Articles

All articles posted here were written by Vera E. Wilkinson.

Dog Owners Must Wear Many Hats, 2008
Why? For sure, there are more than five whys. Because dogs are dogs twenty-four hours a day. Because dogs do what works. Because dogs do not know better. Because dogs do not choose us. Because dogs are members of the family. Dog owners must, at least, wear these hats.

Dog's Best Case Scenario, 2008
A good start in life, for a dog, begins with being the 'product' of two healthy dogs. Early exposure to a variety of people, places and things should begin with the breeder and continue in the puppy's forever home. A commitment to substantial early training is the first step in the lifelong advocacy of the dog.

Dog's Worst Case Scenario, 2008
A dog's worst case scenario? Is there a common denominator that accounts for what happens to dogs? In 1999, I attended a behavior seminar sponsored by the Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine. A  study just completed there, revealed that two-thirds of all dogs born in this country did not live to see their second birthday. Hopefully, that statistic is no longer accurate. 

Left, Right, Middle—Is it Political?, 2008
Yes. This IS about dog training. As in politics, there is a definite divide in dog training, with two camps, at opposite ends of the spectrum. So, who are the 'progressives and liberals' in dog training? The 'fundamentalists, traditionalists and conservatives'? What defines and differentiates one from the other? Are there ANY 'moderates'?

No Shocks, Please, May 2006
Unfortunately, we as a society have gotten used to pushing buttons to get things done because we're on the go all the time. Many people bring dogs into their already too busy lives and do not make the time to learn about them; patiently teach them or provide for their needs. As a result, problems arise and, because we are who we are, 'we' think nothing of using the latest button pushing technology to 'fix' our dogs too.

Dogs are Not People, February 2006
Is anyone confused by the title? Did it really take a Harvard University study to prove that dogs understand that people aren't dogs? Why is it so difficult for people to understand that what makes a dog a dog and not a child, is exactly what's so special about dogs?

To Command or Cue?!, January 2006
Today's dog trainers discuss words and their meanings at length, on line and at conferences around the world. Assumptions are made as to a trainer's methodology, tools, philosophy and, even as to how dogs might be treated, based on the words they use. Whether a trainer issues a command or provides a cue to a dog might make a difference to you too.

Dog Parks and Dog Behavior, January 2003 (written for the Town of Brookline and its Green Dog Program, a pilot off leash program)
Dogs need regular exercise and positive daily interactions with people and other dogs. They need time to be themselves, running, playing, fetching, sniffing, etc. These dogs are generally happier and healthier. They tend to have fewer behavior problems than dogs that are always on leash and never run freely.

Health Alternatives, The Barking Beacon, August 2002. (Updated June 2006 and rewrite to be continued.)
Alternative health care isn't just for people. Dogs and cats are receiving acupuncture, chiropractic, reiki, massage and other hands-on therapies. Even pet food manufacturers are in on this trend in providing dry, canned, freeze-dried and frozen diets made from human grade foods including organic vegetables and free range meats. Many veterinarians are departing from tradition and its ties to the drug companies and other big businesses while others are adding holistic medicine to their conventional approach.

Camera Shy Canines, The Barking Beacon, July 2002.
My dog, Szap, usually looks at the camera and moves towards me barking as if to say, "Hey, what happened to your face? Are you okay?" Other dogs I know turn their heads away like the aunt who only shows her backside to anything resembling a camera. Still, other dogs yawn, squint, blink, flick their tongues or even, raise a paw. Why? These gestures are just a few of the canine repertoire that Norwegian dog trainer, Turid Rugaas calls "calming signals."