Several months ago I brought a new computer that came with a Vista operating system. Since then I have discovered that Vista’s development apparently is the result of linear more-is-better thinking. What that means is that, if the program didn’t address a particular user need to start with, the chances of any upgrades or programs coming from that same manufacturer doing so are about nil. It hit me that a lot of programs related to companion animal health and behavior fall into that same category. Technologically, Vista is not designed for those of us stuck with dial-up connections until
Read more →As you may have noticed, the number of articles and reports about animals being given up or put down because their owners lack the financial wherewithal to provide for them has increased as the general economic picture has become bleaker. In virtually all of those I’ve read or heard, the implication is the same: there is a clear connection between terminating the relationship with an animal and the lack of money. But is this necessarily true? I’d argue that this it isn’t a financial problem. It’s a bond problem. There are plenty of people in good economic times as
Read more →We all know people who have no qualms about making hurtful or boorish remarks to others. In fact, such people are common enough in our society that learning how to deal with them gracefully is just another part of becoming a mature adult. But what’s with the people who call themselves animal-lovers who aim such remarks at other people’s animals? What’s the motivation that drives them to assume this anti-animal stance? Let’s look at a couple examples of this, beginning with breed assault. Picture this scenario. You’re walking down the street with your hound mix or sitting on your
Read more →Years ago a friend, who is as knowledgeable in his field as I am in mine on my better days, and I were discussing books. Our conclusion was that, relative to any particular subject, there are two kinds of books. Those written from the outside in, and those written from the inside out. Michael Schaffer’s One Nation Under Dog is an outside in book. At this point, common sense demands I define my terms. An outside in book is one that’s written by someone outside a profession or field of study describing something that’s going on in it. The
Read more →If you asked a random sampling of pet owners what an animal behaviorist studied, chances are the majority of them would give you a funny look. After all, what else would an animal behaviorist possibly study than animal behavior? But logical as that might sound, that’s not necessarily the case. And the fact that it isn’t has created a lot of confusion for people whose animals develop problem behaviors. Let’s begin with a little history. The people who used to study animal behavior were often called “naturalists.” This definition embodied the fact that they studied animals in nature, i.e.
Read more →The other day when I called my dogs, I got to thinking about the beliefs about learning we impose on our animals and how they and we have to live with the consequences of this. I said I called my dogs, but because I got so caught up in my own needs when I was teaching—and I use the verb “teaching” loosely—them the Come command, the Come has become a “Come One Two” command. It started out so innocently (perhaps stupidly is a better word) on my part… The shameful scenario unfolded like this. I gave the dogs the
Read more →Last month I attended one of the largest veterinary conferences in the world, the North American Veterinary Conference in Orlando, Florida. While I was in the area, I also visited the Harmony Institute located about a half hour’s drive from the conference center. Between the two, I experienced the full spectrum of what is available for animals and animal-loving people. Let’s begin with the conference which had an estimated attendance of 60,000 people from all over the world. As an educational experience, it was mind-boggling. Presentations were given from first thing in the morning until last thing at night
Read more →Are you ready for this? The one resolution you can make that will benefit your pet’s health, behavior, and relationship with you? And that won’t cost you a cent? But might make you wish you’d vowed to do something simpler, like maybe climb Mt Everest? If so, read on. May we have the drum roll please? Hmmmm. Because all of the potential fur-covered drum-rollers are sleeping as I write this, we’ll have to skip that part. The ultimate pet-related New Year’s resolution is: I vow to develop more patience and self-control when interacting with my animals. While some of
Read more →Even though the current worldwide financial turmoil might make the idea of inexpensive pet-related gifts a timely topic, I find the following items so useful and beneficial that I would recommend them even if money were no object. In addition to these being fine gifts to give to yourself and your pets, they’re also fine gifts for your pet-owning friends. Several Rolls of Good Quality Paper Towels A Solution of Half White Vinegar and Half Water in a Spray Bottle Empty Plastic Grocery Bags Sanitary Napkins Good Quality Towels Leashes Gloves Several Rolls of Good Quality Paper Towels I
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Eating My Words: Redefining the human-companion animal bond—again
One nice thing about not being a commercial success is that I can change my mind about things as I gain more knowledge and experience. I can say “Whoa, was I wrong about that! This makes ever so much more sense!” without losing sponsors or watching the value of my empire plummet. Nor do I have to worry about offending my groupies because a) I don’t have any and b) those independent thinkers who do follow my work know I often put a different spin on bond and behavior topics. For better or worse—depending on your view—that spin may
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