

We have known for sometime that as our dogs and cats grow older, they have a decreased neurological ability to adjust to any changes in routine.  Severe changes in routine might be bringing in a "new" pet to the family.  If the dog has been use to having the "alpha" lead, he isn't as physically strong,or has decreased vision and hearing, we might begin to see instances of "separation anxiety."

Anyone who has experienced this behavior with their pet knows how trying it is to deal with the issue, but our patience will be the only cure along with practical points made by Holly Nash D.V.M.

Here are some of Nash's recommendations for Separation Anxiety:

• Do not make a big deal about leaving or coming home - that simply reinforces the behavior.

• Start with very short departures. Determine how long you can leave your dog before he gets anxious. It may be only 10 seconds, so start there.

• Associate your departure with something good. As you leave, give your dog a hollow toy such as a 'Kong' filled with a wonderful treat. This may take his mind off of you leaving.

• Break up the dog's day. If you are gone for extended periods during the day, you may want to think about having someone come in during the day to let your dog out and give him some exercise. Older dogs, especially, may need to go outside more often to urinate and defecate. Giving them this opportunity may decrease their anxiety.

• Crate your dog.

Anti-anxiety medications are often needed to break the cycle of separation anxiety. That of course means working with your vet if the behavior mod techniques need fine tuning.

Keeping as many stress factors out of your dog's life is needed when they reach their senior years. True, they need to adjust to a reasonable point, but let's do what we can to help them really enjoy each and every year.

Call Merry Murphy Pet Sitters for all your pet sitting needs in Charlotte at 704-246-4148.

Pet Sitter Needed if Dog Alone for Long Hours

One of the most socialized of animals is left alone for many hours, and in many cases...too long.  While crates are great for training,the crate should be a training tool. All dogs need a break around noon if you are working a typical 8 hour day.  If you can not come home at lunch to visit a few minutes with your dog and give it a potty break, contact a pet sitter. Dog walkers and pet sitters have affordable rates, and will most likely give a good discount for ongoing services.

Over the years,we have seen an increase with pet ownership in cities. This has meant having a desire for pet companionship in areas not traditionally suitable for the dog who needs plenty of exercise.  Most pet owners know what they are bargaining for when they take on the responsibilities of these loving friends, but expecting a pet to continuously wait out the long hours for your return is not fair, unless you can make arrangements to come home at mid-day,or have a reliable friend or relative help you out,etc.

Just remember that dogs are pack animals and need to socialize. If left alone for too long on a continual basis, dogs can become depressed, and develop destructive behaviors from simple boredom and frustration. All it takes with your best friend is a few minutes of extra attention.  You will notice a positive difference in your pet!

call Merry Murphy Pet Sitters in Charlotte,N.C. for pet sitter services at 704-246-4148

Pet Home Care While You are at Work

I was researching the ways people take care of their pets while keeping up a busy work life-style.  Answers ranging from crates to doggie day-care, and taking your pet to work were at the top of the list. I found out that most pets are allowed to freely roam the house, and most had televisions left on for them.

Apparently, Fido has his favorite television show! One lady said her dog preferred the Weather Channel, while her son's dog only liked ESPN. Surely, this is owner influenced.  Yet, time after time, the pets tended to be left with with what their owners thought their pets preferred.

By no means did i conduct a scientific survey. I know in fact that I attempt to leave an ambient type music channel on for my older dogs. Once, I acidentally left Fox News on, and both pets were a little aggressive when I returned. Perhaps I just read that into the situation.  That is the problem with unscientific polls and survey.

One thing I do know for a certainty and that is your pet (no matter his/her size or breed) needs plenty of exercise...just like you and me!

For Pet sitting and dog walking home services call : Merry Murphy Pet Sitters: 704-246-4148

Pet Monkey Accused of Burglary

I think it is entirely likely that a monkey did burglarize a north Texas nursery. After all, you can see that the owner caught the monkey red-handed on video.

Apparently, the monkey stole 40 plants by handing them over a fence. Unfortunately, the monkey knocked over a lot of concrete statues as he escaped.  The police could only say that surely there are not too many monkeys in this city.

I have personally seen a lab run in a store, steal a loaf of bread and run back out. The dog returned several times, but was never caught. He only took loaves of bread.

Here is the link for monkey video.

Merry Murphy Pet Sitters, serving Charlotte, N.C. 704-246-4148

Dogs and Children Reading Together

Many of us may remember summers of long ago where, as children, we wanted to read our books aloud to younger siblings, a favorite doll, or even a pet! 

Memories of these experiences were not lost on Intermountain Therapy Animals who started a program known as R.E.A.D.  Here is how their website explains it: "The scope of the R.E.A.D. program is to demonstrate how registered therapy dogs and their handlers can be instrumental in improving the literacy skills of children in an effective, unique and, most importantly, fun manner. Literacy specialists acknowledge that children who are below their peers in reading skills are often intimidated by reading aloud in a group, often have lower self-esteem, and view reading as a chore. The intent of the R.E.A.D. program is to have children read to the therapy animals."

Think about it! If a child is suffering from self-esteem issues, what could be better than to read to a loving animal that isn't going to correct every mispronunciation?

Generally, children with reading problems dread the thought of reading before a group in order that they can practice reading skills. In cases after case, where children have observed another child reading to an animal, they are anxious to get their "turn" to read.

For more information on R.E.A.D., go to this site: Intermountain Therapy Animals.

Contact Merry Murphy Pet Sitters for your pet sitting and dog walking needs (704)246-4148

Handling the Nervous Dog on a Pet Visit

When I meet the family of a new client using my sitting services in Charlotte,N.C., I often run into the nervous pet...usually a dog.  The important thing to remember is to let the dog or pup approach me first.  I don't make eye contact (considered threatening) or reach out for the dog. I continue to talk with the owner, and in due course the animal approaches me for attention.

Now, if for some reason the dog never sees his way to make contact with me on the initial consultation with the owner, I don't worry.  For after the owner is gone and the pup realizes that I am his only connection to the family he is missing, it doesn't take long for us to become friends.

In the unusual event the dog needs medication, and it doesn't seem likely the animal will let me approach, I have to consider whether it is in the best interest to accept the new client.

Fortunately, this is not the usual case.  A little bit of planning and foresight between the owner and pet sitter brings good results for all involved.

Dog Ate My Checks ! Says Washington Woman

The AP is reporting a woman in trouble with her ex-husband and detectives for bleeding her ex's checking account for odds and ends type bills. The accused Washington woman first told her ex-husband that her dog got into her purse,ate her checks, which in turn gave her no choice but to take the money.

wrongfully accused dog 

Pet Eats Owners Savings In North Carolina

from Fox News

The family dog in one household in North Carolina may have been feeling the stress of the economic slump when he ate his owner's money.

Augie, a 2-year-old greater Swiss mountain dog, consumed the $400 that Kelley Davis earned working overtime as a physical therapist.

Davis, 42, of Apex, N.C., said she'd planned to deposit the money a week ago, but it wasn't in her pocket when she went to retrieve it.

Instead, Augie "deposited" the cash in a different way over the next few days, she told FOX News on Friday. She thinks he's done, she said.

Pet Behavioral Problems

Does your pet have behavior issues? The ASPCA will help you out on-line!...Trisha

Now you can get pet-behavior advice from ASPCA experts 24 hours a day, right from your computer. Our nationally recognized team of animal behaviorists offers possible solutions to a wide range of issues at no charge. Simply type your pet's behavior problem into our easy-to-use database, and you'll receive step-by-step advice -- without leaving home. read more