Love, Science and Your Dog

by Elizabeth Deitz on 11. Feb, 2013 in Dog News, Neuroscience

At this time of year we often think of love. Do you ever wonder why you love your dog so much? Although you may enchanted by his winsome ways, let’s look at what science says aboput the subject.

If you are reading this, then I am probably bloggin’ to the choir. Most of us recognize that our love for our pets is deep and perhaps a bit of a mystery to us and others. I am often reminded of this when I explain how I don’t sleep very well unless I have my dog  snoring and drooling on my shoulder.  It isn’t the noise or drool I crave, but the contented look on her face when she takes that last big breath before she dozes off. It makes me happy and I have always suspected that there must be some sort of physiological response that occurs when we spend time with our charges. What is really going on here? Is there a scientific explanation behind those feelings? Yes, there is. And as you will read shortly, more studies come every day.

If asked why they love their dogs, most people will respond with some variation of the following:

  • They provide unconditional love
  • They are always there for me
  • They are always happy to see me
  • They don’t care if I have messed up at work
  • They comfort me

And of course there is truth in this.  But long ago and far away I was a biology major, and those four years of college forever shaped the way I look at things.  I want to know the science behind things and have been especially intrigued by the strong connections people feel with their dogs.  This has been driven in part by my own quest to understand my deep feelings for my dogs, but also the evidence all around of others’ feelings for their dogs.  I have known people to sacrifice a relationship because the other person involved didn’t love their dog, or pass on an opportunity to vacation when the dog couldn’t go along, or who have gladly sacrificed their home furnishings to the comfort of their Fido. So are we all crazy?

The more I read the more I have come to blame, or appreciate ,depending on your view, oxytocin . Oxytocin is a hormone found in male and female mammals. The experiments I will refer to shed some scientific light on the issue of why we love our dogs so deeply and in no way do they diminsh these feelings.

Oxytocin – The Hugging and Cuddling Hormone

There are reports of studies that show a relationship between oxytocin and long-term relationships. These were same species studies. But now there is a paper, soon to be presented in Sweden  at  The 12th Annuual International Conference on the Human Animal Interactions, linking increased levels of oxytocin when people interact, either petting or gazing, at their dogs. This research was done by Kerstin Uvnas-Moberg and will be presented in July.

But many other studies have been done on the effects of oxytocin. It has long been called the “love hormone” or “cuddle hormone.” It plays a big part in birth, sex , maternal behavior  and even commitment. Much of the research has been done on voles and rats, but more and more is being done with humans.  And there have been a number of surprising findings.  For example, “investors” are likely to invest more when treated with an oxytocin inhaler than not.

A Dog Can Improve Your Math Skills!

I bet you don’t believe me but it has been shown that the presence of our beloved dog can markedly affect our ability to do mental math! On the other hand, the presence of friends  has the exact opposite effect.  The same is true when it comes to giving a speech. It is theorised that when the pressure is on and we are stressed, friends and  are perceived as threatening and judgemental or “evaluative”,thereby increasing the stress. Karen Allen’s research involved only women and their pets. They were asked to perform some mental math and where tested under three scenarios – friend present, alone, or dog present. It wasn’t surprising to me that they performed significantly better with their pet present, less well if alone, and the worst if a friends was present.

Another interesting study was done on couples. They were asked to rate the level of “partner support” they experienced. They found that those who perceived higher levels of support from their partners also had higher levels of oxytocin in their blood.

One characteristic of autistic children is their difficulty in relating socially. If you are interested in how autistic children can benefit from actually training dogs, see my earlier post “How Can Autistic Kids and Dogs Work Together?” In 1998 a study was conducted comparing levels of oxytocin in “aloof” autistic children to normal children.  The data clearly showed significantly lower levels of oxytocin in the autistic group. Social impairment was related to lower levels of oxytocin.

So if oxytocin increases bonding and trust, as as the studies above indicate, how does this fit in with the whole dog thing and our relationships with them?

Mystery Solved – Or Is It?

Now, back to the research that Kerstin Uvnas-Moberg and her colleagues have done recently. Female particpants rated the quality of their relationship with their dogs. The women then interacted with their dogs both petting them and talking to them. Oxytocin levels were measured. Higher oxytocin levels correlated with higher positive ratings of the participant’s relationship with their dog. But even more interesting, if the participants ranked their relationship as positive, the dogs themselves also had increased levels of oxytocin.

This finding interests me on so many levels. First, it scientifically authenticates my strong feelings toward my dogs. Secondly, it shows that my perception of my relationship has some physiological bearing on my dog as well. But another thought comes to mind.  These experiments were done with Labradors. There are breeds which are considered more “neotenous” than Labs and I am wondering whether there might be a difference in the oxytocin levels in neotenous vs. less-neotenous breeds.

Neoteny is when traits that are baby-like or youthful are still present when they are adults. Think breeds with short muzzles and big eyes. A human infant’s head makes up 1/3 rd of the total length of the body.  An adult head averages 1/7 th of the heigth. Now imagine a Pug’s head or a Bulldog’s head . Much closer to 1/3 rd than 1/7 th. It is speculated that these baby-like proportions in humans evoke in us that “Ahhhh, how cute!” and protective, parental emotions. Some even speculate that our idea of feminine beauty is neotenous. Men are seen to be most attracted to women with large, round eyes, small noses and chins, relatively large head and so on.  All very debatable, but interesting nonetheless.

So if oxytocin is influential in lactation and maternal bonding and it is also released just by gazing into the eyes of our canine friend it makes sense that we have fashioned some breeds that are particularly neotenous. Neoteny could be one factor that enters into the release of oxytocin in ourselves.  With the release of oxytocin come those feelings of bonding and maternal care. And thus those positive feelings in turn could bring about the increase in the release of oxytocin in Fido and that in turn may increase their  bonding with us. A beautiful circular design! I wonder whether there is a difference in the levels of oxytocin released in humans when they interact with a neotenous vs. less-neotenous breed.

I wish I could be in Stockholm for the presentation of  Kerstin Uvnas-Moberg’s findings, though I am sure that we will hear about it from the animal behaviorists and ethologists who attend.

As Sir Arthur Conan Doyle said ” We are in very deep waters”.

Photo Credit: Dunechaser on flickr

Read full story • Comments { 0 }

Quick Tip: How To Use Gooey Treats For Training

by Elizabeth Deitz on 05. Feb, 2013 in Dog Tips, Dog Training

An important component when you are training your dog, is the immediate and timely rewarding of good behavior. With some dogs this is simply a scratch behind the ears, a toss of the ball or a few kind words.  But for the majority, when training NEW behaviors, the reward must be of a higher value.  Typically, a semi-moist tiny treat is used.

Keeping in mind the training tenet “the subject dictates the rewards,” we occasionally have the dog who shuns those handy treats but will adore the less handy peanut butter, or some sort of soft food.

But when out and about on the town training your dog, using these less than user-friendly treats can be problematical.

Now what are we to do? Grab that ketchup bottle. Make an easily dispensed mush of whatever it is your dog finds rewarding, stuff it in the ketchup bottle and you now have an easy to handle way to give him a little lick of that cherished treat. Using a blender, I have managed to do this with liver, peanut butter and even tuna. Just add water until you have a consistency that is manageable.

Let your dog’s imagination guide you!

For more ideas on rewards and how to use them effectively, and wean them off, read “Calling All Cookie Monsters and Treat Whores.”

Read full story • Comments { 0 }

The Ticklish Issue of Dominance

by Elizabeth Deitz on 21. Jan, 2013 in Dog Training, Ethology

There are many trainers who base their dog training methods on a mistaken interpretation of some research done in the 60’s involving captive grey wolves, dominance and “the pack.“ These beliefs have become so entrenched in popular culture that while getting to know a new client I make it a point to find out where they stand on this issue. Their belief and adherence to this approach has come to be predictive of a client’s success.

It was not until recently that these assumptions have been questioned. So what have researchers found that undermines the assumption that a dog’s behavior can be equated to that of the wolf?

The research that led to the notion that a pet dog will act as if, with his human family, he is a “pack,” was done through observation of wolves in captivity.  Whereas in captivity there are frequent skirmishes and attempts to maintain a hierarchy, in a free ranging pack it is a rarity. In a captive population the pack has been put together by humans, usually comprised of unrelated wolves,  and individuals are unable to either leave the pack or use many of their natural behaviors. The assumption that since a captive wolf may try to raise its status that, similarly, domestic dogs will try to raise their status in their pack, or in other words, their human family was based on the captive “pack” that was very different from what occurs naturally. Owners were frequently led to believe that they needed to establish themselves as “leaders of the pack” which is now generally accepted as an approach based on a misconception.

A more fruitful approach would limit this idea to very specific situations.  Dog-dog and dog-human relationships may be explained by the concept of dominance but only in very limited situations, usually involving access to or control of a cherished and limited resource. Rawhide frequently comes into play here as it is a scarce and cherished resource. If the owner attempts to take it away and is nipped for his trouble, the owner withdraws and the dog has been successful. Thus the dog has learned that aggression succeeds. This is frequently misinterpreted as an attempt to gain ”dominance” when in fact it is simply a learned behavior that has worked effectively.

It can be boiled down to this: domestic dogs do not form packs, and especially not with another species.

An analogy would be cattle in a field and cattle egrets. Do we call that a herd? Or a flock? Do we attempt to describe the egret’s behavior in terms of a cow herd?

In some very very limited situations the idea of dominance may come in handy.  But unfortunately, what I see more often is that people relying on this outdated misconception become fearful that their dog is trying to gain “dominance.”

Read full story • Comments { 1 }

Made In The USA – Meet the Chinook

by Elizabeth Deitz on 16. Jan, 2013 in Dog History

The Chinook is a newly recognized, rare and fascinating breed, bringing the total number of AKC recognized breeds to 177.

The story of this breed is touching and historic and is one of the truly American breeds.*

In 1896 a young man named Arthur Walden left his job on a New Hampshire farm for the trip of a lifetime to Alaska. While there he had many jobs and experiences but the one job that shaped him for the rest of his life was “dog punching.” Dog punching, essentially dog sledding, was the use of dogs to move merchandise across the frozen lands of Alaska. With this experience under his belt, he eventually returned to New Hampshire where he was unable to find the quality of sled dog that he had become use to. But in 1917 a litter was born to his Husky, a granddaughter of Admiral Peary’s lead dog during his 1909 Arctic expedition, and a stud of mixed heritage. Peary, an egotistical and colorful character with a hefty share of character flaws, actually missed the North Pole by a bit.

In this litter, related to Peary’s lead sled dog, were three buff colored puppies that stood out. They were large and intelligent and eventually one, Chinook, became Walden’s prized and beloved lead dog. Walden developed a team of sled dogs and was winning some races, but an outbreak of distemper wiped out his entire team except for Chinook.

At eleven years of age Chinook joined Admiral Byrd’s team set to explore the Antarctica and build a new city, “Little America.” The night after setting a record for hauling 3500 pounds with his team of 13 dogs, Chinook woke Walden several times during the night. Walden patted his head and told him to go back to sleep. As Walden was preparing to leave Little America the next day, Chinook wandered off and was never found.  When a new highway was built in the area, the people wanted to name it after Walden. But Walden asked that it be named after Chinook, and today is still named the Chinook Trail.

Three offspring of Chinook went on to become the foundation for the Chinook bloodline. With the comeback of this breed, they are now being bred, carefully and selectively, both as ideal companions and recreational sled dogs. This history of this breed is directly connected to the great explorers Byrd and Peary , the 1925 Nome Serum Run, and exploration of the Antarctica.

* The Plott Hound, the Boston Terrier, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever,the American Eskimo, the Toy Fox Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, the Rat Terrier, the American Water Spaniel, the Alaskan Malamute, the Boykin Spaniel, the Redbone Coonhound, the Black Mouth Cur, the American Foxhound, and, oddly, the Australian Shepherd, are the others I can think of. Can you think of any others?

Read full story • Comments { 0 }

New Ways To Exercise Your Dog

by Elizabeth Deitz on 07. Jan, 2013 in Dog Tips

Find The Balance Between Mental and Physical Stimulation

Does your dog have a weight problem? Is he the perfect weight…but just too short?

Canine obesity is rampant. And losing weight by exercising regularly is one of the most popular and frequently broken New Year’s resolutions, so this year I am aiming low. I hereby resolve to meet all my dog’s exercise needs!

While it is pretty easy to keep up with my dog’s physical needs (aging Bulldogs require little) many of my clients are not so lucky. Meeting a dog’s exercise requirements can be a daunting task. The key here is balance. Without it, you may end up with a bored dog with an over- abundance of energy, and stamina. If you provide a lot of physical exercise and your dog then becomes  a very fit athlete, but his  mental exercise needs are not being met, you may have developed a very fit, athlete, with all the energy of the Energizer bunny, and no way to expend it.

Simple Games

My favorite way to exercise my dogs is through mental stimulation. Amazingly, training in and of itself can help to tire them out. Simply running through some basic obedience and a few tricks is helpful. But there is so much more!

A number of simple games can be improvised hiding treats or kibble. Even something as simple as placing a bit of kibble under their metal dog food bowl can be challenging, as well as pretty entertaining to watch. I have seen many approaches to solving this dilemma. Some dogs will use their paws and nose to overturn the bowl. Others will push it to the threshold of a door and force it over the edge. Others will just bark at it incessantly till you give up and turn it over. I have seen dogs jump on it with all four, paw at it till it is skidding across the floor like a hockey puck, and others who push it recklessly across the floor til something, anything, stops it.

Another inexpensive toy requires a couple of tennis balls, a muffin pan and a few treats. Cut the tennis balls in half. Put a treat in the muffin pan and then cover each muffin area with one half of a tennis ball. Let the games begin!

Car Trips

Taking your dog to a public place where he can meet new people, and smell new things can be exciting, and exhausting, for your dog. There is a plethora of stimulating events on even the shortest ride. Many times I run short errands and could have included my dogs, but just didn’t think to. I resolve to do this more often.

Innovative Toys and Companies

There are two companies that have especially large selections of dog challenging toys.

Kyjen adds new toys frequently to their developing line of brain games. Some of them involve rawhide so be aware of the dangers associated with rawhide if these appeal to you. Many are treat – finding puzzles. My dogs are much more interested in the “Hide A….” plush toys. Current favorite? The “Ginormous Hide A Squirrel” which comes with six wonderful squirrels to find and do with whatever their little hearts desire.

 These are soft toys with squeakers that “live” inside of a soft structure such as a tree trunk or birdhouse.  You place them inside and your dog works to get them out.  Their Egg Baby Puzzle Toys are a variation on this theme.

They also have a line of “Lil’ Rippers” which appeal to dogs on several levels. The defining aspect of these toys is the lovely, music-to-their-ears, ripping sound that is made by pulling these apart.  They are designed for rugged play and can by pulled apart again and again. This one is ingenious.

Nina Ottoson, of Sweden, was one of the first companies to develop an extensive line of toys that challenge your dog’s mental skills. These toys are beautifully made, and are also divided into Level 1, 2 and 3 and come in both wood and plastic.

If you are interested in developing a well balanced athlete who is both mentally and physically strong and  agile, as well as having fun and strengthening the bond with your dog, consider adding a handful of these challenging toys. For more excellent ideas on exercising your dog’s puzzle – solving abilities, take a look at Smellorama: Nose Games For Dogs by   .Viviane Theby and available through DogWise.

Read full story • Comments { 0 }

Favorite Dog Story of 2012

by Elizabeth Deitz on 02. Jan, 2013 in Dog News

 One of my favorite dog stories of the year made my short list because of the brouhaha that it caused and the attention it drew to the communication  between species as well as the courage and integrity of those involved.
The story began with the incredible rescue by a fireman of the dog Max, who had fallen into an icy lake. A reunion of sorts was planned for the fireman who rescued him and Max, on live TV. In hindsight, this was not a good plan.  
The video of the fireman swimming out to rescue this dog is truly chilling.

The anchorwoman, Kyle Dyer, while speaking with the fireman and the owner on live TV, was scratching and caressing Max, and believed the dog was enjoying the moment.  If you look at the clip, one can see signs of anxiety and stress, such as tongue flicks, heavy panting and a moment when the dog freezes, followed by the bite.

Max was, in hindsight, clearly uncomfortable, and would have appreciated more “elbow room” and less “face time. ” Sadly, the anchorwoman had to have reconstructive surgery on her lip, but thankfully she understood what went wrong and did not blame Max, the Argentine Mastiff. Kyle’s recovery has been a long one, and involved two surgeries, 70 stitches, and some time with her mouth sewn shut. In her own words “I thought I was a dog person. I’ve lived with dogs all my life and that dog, I thought, seemed to really love my nails and my rubbing, but, you know, you just don’t know. It was a freak accident — I was too close, he was unsettled, we think we know what dogs are saying, but we don’t really know.” The post – surgery interview gives a glimpse into what sort of an optimistic, fair minded and remarkable person she must be.

Miscommunication is rife between humans, so of course it should be expected between species. But we rarely think of what our dogs are saying to us. Training, unfortunately, more often concentrates on how to tell our dogs what to do, and rarely involves training us to be sensitive to what they are “saying.”

An awareness of how dogs attempt to communicate to us would go a very long way in preventing incidences between species. I do believe that dogs try to understand our language, both body and verbal. It is in their best interests, as well as ours, to do so.

In a previous post, “Should You Really Hug Your Dog Today?”  I wrote, “Becoming aware of differences in communication between species can help us not only in being able to train more easily, but also in being able to live more companionably with each other. I truly think that dogs strive to understand us and our language.  We should give them the same courtesy. It is the polite thing to do.”

So why is this my favorite dog story of the year? Because unlike many, this restores my faith in humans. Kyle Dyer managed a difficult situation with decorum,aplomb, integrity and much courage. While there could have been much finger pointing and blaming, there was not. Kyle recognized the situation for what it was – an unfortunate accident. This  story also struck a chord because it brought to light and promoted discussion  about how dogs communicate to us their emotional state. If that is a topic that interests you, poke around on Patricia McConnell’s blog.  Patricia is a scientist with a heart, and all of her books reflect this. For a deeper understanding of your dog, The Other End Of The Leash, one of her older books, can’t be beat.  Her style is personal and engaging and it is clear that she is always striving for a deeper understanding of the dog/human relationship.

Read full story • Comments { 0 }

Pet Friendly Domestic Violence Shelters

by Elizabeth Deitz on 26. Dec, 2012 in Dog News

While reading a touching story about a program that helped  an elderly hospitalized woman have visits from her beloved litle dog, I discovered  another aspect of that same program.

The Florida Keys SPCA’s “Faith Program” also assists people who are victims of domestic abuse and are in need of a temporary shelter for their pet. Victims of domestic abuse often chose not to leave an abusive situation because it would mean leaving their beloved pet behind. With their own future situations unclear, they often cannot provide adequate care and accommodations for their dog.  Though some women’s shelters are now able to offer shelter for pets it is still uncommon. Aside from the problem of just having sufficient room for pets, there are less obvious problems.  Liability, allergies, barking and fear of other residents are just a few.

As  dog owners we all recognize the emotional support that dogs can provide. It is hard to imagine a situation in which one would want and need their beloved pet more than when trying to leave an abusive situation.

If this is a need that you feel moved to address, or for more general information, there are a few sites that may be helpful.

Read full story • Comments { 0 }

New Hope for Dogs with Spinal Injuries Using Nose Cells

by Elizabeth Deitz on 19. Nov, 2012 in Biology, Dog News, Videos

Researchers at Cambridge University have created quite a stir using nose cells to treat spinal injuries in dogs. There are, sadly, several breeds that have higher incidences of spinal problems than others. These are typically the longer-backed dogs like Dachshunds and Bassets, and the giant breeds but there are other breeds as well. These breeds in particular may be helped, but any dog can suffer a spinal injury. There may now be hope with this new treatment of  eventually regaining some or full use of paralyzed limbs. 

This truly amazing video shows Jasper’s journey from paralysis to mobility!

Thirty-four dogs were used in this study, all of whom had spinal injuries preventing them from using their hind legs.  Twenty-three of them were injected with olfactory cells that had been removed from their noses and grown in the laboratory. A large proportion of the dogs who received the injections gained some use of their back logs, while none of the dogs in the  group who received a similar injection but of a neutral fluid, recovered any use at all.

Significance of This Research

This research is significant because it is the first time that a severely damaged spinal cord has shown considerable  improvement with the use of these transplanted cells. The regenerated nerve fibers allowed these lucky dogs to use their hind legs again in a coordinated way.

Read full story • Comments { 0 }

Book Review: Things Your Dog Doesn’t Want You To Know by Hy Conrad and Jeff Johnson

by Elizabeth Deitz on 24. Oct, 2012 in Dog News, Humor, Products

It is a rare combination. Things Your Dog Doesn’t Want You To Know is both entertaining and educational. The subtitle – “11 courageous canines TELL ALL” – is the sensational teaser and is a pretty good indication of what this book is all about. Written in the first person (or maybe first dog) these brief essays often offer us some insight into what might motivate some canine behavior. The author, Hy Conrad is best known for his work on Monk, and somehow there is a bit of the same sly humor in this book.

The stories range from what one particular dog’s thoughts after a visit to the vet where, somehow, he lost his favorite balls, to another’s thoughts about escaping from the fenced yard. Another reflects on how things he did as a puppy that humans thought were cute, are no longer considered cute when he does them as an adult. He gives this some serious thought. And it is one example of the sort of thought-provoking subjects the book addresses. If you have ever raised a puppy you may have had this experience. It was really heart warming and cute when he tried to jump in your arms when he was 9 pounds, but when he is 90 pounds and tries to jump in your mother –in – law’s arms, well, it is not so endearing. He complains about the truly confusing  mixed signals.

There is the overeater (a bulldog) who confesses that he really isn’t hungry all the time and hasn’t been truly hungry since he was a week old. He has been in “various stages of not-quite-full.” But harking back to his evolution, he muses that maybe dogs had to gorge themselves because they never knew when they might stumble upon another mastodon. So, if the food bowl is full, he must empty it.

This would make a great gift for a new dog owner but it is also a fun read for the experienced dog owner. There are lessons here for all of us and with wit and humor we are led to looking at a dog’s behavior from a different point of view. You can connect with the author on Facebook , read his guest post on Moonlight Gleam’s Bookshelf, or visit his website.

Read full story • Comments { 0 }

Halloween, Stranger Danger and Your Dog

by Elizabeth Deitz on 05. Oct, 2012 in Dog Tips, Dog Training

Halloween characters and costumes may not be much of a treat for your dog, especially if this is his very first Halloween. Young dogs who have only been part of the family for a short while are especially vulnerable as they have probably not even experienced your seasonal wardrobe change. When the first cold front blows through we may reach for that parka and mittens without giving much thought to how this metamorphosis may affect our dog. How did we double in size and become all puffy with layers of down overnight? Some dogs, those that roll well with the punches, may not even take note. But there are those sensitive types who observe and react to minute changes in their environment. Imagine waking up and finding that your beloved companion had suddenly sprouted fangs, horns and wings! For these sensitive souls, Halloween can indeed be a scary event. And if you are considering dressing your dog up, make sure he is on board with that. Some like it – most don’t!

Plan Ahead

 
If you are planning on dressing up for the occasion, allow your dog the opportunity to investigate the costume before you actually wear it. Put it on the bed and sit beside it. Invite your dog over to investigate but if he is reluctant, don’t force him. You can toss treats to him and gradually toss them closer and closer to the costume. When he becomes comfortable you can start to put on one article of clothing at a time. In this way you are permitting him to see the change from his much loved Mom or Dad to Captain America or Wonder Woman!
Refresh your dog’s memory. Three of the most useful commands are Stay, Quiet and Leave It. One of our most favorite aspects of Halloween can be dangerous for your pooch. Chocolate is abundantly available, can easily end up on the floor and is toxic to dogs. This is when “leave It” comes in handy. Trick or Treat-ers knocking on the door and ringing the bell can be wildly exciting. This is when a good strong Stay will serve you and your dog well, as well as Quiet.

Protect Your Dog

If you dog is not well socialized, is fearful, or aggressive there are ways in which you can manage the situation. Understandably, not all dogs are going to relish the excitement of the occasion. Consider these alternative approaches:

  • Board your dog overnight , either with your vet or a boarding kennel, indoors.
  • Seclude your dog in a back room, with a favorite chew toy. Turn the volume on the radio way up to, hopefully, drown out the ringing, knocking and other commotion.
  • Meet your scary guests outside. Be proactive and set up a table and chairs. Have some decorations and the all important goodies to hand out. Waylay those goblins, fairies and vampires and keep your dog happy and safe this Halloween!
Read full story • Comments { 0 }
Older Entries »