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How to Introduce a Rescue to Your Family

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How to Introduce a Rescue to Your Family

We all know how exciting it is to welcome a new family member into your home. But we also know how easily things can go wrong when introductions are rushed. Too often, rescue animals are brought back simply because they weren’t given enough time to settle in or to get to know their new fur siblings properly. It breaks our hearts at TEARS Animal Rescue — and it’s why we’re so passionate about helping adopters get this step right.

Bringing a rescue animal home is pure magic. You’ve found your fur-ever friend and they’ve found their forever home. Your heart is full, they’re over the moon, and you just know they’ll fit right in. But here’s the catch: while you’re picturing happy cuddle piles and instant besties, your pets are thinking, “Who’s this stranger in my space?”

The thing is, introductions don’t happen in a day. Most rescues come from challenging backgrounds that make it hard for them to just relax and become one of the gang. Plus, even the most chilled resident pets need time to adjust. It can take weeks and even months before everyone feels safe, settled, and ready to share the couch. Think of it as a slow dance, rather than a speed dating session (because we all know how those end up).

Here’s how to make those first steps smooth and stress-free:

  1. Do Your Homework
    Before you commit to adopting an animal, quiz the team at the shelter about your potential rescue’s history and personality. Have they lived with other pets? How do they behave around cats, dogs or children? Are they easily frightened by loud noises, like thunder or shouting? This information will help you make an informed decision about whether or not they’ll be a good match for your particular environment. It also means you’re able to set realistic expectations at home.
  1. Safe Spaces = Happy Faces
    Once home, your new arrival needs a space to call their own — a spare room, special bed, or a comfy nook. They need to know that this is theirs alone. Likewise, your current pets should also have their own spots to retreat to when they need some quiet time. This way, nobody feels crowded and everyone can get on with life. It will take some gentle guidance in the beginning, but with a little patience they’ll soon learn the ropes.
  1. Meet on Neutral Turf
    Dogs are usually more relaxed when meeting on a walk, where there’s less “this is my space” tension. With cats, try using a cracked door or small barrier (like a baby gate), so they can check each other out from a safe distance. Once both seem calm, move the meet-up into a neutral spot indoors. Keep some tasty treats nearby to make the experience positive and watch their body language closely so you can step in before things get heated.
  1. Keep It Short and Sweet
    Those early get-togethers should be calm, brief, and always supervised. Leashes and barriers are great tools at this stage. Don’t worry if they’re not instant best friends — simply being in the same space without drama is progress. As your rescue starts to relax, slowly stretch out the time and freedom they have together. Every pet has their own pace, so go slow and celebrate even the smallest wins.
  1. Think Parallel Play
    Side-by-side walks (with a bit of space) or feeding pets in separate areas where they can still see each other can go a long way to building positive associations. Soon enough, they’ll start linking “new friend” with “good things happen.” This kind of gentle reinforcement builds confidence and trust.
  1. Treats, Praise, Repeat
    Make a point of rewarding calm behaviour as often as possible. A wagging tail, a polite sniff, or even peacefully ignoring one another is worth a treat and enthusiastic “Good boy!” or “Good girl!” Snacks obviously work well, but rewards can also come in the form of praise, affection, or a good play session. The point is to notice and celebrate small steps forward, so your pets feel safe and supported.
  1. Learn Their Language
    Animals are always communicating through their body language. Watch for stress signals like stiff posture, pinned ears, low growling, or intense staring. When you notice any of these, pause the interaction and try again later. Respecting their signals is one of the best ways to not only keep everyone safe but build trust.
  1. Patience, Patience, Patience
    Patience is key. Resist the temptation to hurry the process and don’t worry if you feel things are moving too slowly. Like their human counterparts, animals need time to get comfortable and build trust. There may be a few setbacks along the way, but keeping a calm, consistent routine will help everyone adjust.
  1. Don’t Leave Them Alone (Yet)
    Until you’re sure they’re best buds, keep them separated when you’re not around. Once your new rescue can interact calmly with your current pets, then you can think about leaving them unsupervised for short periods. Start small and gradually increase the time as they get used to it. Celebrate every milestone and reinforce positive interactions with treats, praise, and playtime.
  1. Ask for Backup if Needed
    Struggling? Reach out to TEARS Animal Rescue or a qualified trainer for guidance. Sometimes a little expert advice is all it takes to smooth out the issues. They can provide tailored strategies to help your pets feel more at ease and build stronger bonds. With their support, you can overcome any challenges. Remember, patience and positivity are key.

Inviting a rescue animal into your home is a truly rewarding experience, but it’s not without its challenges. Knowing this upfront and having the right tools at hand to deal with issues as they arise will make all the difference. Remember, patience and love are the answer to almost any situation. With enough of both, all your fur friends and you will be snuggling together on the couch in no time.

Source: Tears

Aggressive dog behaviour

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Aggressive

Aggressive dog behaviour

Animals being aggressive is a compex behaviour and should be identified correctly and addressed immediately by qualified individuals!

Behavior is one of the most common reasons people surrender animals to shelters, especially dogs—and aggression is often a key concern. But could it be that you’re misunderstanding your dog rather than them “misbehaving”? Aggression is a complex issue and one of the most frequent behavioral challenges addressed by professionals. However, many actions that people interpret as aggression are actually normal forms of canine communication.

As the Whole Dog Journal shares: “The broad spectrum of “aggressive behaviours” is technically called “agonistic behaviours” and is defined in ethology as, “pertaining to the range of activities associated with aggressive encounters between members of the same species or social group, including threat, attack, appeasement, or retreat.” So, while a growl-lunge-bite sequence would be easily recognized by most people as aggression, more subtle agonistic behaviours such as a freeze, a hard stare, or even a lack of eye contact, may go unnoticed (and unaddressed). The lack of understanding of basic and normal animal behaviour remains part of the problem!

Part of the problem is also that there has been a cultural shift about dog aggression. I agree with Patt Miller that our culture has become over-sensitized to dog bites.  In the past, if a child was bitten by a neighbour’s dog, the mother would usually question the child about what they did to provoke the animal. Nowadays, however, the first response is to contact a lawyer or a behaviour specialist (less likely), or even take the dog to a shelter. We have become a society that is increasingly fearful of aggression.

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SOME FACTORS THAT MAY CONTRIBUTE TO DOG AGGRESSION

Aggression in animals can be caused by a variety of factors, such as fear, excess energy, self-defence, or pain and physical discomfort for example.

  1. Lack of Socialization: Dogs that are not properly socialized may become aggressive when they encounter unfamiliar people or animals. Pups learn valuable information about behaviour from their mom/dad.  If they are removed before 10-12 weeks, then this could affect their future behaviour negatively too.  
  2. Fear: Dogs may become aggressive when they feel threatened or scared, which is a normal response for us as humans too. “Aggressive” behaviour when defending themselves or a mom protecting her puppies are also examples.
  3. Pain: Dogs in pain may become aggressive as a way to protect themselves.
  4. Dominance: Dogs may become aggressive in an attempt to establish dominance over other animals or people. Whether people believe it or not, animals do establish hierarchy and what appears to be aggressive behaviour might be part of that, although possibly normal. Sometimes just the company of other dogs may be stressful to your dog, which may lead to “aggressive” behaviour.
  5. Breed genetics: Some breeds of dogs might be predisposed to aggression and bad breeding practices have certainly contributed to this. All dogs can bite, but some may do more damage than others. Aggression can’t be blamed on the breed.  The breed of a dog can tell you what they can do, but how they are raised and cared for, determines what they will do.  I believe dog bites are 100% preventable and understanding body language is key to prevention.
  6. Hormones: An earlier study showed that dogs with high levels of the hormone vasopressin may be more aggressive than dogs with lower levels; higher levels of oxytocin (the “love hormone”) and higher oxytocin-to-vasopressin levels are seen in the breeds least likely to behave aggressively. Hormone levels when a bitch is in heat may contribute to “aggressive” behaviour for both her and males. One of the many reasons we support spay & neuter.
  7. Your response: The owner’s prior experience with dogs can contribute to or reinforce certain behaviours, and when you panic it may worsen the situation. Animals need calm and confident owners. Remember that aggression can be learned; your pup can learn that if he acts aggressively, the things that scare him will go away. This means that his aggressive behaviour is rewarded, and will become more frequent.

MORE ON BEHAVIOUR

Reactivity

Reactivity is a reaction to something that makes a dog uncomfortable.  It always starts subtly and as signals are missed, ignored, or punished.  We then start to see behaviours that become a problem for us, like growling, snarling, lunging and biting.

Resource guarding (including food, toys, humans, etc.)

All animals engage in defending their resources, and resources come in a variety of forms. Some may make sense, others may not. It may also seem surprising to you that your dog may resource guard items because they have an abundance of things. Food, toys, you…..but resource guarding isn’t about things. It’s about feelings as R+Dogs explains it including:

  • The fear of losing out on something
  • The fear associated with not having any control
  • The fear that comes with intimidation (implied or unknowingly present)
  • The fear of the unknown
  • The fear of no escape
  • The fear of being unsafe

Resource guarding can also be linked to pain so please have your dog thoroughly checked for pain by your vet.

Trigger stacking – when the behaviour happens “out of the blue”

We’ve all experienced days when it feels like everything is going wrong and we’re left feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and ready to lash out at the next person who speaks to us. This person may think we have a serious attitude problem or need anger management when in reality, we’re just having a really bad day and don’t usually act this way. The same is true for dogs. Behaviours that appear out of the blue or are out of character can often be attributed to the stacking of different triggers.

A trigger can be anything that causes a dog to become overwhelmed and have a negative reaction. These can be small, seemingly insignificant things that we may not even notice, but they can add up and eventually lead to a reaction that is out of proportion to the stimulus. When the dog’s stress levels reach a certain point, the next event, no matter how small, can cause an unexpected reaction.

Examples include: Someone at the gate, the garbarge truck passing, strange man fixing the pool, someone on a bike passing, other dogs barking, a kid that hugs the dog etc. If this happens each on a consecutive days you likely avoid the stacking, but if it all occured in one day, they might “snap” with something simple due to stacking of triggers.

WHY PUNISHMENT IS NOT THE ANSWER!

Punishment is not the solution because it only suppresses the symptoms. Physical, punishment-based training is outdated. Such methods may include the use of choke chains, shock collars, or alpha rolls (physically rolling a dog onto the ground and holding him there) and hitting them.  While these methods peaked in popularity in the 1960s, the science of dog training has advanced significantly in the last 50 years and today’s reputable trainers/behaviourists overwhelmingly shun them in favour of positive reinforcement or reward-based conditioning. Remember punishment, whether physical or mental, can harm your pet.

Never punish a growl, which usually precedes the bite or snap action. This way they will learn from you that it is safer to skip the growl because you will punish it, and then they bite “out of the blue”.  A growl is a way of communicating that they are not happy and that they need your help! No bite is “out of the blue!”

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WHAT CAN YOU DO?

You need an aggression-modifying action plan. A blanket approach can’t be followed for aggression, and an evaluation by a qualified behaviourist, not just a dog trainer, is important as well as addressing the individual needs of that animal if it is correctly identified as aggressive behaviour.

  • My first stop will always be to go for a vet check to rule out any underlying medical issue or pain.
  • Educate yourself about dog body language so you can be aware of your dog’s more subtle agonistic behaviours. Listen to what your pet is saying through their vocalizations or body language. TEMP – tails ears/eyes, mouth and posture. Also learn basic first-aid for pets in case of an emergency.
  • Find out what is the cause of aggression or stressors, and the stress levels. Look for subtle signs too. Avoid putting them in situations where they may be compelled to act aggressively and also to help them cope. Take steps to eliminate it from their life if possible. If it is something that can’t be removed, try to manage it by removing the dog from the environment when the stressor is present or re-directing your pet’s attention. If it is too difficult to be removed or managed, try to change their opinion of the stressor (gradually) through counter-conditioning or behaviour modification in the presence of the stressor. Redirect their attention or give them a job. Always stay calm!
  • Contact a behaviourist and make the time to follow the plan. Search for a behaviourist near you and ask for references. Remember that you need to look out for your pets, so if you feel uncomfortable with any trainer/behaviourist, then walk away and find someone else.  We only support fear-free reward-based training methods.  You can follow R+Dogs more on aggression and reactivity.

In our area, you can contact Jen’s Wagging Success Academy (trainer).

Aggressive

  • Become a calm-confident guardian by setting rules and boundaries and being consistent.
  • Meet all their needs physically and emotionally through species-appropriate enrichment.
  • Never force affection and let them come to you.

This only includes the basics and each situation must be assessed by a qualified behaviourist and an individual plan needs to be formulated to help the particular animal cope.

Many people wait too long before getting help for their dogs. Invest in learning about body language so you can help your pet to better navigate this human world they were forced into. They are your responsibility and just as most won’t dump their angry child on an already overwhelmed welfare system, you shouldn’t give up on the animals in your care because you are not meeting their needs or understanding their behaviour.

If you are concerned about the way an animal is treated or suspect cruelty, please contact our local (Secunda) Inspector Marius 067 858 9717.

WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER!

Source: The Bulletin

Do you understand your dog’s body language?

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Do you understand your dog’s body language?

What is YOUR dog telling you with their body language from head to tail?

Most animals use body language, sound, and smell to communicate with one another.  Body language is the movements of animals’ facial expressions, eye behaviour, posture, and the movement of their body parts is inherent in all creatures including humans.

A common saying in animal welfare is that we are the voice for the voiceless, but more recently I agree rather with the saying that we are the voice of the unheard. So, my question to you is this:  Are you hearing what your dog is saying through their body language?

Many people think it is easy to ‘read’ their dog, but there are so many subtle signs that many people don’t pick up on. Decoding your pet or another pet’s body language is not as straightforward as looking at a tail wag or the ears. Lexi Donnelly, a behaviour consultant at Best Friends Animal Society, shares how you usually see several dog body language signals happening at once. To make dog expressions even more nuanced, “Body language signals can be challenging due to breed difference and physical appearance, such as cropped ears, docked tails, wrinkles, etc.”

WHY IS BODY LANGUAGE IMPORTANT?

Dogs don’t use words, but through the gestures of our canine companions they can express a wide range of emotions and actions and it is crucial for communication. Your ability to understand and interpret body language can help you pick up on unspoken issues or feelings in your pets. When we understand body language, we can better understand our pets and meet their needs which will deepen our relationship. Dog bites and fights can also be prevented by better understanding and predicting behaviour.

I am not a behaviourist, but I will share some of the basics I have learned about this topic. We can’t begin to cover the full extent of dog body language (or other animals) in a single article, so we will only look at the basics! Check out these PAWSOME BODY LANGUAGE pictures from www.RPLUSDOGS.com and here are a few body gestures from other species.

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Editor’s note: This article is a reprint of 21 March 2023.

To understand a dog’s communication signals, it’s necessary to pay attention to specific body postures, movements, and facial gestures although we do need to look at them all together and within context too. Gilbert-Gregory gives the following cues:

HOW A DOG LOOKS WHEN RELAXED

  • Posture — The weight is carried evenly; may do a play bow or wiggle.
  • Tail — Relaxed and neutral position; may be wagging.
  • Ears — Neutral position.
  • Mouth — May be open with tongue hanging out, or may be closed with lips relaxed over teeth.
  • Eyes — Soft, with normal pupil size.
  • Appetite — Readily eats.

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HOW A DOG LOOKS WHEN ANXIOUS

  • Posture (and fur) — Piloerection (raised hair on the shoulders and back); might roll over and lift a forelimb.
  • Tail — Might be tucked in under the body.
  • Mouth — Might show a submissive smile (a very wide smile), or may be panting, lip licking, and/or yawning.
  • Ears — Pinned back.
  • Eyes — Whale eye (white portion of the eye showing at corner or rim), pupil dilation, or averted gaze.

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HOW A DOG LOOKS WHEN AGGRESSIVE

  • Posture — Muscles tense, weight shifts back and low to the ground; may also roll over to expose belly or raise one paw.
  • Hair — Piloerection is a red flag.
  • Tail — May be tucked or low to the ground; it may be wagging slowly or rapidly.
  • Mouth — Pulled back, with possible growling, snarling, excessive panting, lip licking, chewing, or yawning.

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CALMING SIGNALS

Some of these body gestures are referred to as “calming signals” and it is a way your pet tells you they are uncomfortable or not a threat, yet so many people, especially parents miss this. They include: Breaking eye contact/turning away, lifting a paw, sniffing the ground, freezing/stillness, showing the whites of the eye (whale/moon eye), lip licking (when not eating), yawning (when not tired), walking slowly, “smiling”, wagging tail, panting, play bow, exposing the belly/lying on back, shake/shiver, lowered head and more.

A note on a dog’s hair – When you see a dog’s hair rise, most people think it is only a bad sign, but it could be arousal, discomfort, or fear.  Similar to when we get goosebumps from an awesome story or when watching a scary thriller.

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THE MYTH ABOUT WAGGING TAILS

Many people say: “The dog’s tail was wagging so I know they just wanted to play.” In an article by Dr. Karen Becker, she shares how wagging tails do not always indicate happiness or pleasure. This is a good reason why you should stop using the tail wagging as a sign that all is okay. Tail wagging probably evolved as a dog-to-dog form of communication, since it appears dogs message each other through tail wags.

A 2013 study suggests that dogs who see another dog wagging to the left respond anxiously, with elevated heart rates, and dogs who see another dog wagging to the right remain relaxed. Other tail wagging signals include full body wags, the “circle wag”, the tip of the tail wags, and stiff or rigid wags.

Donnelly breaks it down to:

  • A high tail wag can be over-arousal or an early warning signal that the dog is frustrated or fearful.
  • A loose, half-mast wag can be comfortable and playful.
  • A low tail wag can signify fear and serve as an early warning signal.
  • Tail between the legs – this body posture is not one of confidence or feeling at ease.

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

When you try to decode your dog’s gestures it’s important to look at the whole picture and within context. What happened when the behaviour was displayed? Dogs will most likely not display only one gesture at a time and you will have to look at the whole body, not just one part. Although some body language is universal, focus on your pet’s individual body language. Next time you interact with your dog, look specifically at their body language. Look at how their posture changes when they are in different situations.

Always look at the body language when you want to touch an animal. Touch should always be with clear consent, voluntary, and with ongoing permission. We refer to it as PET-PET-PAUSE.  The safest bet is when you let the dog approach you and initiate the interaction. If you notice they are stressed and showing any of the calming signals, move away and take them to a safe space to help them relax.

REMEMBER T-E-M-P: Tails, ears & eyes, mouth, and posture.

I have heard people brag about how well their dog listens to them, but I want to know how well you listen to your dog by observing, understanding, and reacting to their body language and through it help them navigate this human world, they were forced into, better.  Make the time to really “get” your four-legged best friend because it will improve your relationship and avoid unfortunate interactions.

WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER DO BETTER!

Source: The Bulletin

Many owners underestimate their dogs fearfulness to noise

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noise

Many owners underestimate their dogs fearfulness to noise

Researchers at the University of California, Davis, have found that people may not recognize that their dog is stressed when exposed to common household noises. While it’s well established that sudden loud noises, such as fireworks or thunderstorms, commonly trigger a dog’s anxiety, a new study finds even common noises, such as a vacuum or microwave, can be a trigger. The study was published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science.

The research found that high-frequency, intermittent noises such as the battery warning of a smoke detector are more likely to cause a dog anxiety, rather than low-frequency, continuous noise.

“We know that there are a lot of dogs that have noise sensitivities, but we underestimate their fearfulness to noise we consider normal because many dog owners can’t read body language,” said lead author Emma Grigg, a research associate and lecturer at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.

Signs of anxiety

Some common signs of a dog’s anxiety include cringing, trembling or retreating, but owners may be less able to identify signs of fear or anxiety when behaviors are more subtle. For example, stressed dogs could pant, lick their lips, turn their head away or even stiffen their body. Sometimes their ears will turn back, and their head will lower below their shoulders. Grigg suggests owners better educate themselves on anxiety-related behavior.

Researchers conducted a survey of 386 dog owners about their dogs’ responses to household sounds and examined recorded dog behaviors and human reactions from 62 videos available online. The study found that owners not only underestimated their dogs’ fearfulness, but the majority of people in videos responded with amusement rather than concern over their dog’s welfare.

“There is a mismatch between owners’ perceptions of the fearfulness and the amount of fearful behavior actually present. Some react with amusement rather than concern,” Grigg said. “We hope this study gets people to think about the sources of sound that might be causing their dog stress, so they can take steps to minimize their dog’s exposure to it.”

Some sounds painful for dogs

​Grigg said because dogs have a wider range of hearing, some noises could also be potentially painful to a dog’s ears, such as very loud or high-frequency sounds. She said minimizing exposure may be as simple as changing batteries more frequently in smoke detectors or removing a dog from a room where loud noises might occur.

“Dogs use body language much more than vocalizing and we need to be aware of that,” said Grigg. “We feed them, house them, love them and we have a caretaker obligation to respond better to their anxiety.”

Other authors include Lynette Hart, Emily Parker, and Anwyn Gatesy-Davis with the Department of Population Health and Reproduction at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine; Juliann Chou with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences; and Sara Clarkson with the Department of Animal Science. Support for the research was provided by the Center for Companion Animal Health at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.

Source:  Friends of the dog

Cat Ear Emotions: How Cat Ears Move With Their Mood

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Cat Ear Emotions: How Cat Ears Move With Their Mood

Cats are expressive creatures who use verbal and nonverbal language to communicate with their pet parents. Learning how to interpret your feline friend’s behaviour will reveal a lot about their cat ear emotions and the important role ears play in conveying information.

Just as cat tail language reveals what a cat is thinking and feeling, cat ears move with emotion, too. “Like a sophisticated satellite dish turning to pick up a signal, the cat’s external ear, or pinna, rotates up to 180 degrees to locate and identify even the faintest of squeaks, peeps or rustling noises,” said Animal Planet.

With close observation, you’ll notice a pattern of various cat ear emotions revealed by even the subtlest gesture.

Neutral
When a cat’s just being a cat, their ears are facing forward in what’s called the neutral position. Neutral ears indicate that a cat is feeling happy and relaxed and wants to chill out. When your cat’s ears are in neutral, it’s a great time to take advantage of their friendly mood, so now’s the time to carefully pick up that cat and get your snuggles!

Straight Up and Forward
A cat will move its ears into this alert position when they want to pay closer attention to what’s going on around them. Your cat wants to know, “What’s that noise? Who’s there? What’s going on?” Sometimes, their ears are even facing different directions! Cats who are inclined to patrol their home exhibit this ear position and make great guard cats. In addition to “confident, curious cats,” pointed out PAWS Chicago, “a cat who is hunting or playing will also keep [their] ears forward to collect as much auditory information as possible to execute a successful pounce.” Are your cat’s ears pointed up? Engage them in some fun.

Ear

Twitching
A cat whose ears rotate with quick, sudden movements is a cat who is on a mission. As an extension to the “straight up and forward” move, a cat will move their ears back and forth (and shake their backside) when they’re ready to execute the attack. This is another great opportunity to indulge your cat’s hunting instincts, being sure to direct their attention to toys and not your feet. If your cat twitches frequently and paws at their ears, contact your veterinarian to rule out ear mites or other underlying health problems.

Low and Sideways
If your cat’s ears are flattened against their head in “airplane mode” — as if they’re about to take off in flight — it means that they’re frightened or nervous, and it could lead to aggressive behaviour. When a cat’s ears are in this position, the cat is telling you that they’re uncomfortable and need some space. Your cat may hide in their favourite spot until they’re feeling more secure, so it’s important to respect their bubble and their privacy.

Low and Facing Out
In this position, a cat may be signalling that they’re not feeling well, said Best Friends Animal Society. Cats are experts at hiding an illness, but this ear position helps to identify if they’re under the weather. If you suspect that your cat isn’t feeling so hot, pay close attention to other possible signs of illness, including observation of their eyes and tail, and share your concerns with your veterinarian.

Ear

Low and Flat
There is no doubt about which cat ear emotions are associated with this position. Basically, it translates to “step off” and is indicative of potential aggressive behaviour to come, including biting or scratching. In multiple cat households, you may see this when cats are tussling. If it happens, keep an eye on the cats and discourage aggressive play. It’s in the best interest of humans to walk away from a cat when their ears are in this position, or you could risk getting injured.

When it comes to understanding a cat’s body language, the ears have it. Cat ears move with emotion and purpose, opening up the lines of communication between you and your furry friend.

Source: Hill’s Pet Nutrition

Hormonal behaviour in captive parrots

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Hormonal behaviour in captive parrots

A large percentage of birds in our network portray signs of hormonal behaviour. In the wild, hormonal behaviour may be triggered by factors that change with the seasons, such as extended hours of sunlight, higher food abundance, or warmer weather. While seasonal procreation is natural for parrots, constantly comfortable conditions in the household setting may contribute towards year-round hormonal behaviour in some parrots, while others remain affected only seasonally.

While parrots are capable of reading birdy body language, this understanding does not come as naturally in humans and must either be observed or learned. We love to anthropomorphize our pets and this is a huge mistake in parrot ownership. Misunderstanding your bird’s body language can lead to issues such as screaming, biting, fear, aggression, and hormonal behaviour. Many of these lead to the surrender or rehoming of the bird.

What does hormonal behaviour look like?

Hormonal behaviours can look different across species, so we encourage you to do your own research on the species you have in your home so you are best able to identify these behaviours and avoid any long lasting issues with your bird. The attached videos are good examples of some of the most common behaviours listed below.

Common signs of hormonal behaviour include:

  • Regurgitation on people/objects, or for other birds
  • Masturbation
  • Territorial issues
  • Wing dipping/flapping
  • Tail fanning
  • Panting
  • Nesting
  • Egg laying
  • Aggression
  • Feather plucking on legs and chest

parrot

Why shouldn’t I encourage this behaviour?

In the wild, parrots engage in allopreening with a friend or mate. While head scratches are common, birds seldom get touched on their bodies unless there is intention of mating. Petting/touching on the back, under the wings and near the vent are mating signals in birds and can lead to sexual frustration in your feathered friend. Encouraging a bonded/mated relationship with your bird can cause your bird to become territorial over you or pluck its feathers, lead to seemingly unprovoked biting habits or screaming when you are out of sight and also increase the chances of egg binding in females. Feather plucking is a major concern in parrot ownership. Many times it is exacerbated by unaware owners unknowingly encouraging hormonal behaviours/failing to determine the underlying causes of the plucking in time (although this is only one of the many reasons a bird may pluck).

How can I prevent this and what can I do to help if it does happen?

There is no cookie-cutter solution to fix every situation. Most of the listed behaviours can also be a cause for medical concern so it is important to discuss any changes in behaviour/concerns you may have with your avian veterinarian. In some cases, medical intervention may be required in the form of a hormonal implant/injection should there be an underlying cause for the overactive hormonal behaviours.

If you have a young bird then set it up for success from the start. In the wild, young birds are fed and preened by their parents until they are mature enough to take care of their own survival. Encourage independence and foraging behaviours in young birds. Focus on enriching your bird’s life through target training and activities which engage their minds, rather than solely cuddling them. Do not touch your bird in a repetitive manner other than on their heads. Assisting them with their pin feathers is a great way to bond as a flock member, rather than as a potential mate. Avoid having nesting sites or mirrors in the cage and ensure your bird gets a good 10-12 hours of undisturbed sleep per day.

This article does not serve to diagnose or treat hormonal behaviours in parrots. The purpose of this article is merely to educate unaware owners of the factors contributing towards hormonal behaviour and steps they could take to reduce this in their homes. Always consult with your veterinarian if you may suspect there is something wrong with your bird.

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The behaviours depicted in these videos are for educational purposes and were not encouraged by their owners. Thank you to everyone who allowed us to use this footage.

Written by: Giselle Diemer

Source: Cheeky Beaks Parrot Rescue

Teach Kids How to Behave Around Dogs

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Kids

Teach Kids How to Behave Around Dogs

Teach kids to: OBSERVE

Understand how animals communicate through their body language.

  • Dogs communicate with their whole body- from head to tail. 
  • Teach kids how to observe a dog, not touch.
  • Find out more about how dogs communicate by getting in touch with an accredited behaviourist or force-free training school.
  • When adopting a pet be sure to research many great online resources relating to understanding your animal’s behaviour and body language cues.

Stranger Danger: DO NOT TOUCH

A good life lesson for children is to teach them never to pet an animal they do not know.

  • “Leave them alone and do not touch” – this safety rule is there to prevent potential bites and also disease exposure from strays or unknown animals in the community.
  • Teach a child that if a dog chases them, “STAND LIKE A TREE”. 

What this means is, plant their roots into the ground:

  1. Stand still, like a tree
  2. Arms (branches) to their chest and
  3. Look at the ground (do not stare at the dog). 

Important to note:

Usually, an energetic dog will become more excitable if a child starts running and screaming.  

Whereas, if the child is taught to stand still this prevents a situation from escalating, so a parent or caregiver can intervene if necessary.

Other important lessons!

  • Teach children that animals need to give their consent to being touched, picked up or handled.
  • Not all animals enjoy patting, handling, being brushed or being picked up.
  • Teach children to give them space while they are eating and not to disturb them while sleeping.
  • A lot of pets do not like to be hugged as it is not a natural interaction for them – it can feel threatening or restrictive.
  • Teach your child to avoid startling a resting dog and to rather call the dog over to them than invade their personal space.

Source: Cape of Good Hope SPCA

You need to make time to learn about your pets and their needs!

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You need to make time to learn about your pets and their needs!

Image: Pixabay

Education is KEY to helping animals and their owners and for changing animal welfare in the world!
Sadly, most people don’t spend nearly enough time educating themselves on how to improve their pets’ lives or how to help other animals or animal welfare organizations.

Since many are still enjoying the holidays, here is a reminder on how to prioritize SAFETY for your pets during the holidays. Many people are already on holiday and others are getting ready.  Whether you are staying home or going away, remember that the busy holidays and travelling can be stressful and cause anxiety for your pets and their safety is your responsibility.

MICROCHIP YOU PETS – Before you do anything, I suggest you make sure your pets are microchipped, the microchip is registered on multiple databases and is in working order. 

ESCAPE PROOF YOUR YARD – If you are away and you are leaving your pets behind with a responsible pet sitter, you still need to make sure your yard is extra secure.  There are constantly pets in the streets and this holds many dangers in a cruel world. We understand that accidents happen and some animals are really escape artists, but one of a few reasons why animals get out is because IT IS EASY! You get climbers, runners, jumpers, diggers, chewers, some learn to open gates or some pets use a combination of the above.

TRAVEL WITH PETS – Travelling with your animal family members can create wonderful memories, but it’s not always easy. Make sure you’re well-prepared before you hit the road. There are many things to consider before you take your pet on a road trip, including the temperament, size & safety of your pet.

EASTER PET HAZARDS (by Dr. Karen Becker)

EASTER is around the corner and with Easter comes family gatherings, chocolate, Easter egg hunts and gifts. Please don’t use this occasion to give your children chicks and rabbits just because they asked for them and think that they look “cute.” Pet ownership is a huge commitment and responsibility and it’s not something that should be done on impulse. In addition, Easter, like every holiday, involves potential hazards for your pets, that every pet parent should be aware of, so make sure your pets avoid Easter goodies and decorations to avoid unexpected heartaches.

YOUR PETS CAN BE HEALTHIER AND HAPPIER IN 2023! HERE ARE OUR PAWSOME PET NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS……IF YOU MISSED IT!

A new year brings new goals, renewed hope and 365 days of opportunity for you and your pet to bond, develop healthier habits and discover new ways to live a full life. An important first step is to avoid becoming overwhelmed thinking you need to make big changes overnight. The important thing is to make a plan and move steadily forward.

Image by The Paw Company

Included in your pet new years resolutions should be regular HEALTH CHECKS. Our pets might get sick or injured and need veterinary care, but we can also add many tools to our toolbox, like health checks at home, to help prevent conditions from occurring in the first place or manage them better to allow our pets to live long and happy lives. Being informed and understanding what illnesses and conditions our pets might face is key to longevity. It is important to do regular health checks on your pets by inspecting their body from head to toe every week and making notes. 

Between vet visits, you can keep a close eye on your pet’s health by conducting an at-home physical exam. Physical “inspection” touch with some positive re-enforcement on a regular basis can also help make vet visits more comfortable.

HEALTH CHECK-LIST

  • Behaviour
  • Body condition
  • Skin & coat
  • Eyes & ears
  • Nails & paws
  • Nose & mouth
  • Stool check
  • Vitals (heart rate, breathing, body temperature etc.)
  • Weigh your pet and review their diet

ARE YOU HELPING YOUR PET COPE DURING STORMY WEATHER?
There is always an increase in lost and injured pets after stormy weather or fireworks. In many cases, it is the same animals that are out in the streets and it is PREVENTABLE! Creating an environment that is free from fear and distress is essential for their well-being. Not only is it important to provide them with the necessary physical comforts and to ensure that their mental health is taken into consideration, it is your moral duty.

Noise phobia is a reality and many cats, dogs and other animals can suffer from it.  The good news is that you can do something about it if you care enough for those animals. I understand that we can’t control the weather, but you can do a lot to help them cope better with weather or other noise phobias.

You need to make time to learn about your pets and their needs!

Image by Dr. Karen Becker

DO YOU KNOW WHAT IS NATURAL DOG BEHAVIOUR?
Dogs are social animals and have a wide range of natural behaviours. These behaviours are instinctive and are used to communicate with other dogs and humans. Common natural behaviours in dogs include barking, digging, chasing and chewing. Dogs also display behaviours such as jumping, licking, marking and play-bowing. These behaviours are all natural and help dogs to interact with their environment and with other animals. It is a way to communicate with those who are willing to listen!

What may look like naughty behaviour to you is often just your pet behaving as their species do. There can also be breed-specific traits which are not their fault, like Terriers that dig and will likely always dig!Do you want to better understand your dog and improve your relationship?  Then learn about their behaviour.  When you know what is natural behaviour you can easily know which “naughty” behaviour to address. One of the five freedoms of animal welfare includes the freedom to express natural behaviours! Read more about some natural behaviours here.

Aggressive behaviour is probably the most common behavioural problem in dogs seen by behaviour professionals and the most dangerous one seen in companion dogs.  Many behaviours that people perceive as aggressive are actually normal forms of communication. Behaviour is a common reasons why people surrender animals, especially dogs to shelters and aggression is one of them. The lack of understanding of basic and normal animal behaviour remains part of the problem!

DID YOU PICK THE RIGHT ANIMAL FOR YOUR FAMILY WHEN YOU LOOK AT ENERGY LEVELS?
Dogs, just like people have unique personalities and energy levels (mentally & physically) and it can affect the way your dog responds to you. Dogs that have a lot more energy than their humans often don’t get enough exercise. This is why it’s very important to know your energy level, understand how to determine the dog/pet’s energy level and then choose the right fit for your family taken into account your lifestyle routines too.

Dogtime shares how high-energy dogs are those who are always ready and waiting for action. Originally bred to perform a canine job of some sort, such as a retrieving game for hunters or herding livestock, they have the stamina to put in a full workday. Low-energy dogs on the other hand are the canine equivalent of a human couch potato, content to doze the day away.

Energy levels matter because if you can’t meet that animals’ needs, then it will cause frustration for you and in return the animal pays a price too.

CAN YOU READ YOUR DOG’S BODY LANGUAGE FROM HEAD TO TAIL?
Most animals use body language as well as sound and smell to communicate with one another.  Body language is the movements of animals’ including facial expressions, eye behaviour, posture, and the movement of their body parts and is inherent in all creatures including humans. When we understand body language, we can better understand our pets and meet their needs which will deepen our relationship. Dog bites and fights can also be prevented by better understanding and predicting behaviour.

You need to make time to learn about your pets and their needs!

Image: Pixabay

Many people think that it is easy to ‘read’ their dog, but there are so many subtle signs that are missed. Decoding your pet or another pet’s body language is not as straightforward as looking at a tail wag or the ears. For one, many of these gestures happen at once and context is important too. On top of that, a breeds’ physical appearance can make it even more difficult.

Your pets are your responsibility. You need to know how to meet their needs and give them the best possible life. If you can no longer care for them, please surrender them to the SPCA or a reputable animal welfare organization. If you can’t afford to properly care for them or have the time to meet their needs, then don’t get them.

WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER!

Source: The Bulletin

Body Language of Dogs

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Body language – Image shared by Dr. Karen Becker

Body language – Image shared by Dr. Karen Becker

What is your Dog telling you with their body language from Head to Tail?

Most animals use body language as well as sound and smell in order to communicate with one another.  Body language is the movements of animals’ facial expressions, eye behaviour, posture, and the movement of their body parts is inherent in all creatures including humans.

A common saying in animal welfare is that we are the voice for the voiceless, but more recently I agree rather with the saying that we are the voice of the unheard. So, my question to you is this:  Are you hearing what your dog is saying through their body language?

Many people think that it is easy to ‘read’ their dog, but there are so many subtle signs that many people don’t pick up on. Decoding your pet or another pet’s body language is not as straightforward as looking at a tail wag or the ears. Lexi Donnelly, a behaviour consultant at Best Friends Animal Society, shares how you usually see several dog body language signals happening at once. To make dog expressions even more nuanced, “Body language signals can be challenging due to breed difference and physical appearance, such as cropped ears, docked tails, wrinkles, etc.”

WHY IS BODY LANGUAGE IMPORTANT?

Dogs don’t use words, but through the gestures of our canine companions they can express a wide range of emotions and actions and it is crucial for communication. Your ability to understand and interpret body language can help you to pick up on unspoken issues or feelings in your pets. When we understand body language, we can better understand our pets and meet their needs which will deepen our relationship. Dog bites and fights can also be prevented by better understanding and predicting behaviour.

I am not a behaviourist, but I will share some of the basics I have learned about this topic. We can’t begin to cover the full extent of dog body language (or other animals) in one article, so we will look at the basics only! Check out these PAWSOME BODY LANGUAGE pictures from www.RPLUSDOGS.com and here are a few body gestures from other species.

To understand a dog’s communication signals, it’s necessary to pay attention to specific body postures, movements, and facial gestures although we do need to look at them all together and within context too. Gilbert-Gregory gives the following cues:

HOW A DOG LOOKS WHEN RELAXED

Posture — The weight is carried evenly; may do a play bow or wiggle.

Tail — Relaxed and neutral position; may be wagging.

Ears — Neutral position.

Mouth — May be open with tongue hanging out, or may be closed with lips relaxed over teeth.

Eyes — Soft, with normal pupil size.

Appetite — Readily eats.

HOW A DOG LOOKS WHEN ANXIOUS

Posture (and fur) — Piloerection (raised hair on the shoulders and back); might roll over and lift a forelimb.

Tail — Might be tucked in under the body.

Mouth — Might show a submissive smile (a very wide smile), or may be panting, lip licking and/or yawning.

Ears — Pinned back.

Eyes — Whale eye (white portion of the eye showing at corner or rim), pupil dilation, or averted gaze.

Body language – Image shared by Dr. Karen Becker

HOW A DOG LOOKS WHEN AGGRESSIVE

Posture — Muscles tense, weight shifts back and low to the ground; may also roll over to expose belly or raise one paw.

Hair — Piloerection is a red flag.

Tail — May be tucked or low to the ground; may be wagging slowly or rapidly.Mouth — Pulled back, with possible growling, snarling, excessive panting, lip licking, chewing, or yawning.

Body language – Image shared by Dr. Karen Becker

CALMING SIGNALS

Some of these body gestures are referred to as “calming signals” and it is a way your pet tells you they are uncomfortable or not a threat, yet so many people and especially parents miss this. They include: Breaking eye contact/turning away, lifting a paw, sniffing the ground, freezing/stillness, showing the whites of the eye (whale/moon eye), lip licking (when not eating), yawning (when not tired), walking slowly, “smiling”, wagging tail, panting, play bow, exposing the belly/lying on back, shake/shiver, lowered head and more.

A note on a dog’s hair – When you see a dog’s hair raise, most people think it is only a bad sign, but it could be arousal, discomfort, or fear. Similar to when we get goosebumps from an awesome story or when watching a scary thriller.

Images by R+Dogs

THE MYTH ABOUT WAGGING TAILS

Many people will say: ” the dog’s tail was wagging so I know they just wanted to play.” In an article by Dr. Karen Becker, she shares how wagging tails do not always indicate happiness or pleasure. This is a good reason why you should stop using the tail wagging as a sign that all is okay. Tail wagging probably evolved as a dog-to-dog form of communication, since it appears dogs message each other through tail wags.

A 2013 study suggests that dogs who see another dog wagging to the left respond anxiously, with elevated heart rates and dogs who see another dog wagging to the right remain relaxed. Other tail wagging signals include full body wags, the “circle wag”, tip of the tail wags and stiff or rigid wags.

Donnelly breaks it down to:

  • A high tail wag can be over-arousal or early warning signal that the dog is frustrated or fearful.
  • A loose, half-mast wag can be comfortable and playful.
  • A low tail wag can signify fear and serve as an early warning signal.
  • Tail between the legs – this body posture is not one of confidence or feeling at ease.

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

When you are trying to decode your dog’s gestures it’s important to look at the whole picture and within context. What happened when the behaviour was displayed? Dogs will most likely not display only one gesture at a time and you will have to look at the whole body, not just one part. Although some body language is universal, focus on your pet’s individual body language. Next time you interact with your dog, look specifically at their body language. Look at how their posture changes when they are in different situations.

Always look at the body language when you want to touch an animal. Touch should always be with clear consent, voluntary and with ongoing permission. We refer to it as PET-PET-PAUSE.  The safest bet is when you let the dog approach you and initiate the interaction. If you notice they are stressed and showing any of the calming signals, move away and take them to a safe space to help them relax.

REMEMBER T-E-M-P: Tails, ears & eyes, mouth and posture.

I have heard people brag about how well their dog listens to them, but I want to know how well you listen to your dog by observing, understanding and reacting to their body language and through it help them navigate this human world, they were forced into, better.  Make the time to really “get” your four-legged best friend because it will improve your relationship and avoid unfortunate interactions.

WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER DO BETTER!

Source: The bulletin

They say a lot with their Body Language

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Image: Pixabay

Here’s a list of signals that are often misunderstood

Our canine companions have a very complex body language with many signals that have different meanings in different situations. When you have a close bond with your own dog, you learn to read your dog’s behavior. However, when you are with someone else’s dog it may not be so easy. It is important to learn the common cues, not only for your own wellbeing but also for the wellbeing of others around you, as well as the wellbeing of the dog you are interacting with.

Below are some dog body language signals that are often misinterpreted because they can have multiple meanings

  • Tail wagging: this is probably the one signal everyone knows best. When a dog wags his/her tail we know it is a sign of excitement and joy, right? But, does every tail wag have the same meaning? of course not. If your dog displays a “vibrating tail” (small high–speed  movements) it means your dog is going to do something, like run or maybe fight with another dog in close proximity. If the tail is held in a high position while “vibrating” it is usually an active threat.

    • A slow wag with the tail at half–mast is less social than most other tail signals, generally speaking, this is a sign of insecurity.

    • A broad wag is friendly. This is the closest to the popular concept of the happiness wag, especially if the tail seems to drag the hips with it.

    • A slight wag, with each swing of only small breadth, is usually seen during meetings as a tentative, “Hello there.”
  • Growling: Yes, dogs bare their teeth and growl when they’re feeling aggressive, scared, or defensive, but it’s also totally normal body language for them to express a play growl, too. If your dog is playing tug–o–war with you and gives a low rumble, don’t be alarmed as long as the rest of her body language says “I’m having fun!”. We often have owners contact us and say their Bulldog is aggressive, when we ask them to take a video of the dog’s interaction with them or another dog, the video we receive is of a dog who is in full play mode, giving playful growls during rough play. This is totally normal behavior; it doesn’t mean your dog will bite you or that your dogs are attacking each other. With the way many bulldogs breathe it simply sounds a little more intense, but there is no need for alarm.

  • Flat Ears: If a dog flattens her ears against her head, it can mean multiple things. If it’s a dog you just met, rather keep your distance. Along with lip–licking, this can be distinct body language of fear or uneasiness. This is especially likely when seen with a low or tucked tail.
    • If the dog has pinned ears, bared teeth, and a high, vibrating tail, she’s showing signs of aggression.

    • If the pup’s ears are back and her expression is soft (Perhaps you’re stroking her head or she’s approaching with a wagging tail), don’t worry. This body language just means she’s relaxed and happy to be soaking up your affection
They say a lot with their Body Language

Image: Pixabay

  • Eye Contact: As a general rule, you should never make direct eye contact with a dog you just met, this is often interpreted as a threat. However, dogs are known to make eye contact with their humans when they want to communicate something. They will even gaze lovingly into the eyes of people they trust. according to Dina Fantegrossi, a former vet tech, a study published in the journal in 2015, Science delighted dog owners when it revealed that oxytocin, a hormone associated with nurturing and attachment, increases in both our dogs’ brains and our own when we look at one another.
  • Panting: We all know our dogs pant to cool down, right? but did you know that panting can also be an indicator that your dog is feeling stressed? if your dog doesn’t seem hot or tired, pay attention to their body language. If it’s an unfamiliar dog, give her space and refrain from making sudden movements that could startle her. If it’s your dog, consider what might be stressing her out and try to remove her from the trigger.

  • Yawning: this is not just an indicator that your dog is tired. Dogs also yawn when they feel anxious, confused or stressed. They can also stretch their mouths open wide in anticipation of something exciting, like a walk or a car ride. Sometimes, dogs yawn as a non–threatening calming signal when meeting new friends. Another fun fact about canine yawning body anguage: it’s contagious between humans and dogs! It’s a phenomenon that may indicate that our companions are capable of empathy.

  • Lip Licking: Like yawning, lip–licking is a calming signal that pups use to show each other that they mean no harm. This body language can also indicate fear, nervousness, or stress. If your pooch is in a situation where he keeps licking his lips, consider whether something is making him uncomfortable. If it is, perhaps you should change the environment.

As responsible dog owners, it is our responsibility to get to know our dogs well enough to be able to read their body language. It helps us  understand them, but it also helps us to keep them safe and to keep those around them safe.

Love them enough to understand them.

Source: English & French Bulldog Rescue SA