Dogs and Cats Compared

Dog is essentially a servant. His feelings toward his master are comradely and his manner familiar; he enjoys the master's affection and regard.  He will go to any length to please and protect his people. He can be taught any manner of service tasks and will go about them with enthusiasm. His aim is to please.

The cat is different. She serves no one, knowingly or willingly. Her one accomplishment -- the hunting of mice, rats and other rodents -- is self-taught. The man does not live who can claim to have trained a cat to perform a task for human benefit. There are no police cats, no watch cats, no sled cats. The cat does not even come when she's called, unless it suits her.

Dogs are dependent upon humans.  They seek humans for companionship, play and care.  They enjoy the role of being part of the “pack” and will go to great lengths to keep that position.

Cats are also quite self-sufficient. You never have to entertain them. This is not to say that they cannot be entertained or that they themselves are not entertaining. It is just that their errands are many and their schedules full.  Cats prefer going it alone, depending upon their own wit to survive.


Whether you choose to share your home with a dog or a cat depends a great deal upon your own personality.  If you seek to be in charge, you will come to blows with cat every time.  She cannot be controlled.  If companionship and undying loyalty are what you seek, a dog will fill the position willingly.


There are homes and people for both dog and cat—examine what you expect carefully and choose accordingly.  Your home will be blessed with the presence of either.

Disabilities in Dog Owners

Just because you are dealing with a disability does not mean you can’t have a dog in your life.  Studies indicate doing so will benefit you and the dog.  There are some things you can do to make the experience easier.


If you need help giving your dog medicine, fluids, or shots, ask your veterinarian if he or she knows of anyone who will make home visits. If not, contact local pet-sitters to find ones who will assist you. Many pet-sitters are trained to perform these functions for the sick pet for owners who cannot perform them for themselves or for owners when they are away.


To play with your dog, use flashlights or laser pointers. Dogs love chasing the light, and you won't have to make a move.  An alternative is a remote control car for him to chase.  He gets exercise and you do not get over-exhausted.


If you have difficulty performing basic functions for yourself, investigate the use of a service or assistance dog. Assistance dogs are trained to help people with physical limitations perform their everyday functions. Assistance dogs are accepted in public places just as guide dogs and hearing dogs are. 

Divide large bags of food into smaller containers to help with lifting and filling dishes.  If you get large dishes, you will spend less time and energy filling them. There are dog food stands that raise the bowls above floor  so you won’t have to bend as much when you fill them.

Walking a dog when you are disabled can be difficult.  Consider hiring a neighborhood teen to do this or have a pet sitter come in and walk your dog each day.  Fenced-in yards are another alternative to consider.

Having a disability doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the companionship of a dog.  It takes just a little adjusting for you both to be happy.


How to Deal With Separation Anxiety

Many dogs are put to sleep by owners who can no longer figure out what to do with a dog that barks or howls constantly when they are gone, destroys things in their absence and basically makes a nuisance of himself.  These people do not understand that the dog is not being disobedient—he is most likely suffering from separation anxiety.

Dogs are pack animals.  As his family, you are his pack.  When you leave him alone, he feels lost and scared.  Often loud noises will frighten him.  His howling and destructiveness are the only way he has of showing his displeasure.  You can help him get through this with patience.

Try to find a room where he feels comfortable—one that isn’t close to a street or other traffic.  If possible, buying a crate made specifically for the size of your dog will help him feel more comfortable.  Placing a loved toy and an item of clothing that smells like you inside with him will increase that comfort.

Start by leaving him only a few minutes at a time.  He needs to be confident that you will return.  You can gradually extend the amount of time as he becomes more comfortable. Praise him greatly for every time he waits quietly.  If all else fails, talk with your vet and see if he can prescribe some type of anti-anxiety medication to give your dog when you need to be away. 


Your dog can’t help his anxiety.  You are his safety and he feels lost without you.  Give him time and patience and he will eventually learn to tolerate your absence.  There is no reason to have a healthy animal put down because he loves you so much he misses you when you are gone.  Work with him.  You and he will both benefit from this.

Helping Your Cat Survive Your Move

Moving into a new home is stressful for most of us.  Humans understand the reasoning, but cats don’t.  Changing your cat’s environment will need to be done gently and with patience.

It is normal for a cat to hide for a few days when moving into a new place.  He is nervous and unsure of where he can go and what is going on.  He may be worried that you will leave him alone and not return.  Some cats will act out aggressively at this point, showing their displeasure in hissing and biting.  Be patient, he will adjust.

It can help if you confine your cat to only one room when you first move.  Make sure he has food and water and his litter box.  Provide him with his usual sleeping blanket and some familiar toys.  All these will give him comfort and make the new environment more familiar.

Having more than one cat at a time like this is ideal.  They will stick together and find comfort.  You may find two cats who, until now, were barely tolerant of each other will become friendly and form a lasting bond.  Going through a confusing situation together will cement that bonding.
 
Make sure you give your cat extra attention during this time.  He will sense your mood and the stress you feel at moving may increase his.  Try to stay calm when interacting with him.  If possible, make the room he is confined to the bedroom.  This way, he will have you available at night.

In time, your cat will be back to ruling his domain.  All it takes is a little time and a lot of patience.  Following the above steps may make each of you deal with a move more effectively.



Why Your Dog Barks

Dogs bark because we humans want our dogs to bark. For years our domestication process and selective breeding has allowed our dogs to develop their barking abilities. Wolves don't bark. Barking was further developed in dogs in order to scare intruders or to help the master out (i.e. on farms to assist in gathering the sheep). 

Most dogs simply bark to communicate, to get attention, or simply to show their excitement. Training and lifestyle are important factors in teaching the dog how to communicate with its master. If you reward your dog for barking, he will continue to do so.  The best thing is to figure out what your dog is trying to tell you and go from there.

If you have a dog that barks excessively, try to figure out what he is trying to tell you.  If it is out of need for attention, the way to break the cycle is to wait for him to be quiet and then give him the attention he needs.  By acknowledging the barking, you reinforce it.  Waiting until he quiets will teach him that he gets attention when he is not barking.

Some dogs are extremely territorial.  They will bark at not only a person approaching, but someone they see walking across the street or on the next block.  The best way to stop this is to distract him when he starts to bark.  Catch his attention with a treat or by playing.  Every time the bark cycle is broken, it sends the message that quiet will get the most reward.


Taking the time to discover what your dog is communicating will result in less stress for both you and him.  He will get much needed attention and you will get quiet.  It’s a situation you both win.


Chitika