HEALTH AND WELLNESS The Dog Goddess HEALTH AND WELLNESS The Dog Goddess

WHY DO DOGS WAG THEIR TAILS AND WHAT ARE THE 5 DIFFERENT TYPES OF TAIL WAG IN TERMS OF CANINE BEHAVIOUR?

WHY DO DOGS WAG THEIR TAILS AND WHAT ARE THE 5 DIFFERENT TYPES OF TAIL WAGS?

TWO DOGS WITH TAILS UP

Dogs wag their tails as a form of communication. It is one of the many ways they express their emotions and convey messages to other dogs and humans.

When a dog wags its tail, it can indicate a range of emotions, such as happiness, excitement, or anticipation. The speed and direction of the tail wag can also convey different messages. For example, a quick and wide tail wag ‘usually’ indicates a dog's excitement and happiness, while a slow and low tail wag can indicate caution or uncertainty.

It's important to note, however, that tail wagging should ‘not’ be interpreted as a universal sign of friendliness OR an invitation for interaction. Tail wagging should always be considered in the context of a dog's overall body language and behavior, as well as the situation and environment they are in and often the state of being that the owner/handler is in.

Here are the different ‘Types’ of dog tail wagging and what they may indicate in terms of canine behavior:

  1. High tail wag: A high tail wag, where the tail is held upright and may even be quivering, often indicates excitement and happiness. Dogs may display this type of tail wag when greeting their owners, meeting new people or dogs, or when they're about to receive a treat or go for a walk.

  2. Low tail wag: A low tail wag, where the tail is held low and may even be tucked between the dog's legs, can indicate fear or submission. Dogs may display this type of tail wag when they encounter something they perceive as a threat or when they're feeling anxious or uncomfortable.

  3. Slow tail wag: A slow tail wag, where the tail is moving back and forth in a relaxed and steady manner, can indicate that the dog is feeling calm and content. Dogs may display this type of tail wag when they're relaxing with their owners or when they're in a comfortable environment.

  4. Quick tail wag: A quick tail wag, where the tail is moving rapidly from side to side, can indicate excitement, anticipation, or even agitation. Dogs may display this type of tail wag when they're playing, chasing a toy, or engaging in other types of high-energy activities.

  5. Tail held to one side: A tail held to one side, where the tail is not wagging but is instead held rigidly to one side of the body, can indicate that the dog is on high alert and may be preparing to react to a perceived threat. Dogs may display this type of tail position when they're in a new or unfamiliar environment, or when they sense something they perceive as a potential danger.

It's important to note that while tail wagging can be a useful indicator of a dog's emotional state, it should always be considered in conjunction with other forms of body language, such as ear position, facial expressions, and overall posture. Additionally, every dog is an individual, and their tail wagging behavior may vary based on their breed, personality, and life experiences. Some dogs could have an unusual tail wag due to a previous injury and it may have nothing to do with the dog’s actual ‘state of being’ at the time you and or you and your dog encounter them. Be observant.

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SPIRITUALITY, HEALTH AND WELLNESS The Dog Goddess SPIRITUALITY, HEALTH AND WELLNESS The Dog Goddess

DO DOGS DREAM?

DO DOGS DREAM?

PUPPY DREAMING

Dogs, like many other mammals, do indeed dream. In fact, research suggests that they may even dream more than humans do!

Just like humans, dogs experience different stages of sleep, including REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, which is when most dreaming occurs. During this stage, the brain is highly active, and the body is essentially paralyzed to prevent the dog from acting out its dreams; the same as how humans dream.

Researchers have observed dogs during REM sleep and have found that they exhibit similar behaviors to when they're awake, such as twitching, paw movements, and even vocalizations. This suggests that they are indeed dreaming and experiencing some sort of sensory input during their dreams.

So, what do dogs dream about? It's hard to say for sure, because we can’t ask them directly and allow them to answer us in our human language, but it's likely that they dream about things that are important to them, such as playing with their favorite toy, going for a walk, or interacting with their favourite humans. Some researchers even suggest that dogs may dream about past experiences, similar to how humans sometimes have vivid dreams about events from their own lives.

Overall, the fact that dogs dream is just another fascinating aspect of their complex cognitive abilities. It's yet another reason to appreciate and cherish these wonderful and truly amazing animals!

During the REM stage they're most likely to dream. During this phase, the brain becomes highly active, and electrical signals in the brain resemble those of an awake, alert animal. However, the body is essentially paralyzed, except for small twitches in the eyes, ears, and limbs.

Scientists have used electroencephalography (EEG) to monitor brain activity in dogs while they're sleeping, and they've found that the patterns of brain activity are similar to those seen in humans during REM sleep. This suggests that dogs are experiencing similar types of dreams as humans do during this stage of sleep.

Interestingly, some researchers have suggested that just like their human counterparts, dogs may also dream about past experiences. Dogs have excellent memories, and they may replay past events in their dreams, just like humans sometimes do. For example, a dog that had a particularly enjoyable day at the beach might dream about running through the sand and playing in the waves and be kicking her feet and smiling during REM as she sleeps.

Overall, while we can't know for sure what dogs dream about, it's clear that they do experience complex dream states during REM sleep. And as with so many aspects of dog behavior and cognition, the more we learn about their dreams, the more we realize just how amazing these animals truly are. Love and respect your and other people’s dogs too, for yes, they are truly incredible and amazing beings.

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HEALTH AND WELLNESS The Dog Goddess HEALTH AND WELLNESS The Dog Goddess

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHAT THE SIMILARITIES BETWEEN PUPPIES/YOUNG DOGS AND HUMAN TODDLERS ARE?

SIMILARITIES BETWEEN PUPPIES AND HUMAN TODDLERS

Young dogs and puppies have several similarities to human toddlers, including:

Energy levels: Like toddlers, young dogs and puppies have a lot of energy and are often very active. They LOVE to play and explore their surroundings.  This means that they need plenty of physical as well as mental exercise and playtime to help them burn off excess energy and prevent them from getting bored or destructive as well as to stay healthy and happy.

Curiosity: Both young dogs and puppies and human toddlers are naturally curious and like to explore their surroundings. They may investigate objects or areas that are off-limits or try to get into things they shouldn’t. *That is why it is up to you as the pet parent/human parent or guardian/caregiver to ensure that they do this in a ‘safe and fun manner’ and put up things that you don’t want broken or accidentally ingested until they grow out of this phase of their lives. This can be challenging for their owners or caregivers, who need to provide a safe and secure environment for them to explore while also setting appropriate boundaries.

Attention span: Both young dogs and puppies and human toddlers have short attention spans and may quickly lose interest in one activity or toy and move on to another. Try to experiment with different types and textures of safe, age appropriate toys that they can try out while you supervise them.

Socialization: Both young dogs and puppies and human toddlers benefit from socialization with others of their kind. They learn important social skills, such as how to interact with others, how to play nicely, and how to communicate their needs.

Training: Both young dogs/puppies and human toddlers need guidance and training to learn appropriate behavior and develop good habits. They both benefit from positive reinforcement techniques and consistency in their training. * We can’t emphasize enough how important CONSISTENCY and POSITIVE Reinforcement are in early development of both humans and dogs. By providing love, patience, and guidance, we can help both young dogs and puppies and human toddlers grow into happy, healthy, and well-behaved adults.

In summary, the similarities between young dogs and puppies and human toddlers are many and varied. By recognizing these similarities and providing appropriate care and attention, we can help both young dogs and puppies and human toddlers reach their full potential and lead happy, fulfilling lives.

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COMMUNITY, HEALTH AND WELLNESS The Dog Goddess COMMUNITY, HEALTH AND WELLNESS The Dog Goddess

IS IT OKAY TO LEAVE MY DOG ALONE IN THE CAR WHEN I AM NOT IN IT?

IS IT OK TO LEAVE MY DOG ALONE IN THE CAR WHEN I AM NOT IN IT?

DOG LOOKING ANXIOUS ALONE IN CAR WITH WINDOWS ROLLED UP

The obvious answer to this question is - NO! , it is NEVER recommended to leave your dog alone in a car when you are not in it.

You may not think so, but Temperatures inside a car can rise quickly, even on mild days, and can quickly become life-threatening for pets, even if the windows are slightly open. In addition, leaving a dog alone in a car can make them unnecessarily anxious and stressed, which can lead to behavioral problems and even aggression. Plus in most states and provinces it is ILLEGAL to do this.

Another maybe ‘not’ so obvious reason to never leave your dog alone in the car while you pop in to a store, etc. is that your car could be stolen, or even hit in the parking lot. It happens ALL the time. You would NOT want to leave your pup for ‘a few quick minutes’ to come out and find your car with your pup in it GONE, or have your vehicle crunched and your pup injured just because you made the unwise choice to leave them alone in the car while you were not in the vehicle.

If you need to leave your dog alone for a ‘short period’ of time, it is best to leave them at home in a safe and comfortable environment or with a pet sitter, dog walker, doggie daycare. If you need to travel with your dog, make sure to plan ahead and bring them with you into stores and other public places where pets are allowed, buy and learn how to train your dog to use a pet stroller, or arrange for a trusted friend or family member to stay with your dog while you are away.

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ARE DOGS LEFT PAWED OR RIGHT PAWED SIMILAR TO HOW HUMANS ARE LEFT HANDED OR RIGHT HANDED?

ARE DOGS LEFT PAWED OR RIGHT PAWED SIMILAR TO HOW HUMANS ARE LEFT HANDED OR RIGHT HANDED?

Yes, dogs, like humans, can exhibit a preference for using one paw over the other. This is known as ‘pawedness’, and just like ‘handedness’ in humans, it can be left-pawed or right-pawed. In fact, studies have shown that around half of all dogs have a preference for using either their left or right paw. Do you ever even notice this about your own dog or other dogs that you interact with?…

Researchers have studied pawedness in dogs by observing which paw the dog uses to perform certain tasks, such as reaching for an object or scratching at a door. Some studies have also looked at whether pawedness is related to a dog's breed, sex, or age, but the results so far have been inconclusive.

It's worth noting that pawedness in dogs is not as strongly handed as it is in humans. While some dogs clearly prefer one paw over the other, many dogs are ambilateral, meaning they use both paws equally. Additionally, pawedness may vary depending on the task or situation, and some dogs may even switch their preferred paw over time.

It's highly possible that dogs offer their paw in response to seeing humans offer their hand, but it's not clear if this is the only reason why they do it. Dogs offering their paw can have different meanings depending on the context and the dog's individual personality.

For example, some dogs may offer their paw as a way of greeting or showing affection to their human, while others may do it as a learned behavior that has been reinforced through training as in commands such as: ‘say hi!’ or ‘shake hands’. Dogs may also offer their paw as a way to signal that they want something, such as attention or a treat.

In some cases, dogs may even offer their paw as a way of signaling anxiety or stress, particularly if they are in an unfamiliar or uncomfortable situation.

So while it's possible that dogs offer their paw in response to seeing humans offer their hand, there are likely many other factors at play. It's up to you and very important to ‘pay attention’ to your dog's body language and context to understand what they are trying to communicate.

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WHAT ARE THE BEST WAYS TO INTRODUCE DOGS TO EACH OTHER, TO HUMANS, LITTLE KIDS, ETC. AND DO SO IN A POSITIVE, NON-THREATENING MANNER?

BEST WAYS TO INTRODUCE DOGS TO OTHER DOGS

BEST WAYS TO INTRODUCE PUPPIES TO OTHER PUPPIES

BEST WAYS TO INTRODUCE DOGS TO HUMANS THEY DON’T KNOW

BEST WAYS TO INTRODUCE DOGS TO LITTLE KIDS

HOW TO INTRODUCE YOUNG PUPPIES TO ONE ANOTHER

Introducing Puppies To One Another

Introducing dogs to other dogs:

  1. Neutral Territory: ALWAYS Introduce the dogs on neutral territory, so choose a place that the dogs are unfamiliar with such as a park or a beach, where neither of the dogs feels territorial or threatened. Don’t attempt to introduce them in places like their own yard, front porch, owner’s car, etc. even the friendliest, most outgoing dog may interpret this as a threat to defend their ‘territory’, or at the very least may cause them unnecessary anxiety on some level.

  2. Controlled Environment: Keep both dogs on a leash and under control, to prevent any aggression or fights. If you feel it might be necessary, have a second dog-savvy person along to help you control your dog and or the other dogs.

  3. Slow and Steady: Let the dogs approach each other gradually, keeping a safe distance initially. Watch their body language carefully, noticing the obvious signs like baring teeth, snarling, lunging, as well as the more subtle signs like shying away, turning to one side, turning their back, hiding behind you, and intervene if necessary.

  4. Positive Reinforcement: Reward good behavior and calmness, like: greeting each other with uplifted happily wagging tails, sniffing one another and remaining calm, with treats or praise. * Praise is usually best in this case when dogs don’t yet know or feel comfortable with one another because some dogs can be very territorial or express aggression with food/treats.

Introducing dogs to humans:

  1. Calm Environment: Introduce the dog to a new person in a calm and quiet environment. Too many people, strangers, or loud noises can be overwhelming and scary for the dog. Its just a lot of energy for the dog to sift through from and energetic standpoint.

  2. Positive Reinforcement: Encourage the dog to approach the new person with treats or praise.

  3. Body Language: Watch the dog's body language closely. If the dog seems uncomfortable or afraid, don't force interaction. * Since dogs can easily sense and interpret energy, be aware of YOUR own body language and energy. If you are expressing tension, anxiety, etc. your dog will quickly and easily read into this and the likelihood of her/him expressing that to the other dog or human being introduced is more likely. Be calm, cool, relaxed and stay aware, not afraid. Remember, you’re meeting a new ‘friend.’

Introducing Dog To Human Who is a ‘Stranger’ To Her/Him

Introducing dogs to little kids:

Introducing Dog To Little Kid / Toddler

  1. Supervision: Always supervise interactions between dogs and little kids to prevent any accidents to either party.

  2. Positive Reinforcement: It is YOUR responsibility as a Parent/Caregiver/Teacher to ‘Teach’ the child to approach the dog calmly and slowly and without screaming or loudly talking and no erratic waving of arms, hands etc., as this can represent a threat to pretty much any animal, and remember to reward the dog with treats or praise for good behavior. Most dogs, especially younger dogs and puppies genuinely like little kids, but sometimes their frantic, kinetic, and oftentimes chaotic energy and loud voices can be a bit overwhelming, so its’ best to keep interaction with puppies/dogs and little kids at a minimum- at least initially. Always keep these visits supervised. This is for the safety and protection of the people and the puppy/dog so that everyone comes away with a positive experience.

  3. Gentle Touch: Teach the child to pet the dog gently yet firmly and in long strokes/pets over the body, avoiding sensitive areas like the face and ears, and do NOT allow a new person/child to reach OVER a dog’s head. *Think of it ‘as if’ you were a dog or a small child yourself, and a huge creature of a different species, approached you by reaching over your head. What would you think?… How might you react?… * It’s always best to reach UNDER a dog and pet her/his chest area when first being introduced.

  4. Give Space: Teach the child to ‘give the dog space’ when she/he wants to retreat or is showing signs of discomfort or apprehension. Never ever ‘force’ an introduction.

    Remember that every dog is different and may require a different approach. Always prioritize safety and observe the dog's body language to ensure that the introduction is going smoothly.

    Its up to you to as the Pet ‘Guardian’ and or the Parent/Caregiver of a child, New human on the scene, to Remember and Respect just like you would with a fellow human being, that some dogs may require a different approach based on their personality and past experiences. Even though dogs DO have voices and understand human languages, they do NOT ‘speak’ human languages and cannot let you know what happened to them in the past and what their own unique personalities prefer, like we can do in human languages. It’s up to us as humans to try to understand them, not the other way around.

    It's important to allow the quality time to observe and understand the dog's behavior to ensure a safe and happy introduction.

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WHY DOES MY PUPPY/YOUNG DOG BARK, WHINE AND BOTHER ME AS SOON AS I GET ON THE PHONE?

WHY DOES MY PUPPY BOTHER ME AS SOON AS I GET ON THE PHONE?

There could be several reasons why your young dog barks, whines, and bothers you as soon as you get on the phone:

  1. Attention-seeking: Your dog may bark and whine to get your attention because they want to interact with you, play with you, or simply be close to you. They may feel ignored or left out when you are on the phone, so they try to get your attention by making noise.

  2. Separation anxiety: Your dog may have separation anxiety, which means they become anxious or stressed when they are separated from you. When you are on the phone, they ‘may feel like’ they are being separated from you, so they bark and whine in an attempt to be reunited with you, much like human toddlers do.

  3. Lack of specific training: If your dog is young and hasn't been trained on how to ignore the phone and when you are on it yet, they may not know how to behave when you are on the phone. Barking, whining, and bothering you may simply be a result of their lack of  specific training associated with the phone and what that actually means.

  4. Protective instinct: Dogs are naturally protective of their owners and their territory. If they ‘perceive’ the phone as a threat to you or your home, they may bark and whine to warn you of the danger.

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Why Do Dogs Like To Sleep WIth Us Humans?

Cute Little Dog Sleeping With Man On Sofa

Why Do Dogs Sleep With Us Humans?

Well, Dogs are ‘Pack’ animals thanks to the wolf being their great ancestors.

We honestly have alot to thank wolves for.

Pack animals watch over and take care of one another.

Since our beloved domestic dogs consider us humans to be part of their pack, they are naturally, instinctively going to watch over, care for, and protect us; and this includes sleeping with or very near us.

Dogs Love to feel close to us and be assured that we are also watching over, caring for, and protecting them as well.

When dogs feel safe they want us to feel and be safe too.

Personally, we believe that since dogs are so psychically in tune with us, our energies, and our daily behaviors, they most likely sleep with or near us even more so when they perceive a threat, or if something or someone doesn’t feel quite right to them.

This can include strangers, the delivery people who drop off your packages every week, neighbors they don’t feel at ease with even though those same people might walk by your door every single day, sudden loud noises like the garbage truck, fireworks, construction noises, sirens from ambulances and fire trucks, even sudden loud gusts of wind or planes and helicopters flying over close by.

Dogs instinctively ‘pack’ together not just for safety and protection, but also to combine and conserve body heat, just as all warm blooded mammals do.

Oftentimes, they will ‘snuggle’ up with us because they think we are cold or because they are and they want to help us get warmer, just like they would for a fellow furry pack member of their family.

Golden Retriever Sleeping Guarding Door

Many breeds of dogs will act as a ‘sentry’ and patrol and ‘station’ themselves at different points around the house; especially at night while we are sleeping.  These points are usually in front of doorways and near windows.  Almost all of the Herding doggies we have had as family members have done this in years past, and our little Miniature American Eskimo puppy we have now is a wonderful ‘watch’ dog.

Gray Wolf Family Pack Guarding Den Entrance

American Gray Wolf Family Pack

This behavior is much the same as when as wild creatures, dogs/wolves would take turns watching the entrance to their dens and at several points of a wide perimeter outside of it.

Dogs want to make sure that they and theirs get a good restful night’s sleep.

Other reasons our dogs might sleep with or near us are that it ‘feels’ good to them just as it does to us.  It is reassuring. The neurotransmitter Oxytocin is a hormone that many now know in common terms as ‘the feel good chemical’ and it is Oxytocin that is released in both dogs and humans when we perceive a sense of love, trust, relaxation, and overall stability.

In many human and animal studies on the effects of oxytocin the bond has shown to be stronger when this feel good chemical is released. We will write a separate article on Oxytocin and How it Affects Bonding Between Dogs and Their Pet Parents; but for now, just know it is one more reason why dogs like to sleep with or near to us.

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WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST WELL KNOWN WAYS THAT DOGS ENGAGE IN WAYS OF SELFLESS ACTS OF KINDNESS?

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE WAYS THAT DOGS ENGAGE IN WAYS OF SELFLESS ACTS OF LOVE AND KINDNESS?

DOG AND DARK HAIRED LITTLE GIRL

Dogs are known for their loyalty, love, and devotion towards their human companions as well as toward one another. They are SO full of pure love that hey even extend it towards other ‘species’ on a frequent basis. Dogs are also capable of engaging in selfless acts of kindness, such as:

Protecting their human family: Dogs are known to put themselves in harm's way to protect their human family. They will often bark, growl, or even attack if they sense danger, such as an intruder or a wild animal.

Comforting their human companions: Dogs have an innate sense of empathy and are often able to sense when their human companions are upset or in distress. They will offer comfort by licking, nuzzling, or simply being present.

Helping other species of animals: Some dogs have been known to adopt and care for other animals, such as kittens or even abandoned baby animals. They will often share their food and water, and provide warmth and protection.

Assisting people with disabilities: Service dogs are trained to perform a variety of tasks to assist people with disabilities. They may help with mobility, provide emotional support, or even detect medical emergencies.

Offering companionship to the elderly: Dogs can provide companionship and reduce loneliness for the elderly. They offer unconditional love and a reason to get up and moving, which can improve physical and mental health.

Overall, dogs have a unique ability to sense the needs of their human companions as well as other dogs and even other species of animals and respond with selfless acts of kindness. We are in LOVE with dogs and feel that they are one of if not the most incredibly amazing creatures on Earth.

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WHY DO DOGS EAT GRASS?

WHY DO SOME DOGS EAT GRASS?

SHETLAND SHEEPDOG EATING GRASS.

WHY DO DOGS EAT GRASS?

Dogs may eat grass for a variety of reasons.

Some possible explanations include:

Digestive issues: Dogs may eat grass to induce vomiting or to aid in digestion if they are experiencing an upset stomach or constipation.

Nutritional deficiencies: Dogs may eat grass if they are not getting enough fiber or other nutrients in their diet.

Behavioral reasons: Some dogs may simply enjoy the taste or texture of grass, or they may have developed a habit of eating it.

Boredom or anxiety: Dogs that are bored or anxious may chew on grass as a way to relieve stress or occupy themselves.

While it is generally not harmful for dogs to eat small amounts of grass, excessive consumption can lead to vomiting or diarrhea. If your dog is eating grass frequently or exhibiting other signs of illness, it is best to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.

Firstly, if a dog is experiencing digestive issues such as an upset stomach or constipation, they may turn to eating grass as a way to alleviate their discomfort. Grass can help induce vomiting, which can help a dog expel any harmful substances or irritants that may be in their stomach. Additionally, the fiber in grass can help move things along in the digestive system, which can be helpful for dogs that are constipated.

Secondly, dogs may eat grass if they are not getting enough fiber or other nutrients in their diet. Grass contains fiber, which is an important nutrient for maintaining a healthy digestive system. If a dog's diet is lacking in fiber, they may seek it out in the form of grass. However, it's important to note that grass is not a complete source of nutrition and should not be relied upon as a sole source of fiber or other nutrients.

Thirdly, some dogs may simply enjoy the taste or texture of grass, or they may have developed a habit of eating it. Dogs are curious animals, and they may explore their surroundings by putting things in their mouth. If a dog discovers that they like the taste or texture of grass, they may continue to eat it even if they don't necessarily need it for digestive or nutritional purposes.

Finally, dogs that are bored or anxious may chew on grass as a way to relieve stress or occupy themselves. Chewing on grass can be a form of mental stimulation for dogs, and it can help them release pent-up energy or anxiety.

Overall, while it is generally not harmful for dogs to eat small amounts of grass, excessive consumption can lead to vomiting or diarrhea. As we mentioned, if you notice that your dog is eating grass frequently or exhibiting other signs of illness, it's always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.

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IS IT RUDE FOR A NEIGHBOR TO ALLOW THEIR DOG WHO HAS SEVERE SEPARATION ANXIETY, TO BARK, CRY, AND HOWL INCESSANTLY WHILE THEY LEAVE the dog ALONE FOR LONG LENGTHS OF TIME?

PUPPY LEFT ALONE BY OWNER IN CRATE TO CRY AND DISTURB NEIGHBORS

Yes, it is generally considered rude for a neighbor to allow their dog to bark and howl incessantly for hours, especially if it is due to separation anxiety. Not only is it disruptive to the peace and quiet of the neighborhood, but it can also be distressing for the dog and cause unnecessary stress and anxiety.

If you feel comfortable speaking with your neighbor, you might consider politely yet firmly expressing your concerns and suggesting potential solutions. For instance, that the neighbor could try providing the dog with toys or treats to keep them occupied, or they could perhaps hire a dog walker or pet sitter to keep the dog company while they're away. These days there are SO many options that were literally not available even twenty years ago. Consider APPS like: Wag.com, Rover.com, Fetch.com, Trustedhousesitters.com, which all require background checks and screening for provided services. They could also purchase a pet/nanny cam and ‘monitor’ the dog while trying to leave home, and they would start by doing so for a few minutes at a time and ‘work up to more time’ in increments. That way, they can tell if their dog is over-anxious, cannot settle down, is crying or howling incessantly then they can return quickly. There are even Dog-Centric Cameras like FURBO that not only monitor the dog, the camera also tosses out little treats!

If speaking with your neighbor doesn't work, you might consider reaching out to your local animal control agency, because contrary to public belief, they will first most usually come out or call the dog owner who has the dog having the problems, and offer viable solutions like the ones mentioned, as well as offer resources to dog training and with an emphasis on behavioral issues like separation anxiety, dogs that have come from traumatic situations like shelters, puppy mills, etc. If the problem continues and the dog is still in a state of distress and the owner/neighbor is absent and or non-responsive, then you may have no other recourse than to contact your local law enforcement for assistance. *Most people don’t want to do this first, if at all because many are pet parents/pet owners themselves and they are ‘genuinely’ concerned for the welfare of the dog in distress, but they DO want the dog’s owner to get help for the dog, and simultaneously they want their neighborhood to get back to and to remain in a state of relative peace and quiet.

If you've talked with your neighbor cordially and suggested the above things and all they have to say is: It will just take time for my dog to quit barking while being left alone, then what do you do?

If you have already spoken with your neighbor and suggested potential solutions, and they are not willing to take positive action steps to address the barking and howling, you and or a group of concerned neighbors may need to peacefully escalate the situation. Here are some steps you could take:

Check local noise ordinances: First, check your local noise ordinances to see if the barking is violating any laws. If it is, you may be able to file a noise complaint with your local authorities. Most if not all of these places will tell you that it is in fact inhumane, as well as a violation of the law to leave a dog barking, howling, crying, baying for longer than 5 minutes within any hour long time frame. Unfortunately, even though many cities are well funded, Noise Ordinance and or Animal Control Departments seem to be some of the MOST Understaffed. Many will tell you that even in a huge geographic area where the County may be one of the Largest counties in the State or Province, they only have 3-6 ‘dedicated’ employees in that department to handle such a HUGE area. Don’t despair, try to call in ‘as SOON as’ you hear the dog in distress because most of these departments also do NOT even ‘dispatch’ the officers to the call until sometimes an Hour or more PAST the time they receive your call because they are busy with Internal as well as External issues involving Noise and or Animal Noise/Control complaints/issues.

Document the barking: We realize that this is an incredible inconvenience and takes up alot of your time and energy that you would normally utilize to live your own life peacefully and as a good neighbor, but it may be helpful from a legal standpoint for you to keep a log of the times and duration of the barking and howling, as well as any other relevant details such as whether the dog is left outside or inside, and whether the owner is home or not. You could also record video and audio of the barking, baying, howling dog(s) IF you have the time and technical skills to do so, but keep in mind that you need to do so away from the barking dog’s/negligent neighbor’s property or they may try to ‘gaslight’ the situation and insinuate that you neighbors are trying to get their dog(s) to bark, when in fact it is actually simply a person who doesn’t care if their dog is in distress OR if their Neighborhood and their more peaceful neighbor’s own pets, kids, are now upset by all the incessant barking with no reprimand or training/intervention. Btw, since common sense dictates that dogs are pack animals, and it is instinctive for them to want to find our why the other dog(s) are barking in distress AND why No humans are going to their aid. Even the smartest dogs simply do NOT understand WHY no one would help a fellow canine; especially when ‘they view us humans as the leaders up their packs and look up to us.’

Consider mediation: If you have a homeowners association or community mediation program, or a landlord, consider contacting them to see if/how they can help mediate the situation between you and your neighbor.

Seek legal action: If the barking continues and is causing a significant disruption to your quality of life, you may need to consider seeking legal action. Consult with an attorney to see what options are available to you.

Ultimately, it is important to remember that resolving the issue may take some time, quite a bit of behavior modification and professional training for the dog(s), and for their owner/your neighbor to do consistent training with the dog(s)at home and/or send them to a professional trainer so that the neighborhood can get back to its peaceful state of being and so that the dogs receive the time and attention that they deserve in order to be better canine citizens.

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