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PET HAPPENINGS October 2015

9 Things Humans Do That Annoy Dogs
by Kaye J. Davis Co-Owner of the Moab BARKery

Despite our love of dogs, we humans sometimes do things that annoy the heck out of them. Though almost always unintentional, these things can nevertheless be irritating or even detrimental. Just as many dogs don’t initially grasp that certain canine behaviors might annoy us (sniffing a person in a private spot or jumping up on strangers come to mind), we too make gaffes that can worry, annoy or even anger our dogs.

The following nine annoying human habits are common breeches of canine custom. Might you be guilty of a few? Read on to see if your rapport with dogs could use some improvement and help you live better with your pet.

1. Staring!
To a dog, stares often translate to challenge. Just watch your dog when they spot a squirrel, their level of fixation isn’t friendly interest. The last thing you should do is stare for too long at a dog. Though you’ll probably have no problem with your own dog (note they still likely won’t love it), with others it might be interpreted as a challenge. Instead, ask people to look into your dog’s eyes for only a few seconds then break off. And never stare into the eyes of a dog that seems worried, edgy or aggressive!

2. Hugs
Your dog probably won’t mind regular hugs from you. But many dogs get annoyed at tight hugging, especially from strangers or children. Unlike primates, canines have no history of grasping each other to show affection. In fact, when a dog puts its paws or body onto another dog, it is usually an attempt at domination or control. So unless your dog eagerly enjoys being hugged, tell friends and family to opt for gentle petting instead.

3. Yelling
Yelling is interpreted by your dog as angry barking, which to them means trouble. As a training technique, it works poorly to shut down bad behaviors and only serves to scare, confuse or agitate. Instead of yelling, stay calm and think tone. A deep tone to your voice means, “Hey, I’d like your attention,” while a lighthearted tone means “Good job!” or “Let’s play.” By adjusting vocal tone instead of volume, you’ll get your dog’s attention without annoying or scaring them.

4. Teasing
Children can be especially guilty of teasing a dog. Barking back at them behind a fence, pulling on tails or ears, or even chasing after or wrestling with an unwilling dog are certainly annoying and can make dogs shy, insecure or even aggressive. Moving a dog’s dish while they eat, playing keep-away without ever letting the dog have the toy, or even endless laser pointer sessions can drive a dog bonkers, so lay off the teasing and be sure to reward your dog quickly after he performs a behavior correctly.

5. Too Much Alone Time
Dogs are social animals and you and your family members comprise your dog’s pack. Dogs left alone in a home or yard for ten or more hours each day can develop a myriad of behavioral and psychological issues, including separation anxiety, excessive barking or digging, destructive behavior, or escaping. They can even lose housetraining skills and in the process trash your home. Your dog is a member of your family and, as such, needs to spend time with you. If you work during the day and no one else can be home, ask a friend or neighbor to stop by once each day to take them for a walk. If that’s not possible, be sure to spend quality time with them when you return. When you are home, let your dog be around you. Interaction with others is critical to your dog’s wellbeing, so, however you do it, get them some company.

6. Crowded Dog Parks
Many dogs get annoyed or defensive when thrown into a park filled with too many strange dogs. Think about suddenly being thrown into an elevator with twenty clowns and you’ll get the idea. The same goes for doggie daycare. If your dog is sociable, they should get along with six or seven other dogs provided the space is large enough and the dogs well mannered. But increase the numbers or reduce the space and you’ll almost certainly see stress like pinned back ears, low tail carriage, yawning, avoidance, and even the occasional fight. Is your dog sociable and physically capable of dealing with roughhousing? If so, try a park or daycare with a reasonable number of dogs (about one dog per 150 square feet). If they’re shy, opt instead for socializing them with a few dogs they know or dogs who are gentle and laidback. Avoid parks or daycare with high densities of frenzied dogs.

7. Interrupted Sleep
I was dreaming, dude! Even the nicest dogs hate to be awakened suddenly. Older dogs especially, who tend to sleep more deeply, and those whose impaired hearing might not allow them to hear someone’s approach can get scared by the sudden presence of a person touching them. Let your dog wake up naturally, without touching them or sneaking up. Children especially should be taught not to disturb a dog while he sleeps. You wouldn’t like being shocked out of a good dream. Why would your dog? If you do need to wake your dog, do so slowly, quietly, and gently.

8. Strange Dogs
Your dog will be wary of new animals entering your home. It’s a result of their natural, normal instinct to protect their home turf. But some people, thinking that all dogs instinctively love other dogs, let friends bring their dogs over for impromptu visits. This can annoy even the most congenial dog and might incite a skirmish. Instead, first introduce any strange dog while on a walk. Then bring the new dog into your home on leash and have them both perform down/stays for a few minutes. Reward with treats then let them calmly interact. Pick up toys and chews beforehand to minimize arguments. If you have a fenced yard, let them then go out and burn off some social steam.

9. Inadvertently Aggressive Greetings
Are you greeting or attacking? Most people do not know how to properly greet a dog. They crouch, stare, stretch their hand out, and talk in bizarre baby talk. This is a threatening way to greet a dog. First, the person’s crouch mimics a predator’s pre-attack posture. The stare is the second threat, only to be topped by the outstretched hand reaching into their space, begging for a nip. Not only is this an annoying way to greet a dog, it’s possibly dangerous. The best way to greet a strange dog is not at all. Instead, greet the person with the dog. While doing so, the dog will sniff you and interpret that his person seems to be at ease with you. If the dog seems at ease and their person says it is okay, you can then casually reach down and give the dog a quick pet on the head.

Barktoberfest
by The Blu Bar
The Blu Bar is pet friendly, which means your dog is allowed on the patio. The pet friendly attitude extends to their fundraising efforts for the Humane Society of Moab Valley.
Blu Bar’s event is the 3rd Annual Barkoberfest. The evening of October 21, 2015, will be a time to enjoy food, beer, music and support for the Humane Society of Moab Valley. From 6:00 – 7:00 dinner will be served along with Utah Brewer Cooperative (Wasatch Brewery and Squatters) beers – Chasing Tail Ale and Vienna Marzen. Tickets are $25, with the proceeds benefitting the HSMV. Beginning at 7:00 Community Music Night will feature local musicians. There will also be a live auction to benefit the HSMV. The auction will include gift baskets donated by Utah Brewery Cooperative. To purchase advance tickets or for more information contact the Blu Pig/ Blu Bar at 259-3333 or Humane Society of Moab Valley at 259-4862.
Blu Bar is a Moab night spot featuring a large selection of whiskeys, tequilas and over 60 beers. Step inside to blue lighting and you are transformed into the cool of the Blu Bar. Bartenders concoct an impressive selection of drinks using fresh syrups mixer, fruits and herbs. This intimate bar is a hot spot for live music, from blues and acoustic to classic rock and beyond. The patio allows for outdoor drinking, dinning and socializing. With football season upon us you can check out the game and enjoy our full menu while throwing back a cold one. Dining or drinking you must be 21 so bring your ID.

MoabBARkery website MoabBARkery website

Dog Friendly Walks/Hikes in the Moab Area
Trail or Walk Difficulty Length
(one way)
Proximity to Downtown
MillCreek Pathway
easy 1.1 miles Little to no driving
Starts at 100 S & 100 W
Portal Overlook
(trailhead @ Jaycee Park)
Hard 2.0 miles 25 min drive N on US-191 to W on Utah 279 (4.2 miles)
Moab Rim Hard 3.0 miles
(to Hidden Valley trail)
8 minute drive 2.6 miles down Kane Creek Blvd from US-191
Negro Bill Canyon
(aka William Grandstaff Canyon)
Moderate 2.0 miles 10 minute drive N on US-191 to
W on Utah 128, 3 miles
Hunter Canyon Easy 2.0 miles 25 minute drive (mild off-road)
7.5 miles down Kane Creek Blvd from US-191
Corona Arch Trail Easy/Moderate 1.5 miles 25 minute drive N on US-191 to
W Utah 279 (10 miles)
Hidden Valley
(trailhead at end of Angel Rock Rd)
Hard 2.0 miles 10 minute drive S on US-191
3 miles to Angel Rock Rd
Fisher Towers
(trailhead 2.2 miles off Utah 128)
Moderate 2.2 miles 35 minute drive N on US-191 to Utah 128, then 21 miles

Tips for enjoying your time with your dog here in the Moab area:

  • Bring lots of extra water for you and your dog.1 gallon per day for every 60lbs of dog!!
  • Don’t let dogs chase wildlife (especially coyotes, they can lead dogs into an ambush).
  • In the city, dogs are required to be leashed, but on public lands off leash with voice control is allowed.
  • Slickrock and sand is very abrasive!  Check paw pads often, or buy and use booties.
  • If it’s over 85 degrees only consider early AM or late PM hikes, daycare or leave your dog at home.
  • Pack out my poop!  Seriously or the other hikers without dogs will eventually demand no dogs allowed!

 

To see past articles about animals, pets and their care check our archives.

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