Dog Behavior

Hi

First you need to gain your dogs trust. You can do this by rubbing your dogs ear (one at a time) and looking inside his ear. When your dog lets you do this, give him a treat. Eventually your dog will let you look inside his ear without any growling or biting.

How to clean the ears

Lift up your dogs ear flap and look inside the canal. Poodles have hairy ears and the hair inside the ear canal must be plucked out or removed otherwise a infection can start and this is very painful for your pal. After you have plucked the hair from one ear, praise your dog up and give him or her a treat. After 10 minutes, attempt to pluck the hair from the other ear and finish with a treat.

When you have finished the above, now the hair has been removed you can see clearly in your dogs ears. To clean the ears, use a piece of cotton wool (never a q-tip) and wet it with tepid water. Squeeze most of the water out so it's somewhat moist. Gently lift one ear, show your dog the cotton wool first (helps with mine for some reason) and gently wipe clean the outside flap and inside ear canal and remove any debris. Do not go too far inside the ear because you can cause a lot of damage. As a rule of thumb, if it's too dark to see inside the ear then don't go there. Make sure you do this to both ears and change cotton wool each time. After you have washed the ear out gently you will need to dry them out with a dry piece of cotton wool. When you have done this, give your poodle another treat for being very good.

Now the ear is clean and you can clearly see if there is any problems. If you found wax inside the ears, you can put some cold olive oil inside the ear (about 1/2 a teaspoon) and hold your dogs ear up as the olive oil runs into the canal then rub the ear between your thumb and finger - you will hear a squishing sound and this means the Olive oil has gone where it should be. Your dog may shake his ear but this is normal. Olive oil isn't their favourite thing but it does not hurt. Make sure you clean the ears with cotton wool the next day after applying olive oil and remove all debris as described above.

If your dogs ears smell or are red or inflamed or your dog has been scratching his ears a lot - see your Vet as it's probably a ear infection and contrary to popular belief they cannot be cleared up with home treatment. Ear infections require antibiotics which are inexpensive.

I hope this helped answer your question. :-)

No. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a breed and the "Gator pit" or "gator mouth pit" is a term used by back yard breeders to sell puppies. There are two bloodlines of APBT that could be considered "gator". Those are CH Crenshaw's Gator ROM and CH Plumber's Alligator POR. Don't buy from anyone who's saying their dog is a Texas Red Nose, Gator pit, Gator mouth pit, "rare" blue, or a lock jaw pit. To be safe, anyone looking for pups should shy away from someone breeding very young dogs, having many litters, breeding for a specific trait (size, color, pedigree, ect), and anyone who can't get basic things right. It is an American Pit Bull Terrier. Not a pitt bull, American Pitt Bull, or a Pitt Bull Terrier. If someone ever says they have "rare" blue dogs they are full of it. That is the most over bred color there is. Red nose/blue nose/black nose doesn't mean anything. That is decided by the level of pigment in the dog's skin. It has nothing to do with the quality of the dog. And there is no brendle or tigger stripe pitt bull.

Here are the pedigrees on those two legit "gator" dogs I had mentioned before.

CH Crenshaw's Gator ROM - http://www.apbt.online-pedigrees.com/public/printPedigree.php?dog_id=110

CH Plumber's Alligator POR - http://www.apbt.online-pedigrees.com/public/printPedigree.php?dog_id=380

Hello, great answer about the gator bloodline. There is so much confusion about the colors of pitbulls that´s not even funny.

As for Gator pits you might want to check out this breeder in Russia as well:

http:/www.acdc-kennels.ru

Also visit: http:/www.pitbull-info-and-training.com/gator-pitbull.HTML

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Enjoyed the information about the gator bulls. But, the erroneous nature of the comment about there being no brindle (not spelled "brendle") pit bulls leaves the rest of the information suspect.

There are indeed brindle pit bulls, just as there are brindle Great Danes, brindle English bull dogs, and brindle bull terriers, which is the preferred coloration. If you look into your history of APBs, at the turn of the 20th century, or early 1900s, in the America of that time you will find that pitts were referred to as Tiger Dogs (for their coloring) and "The Babysitter" (for their gentle, reliable, protective nature with children).

We have lived with pits (or bulls or bully dogs--not pittys, for goodness sakes!) for more than 30 years. Our first wonderful girl was a purebred brindle Kozminski APB who was with us for 12 years. She was highly intelligent, reliable, and protective. She raised 5 children for me. I could never have asked for a better nanny.

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Oh I know there are brindles. I own three brindle APBT and a brindle Cane Corso. lol. I was just saying not to buy from people who advertise using terms like that. Of course there are red nosed dogs too. It's just a byb selling point IMO. I see ads all the time for "brendle pittbulls" or "tiger stripe pittbulls" and to me, anything like that should be a big red flag. If someone doesn't even know the color of their dog or how to spell the breed name (or at least abbreviate it right. APBT for example) they have NO business breeding dogs.

I am so sorry you are going through this and I certainly know how you feel. I was very ill back in the early 70s and my husband and I went to the SPCA and adopted this part Cairn female named Lady. We hadn't seen her sitting in the back of the kennel with other dogs and thanks to the SPCA super he asked if we'd seen her or not. We went back with him and she was so depressed. He brought her out and even though she was a mass of too long golden locks we knew this was the pet for us. She was 2 years old when we got her (owners gave her up after she had puppies.) She was so smart, so loving and really helped me through my illness. Approximately 4 years later my husband's sister had a 6 year old long-haired Daschund named Cookie who needed more attention than she could give the dog after her first child was born so we took her. Lady and Cookie had a great life with us. We had Lady almost 20 years and when it came time to put her to sleep it was the hardest thing we ever had to do. We also had a cat Jade who was the sweetest ever and she lived to be 20 years old and Jade and Cookie were good pals and made the passing of Daisy easier for them. They slept together. Then at the age of 16 Cookie had a major stroke and we had to put her to sleep and again the pain was unbearable. My husband was so upset over the loss of both dogs, but especially Lady that we ended up buying a pure bred Cairn named Daisy. Daisy was just what the breeders say 'the clown of the dog breeds' and kept us laughing. Our dear cat Jade and Daisy got along just fine. We lost our little cat Jade when she was exactly 20 years old. She just went into the bedroom and stayed there and I knew immediately her little soul was weary and it was time for her to leave us. I knew if I kept taking her to the vets then I was being selfish and keeping her going just for the sake of not wanting to say goodbye. It never gets any easier. Daisy was so depressed we ended up getting a little gray tabby (not even a pure bred Tabby) and called her Molly. The two of them became fast friends and Molly is more like a dog than a cat. Eventually we got a white Bichon Frise X named Tootsie. She was smart as a whip and just as I thought our Daisy was the best mom ever for her. Then we discovered Daisy had Cushing's Disease (a form of cancer) and instead of putting her through the hell of Chem/Radiation (it wasn't about the expense of it all) we talked it over with our vet and worked closely with her and decided to have quality time with our little girl. That we did ... we slowed our pace of life down, went fishing, walking and camping and often just snuggled in front of the fireplace. She was in no pain according to vet. Then one long weekend she took a turn for the worst and we had to rush her into an ER Veterinary Hospital. I would have stayed there all night with her, but they wouldn't let me. Early the next morning they told us to hurry as she was slipping quickly. I think my husband broke the sound barrier. We got there in time to love our Daisy up and let her know we loved her. My husband picked up our pup Tootsie and had to leave the office immediately and I just stood there numb feeling as if someone had torn my heart out a piece at a time. The only thing that kept me from losing it completely was the vet wanting his money up-front and that angered me although I said nothing and paid the bill. I wondered what price there was on death and we didn't get a chance to get over our shock. We were use to our pets living long lives and Daisy was only 10 years old. So we had Tootsie and Molly and I had to work more which upset Tootsie as she was the princess of the family and spoiled (but trained well.) We decided not quite two years ago to get a male Cockapoo (strawberry blond color) and he's the sweetest little guy and so loving and runs through the house like a wild Indian, yet he has such good manners and is fast friends with Tootsie and Molly. So now we have the three pets and we just simply enjoy them every minute we can because we know their lives are much shorter than ours. How do you get over losing a pet? You grieve! You cry, you look at pictures of your pet and cry some more. You talk to understanding family members or friends and get it all out of your system. You can never replace one pet with another because they are each so magnificent in their own way. So, we have two choices here: #1 we can say to ourselves ... no more pets!' or, #2 you can save a dog at the ASPCA or any Animal Shelter. These dogs need lots of love and good homes. To me I don't have to have the best breed or best looking dog around. I love 'em all! They can have only three legs or one eye for all I care. I tend to go for the one's that seem to need us the most and I am sure we need them. When looking at all the dogs you'll know the right one and it's meant to be that way. By saving a dog's life from the ASPCA or Animal Shelter it doesn't feel so much like you are replacing your loyal and beloved pet. I believe that our pets go to heaven the same as I believe I will (hopefully I've been good enough.) They are in a better place away from pain and just waiting for us. Whether anyone else wants to believe this or not I really don't care, but I truly believe this. Special people and pets don't just pop into our lives for no reason and disappear forever and I do believe they will be there if they go before we do. You have probably read this poem before, but I love it and it says it all: Rainbow Bridge Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.

There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.

There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown... Here is a link to a Support Group who are grieving for their pets: http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-ptbereavement Cry as hard as you can. Hold any toy or blanket your pet had and sleep with it if it comforts you. Talk to anyone who will listen. Speak your pets name out anytime during the day when YOU feel like it. Remember the good times you had and that every pet gives us joy in their own special little ways. When you feel the time is right then please, consider getting another little pet (save a life) but whatever you do, don't try to copycat your pet's personality because you won't be successful. There is a little pet out there waiting just for you ... now all you have to do is find each other. Good Bless

Marcy I have to say Marcy did a wonderful job in her advice! And God bless you, Marcy, for including the "Rainbow Bridge" in your advice. The first time I read it was years ago when I lost my beloved 13 year old dog, Pete. I have lost several dogs, whom I loved dearly. Each time I lost one, I would cry non-stop for weeks, feeling like the pain would never go away. But I always got another one rather quickly. No pet can ever replace another in our hearts, but they have a way of making their own place in our hearts. They are treated like family, loved like family, and grieved like family when we loose them, because they are family. Never, ever let someone tell you that you are over-reacting in your grief, they just don't understand the love of a pet. You need to be allowed to grieve in your own way, in your own time. ANSWER I think the above answer is very informational. I have lost 2 hamsters in my lifetime so far, and it was difficult. For me, reading the Rainbow Bridge story helps me greatly. It gives me confidence and power. I have a copy of the story hanging in my room.

Dogs suffer from various illnesses in a lifetime. Some are bacterial or viral in origin, while some are metabolic. Every disease in dog exhibits certain symptoms. Here is some useful information about the symptoms of a sick dog, which can help you identify the disease.

If you have a cuddly dog, you need to be very careful and alert about its health. It may suffer from various diseases and health problems. The dog can't explain the symptoms of its illness. Therefore, it's your responsibility to identify the symptoms of a sick dog and get it treated by a veterinarian and maintain its health.

Common Dog Diseases

A dog may suffer from different ailments, which may be due to certain bacterial or viral infections, metabolic disorders, immune abnormalities, trauma, cancer, genetic factors or degenerative conditions. Some of the common dog diseases are ear infection, skin allergies and infections, chronic kidney failure, cancer/tumor, dental disease, arthritis, urinary infection, stomach inflammation, epilepsy, diabetes, obesity, pancreatitis, food allergy, worm infestation, to name a few.

Symptoms of a Sick Dog

Knowing the disease of your dog is possible only if you are aware of the symptoms of a sick dog. Some of the common indications of a sick dog are lethargy, weakness, lack of appetite, weight loss, disorientation, diarrhea, vomiting, unproductive retching, bloody urine, straining to urinate, bleeding, difficulty in walking, pale mucous membrane, persistent cough and difficulty in breathing. These warning signs are helpful in accurate diagnosis of the disease.

Many dogs when ill do not want to move. They have pain in moving; they may limp and refuse to exercise. All these signs indicate the injured leg or paw. These are the signs of injury or illness. Strong ear smell, discharge and shaking of the head are indicative of mites or yeast infection. Persistent coughing is a sign of kennel cough, heartworm, pneumonia or heart disease. If the dog passes blood in urine, then it may be suffering from urinary tract infection, kidney disease or internal injury. Constipation or defecating problems are indicative of intestinal blockage or a change of diet.

100-103°F is a normal temperature for the adult dogs, while 94-97 ° F is normal for the puppies. High temperature can be a sign of bacterial or viral infection. Bleeding gums or bad breath along with teeth loss or discolored teeth are the symptoms of periodontal disease. Increased thirst and urination frequency in dog are the symptoms of kidney disease, diabetes or liver disease. If your dog is suffering from the urinating problems, then it may possibly suffer from the kidney disease or kidney stones. Blood or worms in feces are the signs of bowel infection or parasite infestation. If your dog is ingesting grass or other vegetation or it is suffering from vomiting, then it may have the worm infestation or poisoning or gastrointestinal problems.

Itching or scratching can be the symptoms of skin allergies and skin infections. Diarrhea in dog indicates stress, Parvovirus, change in diet or Corona virus. The lumps are indicative of cyst, ulceration or tumor. Lameness in dog is due to injury or canine hip and elbow dysplasia. Pale gums and pale tongue are signs of shock. Watery eyes indicate allergies and in-grown eyelash. Sudden or dramatic weight loss indicates cancer, worm infestation or Cushing's disease.

The symptoms of a sick dog help you understand the exact health problem of your dog, so that it can be treated earliest. If these symptoms persist for 24 hours or more, then you need to consult a veterinarian immediately in order to get appropriate treatment.

The sound and intensity of the bark, as well as the dog's body position and movement, generally communicate the type of energy the dog has when he/she is barking.

For example, a dog that lunges forward, growls then barks, barks in a deep tone, barks loudly, and has his hackles up is most likely expressing assertive, dominant energy. This dog is most likely protecting something that he believes is his.


Some dogs can have nervous energy when they bark. Many small dogs do this type of bark. It tends to be high-pitched and quick. Generally, there is not much room between barks for a breath. This dog most likely wants something to happen. Other times this type of bark means that there is something happening and it feels overwhelming to the dog, so he is barking, hoping that he can gain control over the situation.


Other dogs can have excited, anxious energy. An example of this is of a dog whose tail wags his whole body, a dog that barks in a high-pitched tone accompanied with a slight whine, and a dog that attempts to jump on the person. This dog is most likely happy to see someone, and this dog wants this person to pay attention to him.

This answer was originally answered by Erin Goddard, with Erin's Dog Training, www.erinsdogtraining.com. Please click on "Best Dog Training" below to find out more.