Question: I recently started dating a guy I like very much. We both have dogs. I have a six year old female German Shepherd, and my boyfriend has a Tibetan Terrier. The first few times we had the dogs together they got along fine. The next time they were together my dog pinned his dog to the floor several times.

After this happened, things got really cold between us. My boyfriend doesn’t want the dogs to be anywhere near each other, but my dog trainer thinks that there was “pack confusion” and that my dog was correcting his. What do you think?

- Vivian, via email. By the way, the boyfriend is out if he doesn’t try to address this issue. My dog stays!

Answer: This is a very delicate situation, indeed. Thanks for asking such a great question, Vivian. Your commitment to your dog is admirable! To begin, I would recommend limiting the contact between your dog and your boyfriend’s dog. Only allow them to interact under supervised, training situations.

Clearly there is some miscommunication going on between the two dogs. Even if your dog was “correcting” your boyfriend’s dog, you don’t want things to escalate any further. Your dog may simply be overwhelmed by the newness of the situation (having to deal with a new dog, your new boyfriend, a new space etc.) This can lead to a higher level of stress, which in turn, can lead to a perceived need for a higher level of self-defense.

Consider implementing a technique developed by Norwegian dog trainer, Turid Rugaas, called “Parallel Walking”. You can do this with your boyfriend and other friends and their dogs. Go to the park or a yard where you’ll have plenty of space. Have everyone line up (with their dogs on leash) about 8-10 feet apart. In unison, begin walking toward the other side of the yard. As the dogs become more comfortable, close the space between you and the person/dog on either side. Conversely, if one of the dogs appears uncomfortable create more distance.

Observing your dog’s reaction to this exercise will help you evaluate her stress level, and your boyfriend will be able to do the same with his dog. When you understand how the environment (i.e. dogs, people, noise, etc.) influences your dog you can utilize techniques that will help you more effectively communicate with her.

Your ultimate goal is to create a space in which your dog and your boyfriend’s dog exist harmoniously. In order to achieve that goal, you’ll need to look critically at the situation, determine what your dog is “saying” through her behavior and address the underlying reasons for that behavior.

In addition to working with your dog trainer, I highly recommend the book, On Talking Terms With Dogs: Calming Signals by Turid Rugaas. You may be surprised by all of the things your dog is telling you through her body language. I am confident that with a little observation and training you and your boyfriend will be able to facilitate a better relationship between your two dogs!

Original post by Daisy and software by Elliott Back

Categories: Dog Training
No Comments »

While Labs, Yorkies and German Shepherds remain tops in the U.S. overall (based on the American Kennel Club registry), here are some of the most popular pups by city.

- Manhattan:
Taking a bite of the Big Apple, Poodles are tops in New York City.

- Seattle:
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel as well as the Shiba Inu are favorites here (No. 5 and No. 20).

- Chicago:
It’s no surprise that the city of big shoulders loves Bulldogs (No. 6).

- Boston:
Ranked at No. 11 overall, Beantown still loves its Boston Terriers.

- Austin:
Miniature Schnauzers make the grade at No. 5 in this Texas capital.

- Pittsburgh:
Beagles sniffed out the No. 4 spot in this city.

Who’s woofing in your neck of the woods?

Original post by Daisy and software by Elliott Back

Categories: Fun Dog Stories
No Comments »

A short clip of a winery that cuts fuel costs by half by bringing in sheep to clear the grass and weeds. Of course with sheep running around in the field the only way to round up is to summons Gracie the Border Collie. Watch her go to work!

Original post by Big Paws Admin and software by Elliott Back

Categories: Dogs, Dog Information, Dog Humor, Dog Videos
No Comments »

Everyone knows that Simon & Huey Dog Treats are the official sponsor of the PupLife.com dog blog. They are downright woof-a-licious.

Original post by Daisy and software by Elliott Back

Categories: Fun Dog Stories, Cool Dog Products
No Comments »