Proper training is important

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October 17, 2009

By Joyce McNally The McAlester News-Capital Sat Oct 17, 2009, 07:56 PM CDT

Why does my dog or cat do that? I bet this is something you have asked yourself about your pet. According to 101 Training Tips for Your Dog, here are a few things that we, as humans, need to know.

Why do dogs circle before lying down? Most dogs circle two or three times before they lie down. Sometimes a sleeping dog will actually wake up, get up, and circle again and go back to sleep. We’ve always heard that this is done to keep the snakes away. This is just a way for the dog to get circulation going on the side that he has been lying on. Most dogs position themselves facing north when they sleep. Studies have shown circulation improves, heartbeat slows, and metabolism improves when the body is aligned with the earth’s magnetic field. Wow! I didn’t know that!

Does your dog chew on your hands? This isn’t really a problem, but sometimes we misunderstand this behavior. Many dogs, especially puppies, will chew on your hands when you are patting them, when they want to get your attention, or simply whenever they are near you. Bulldog and Boxer breeds, like to use their mouths like hands and they will pull your clothing and hang onto it. Just like playing tug-of-war. When a dog puts your hand in his mouth, he’s actually paying you a compliment. He will not do this in a friendly playful way, unless he likes and trusts you.

Does your dog scratch the dirt with its hind legs, after it urinates? I always wondered about this and here’s the answer. Dog’s pads sweat, which leaves a strong scent for the next dog that comes along. By scraping the dirt or grass, it’s saying, “I am a big, tough dog, someone to be noticed and reckoned with. Here is my scent and next to that is the size of my footprints.” This behavior shows your dogs vitality and, of course, its size. Our little Poodle must really think she’s a tough cookie!

Does your cat eat grass? Maybe it likes the taste, or maybe its bored. We usually think cats eat grass when they are sick or have an upset stomach. Could it be that it’s just filling a natural nutrient requirement. No one really knows for sure. If your cat eats grass it’s not harmful if eaten in moderation. Just make sure the grass is clean and doesn’t have fertilizer or other chemicals on it. I’ve even heard that some people grow grass indoors for their cats to chew on.

Why do cats knead or rub on people? Most cats love to be petted or scratched and like to touch people. We think these behaviors are signs of affection, but it actually starts when a kitten is born. Kittens knead their mother’s belly to stimulate the milk glands, so as they get older, it probably reminds them of their mother’s belly. Kittens that are weaned too early may knead and suck on fabric. You can discourage this behavior the same way a mother cat weans her kittens. Life the kitten by the scruff of the neck and say “No,” and put it down away from the object it was chewing or sucking on.

Does your cat talk to you? Cats have a language of their own. Purring, for example, has several variations. A greeting may be a short purr-meow sound, and a request-purr is made for food or attention. A short murmur means that your cat is expecting a treat and a long continuous purr shows contentment or satisfaction. They can even purr so softly you can’t hear the sound and they can’t purr when they are asleep.

These are just a few fun facts.

Be a responsible pet owner. Spay or neuter your pet and help eliminate pet overpopulation. Call PAWS for an appointment. That number is 470-7297

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