Sunday, October 31, 2010

My Interview with Dorian Gray, an African Grey Parrot

African Grey parrot Dory comments on his home life, his care and feeding, and his pet cats in an exclusive parrot interview. (Includes some original parrot poetry too.)  Read more . . .



Saturday, October 30, 2010

Why You Can't Adopt Black Cats on Halloween

Your animal shelter may refuse to let anyone adopt a black cat around Halloween, or anytime during October. Do people actually try to use live black cats as part of their spooky Halloween decor? Read more . . .







http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5953290/why_you_cant_adopt_a_black_cat_for.html

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Domesticated Dogs Are Dumber Than Wild Ones, Tests Show. Is Your Dog Dumber Than a Dingo?

Your dog might not do well on the same basic intelligence test a wild dog or a wolf would pass with flying colors. That's what new research done at the Dingo Discover Center shows. Wild canids that were never trained and never socialized beat the socks off domesticated dogs when it comes to problem solving skills.

A Test Domesticated Dogs Failed

Example: One part of the test included placing food on the other side of a fence. The only way dog, dingo or wolf could get to it was to walk away from the food up to some swinging doors, figure out if the door swung in or out, enter and double back to the food. Dingoes did it in 20 seconds. Pampered pet dogs stood on the other side of the fence looking confused, pawing at the fence, trying to dig under it and barking in futility. How embarrassing.

The pet dogs just assumed that if they barked for help and tried to tear the fence down, some human (like you) would come a-running to figure it out for them. So who is to blame for their confusion and helplessness? Apparently, that would be you. And me, and every other dog lover who has been solving pooch problems for generations.

Domesticated Dogs Are Better at Parties . . .

Read more . . .

Is your dog dumber than a dingo? Find out here.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

AKC Dog Obedience Test: Can Your Dog Pass?
Can Fang pass this AKC Dog Obedience test without peeing on the test giver, or refusing to come when called? Find out here.
Read More
AKC Honors Mixed-Breed Doggies: The Canine Partner Program
Enough with the disdain for mixed-breed dogs. Now your chowkypoo(chow-husky-poodle),Jackpughoundahuahua or any other mix-a-mutt can be registered as an AKC Canine Partner.
Read More

Saturday, May 1, 2010

The Herding Dogs: Did Your Dog's Ancestors Have a Job

Unemployment Among Herding Dogs Could Be a Problem.
It's easy to guess why German Shepherds were originally bred: To herd sheep and other livestock. Other dogs originally bred for bossing the livestock around are the Shetland Sheepdog, the Australian Shepherd, and the Australian Cattle Dog. And of course, the beloved Collie dog, including the Bearded Collie and the Border Collie. But that's not all: the American Kennel Club recognizes 22 breeds as belonging to the herding group.

The herding dogs were bred to have high energy and high agility, and they have those traits to this day.­They do not respond well to unemployment; they need a job to do to be happy. They are task oriented and extremely teachable. They excel at obedience, which is why training them is so rewarding. Whether you need a guard dog . . . Read more . . .

Lost Dogs: Family Dog Found on Deserted Island

She Swam Nearly Six Miles in Shark Infested Waters

Turbulent waters off the coast of Australia tossed a family's pet overboard nearly six miles from land.

Some dogs, like some people, are survivors. They have courage, and resourcefulness. Take Sophie Tucker, for example, who doesn't look a thing like her namesake. The Australian Cattle Dog was on board a boat with her family off the coast of Queensland when the water got choppy. When the Griffiths turned around to look, their dog was gone. They backtracked and searched in their boat, but they didn't have much hope for Sophie, who must have fallen into the huge wake behind the boat. The family was devastated.

But never underestimate a Sophie Tucker. This Sophie not only knew how to dog paddle, she had amazing stamina. No one knows how long it took her, but she made it to shore, swimming for more than five miles. The only problem is that the "shore" was St. Bees Island . . . Read more