WHAT ARE THE BREEDS OF DOGS THAT LIVE THE LONGEST AND SHORTEST?

WRITTEN BY XENA

The DOG is the best four-legged man's friend. This is unquestionable and so has been from the beginning of time. If he is also a PET, he is very likely a family member too, and we are tightly connected with him. When it dies, it is emotional, and sometimes we are dramatically experienced and nothing can replace us with the void we felt at the time.

The average age of DOGS is 10-13 years. So they live shorter than CATS. However, their life depends on: 

• the BREED and size of the DOG 
• genetics 
• DOG living conditions 
• nutritious quality 
• health 
• energy
• happiness level 
• physical activity  
• movement 
• mental stimulation  
• regular veterinary examinations  

It has been found that SMALL DOG BREEDS live longer than LARGE ones, as well as MIXED BREEDS live longer than PUREBRED BREEDS. Here is one interesting thing, that shows that there are DOGS that have exceeded the average life span and experienced 27 human years, and those that exceeded the Guinness record with 29 human years experienced. Such is, for example, an AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD, Bluey. But it is certainly a rarity and, if we are DOG owners, we must be ready to outlive our PETS.

Before I start listing the LONGEST-RUNNING BREEDS and those who live the shortest, I will look back at the calculation of the DOG YEARS. 

There are several methods of calculating DOG YEARS. 

The most famous is the one that assumes that one year DOG is seven human years, as well as the method that the first year of the DOG counts as 1 human, and all the next 7 humans. 

Scientists, however, believe that their size and weight should be taken into account for DOG -YEARS. 

They are of the opinion that all DOGS, regardless of their weight in the first human year, have been experiencing for 15 years. Regardless of the greatness of the DOG

• the two human years are 24 DOG YEARS, 
• three humans - about 28 DOG YEARS, 
• four - about 32 
• five -about 36 DOG YEARS
• the size of the dog is taken into account, only after 6 human years, so DOGS under 9 pounds with 6 human years will actually be about 40 years old  
• DOGS above 23 kg will be about 45 years 
• SMALL DOGS will have 56 DOG YEARS with 10 human years, 
• LARGE DOGS will be at the age of 66 

The general calculation of DOG YEARS would approximately read 15+9+5. This would mean that in the first human year, they already have 15 DOG YEARS, in the second 9+ (24 years), and in the third 29 DOG YEARS. Each next year, it will increase by five. 

It is important to emphasize that scientists still do not know, why LARGE DOG BREEDS live shorter than SMALL ones. DOGS grow faster and more mature than humans, so their lifespan passes faster. Now that we have gained insights into calculating the years of our best four-legged friend, we can start a classification of the longest-running DOG BREEDS.

1. NEW GUINEA SINGING DOG (life span: 15-20 years)

According to the view of scientists, this relative of the AUSTRALIAN DINGO DOG arrived on the island of Nova Guinea 3500 years ago, was last seen in the wild in the 1970s, and was considered extinct. He was now found again in Papue's new Guinea hills. It is an ancient BREED that voters vote for - a mixture of wolf howling and whaling song, hence the name singing  DOG.

2. CHIHUAHUA (life span: 14-18 years)

I wrote about this BREED earlier on this blog, so those who are interested in details can be found here: 

https://www.catdogwrld.com/2021/07/what-are-most-Important-facts-bout.html

3. BORDER COLLIE (life span: 10-17 years)

For those who want to know more is the post on this blog:

https://www.catdogwrld.com/2022/12/top-10-breeds--dogs-most-ttached-to.html

4. JACK RUSSEL TERRIER (life span: 13-16 years). The oldest DOG from this BREED is Meg, she is 25 years old and comes from Great Britain.

5. YORKSHIRE TERRIER (life span: about 15 years)

6. DACHSHUND (life expectancy: 12-16 years) 

One of the reasons for their longevity is probably the fact that it is a very healthy DOG BREED. The oldest DACHSHUND, Chanel, lived to be 21 years old.

7. POMERANIAN (life span: 12-16 years) 

One of the most famous and cutest DOGS in the world was undoubtedly a POMERANIAN named Boo, who had his own Facebook page. Sadly, Boo died in 2019 at the age of 12.

8. SHIH TZU (life span: 10-16 years)

9. AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DOG (lifespan: 13-15 years) 

From this BREED comes the world's oldest DOG ever. It was Bluey, who was over 29 years old and lived in the 20th century (1910-1939).

10. BEAGLE (life span: 12-15 years) 

I'm sure we all remember the cartoon with Snoopy the DOG. Well, this adorable DOG comes from the BEAGLE BREED that I also wrote about in this blog (https://www.catdogwrld.com/2022/02/medium-size-dog-breeds-srednje-veliki.html).    The oldest BEAGLE was 27 years old, his name was Butch, and he died in 2003.

11. SIBERIAN HUSKY (life span: 12-15 years) 

For those who want to know where they come from, read this blog post:

https://www.catdogwrld.com/2021/04/siberian-husky-sibirski-haski.html

If you belong to those who get attached to their PETS, this list is for you. I am sure that you will find a DOG "to your liking" that will cheer you up day after day and love you unconditionally for many years, and in return will only ask for a little of your attention and time.                                                                                                                                      

The following is a list of DOG BREEDS THAT LIVE THE SHORTEST

• DOGUE DE BORDEAUX - FRENCH MASTIFF (life span: 5-8 years)
• BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG (life span: 6-8 years)
• IRISH WOLFHOUND (life span: 6-10 years)
• BORZOI (life span: 7-10 years)
• LEONBERGER (life expectancy: 8-9 years)
• NEAPOLITAN MASTIFF (life span: 8-10 years)
• GREAT DANE (life span: 8-10 years)
• BULLMASTIFF (lifespan: 8-10 years)
• NEWFOUNDLAND - a gentle giant, due to its temperament (lifespan: 8-10 years)
• SAINT BERNARD DOG (life span: 8-10 years)BREED which is also covered on this blog: https://www.catdogwrld.com/2021/02/dog-breeds-pasmine-pasa_22.html
• ROTTWEILER (life span: 8-10 years)      

From all of the above, we can conclude that SMALLER DOGS live longer than LARGE BREEDS. So, love, take care, and cuddle your best four-legged friends while they are with you! Because when they leave, there will be a void that nothing can fill, especially if you knew you could have done more and you didn't.                                  

 "We take care of our pets as for ourselves."

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TOP 18 DOG BREEDS THAT ARE THE HARDEST TO TRAIN?

WRITTEN BY XENA

A DOG has been man's best four-legged friend since ancient times. Many people are owners of one or more DOGS, and some are about to become one. However, before you get a DOG, it would be advisable to research which DOG BREEDS are the most difficult to train, just enough to understand what you are getting yourself into, and even more so if you don't have enough time or are not really "armed" with patience. If you start with proper training and have realistic expectations, you will get an almost perfect PET. Below is a list of the TOP 18 DOG BREEDS that are hardest to train.

• BASENJI

 

It is a real challenge to train this SMALL DOG, originally from Africa, because, among other things, they quickly lose interest. They are extremely intelligent, independent, and wayward. These are DOGS that do not immediately become friends with an unknown person or animal. Moreover, they will take a hostile attitude towards them, so it is good to let them make the first move themselves, and not force them to do so. It is a BREED OF HUNTING DOGS, where the sense of smell and vision play an important role. Interestingly, just like CATS, they like to lick and clean themselves, and they are also called "catty" DOGS.

• BORZOI 

Like the BASENJI, the BORZOI also has "feline" manners. These graceful, aristocratic-looking DOGS are very stubborn, independent, and intelligent. They also belong to the HUNTING BREED, and another DOG or a neighbor's CAT will soon awaken their hunting instinct, if they sense a loose leash, because they can perceive them as potential prey. Training these DOGS requires a lot of time and effort and only positive training methods.

• AFGHAN HOUND 

 

Their aristocratic, almost royal demeanor tells us in advance that this DOG is not for everyone. Although loyal, sensitive, and affectionate, they are also stubborn, independent, and intelligent with a strong hunting instinct. Therefore, their training, just like with their relatives, BORZOI will require a lot of effort and time and positive methods (praise, treats, etc.).

 

• BLOODHOUND (SAINT HUBERT DOG) 

We can conclude from the name itself that it is a DOG that will follow scents. When he smells something, he doesn't give up and goes all the way. Therefore, their training requires dedication, time, and patience, as well as positive methods in the form of rewards and praise. For the training of this BREED, it is best to seek the help of experts. Otherwise, this BREED is ideal for finding people and as a police DOG.

• BASSET HOUND (ENGLISH BASSET) 

is a HUNTING DOG, characterized by an exceptional ability to follow scents. They are very persistent in this and never give up. It is precise because of these abilities that they are popular among the hunters of the Belgian and French aristocracy. Because of their hunting skills, training them as GUARD DOGS is not recommended. They are exclusively either HUNTING DOGS or PETS. Otherwise, we are talking about stubborn, independent, intelligent, but also cuddly, friendly, and cheerful DOGS.

• CHIHUAHUA 

We could say that it is a DOG with character, because of its impudence and self-confidence. This is a DOG that does not like authority and is difficult to train, so training should include positive methods in the form of praise and treats. This BREED was already discussed in one of the older posts on this blog, so everything you are interested in about this DOG can be found at: 

https://www.catdogwrld.com/2021/07/what-are-most-important-facts-about.html.       

     

• SIBERIAN HUSKY

is a working DOG and as such very active and stubborn. Therefore, its training is quite demanding for the novice or "average" owners. If you are training him yourself, provide him with enough activities and occupations. It will fill him and he will be satisfied. Otherwise, it will get bored and start acting, and in that case, training becomes almost "mission impossible". Another HUSKY in the home can contribute to the socialization of this DOG. But, unfortunately, even that is not a guarantee for good training. You can read interesting facts about this beauty here:

https://www.catdogwrld.com/2021/04/siberian-husky-sibirski-haski.html. 

• BEAGLE

represents a great challenge for training because it is a BREED of hunting DOGS. This means a developed sense of smell and a lot of activity. BEAGLE is a DOG that always needs to be busy with something because otherwise, it gets bored. Training must necessarily include treats because the BEAGLE expects that. You can find more information about this BREED here:

https://www.catdogwrld.com/2022/02/medium-size-dog-breeds-srednje-veliki.html. 

• SHAR-PEI

This DOG adorns by a strong personality and independence, which is an additional obstacle for training. Therefore, training requires patience and compassion and should be started as soon as possible. The SHAR-PEI is a highly loyal DOG, but its social interaction is not exactly the strongest. As he is quite tied to the territory, he does not get along with other PETS and animals in general and is not very friendly towards strangers.

• DALMATIAN DOG

This beauty with a specific appearance has gained great popularity all over the world, thanks to the movie "One Hundred and One DALMATIAN", and it is quite difficult to train him. Intelligence is his character trait which makes training even more difficult. Therefore, if you have decided to train this beautiful DOG, arm yourself with patience and perseverance. INTERESTING FACT: this DOG was named after Dalmatia, a province in my home country of Croatia, and belongs to the TOP 10 BREEDS MOST ATTACHED TO THE OWNERS: 

https://www.catdogwrld.com/2022/12/top-10-breeds-of-dogs-most- attached-to.html.  

• AKITA DOG

To train this DOG, you will most likely have to seek the help of a professional trainer because it has a very stubborn character. However, as was already discussed before about this BREED, all important facts, including training, can be found in older posts on this blog: https://www.catdogwrld.com/2021/05/akita-dogs-pas-akita.html      https://www.catdogwrld.com/2021/03/large-dogs-26-44-kg-we-talked-earlier.html. 

• SHIBA-INU

is similar in appearance and character to its "big version", a close relative of the AKITA INU. This beautiful SMALL DOG is, you guessed it, just like the AKITA, difficult to train, so it is best to seek the help of a professional trainer. But, if you do decide to train it yourself, know that it is a rather rebellious and independent DOG with a strong personality, which can be very aggressive towards unknown people if it is not trained properly. Find more information about SHIBA-INU DOG here:

https://www.catdogwrld.com/2021/11/shiba-inu-complete-owners-guide-shiba.html. 

• DACHSHUND

These are playful DOGS and love to hunt anything that moves. They are quite active and require a lot of work to get them interested in training.

• ROTTWEILER

Because of its reputation as a "dangerous" DOG BREED, this DOG will inspire awe in many of us. Otherwise, the ROTTWEILER is an extremely loyal DOG and is protective of its family (verified from my own experience). Precisely for this reason, if it is not trained, or if the training goes in the wrong direction, it becomes a "dangerous" DOG that is ready to attack anyone without any reason. He is stubborn and disobedient. During the game, he will almost always growl if he doesn't like something. Precisely for these reasons, we can say that the ROTTWEILER is a DOG that is difficult to train.                                                                                                           

• AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIER

As well as ROTTWEILER and this DOG belongs to the "dangerous" DOG BREEDS. It is true that this BREED is one of the most aggressive, so its training is a real challenge. All the more so, as this muscular DOG is not aware of his strength. But if he is properly trained, which takes a lot of time and patience, he will turn into a real sweetheart and show you how loyal and friendly he can be.

• BULLMASTIFF

Belongs to the BREED OF VERY LARGE DOGS (GIANTS), which means that its body mass is greater than 45 kg, so it can easily overpower an adult. Fortunately, it is a DOG that loves people. However, he does not like other DOGS and does not agree with them at all. He is extremely stubborn, so his training is quite difficult. Namely, because of his corpulence, you will have a hard time solving any problem in dressage. That is why the help of a professional trainer is recommended.

• BULLDOG

This is a stubborn and disobedient DOG, so its training is very difficult. Although fun, relaxed and lovable, the BULLDOG is a DOG that requires more work than any other DOG BREED, so arm yourself with patience and time.

• CHOW- CHOW

Training this DOG is challenging and hard because it is a stubborn and dominant DOG prone to aggression toward unknown people and other animals. It is a DOG that shows jealousy towards anyone who disturbs his family. The recommendation is to find enough time and patience to train this beauty.

These were the DOG BREEDS that, according to experts, are the most difficult to train, and soon I will announce a text about the DOG BREEDS that are the easiest to train. So keep reading us, because we have a bunch more interesting things about PETS in store for you.

 "We take care of our pets as for ourselves."

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CELEBRITIES AND THEIR PETS

WRITTEN BY XENA

Many of us read social chronicles and like to peek into the private lives of celebrities from time to time, so of course I do too. We are all only human and we are interested in the lives of the rich and famous. 

But what I am particularly interested in are the PETS of celebrities. Are they really PETS, or just fashion accessories to show off in public? I want to find out which celebrities have PETS, especially CATS and DOGS, and what exotic species we can see in their homes.

 

Nicholas Cage, Cameron Diaz, Karl Lagerfeld, Kim Kardashian, George Clooney, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Nicole Kidman, as well as Mike Tyson and Melanie Griffith, are just some of the well-known names and passionate animal lovers. 

Some of them have exotic animals as PETS that it borders on the bizarre. So at one time, Melanie Griffith's parents kept a real, 200 kg LION as a PET, and the famous former boxer Mike Tyson is the owner of even 3 BENGAL TIGERS (Kenya, Storm, and Boris). Unfortunately, or fortunately, TIGERS no longer live at the Tysons' house, because one of them tried to eat the DOG next door. 

But they are not the only ones. Many world-famous "stars" keep exotic and unusual animals for PETS. 

So, for example, movie "strongman" Arnold Schwarzenegger keeps 2 donkeys in his home, an irresistible charmer and seducer, George Clooney had a Vietnamese pig named Farewell Max in his villa for 13 years. He even shared a bedroom with him. 

Nicole Kidman keeps her PETS alpacas on a ranch of 111 hectares near Sydney. 

And the late American actress Kirstie Alley had as many as 14 lemurs in her home. She explained that in Los Angeles, the climate is similar to that of Madagascar, the island state in the Indian Ocean from which these lovely creatures originate. 

We must not leave out Bubble the chimpanzee who lived in Neverland with his famous owner, the late Michael Jackson, and Justin Bieber's monkey, which was infamously taken from him in Germany at the Munich airport when he intended to take it with him on tour. And on top of that, he still had to pay a hefty sum to the shelter that took in the little monkey. We learn that he still lives in a zoo in Germany. 

In this sea of bizarre or at least exotic PETS, we must certainly mention the veritable treasure trove of reptiles of Guns 'N Roses guitarist Slash, who at one time had several hundred: snakes, lizards, and even crocodiles. 

However, chickens are an absolute hit among celebrities. The leader here in this is Jennifer Garner, whose PET Regina George died in 2018. 

Among the big fans of chickens are Kylie Jenner (star of the reality show "Keeping up with Kardashians"), actress and singer Hilary Duff, and tennis star Serena Williams. 

However, the most famous "world chicken coop" is the one owned by the Duke of Sussex - Prince Harry, and his better half, Meghan Markle.

Despite everything exotic and bizarre, as I have already emphasized, I am most interested in CATS and DOGS. While researching, I found out that they are big fans of CATS: Nicholas Cage, who, in addition to two CATS (Merlin and Tiger) also has 2 albino king cobras, an octopus, and 2 crows. And among the biggest "CAT LOVERS", it is certainly worth mentioning the late Karl Lagerfeld and his beloved BURMESE CAT Choupette, who was taken over by his former housekeeper Francoise Cacote after his death. 

Passionate fans of CATS are also: Cameron Diaz, Salma Hayek, Martha Stewart, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Ian Somerhalder, Ricky Gervais, Ed Sheeran, Nicole Kidman, Jenna Fischer, Drew Berrymore, Robert Downey Jr., Russel Brand, Gigi Hadid, Mandy Moore, and many others. 

On the other hand, the Obama family with their PORTUGUESE WATER DOGS, Jennifer Aniston, Demi Moore, Justin and Hailey Bieber, Selena Gomez, Kim Kardashian, Paris Hilton, etc., are just some of the names that chose DOGS as their PETS.

Whether it's about the latest fashion trend or true animal lovers, decide for yourself. However, what I would like to point out is the fact that WILD ANIMALS have no place in a house or apartment because it is not their natural habitat. In addition, with their perhaps involuntarily aggressive behavior, they can injure someone.

 

Wild animals have never been, nor will they be PETS. Those in captivity will never be happy, and you who hold them will never be safe in your own home. So think carefully when you decide to "tame" large predators!

 "We take care of our pets as for ourselves."

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CO-EXISTENCE OF MULTIPLE CATS IN A HOME

 

WRITTEN BY XENA

As we know, CATS are ANIMALS with character and do only what they want, they do not tolerate any changes and they like routine. They are often jealous. What is the mutual coexistence of multiple CATS in a home? We will deal with this topic in this text. 

The relationship between two or more CATS depends on their first meeting. Getting to know each other can be very demanding. If they get to know each other in the right way, it will affect their further relationship, which in that case can become even friendly. 

Any aggressiveness should not be tolerated, as it could mark their future relationship. CATS that have grown up with several CATS will accept a newcomer more quickly than a CAT that is used to being the only one. 

Aggressive, sick, non-sterilized, visually impaired, and deaf CATS will also show displeasure upon introduction. The direction in which their future relationship will develop largely depends on the individual character of each individual CAT. So, for example, if it is about dominant CATS, it is very likely that there will be a conflict over shared resources or the owner's attention. 

The best prospects for adaptation are

 

1. KITTENS peers and young CATS of the same age, because they will learn and communicate with each other through play, 

2. KITTENS and adult females, because of the maternal instinct. Moreover, they will teach them a lot. 

3. Adult males, if they are friendly towards other PETS. 

Acquaintance must not be stressful and must take place under supervision, in order to avoid possible conflicts over territory, food, toys, etc., and CATS themselves will establish a social hierarchy in the group. Just before the introduction, it is recommended to take the "newcomer" to the vet, to avoid the possibility of infecting other CATS and other PETS, if you have them. 

Keep in mind that you must provide adequate living space for a large number of CATS. 10 square meters per CAT is recommended. If you live in a house, it would be preferable to have a fenced area around it for CATS to live in the summer months.

 

Here are some tips from my own experience and on the recommendation of a veterinarian for a successful CO-EXISTENCE OF MULTIPLE CATS IN A HOME, which will enable you to support the newcomer, but also not to neglect your current PETS.

• Upon the arrival of a new CAT or KITTEN in the house, isolate it from other PETS, and gradually introduce them to them and their new living environment. Let your new PET gradually explore the house or apartment by leaving it in each room for a short time.
• Accustom the newcomer to her own space.
• Provide the security of the territory to the previous PETS (let them feel safe in their territory) and continue to pay them enough attention, and respect the privileges that they had before the arrival of the new CAT. Give equal attention to both old and new PETS and do not encourage their rivalry. This would mean if you are petting one of them on your lap, and the other is sitting next to you, take the other CAT on your lap and pet them together. In the event that one chases the other away from your lap, stop petting both CATS, and remove the aggressor from the lap. This will prevent one CAT from getting more attention than the other, which is very important for them because they want the same attention.
• Get the CATS used to each other's scents. A good way to do this is to give toys to the newcomer or give the cot to the old PET and vice versa. Also, you can rub the new CAT with some cloth, and then give that cloth to the current PET. In addition, it is recommended to change the rooms in which they stay. And, if you want to speed up the process of getting to know each other CATS through smell, simply buy a spray with synthetic pheromones and continue to follow the instructions on it.
• Try to feed all your CATS together, i.e. in the same room, but each one must eat from its own bowl, which must be close to each other. If they resent it, be patient, because they will get used to it in time.
• Encourage them to play together or cuddle. In case of aggressiveness of one of them, stop the activity that you noticed that she enjoys. This will make them realize that it is unprofitable to be aggressive.
• Reward any positive behavior of your PET with a TREAT, and ignore bad behavior.
• Provide each PET with privacy, i.e. a space where they will feel safe and comfortable, a special bowl for food and water, a special sandbox, toys, etc. Later they will exchange all these things, but in the beginning, privacy is very important.

The mutual coexistence of our CATS largely depends on us, their owners. We cannot encourage them to love and accept each other, but we can provide them with all the essential factors that will create a positive environment and thereby encourage them to adapt and live well with others.

 "We take care of our pets as for ourselves."

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WHY DO CATS BITE AND HOW TO PREVENT IT?

WRITTEN BY XENA

Today I will try to explain to you a very interesting topic, and it is about why cats bite and how to prevent it.

If you are the owner of these wonderful creatures, you probably had, or still have, the unpleasant experience of your PET biting and sometimes scratching you. And it's not light nibbling, while petting, but real bites of a small tiger - until the blood starts to flow. As I own a few CATS and I have such experiences myself. Especially since the new cat, our little Leo, came into the house.

 

(https://www.catdogwrld.com/2023/01/a-Happy-catsmas-fairy-tale-sretna-macja.html)

Leo does not nibble lightly, but bites and scratches like a real tiger. Since everything I did not give long-term results (except for the current one), I decided to research a little and thus help myself, but also all of you who have similar problems. 

So in this text, I will try to bring you closer to why CATS bite so that we can prevent this in a timely manner. What should first be known to avoid and prevent such CAT behaviors, is that they are specific creatures with a very pronounced personality and will only do what suits them at a day, while the DOGS will do what the owner is asking them. 

The scratching and biting of everything that comes under the PAW, and so does the hand and legs of the owner, are entirely natural for a one-month KITTEN. 

They start with the game, from 3 or 4 weeks of age, to acquire skills for survival. As a rule, the KITTEN should not be separated from the mother until it is 3 months old because she teaches it through the game with all the skills needed. 

He will learn how to capture the prey, but also certain social behavior in accordance with the hierarchical position in the group. If he is separated from his mother before the age of 3 months, he will have to learn it with the help of the owner. 

Other CATS in the house, the owner himself or some TOY, replace the KITTEN in the game if he does not have his peers for the same. Given the KITTENS are very intelligent, they will soon understand what they can and what not. Changes in behavior, are observed around the 14th week, and around the 18th week, following before puberty and the KITTEN becomes more serious, grows up, and stops intense play. But by growing up, the game does not stop (only weakens intensity), because it entertains if it is a home CAT. 

The game maintains the skills necessary for hunting if it is a CAT that goes out. In case there are no other CATS near it, they will find a replacement for the game in the owner or some toys. In order to understand why CATS bite and how to prevent it, we need to detect the cause of such behavior.

By exploring this topic, I detected 6 basic reasons why CATS bite:

• HER CHARACTER AND PERSONALITY (HER NATURE)

I have already emphasized that CATS have a specific personality. They are animals with character. Her character is written in her genetic code and that's how she will behave. Genetics, as we know, is inherited. Therefore, if she has inherited such behavior, she will be like this all her life. Of course, with certain socialization and upbringing, this can be corrected, because we definitely don't want a lion in our home.

• THE AGE OF THE CAT

As I said before, KITTENS are very playful and curious, because that's how they learn. They are not at all aware of their actions, nor how strong their bite can be. That is why it is good for them to have a peer or an older CAT in their environment from whom they can learn survival skills.

• DISSATISFACTION WITH THE CAT'S PRIMARY NEEDS

If you haven't changed the water, or the sand, if you haven't fed it at the usual time, it can also encourage your PET to bite you.

• OWNER'S CONDUCT

To a large extent, CATS like to imitate their owner, whether he is happy, sad, calm, or nervous, so they will react accordingly. If the owner is neurotic or tends to raise his voice towards her, the CAT will retaliate in a similar way to protect herself, especially when it comes to an aggressive CAT.

• PROVOCATIONS

A CAT does only what it wants and when it wants. If, for example, she doesn't want to play or cuddle when the owner wants it, it is quite possible that she will react by biting or hitting and scratching the rear paws (BUNNY HOP).

• CHANGES IN THE HOUSE

The CAT is a "slave" to habits and routines and does not like any changes. The arrival of a new animal in the house, changes in the house, moving... All this represents great stress for her, which she will express by biting or scratching, among other things. In addition, some CATS are jealous, so this can also be the reason for her aggressive behavior.

These are the possible basic reasons why your PET will bite or scratch. However, this can be corrected with good socialization and training. Here are some tips, on how.

• Devote yourself to your CAT, give her more attention, play more, and cuddle with her! Sometimes attention is exactly what she wants from you.
• Don't let her play with your fingers, hands, or feet!
• If she pulls out her nails or bites you start blowing and hissing, just like her mom CAT would do. Do not overdo it by any means, rather stop cuddling or playing, or simply get away from it. If it won't stop even then, try shouting at the KITTEN in a high-pitched tone. Do not do this with an adult CAT, as this can further encourage aggression. Try to address her in a calmer and gentler tone.
• Reward her with a TREAT or TOY and be sure to praise her when she doesn't use her claws.
• Place a STUFFED TOY on her, when you see that she intends to bite you.
• If the CAT does not stop biting and scratching, try locking it in another room for a few minutes so that it realizes that it has overdone it. I do this by closing my KITTEN Leo in the transporter until he "cools off". And after that everything is fine, what's more, when I let him out of the transporter, he purrs, caresses, and cuddles.

And finally, what I want to point out: "Never physically punish your CAT!" Doing so will only cause a counter-effect because it will hit you back. If these tips did not help you, and your CAT continues to bite or scratch you, be sure to seek the advice of a veterinarian, in order to avoid unwanted consequences because a CAT BITE is both unpleasant and dangerous.

 "We take care of our pets as for ourselves."

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THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT SEARCH AND RESCUE DOGS

WRITTEN BY XENA

These days, the eyes of the whole world are focused on Turkey and Syria, because of the devastating earthquake that hit these two countries, which I myself witnessed 3 years ago because it also hit my country - Croatia. Today I will try to bring you a little closer to the topic of silent heroes and tell you the most important facts about search and rescue dogs.

Along with search teams, SEARCH, AND RESCUE DOGS also play an important role in finding victims and missing people. The DOG, that best four-legged friend of man, has been bound by unbreakable bonds with man since ancient times, and this time justified that epithet, indicating that cooperation between the DOG and man is indispensable in these circumstances because the DOG goes where humans cannot. 

They are indispensable in rescue operations because they have a better sense of smell, sight, and hearing than humans. SEARCH AND RESCUE DOGS even have their own day, which is the last Sunday in April. 

Namely, the International umbrella organization for the work of SEARCH, AND RESCUE DOGS - IRO (International Search and Rescue Dogs Organization) declared, back in 2008, that it would be the International Day of SEARCH AND RESCUE DOGS. 

We know more or less a lot about the actions of these DOGS from the media, which have been "bombarding" us with this news for the last few days. But have you ever wondered, which are the BREEDS OF DOGS from which the best SEARCH AND RESCUE DOGS come and what kind of training they have to go through to deserve this title?

While researching this topic, I found out that a SEARCH DOG can be almost any DOG that successfully passes: regular, fitness, and commission training. However, experience has shown that preference is given to THESE BREEDS:

• GERMAN SHEPHERD
• BELGIAN SHEPHERD
• CROATIAN  
• HUNTING BREEDS
• RETRIEVERS 

That these DOGS are invaluable in the field is also shown by the fact that in just 20 minutes they can search an area of about 1000 square meters and replace up to 20 people. When they find the victims, they report it by barking for 2-3 minutes, until medical help or a guide arrives. They do not react to people in motion, but only to stationary persons. 

After that barking, the second DOG is released, and if it also starts barking, the rescuers come and look for the victims. 

So, the second DOG confirms what his predecessor found and thus knows for sure that they have found someone and starts with the rescue. Their work is all-day and shift work. Each shift lasts 20 minutes, followed by a 40-minute break. 

Although the all-day search looks tiring, these DOGS don't, because after every victim is found, there is a reward in the form of a DOG TREAT or TOY. That's why these DOGS like to look for people, what's more, they have fun doing it. SEARCH DOGS must know how to navigate any type of terrain: in the forest, in inaccessible places, in ruins. 

Therefore, their TRAINING is not always done in the same place, or even in the same country. The training can be started already when the dog reaches 2 months of age. Before joining the SEARCH AND RESCUE DOG training, the DOG must pass certain tests, which determine that the DOG is not aggressive and that it is capable and motivated to function in a team. Only after that is the access to the SEARCH DOG course, which includes: a course in obedience, socialization, and education, both at the basic and advanced levels. 

In addition to the DOG, the guide also undergoes training, where he is educated about providing first aid to people and DOGS and possible existing dangers. 

After that, there is an exam for a RESCUE DOG handler, which means that only then can he take his DOG to the DOGS exams. If the DOG passes all the tests, it becomes a SEARCH AND RESCUE DOG, i.e. a RESCUE DOG. The DOG training itself lasts from 2 to 2.5 years, and only with 4 years of constant work and training, it can be said that these DOGS become "masters of their craft" when they retire at around 10 years old. 

In addition to all that, it is important to emphasize that the TRAINING of these DOGS is based on play and a reward system, because this is how they learn to cooperate. 

Let's also say that in addition to SEARCH DOGS, there are also SEARCH CATS that have been talked about on social networks, and which, I believe, will come to the fore even more in the future, because they certainly deserve it. 

And finally, let's mention PROTEO - GERMAN SHEPHERD, RESCUE DOG from the Mexican team, who left his life under the ruins of a building in Kahramanmaras, rescuing the victims, and who was declared a hero by the Mexican Ministry of Defense. RIP and my deep bow, dear PROTEO!

Thank you for visiting our BLOG!!! If you liked this story about SEARCH AND RESCUE DOGS or it was useful to you, share it further with your friends !!!

                            "We take care of our pets as for ourselves."

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