When we humans try to judge the mental abilities of dogs or other animals, we quickly make a huge error in our thinking. We base this solely on human standards and ideas. It is pretended that there are only forms of human intelligence. Every single species, be it dolphins, butterflies or our dogs, have developed their own form of intelligence. This arose under the pressure of evolution as an adaptation process. This is how a species ensures its survival. So if we support dogs and observe them during tests, we will also get to know a new world. This gives us a better understanding of how dogs’ world and perception work. Also why they make decisions in certain situations. (more…)

It has been proven that dogs, like us humans, can suffer from typical everyday stress. There is obesity, allergies, back and joint problems, which have a negative impact on the dog’s well-being. Muscle tension also often occurs. These can have many causes, not just psychological stress, but also incorrect and excessive stress. This can sometimes be a harness that is not on properly or a collar that is causing problems. It doesn’t always have to be a disease of the joints, spine or internal organs. Muscle tension is manifested by local pain. The body reacts unconsciously by tensing the muscles, which are intended to protect and stabilize the body. If there is long-term tension, the muscles become tense and hardened. The muscles can also become shortened, which is also very painful. This is an ugly cycle that definitely needs to be addressed. (more…)

The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of the most beautiful animals and one of the most popular dog breeds. Even in America, there it is mentioned as the 30th most popular dog. It is very interesting to read about the Bernese Mountain Dog and its history. This original farming dog breed was almost displaced by the much more popular St. Bernard! (more…)

Now it’s here again, the dark season. This means that the evening walk for dog and owner is done in the dark. Unfortunately, an above-average number of accidents occur as a result. People and dogs are then difficult for others to recognize. You have to be very careful and take action to remedy the situation. (more…)

The Border Collie has been bred and selected for its fitness for use in England for centuries. Queen Victoria of England was a special friend of this breed. Especially because of their intelligence, coupled with their willingness to work and friendliness. Although show lines have been established in recent years, he is a working dog due to his strict selection. Today the dog is still an indispensable assistant for shepherds and flocks of sheep in the English Kingdom. The composition of the Border Collie already says a lot about him, Collie means useful object and Border means border. (more…)

Dogs are passionate hikers, they enjoy running around in the woods and fields with their people. It doesn’t matter to them where it happens, but variety makes a hiking tour more fun. First of all, it is important to ensure that the dog is well looked after while on the move. So, don’t forget to take drinking water and a bowl, a first aid kit and of course poop bags with you. For longer tours, you should pack food, a blanket and a toy for rest. Anyone who is outdoors should also think about tick prevention. The EU pet passport also belongs in your luggage, and of course the dog should also be registered. (more…)

A really helpful facility is the VITA association, which trains assistance dogs for physically disabled people. The VITA e.V. association was founded in 2000 by the social worker Tatjana Kreidler founded a non-profit organization that provides assistance dogs for physically disabled children and adults. It was the first club in Europe to be certified with the “Assistance Dogs Europe” seal of quality ten years ago. The selection of puppies, socialization, positive and dog-friendly training, the right “matching”, i.e. the appropriate selection and the combination in which the human-dog team learns to interact with each other, is a long and costly process.<!–more–

Dogs with special training

The VITA e.V. association has a training center where people and dogs have time to get closer to each other in peace. People learn what they need to do to ensure that their bond and relationship continue to strengthen or how they can teach their partner new things. The dogs spend their childhood with a sponsored family, then the 12 to 18 month basic training and later special training, tailored to the team partner, follow. In the end it will amount to around 25,000 euros, the parents’ share is 7,500 euros and the follow-up costs. Unfortunately, the costs are not covered by health insurance. As I said, VITA e.V. is a non-profit association that is financed exclusively through sponsorships, donations and sponsors.

Help for people

The assistance dogs give patients more security; they take on many tasks that make everyday life easier and make them independent of the help of others. They take off items of clothing, bring what they want such as money, keys, etc., press the elevator button that is too high for a wheelchair user, even lift their legs into bed and much more. The connection to VITA remains for the dog’s entire life. Follow-up care is provided at least once a year. Dogs, children and illnesses change and new problems often arise that need to be solved. If hospitalization is necessary, the dogs can be accommodated at VITA. An assistance dog is not just a practical helper, loyal partner, icebreaker and mediator – it is medicine on four paws.

Why some dogs Barking increased can have various reasons. Does he want something from his master, is he stressed, is he under or overwhelmed, or is someone just passing by? Many people know the problem: as soon as the dog wants something from you, it stands there and barks at you. But the question arises, why does one dog do it but another doesn’t? Quite simply, one dog has learned that this behavior is beneficial for him. If he gets what he wants, he will do it more often in the future. If the person does not respond to the barking, he will bark less or not at all. So you should consistently ignore it. It’s important not to go into it at all, don’t stroke it, don’t scold it. Pretend you don’t even notice. (more…)

Commands or signals are very important in the coexistence between dogs and humans. Not only the well-known commands are important, the sometimes underestimated ones are also very useful in everyday life. Dogs are great specialists at interpreting our body language. But you should also test whether the dog obeys a signal without seeing the owner in front of him. This can be easily determined with a frosted glass door. Walk through the door and the dog stays. Say “down,” “sit,” “stand,” etc. You will be surprised at how many words he understands other than treats. (more…)