About dogs april june 2014

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FREE PUBBLICATION

YEAR 1, N. 2 - APR.-JUN. 2014

"Dear friends near and far," said a well-known Italian television presenter, we are here with you to celebrate the more than 8000 views of the first issue of About dogs.

A great result. Thank you for having enjoyed our items and our desire to make information.

We are here with the new number, new articles. We talk about the history of the leash, that of the Jack Russell Terrier, the wolf of the grand paradiso and much more.

As for the magazine Cinofili Stanchi we always try to bring news and information science. We hope all this will be acceptable.

Good reading.

on the cover

THE STAFF OF ABOUT DOGS Draws of dogs by Jean Louis de Buffon (18.th Century)

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INDEX Editorial The Wolf of the Grand Paradiso The origin of social behavior - Part two The history of the Jack Russell Terrier Do you use a bid ora a collar?

Are we that different from dogs?

A look into your eyes Twenty years of puppies Protohistory and history of the leash Malva Dogs in Poetry: I started Early - Took my dog Canine Jokes

2 4 8 10 12 16 19 21 24 27 30 33

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by Angelo Romanò - Moist air, that at down invades your still warm lungs, not yet accostomed to breathing it, temperatures still low for the season, fresh particles of water suspended in the air that you can feel on the skin, it is hard to start, to focus my vision in the narrow muddy and rocky paths, slippery to the point that two legs are not enough to support myself, legs are already tired from the previous climbing with slopes and trails on the edge of balance, slippery paths because of their southern position and the heavy rain from the previous day, the heartbeat and shortness of breath rumble in the ears, and overpower most of the senses, the wind coming from the valley carries the echo of the river, infinite woods, trees, foliage and landscapes that after a while all look the same to the unexperienced eye, but tso diversified to those who know them very well, animal and human sweats scents carried by the wind, leave a nearly indelible trace behind, the sound of footsteps in the distance amplified by the load you carry, a load not suitable for an environment like this, your shortness of breath, your uncoordinated movements, signs

of fatigue, are heard clearly its ears and an exact point in space for his views. Yes, because he is there, aware, still, observing you from afar on top of the mountain, calm, quiete and perfectly camouflaged in the vegetation.

He listens to your sounds and movements. His presence makes you realize that this is his home, his land, his environment, where he leaves marks on the path that only a keen eye with an exceptional sense of smell may be able to spot. The clear howling in the distance confirms his undisputed presence, warning all the creatures around.

September 5-8, heading for the Park Gran Paradiso, 750 kilometres of protected biodiversity that we think it’s hosting a pack of wolves.

Then out to the field where we will be able to observe the ancestor of the dog organized by the Canislupus Italy association ( http:// www.canuslupus.it ), a center for the study and documentation on the wolf. The participation is very high and packed with exceptional human beings, capable of forming a cohesive group amongo strangers willing to share their experience and knowledge.

It is thought that migration and new settlements of the wolf in Val Soana started from the Apennines crossing the Alps to the north in Piemonte and Valle d' Aosta up to the end of Gran Paradiso Park. Here on the mountains the presence of ungulates (chamois, boar), foxes and other small animals make up the diet of the wolf, a primary resource .

This settlement was founded by the wolf’s need to survive covering large areas in search of a place that will allow proper diet, here they become sedentary, reproduce and the young elements migrate to populate new areas.

This is the first camp that takes place in the territory of the Gran Paradiso and has been organized in close collaboration with representatives of the National Park of Gran Paradiso. The contribution of PNGP was crucial, both for having accepted the proposal and for the great competence and knwoledge of the territory.

The same applies to the organization of Canislupus Italy and the presence of its president, one of the greatest experts of the wolf in Italy. Knowing the places where a settlement of wolves has been established is very important especially for the impact it has on the local population and for the protection of livestock. Coexistence is possible, to date there are proven tools that allow prevention against damage caused by predation .

Concrete results are not always possible when on a journey and a short stay.

Many are the unknown factors that separate planning from reality. The weather conditions, the constant relocations to find the observation points, instruments (verifications and settings) and much more. Everything has been ready for sometime now, and many people like me are waiting for this moment. Different people with different jobs, different experiences and but with the same strong motivation .

alpine fauna: chamois, deer, marmots, hawks, kestrels, eagles and some few foxes at night.

The beginning of the camp has a great start, having joined a ranger for an inspection at a breeder who has suffered the loss of a lamb by an alleged predation (however this case had nothing to do with wolves), we hear in the distance the howl of the wolves. At first the strong wind covered the sound, but after a while it became clearer and clearer.

( http://m.youtube.com/ channel/UCX1YPikpNS4msMwks-E6jg # / watch? v = ZEVdaus qo0 )

From the tone they seemed several young wolves. From that moment on, do not we did not heard anything else.

The placement of the phototraps in strategic, places where it was assumed we would see the wolves, were The activity is then continued, hiking on high gradients from which we could observe a good presence of

The end of the camp brought us together. Gathered to watch the footage captured by the photo-traps, we had a great surprise: a young wolf with his pups stops for a brief moment that gave us the the actual confirmation of a small pack. I leave it to you any comments on the movie.

These moments allow you to stop, analize, compare and think about how we relate to our pets, to their needs and special skills.

Biodiversity requires respect, the difference between our bahaviors and those of our animal companions are sometimes many and we have to take note of this . Striving to devote more time to understand their needs by setting aside our own, is the only way to relate to them.

Angelo Romanò - http:// www.cuccioliprodigio.it

by Giovanni Padrone Paleontologist Xiaomin Wang, curator of the Museum of Natural History in Los Angeles, has done extensive studies on the canids’ cousins: the Borofagins. These carnivorous mammals appeared for the first time 30 million years ago and together with the Leptocyon Vulpinus, who was the first true canine, both branched off from the Hesperocyonidae, that lived about 4/6 million years before them, and the canids did not evolve from Borofagins as it was believed before.

Wang’s studies led to this conclusion: Even though definitive evidence was not found, just strong leads, about 16 million years ago the Borofagins grew in dimension and changed their craniumdental morfology, probably because they specialized in hunting bigger prays (whereas before species belonging to this group tended to be hypercarnivorous, durophagous (shellanimal eaters) and more likely scavengers.

Considering that both the large sized canids (wolves, licaons and dholes, but also the the smaller Speothos Venaticus from South America), and the

bigger Hyenas (crocuta crocuta) hunt within a pack, it is easy to assume that by comparison, that also the large Borofagi-nae appeared 16 million years ago, actively hunted in packs.

As stated by the scientist “…

Even though the difference in the morphology of the brain is interesting , it’s not sufficient to exclude a social interaction among the Borofagins. The functional relation between of morfology of the external brain and a complex behaviour like socialization is not well defined. On the other hand, the association with pack hunting and the strong and powerful bone-crushing teeth and jaw typical of Hypercarnivours, a reduced flexibility of the frontal legs and a body mass of 42lb, takes into consideration both the energy and the function.

Concerning the extinct species of the living canids, we have Canis arnensis and C. Falconeri whose body mass suggests they hunted in pack: in fact the first is esteemated to weigh between 42 lb and 36lb, the second over 50lb. Further more, the dental apparatus seems to suggest animals very active in hunting. In his study PlioPleistocene large carnivores from the Italian Peninsula: functional morphology and macroecology -2007, Carlo Meloro (Universita’ degli

ABOUT DOGS (NO SILLIEST THINGS)

Studi di Napoli) writes: “…

Canis etruscus (Pict. 1) is usually considered to be a pack hunter, however there is no proven evidence o paleological riconstruction of such a behavior. It’s worth to mention that C. etruscus is one of the most popular in the canids family in Italy (Raia et al. 2006b) and maybe in Europe…” and also that “…among the canids, both specimen of Canis etruscus are classified as large prey eaters. This means that this “dog”, in the Italian peninsula, was already a pack hunter and its morphological resemblance with the wolf is surely surprising…”

Considering that C. etruscus ( in particular the underspecies of Canis e. mosbachensis) is considered to be the direct ancestor to the Gray Wolf (Canis Lupus), it is easy to undestand where the Canis lupus pack hunting originated from. However this social behavior is just one of the many that the wolf aquired from its ancestors and that the dog inherited, at least partially, handing down

Pict. 1 - Canis etruscus 8

some of them to its symbiotic companion, human beings.

Since, in fact, behaviors set to reinforce the social bond among the wolves are numerous and varied, as are for the other species of highly sociable Canids. Dogs manifest similar behaviors that they use among them and towards humans or any other kind of companions/ pets living in the same home.

Granted that these last ones are able to communicate with the dogs.

There is a strong knowledge that these different extinct species shared a close interaction among the packs that could be small or big, probabily even before the Gray wolf, some of them experienced a unity within their family. Besides the wolves, one example of would be the Canis dirus (Pict. 2), a large canid very similar to the wolf, that appeared in North America about a million and half year ago and that disappeared at the end of the last glaciation. This large carnivore cohexisted in North America together with other large predators, like the Smilodon fatalis ( that similar to the lion, shared a strong social bond towards its own kind) and the

Arctodus simus, a bear as tall as 3,5 meters and as heavy as a tonne, more likely a solitary predator. In this case too, paleontologists have based their theories on the many fossils of the C. dirus found around preys, in Rancho la Brea, California, an ancient cediment of natural asphalt near Los Angeles that for thousand of years has trapped many of the animals that lived nearby during the Plestocene period. When a bison or a horse ended up trapped in the fatal grip of the asphalt, the predators would take advantage of what they considered to be an easy meal, when in reality they would all perish. Among these predators were the Canis dirus (of which about 2000 skeletons were recovered), which explains such an assumption.

Pict. 2 - Canis dirus

When the Gray wolf moved from Euroasia to America about 100.000 years ago, it surely had to compete for food

with his distant cousin. However as the Gray wolf was able to survive the last glaciation, the Canis dirus became extinct; more likely because it was unable to adapt to the fast climate changes that the glaciation caused. We know that they shared the same fate as dinosaurs. A large meteorite crashed on the earth and caused the sudden melting of the ice cap, north of the Equator. This is how many species disappeared, swallen by water or mud while others were able to survive the big flood.

Among these the wolf, the dog that had favored a life apart from the wild and its companions: the humans.

GIOVANNI PADRONE Dog/human trainer Author of the books ‘Whisper to your dog’ ‘...And the dog chose to meet Humans’ (in italian language) Facebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/ giovanni.padrone? hc_location=stream

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By Roberto Mannu - In the year of the Lord 1795 in Dart, at the mouth of the River Dart in Devonshire, England, JOHN RUSSEL was born; he studied at Oxford where he graduated and then became pastor of the Anglican Church and vicar of Swimbridge. Besides his faith that led him to become a religious man and a reverend, JOHN RUSSEL always cultivated a passion for hunting, in particular fox hunting, thus all his life his purpose was to get dogs suited to hunting in a den.

This passion also led him to become one of the largest breeders of Fox Terrier in the West County.

hystory, the dog, a type of fox terrier, measuring 35 cm., had a rough coat, predominantly of white color with two black spots on her eyes and one at the base of the tail, and it was as big as an adult fox. It was the leg-

ter traits: brain, fiber, courage, energy and endurance; to him, the creation of a race which had only homogeneous appearance wasn’t important ... as said, he did not care much about the look, but it was the ability to do the job he cared about.

John Emms (19.th century): a chestnut hunter with a collie and jack russell

endary Trump, whose portrait was purchased by the Prince of Wales, the future Edward VII, and that today one can admire it in the armory of Sandrigham. To improve the dog’s hunting characteristics, he bred his beloved Trump (great hunter) with the Fox Terriers (were subsequently included in the bloodlines Bulldogs, later Beagles, Border Terrier, and Lakeland Terrier) and British Terrier.

Bangalore (India) - 1910 A Hunter with his Jack Russell Terrier

At that time hunters traveled long distances to get from one place to another and moved on horseback, there were no trucks to transport the packs of hounds, and John Russel wanted to create a dog smaller than the usual Fox Hounds and / or Fox Terriers usually used for fox Reverend John ‘Jack’ Russell hunting, a dog that could be His first dog was a female carried in the saddlebag on Terrier between the years What the reverend cared the horse, tough and tena1815-1819 and, according to about was the dog’s charac- cious and able to follow ABOUT DOGS (NO SILLIEST THINGS)

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hunters on foot when covering vast territories rich in burrows where foxes, badgers and other game would hide, and able to get them out of their den.

The fact that the J.R.T. has been recognized only recently, makes it difficult to be formally recognized by a non expert. Only with time and thanks to the selection of expert breeders and/or Therefore two kinds pre- fans that the J.R.T.’s characvailed, very similar except for some differences in their proportions (height and length): the highest and shortest type in the trunk is known today as the Parson Jack Russell Terrier (which means Anglican Shepherd) A modern Jack Russell Terrier: Tabarrino Indicatore Brooksby suited to run behind horses from Albascura Breeding Kennel in hunting, the shorter one and a more elongated in the teristics will become more trunk (called a short leg) homogeneous.

Jack Russell Terrier bears the diminutive of John.

The JRT is strictly white (so as not to be confused with The Reverend John Russell alias "Jack" died in 1883, but his work of selection has come down to us retaining the physical characteristics and traits that have earned him so much fame in his country.

black spots that usually occur more on the head than on other parts of the body.

The J.R.T. the three colors (tricolor) is considered by many as the most valuable; measure at the withers between 10 and 12 inches (2530 cm.) as the Official F.C.I. Standard (Federation Cinologique International) No. 345/08.06.2001 Some European countries still tend to breed a taller J.R.T., hence the numerous diversity and lack of homogeneity in the various dogs in the blood lines and in the geographical origin and/or breeding kennels of different J.R.T.

Roberto Mannu – Albascura Breeding Kennel, E.N.C.I. F.C.I. recognized

The J.R.T. was officially recognized only in 2000 thanks to the Australians and dog trainers and today they are officially standard holders of the breed, whereas in 1990 the Parson J.R.T. was The last Golden Globe Dog Actor: Uggie from ‘The Artist’ (2012) declared as a distinct breed, so today we have two separate and distinct breeds the fox) with brown spots separated by two standard. (dark and/or fair) and/or 11

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By Marcello Messina - In the 90s, when I began specializing in education and training, the question asked most frequently among colleagues was how to obtain compeptitive results during official trials. Today among colleagues, the most frequesnt question we have is, if we use a collar or harness, to understand if you are “gentilista” (if you have a kind approach to training) or coercive.

This week I had the honor, luck to meet by chance or deliberately some new colleagues. I promised a friend to keep quiet, because tired of arguing and speaking up my mind, then yesterday while waiting for the ring of honor at a race, one of the jurors, and says that " there are many trainers who only do damage and come pu with nonsensical statements. " Ugh: you are so right!

Now the problem with many educators is that they they have nothing to learn from dogs as they assume they already know them very well. I took me years to understand the ethogram surly must appear more stupid than these individuals that in the course of a few hours (looking at a few slides on communication) pretend to understand

the dog’s behavior, or think that can judge you whether you use a bib or not. When educators ask me if I use a collar or a harness, I always answer : "It makes no difference to me, it depends on the dog and the owner ." Following this answer, I receive a suspicious look, they are probabily assuming I don’t understand anything about dogs.

And so they all feel entitled to provide you with their NON SCIENTIFICALLY PROVED fairy tale SOLD

BY PSEUDO RESEARCH ABOUT HARNESS (one word is enough for the wise) that the collar causes physical damage and does not let you communicate properly with the dog. However the harness can cause its damages too (see the greyhounds) and does not let you communicate well with the dog either, because it’s important for the dog to be free when in training: every time I say this, I receive bad looks. Then I add to my answer "I work with the dog off the leash, as soon as the dog is responsive, I use either a collar or a bib, depending on the dog’s response “. The answer to this is usually a snort and a nonsense kind of expression.

The problem is that some

educators must understand that the question is not whether using a harness or a collar, but weather choosing ignorance or competence, since a lot of educators turly believe they know more than they actually do. Last week I had a chance to meet: 1st . EPISODE - ETHOGRAM AND KEEPING THE DOG ON A LEASH (LESS IMPORTANT THAN CHOOSING EITHER A COLLAR OR A HARNESS).

A girl in my class, presented herself as a second level dog instructor (it is hard to establish how these levels are determined, they would appear to me be like a robbery) , while I was practicing my behaviour training, I explained to my student that the girl may be a 2nd level instructor but to me she cannot understand either her own dog or other people’s dog (as she risked her dog to be biten a couple of time) and cannot handle her on a leash. Yes 90% OF TRAINERS DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO PUT A COLLAR ON A DOG AND DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO HANDLE A DOG ON A LEASH .

HOW CAN YOU CALL 13

YO URSE LF AN INSTRUCTOR IF YOU DO NOT EVEN KNOW THE BASICS? They probabily think that holding a dog on a leash is not that difficult, and that all you have to do is putting a harness or a collar and you’re done. Unfortunately it is not that simple, so be aware of those who define themselves trainers and ask more than 50.00 Euro per lesson.)

Episode 2 ( I'M BETTER ...

IN TALKING STUPID) I was at a friends’ house and I find myself speaking to the best trainer ever (she did not know about my profession), she started braggin to me about how, in just 6 lessons, she had been able to solve a problem of severe aggression, that no one else could have figured out. I became very curious and asked her how she did it, and she mentioned through SOCIALISATION CLASSES .

I work with real aggressive dogs and as she explained the case, my understanding was that she had to deal with a grumpy dog. During our conversation she revealed to me that the dog was 6 months old, used to growl to his peers but he never bit anybody off the leash. By experience I know that an aggressive dog that bites the family members and everyone else in sight cannot be trained in 6 lessons. SO THIS

WAS NOT THE CASE OF A SEVERE AGGRESSIVE DOG.

3rd . EPISODE (ALL DOGS ARE THE SAME : BASING A DOG’S TEMPER ON THE BREED IS “OLD SCHOOL”) A couple requested my help for their 3 year-old bull terrier that does not get along with other males. He is described as hyperactive and an educator had suggested castration. But before making such an intervention they wanted another opinion. So I invited them in my school and when I met the do I saw A TYPICAL BULL TERRIER. In the end I conclude that the dog is perfectly normal, well-balanced, that he is not supposed to get along with everyone (as is the case with other dogs). I recommend them to do physical activity with the dog and to let go of mental activation, since it was not doing enough to discharge his energy. After 3 days I get a text message that says that I had done a miracle to whish I answered: " no miracle , I just asked you to lead a healthy and normal routine suiting a bull terrier and not a Pekinese ."

4th . EPISODE AND LAST ONE FOR THE WEEK ( THE DOG QUALITIES OF CHARACTER, TEMPERAMENT BY NOW

ABOUT DOGS ( NO SILLIEST THINGS)

OUT OF FASHION, ARE NOT PART THE COURSE STUDY ANYMORE).

I still remember the 90s and how important it was to know the temperament of a specific breed to train a dog properly. Days ago I was talking about GERMAN SHEPHERDs, with an educator and breeder who loved this breed.

Looking at her dog, according to her aggressive, I told her that he was acting as a typical working German Shepherd, and that if I were her I would further develop those kind of qualities. As I was mentioning utility and defense, she objected that shw was not looking for a dangerous dog. UTILITIES AND DEFENSE DOGS ARE NOT DANGEROUS. CONCLUSION : We have now MORE TEACHERS THAN DOGS, whose level of ignorance is beyond words. I ask all my colleagues and dog lovers to do something about this before it gets worst.

MARCELLO MESSINA Dog trainer, expert in behavioral problems and social skills www.marcellomessina.com

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BOXER AND CANE CORSO breeder MOB. 348-8029763

By Debora Segna - Anyone, who has an empathic approach to living with dogs, knows that these animals have feelings, a rich emotional life and a complex communication system, different from ours. Unfortunately not everyone seems to be aware of this.

Although very often we, human beings, have the arrogance to think that kindness, patience, tolerance, understanding and common sense, are characteristics that belong only to are kind, the reality seems to be a little different.

We describe human beings as more sentient and evolved animal than any other living thing on our planet, but I often wonder, compared to what are we more evolved?

Surely we can build skyscrapers, talk, and develop mathematical formulas but we are certainly not able to tear meat with our teeth, fly, breathe underwater or run as fast as a cheetah, and most of the time our patience and tolerance has limits by far lower than that of a non-human or animal. We can have some furious arguments even for trivial things, we can fight or even worse kill each other for a misunderstanding . How many times have you witnessed an animal fight or kill over trivial things? Most of the time an animal before you engaging into a fight (more or less) violent uses a wide range of signals (calming signals) to show his restrain.

Until a few years ago many scientists were quite skeptical about the fact that animals were able to feel emotions, but thanks to the studies of many famous ethologists, including professor Mark Bekoff, and also thanks to the interest shown by scholars from other disciplines (biology, anthropology, psychology, philosophy, theology), there has been a revolution in thinking about this topic, that eventually lead to the akcnowledgement that animals may have a very significant and profound emotional life. The strongest evidence is that all mammals share the same brain structure, called the limbic system that controls emotions.

Charles Darwin (1872/1998) supported the idea of evolutionary continuity, and affirmed that differences between species are to be found in the degree of differences rather than in the kind.

Marc Bekoff describes non-human creatures as individuals with a rich personality, with a mind generating to emotions, sentient beings with complex emotional lives, able of living empathic relationships.

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In the dog world will there are still so many misunderstandings based on wrong assumptions about the communication and emotions in animals. Every day, unaware dog owners reinforce bad behavior in animals, with their wrong attitudes.

But how important is it to know the language dogs? How does our four-legged friend communicate? First of all that we need to understand that dogs do not know our language, dogs are visual animals, which communicate through body signals, and our every gesture for him corresponds to a very specific message. Dogs learn by associating our words and our gestures and so we must not feel frustrated if sometimes their behavior does not meet our expectations, a gesture that has a specific meaning to us may not have the same meaning for our dogs.

Before assuming that our dog is doing something wrong our animals should have the humility to identify ourselves with our companion and consider things from his point of view too.

When I am out with my dog, I sometimes see people who have wrong attitudes towards their dogs. For example, there are owners who, when they encounter an other dog, drag him/her away by pulling on the leash, sometimes almost hanging their dog, or even picking up the dog in their arms, despite the fact that their animal is showing very explicitly a propensity to wanting to play or just relate with the other dog. Other times I have even seen a puppy being punished (whipped with the leash) just because "according to the owner" he was being too impetuous during play. In a situation like this a dog may wrongly learn the other dog may be a threat. This may cause fear or aggression towards others and fear towards his master. Also pay great attention to the leash, do not tug, or communicate tension through the leash, you will tell the dog that there may be an imminent danger.

To find out if your dog shows a predisposition to the game or peaceful interaction you will see the following body postures, such as well erect ears, very soft tail wagging, relaxed body, bows, jumps and so on. In some cases high peach bark invitations to play. Obviously the desire to relate must be met by the other dog too. Learning to recognize our dogs’ intentions is very important in order to prevent unpleasant situations or behavioral problems.

On the other hand dog owners should never push shy dogs for play or interaction, when signs of fear such such as rigid posture of the body, ears back, tail down, or when calming signals like yawn, lick on the nose, front paw raised, turned head etc are present. What dog owners want does not necessarely correspond to the dog’s intentions and forcing interactions and play may be counterproductive. Our attitudes greatly influence the emotional life 17

of our dogs because we are the onse who handle them. Observing their communication and learning to respect their space, may help us prevent many unpleasant situations. Dogs like humans have their personal space and their comfort zone, which separate them and protect them from the rest of the world. These may vary according to their emotional state, who and what dog they are interacting with and the environment in which they are. The study of gestures, behaviors, space and distance within a verbal and non-verbal communication, is called proxemics and it is so important in animals as it is for humans.

When you hold your dog on a leash observe the behavior carefully and try to grasp the messages he/she sends when you are approaching an other dog. If you can figure out what the dog is communicating and do not force (as it often happens) encounters with other dogs (or people), he/she will learn to trust you and you will experience moments of calm. Remember that our human rules are not their rules, bending their will to ours will not results into any positive outcome. Finally, try to underst and and controle your emotions, because our dogs are like sponges and learn many behaviors by osmosis, the both negative and the positive ones. Maintaining a calm attitude will truly help your pet to relate in the proper manner. In the management of a dog, as Proxemics (by Fabrizio Gianmatteo) indeed in many other situations in life, the ability, to look at things from a different perspective, is really crucial.

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by Giovanni Padrone Many novice dog lovers often find themselves in trouble because their dogs do not look at them in the eyes. This is an action that is required in some canine activities and sports such as obedience or utilities and defense. But eye contact can be useful in everyday life. Indeed, in this case it is desirable. So , how can we enable this behavior in our dog? There are essentially two ways: conditioning and working on relations.

CONDITIONING. Setting aside that part of the conditioning that constitutes cruelty to the dog ( unfortunately, this behavior can also be obtained by using the ' positive punishment positive ' and ' negative reinforcement ' ), we can definitely work on the ' positive reinforcement rewarding the dog (and not only with the help of food ) every time we make eye contact. Basically, even the game of hiding a treat in your hand by placing the hand between your eyes and then looking at the dog is part of conditioning.

Pros : the dog, in exchange for a reward, learns after just two or three times that,

watching you in the eyes, is a required behavior.

Cons: the case of conditioning is a mechanical learning process and it is not directly connected with what I consider essential in a relationship between dog and owner: their emotional bond. It is , therefore, a method that can establish a “cold” relationship between dog and owner.

Moreover, from my perspective there this kind of training lacks of team work, however it is better than the use of coercive methods .

BOND. A dog is capable of making eye contact during

his puppyhood if you commit to an equal bond, as any action that ensures the animal as ocial bond, is seen as gratifying. Affection is therefore the best gift to give to your dog as a way to build social ties .

Consider that a dog willing to make eye contact with you, is also a dog that has trust in you. . Whether you define yourself “leader“ or “partner”, it does not mat-

ter. Maybe for him/her you are his “big brother” or his “big sister” to play with whenever possible.

Moreover, if we look at the social behavior of the wild cousins of the dog, like wolves, wild dogs and dholes, members of the same pack often look at each other during social interaction. The Indian dholes, for example, when they are not hunting, spend most of their time playing by making eye contact.

Same thing can be said about wolves and wild dogs. Even though these two species use different 19

behaviors to reinforce social ties, like for example when sharing a meal. If we look at feral dogs or stray animals, we can see that the members of a family or a pack often use the gaze as a behavior that serves to strengthen their relationship .

And if we look at pets, they do not share different habits, and the first sign of a social contact is to make eye contact. So why not do- if we are cuddling, walking ing the same with our pets? or “working”. The pros: It will be the first step to es- working in this fashion will strengthen the relationship itself. Cons: none, or perhaps it is an approach that requires a little more time if you choose to adopt an adult dog.

Giovanni Padrone Dog/human trainer Facebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/ giovanni.padrone? hc_location=stream

In conclusion, what I always say is, have faith in your dog’s mental and social ability: he/she will always meet your expectations.

tablish good grounds for bonding during daily actions or during a work situation (such as preparing your own canine companion to face obedience competition) and to eliminate any artificial or complicated implementation. My dogs and I are constantly making eye contact weather they are searching for approval, ABOUT DOGS ( NO SILLIEST THINGS)

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by Gianluca Gherghi - Among the “things” that I do, the one I love the most are the “Puppy Classes”, from three to five months old. I think that when dealing with puppies, one has a big responsibility, as during that time the temper of a puppy can be shaped and directed at best. The worst scenario is not being able to recognize those personality traits typical of the puppy and standardize the training. My first puppy classes, that go back to twenty years ago, were limited to the training of the basic commands like sitting and laying down and walking on a leash. That was it! The expectations were a minimum of performance on the dog part, and the constant repetition of the practice. In retrospect they were really boring!

During the years ahaead I worked extensively with

veterinarians in an education process aimed at anticipating the age in which a puppy can be trained, which

is as soon as he/she sets paw leash. The training was obin the new house. viously supervised by an expert for the duration of the Thanks to Gwen Bailey’s interaction. first stage in Italy, the first Puppy classes of ten years This dual experience was ago were totally different more harmonious for both from the ones of the previ- the dog and the owner. Subous decade. Her training jects of discussion were foclasses provided us with an cused not on how well dogs approach puppy-trainer that executed commands but on was not based on perform- what kind of experience ance anymore but on rela- dogs and owner were sharing. The dog was part of the subjective experiences of the owner now.

tion. Instead of focusing on how well the puppy would obbey the commands, her training favored how well the puppy, during that stage, interacted with the surrounding environment: dogs, people and objects.

This approach inspired me to create a dog park as a training field within a training center. Puppies were allowed to roam around freely and to interact with other puppies, adult dogs of different breed and size and people. This situation gave the owner a chance to observe and to learn how to supervise the dog off a

In the last five years further developments have broadened the field of training by allowing in owners who do not have a dog yet but who are planning on getting one.

This participation reduces to 50% potential problems that owners may encounter in the first six, seven months of the dog’s life.

Presently the puppy training classes sum up this twenty year of experience, in which socialization and interaction with outer environment has 21

been implemented with the traditional training. Furthermore due to the owners’ demand classes on theory are offered to those interested in learning dogs’ behaviour.

So far I talked about the evolution of the “Puppy Class” and increased interest of owner to understand and manage their dogs’ behaviour, however puppies also have had a change during these years.

Twenty years ago the most common breeds were challenging and limited to Schnauzer, Doberman, Rottweiler, German Shepards, Dogue de Bordeaux, Boxers and Maremmano. I remember the first time a Labrador arrived at the dog park, he was badly harrassed by other dogs who confused his playful energy for submission.

The same breeds could be found in the “Puppy Class” where their owners expected strict obedience. During socialization if their puppies growled showing dominance, they felt very proud and took it as a sign of masculinity ( I had to fight hard

to change this kind of men- them together…” tality).

Away!!!!!

As the years went by, up to our days, dog breeds have increased in number to include the most common: from Border collies, retrievers to hounds like bretons and pointers used as companions; a broad range of colors, sizes and temperaments. We also witnessed a spike among muts and cocktail dogs.

One beautiful thing that I would like to mention here is that in the presence of puppies that share the same breed, at first they will mingle with all dogs but then will gather up with the same breed.

Run

In order for a trainer to put different breeds together, he/ she must be very skilled other wise it could turn into a potential dangerous situation; vets know about it!

If the trainer allows puppies to play around training tools…RUN!!!! He/she is not aware of the problems created by such a choice.

If the course favors only the practical side and requires the use of a leash. RUN!!!!!

One last consideration is on the evolution of the puppies and their relation to their breed. If in the past a specific breed was glorified for its peculiar characteristics (guarding qualities, sense of smell, caution or playfulness), puppy nowdays are valued more as companions.

GIANLUCA GHERGHI Consultant for improvement in the dog performance Friends with tail Center OSIMO -AN- Italy

PS: how to choose an effective course? If the trainer in charge says “let’s try to put

ABOUT DOGS ( NO SILLIEST THINGS)

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by Giovanni Padrone - The leash is the oldest tool used by men to control the dog.

Already in the ancient rock art of Bhimbethka (13.000 y.a.) and of Akakus (Libia, 12.000 y.a.) we can see dogs kept on a leash and a collar by their human companions.

More recently we discovered

BHIMBETHKA (INDIA) 13.000 years B.P.

art from 6000 years ago by the ancient Egypt depicting greyhounds wearing a collar and a leash; furthermore

AKAKUS (LIBIA) 12.000 years B.P.

leather collars decorated with fine depictions were found in Egyptian tombs. About a thousand years later, the Assyrians depicted large size dogs (probably molossoids) wearing metal or a kind of rigid material collars. Greek and Roman art and sculptures show dogs with collars; in ancient Rome collars with studs and outer spikes to protect the dog’s neck and throat during a battle were found.

“Armed collars” were also used in the Middle Age to protect the dogs guarding herds and flocks, whereas the aristocracy decorated the collars with jewels and precious metals. In Europe with the rise of the middle class, leather collars became popular because cheaper. During the Sixteenth century the collar with padlock is introduced. Since then to present, very little has changed, besides the choice of sinthetic fabrics and plastic materials.

Also choke collars or choke chain, the first patent for the slip collar go back to 1890 (Ae. F. Nuttall, US patent n.426137, 22 April 1890, that had already patented the invention in England on May 9 1889), even though it was already being used by English breeders already by the half of the 19th century. Gradually different versions, among others one with inner spikes, but also one created in 1995

ABOUT DOGS (NO SILLIEST THINGS)

with the intent to prevent any dogs from harm, especially large size dogs (Christopher E. Beauchamp, US patent n.

5.546.213, October 10, 1995: slip collar Also known as CHOKE COLLAR (collar strangle) or Choke chain (choke chain) the patent of the first SLIP COLLAR (COLLAR SHIFT) dates back to 1890 (Ae. F. Nuttall, U.S. patent no.

426137 of April 22, 1890, who had already patented the invention in England May 9, 1889), even though it had already been used by some English breeders since the mid-ninenteen century. Subsequently several versions were introduced, including one with inner spikes, but also in 1995 with the clear intent to not create in any way physical damage to the dog (Christopher E. Beauchamp, U.S. patent no.

5,456,213 of October 10 1995: semi-slip or semichoke collar ). The original intent was to keep better control over the dog, especially large breeds. However, incorrect use of these collars could cause serious damage to the dog like asphyxiation. To avoid such danger that the first bib was patented by George Huff in 1924 (U.S. patent 1508601 of September 16, 1924) and later on perfected by George W. Phil24

brick (U.S. patent no.

1,685,435 of September 25, 1928).

In 1984 (U.S. patent no.

4,483,275 of November 20, 1984), the patent of the first halter for dogs was created with the clear intention to teach the dog to walk on a leash-conduct ("... So THAT the trainer, rather than Merely polling against the mass of the animal, can turn ITS head in the direction he wishes to Which the animal to move ... "or" ... so that the trainer, rather than just stand in front of the mass of the animal, can turn its head in the direction in which he wishes the animal to move ... ").

THE DEBATE ON INJURY To be fair it must be said that any restriction tools used improperly can cause severe damage to the dog, whether it be a regular collar, a slip collar, a halter or even a bib. Of course some of these may more easily lead to an injury, but also a jerk to a normal fixed collar or a harness however may cause, if not the same, serious damage. I have witnessed a child use a harness like a yo-yo on a small dog. I promptly reported the incidents to the police, as the parents of this child, appeared to be amused watching the abuse. Complaint was never more appropriate given the physical damage the poor little dog had to endure.

As stated above, being aware of my physical strength, I personally have never used a sliding collar or halter on one of my dogs (or even on those

Egipttian Hunter with sloughi - 2.300 B.C.

(the most unethical and uncivilized training tools). At the same time I must akcnowledge professionals who use the same criterion for years, they never abused their dogs and have always treated them with the utmost respect. So it all comes down to common sense. Of course, the variety of different schoosl of thoughts in the dog world, in Italy, doesn’t help clarify what the best tool or training options are. Nor do educational TV programs, more interested in the “show” rather than reality (and often blatantly lie about reality).

of my clients) being always cautious not to cause any harm inadvertently due to a sudden movement. I train dogs off leash first and then I will introduce a regular collar band together with the leash.

I do not tipically use a harness, unless I run into a difficult dog, only then I may temporarily use a bib as a rehabilitative tool. (among the many hundreds of dogs I have worked with, only once I had to opt out for this solution).

I hope that the spirit of collaboration born between some of us trainers who work as professionals, will help to properly educate the public and train dogs. In fact although our approaches may differ, we are all in agreement that the welfare of the dog comes first. My wish is that we can all make an impact and give a major boost to the clarity of dog training and let time take care of all those who, for business or for arrogance, take advantage of The bad reputation slip col- the ignorance of people in the lars have, comes from the in- subject matter misinforming appropriate use that trainers the public and causing serido of such collars. Some ous damage to people's dogs. trainers lack the basic respect for the physical and psychoGIOVANNI PADRONE logical integrity of the dog; Dog/human trainer every now and then I find Facebook profile: myself rehabilitating victims https://www.facebook.com/ of these “circus trainers” who giovanni.padrone? will also use electric collars 25

Mob. 328-5972631

.it

ion Site: www.brspass ion.it ss a p rs b @ fo in : il a -m E

by Cristina Pederzani VMD - I was not sure. I wanted you in my life when my brother asked me to handpick you from a litter. I had in my head the idea of an English Setter and he was proposing a Golden Retriever puppy .

"Will see ", he said.

So, I drove for a couple of hours to a remote farmhouse, entirely surrounded by fields, in the countryside of Cremona.

I felt the need of having a dog because I had just moved into a new house, leaving our dear Roy to my parents, an old Setter.

Farmers were mowing hay, and May was exploding in all its Spring fervor, with its bright green in contrast with a clear and dazzling turquoise sky. I enhale deeply the air of rebirth as the winter had finally collapsed behind me.

"This is the right time for a puppy " - I thought "we will have the whole

summer to enjoy our- sweet gaze that seemed selves together." to read my heart, and their fervent curiosity to As I was waiting in an discover, to know, to try. elegant garden for the ar- Of course I became alrival of the puppies, I felt most immediately the immersed in this over- target of this mad rush, whelming triumph of because I represented " visual and olfactory sen- what else was in the garsations. Everything be- den". As I bent down on came clear to me when I my knees, even those saw the door of a garage puppies who had taken tumbling out at super- another direction temposonic speed a group of rarily turned running toanimated yellow corn wards me, or rather, small creatures that were rolled towards me. I so scattering in every direc- craved the phsycal contion like crazy bullets. tact with them and do They were so full of en- what my soul was crying ergy that everything else from the bottom of mu became muffled around heart to touch them , emme: insects are froze and brace them and kiss the birds fell silent for a them. It was pure joy. moment. When the litter My body spoke, since of Golden made his de- my voice was stuck in but in the garden, it was my throat. Emotions as if the rest of the world were overwhelming and was looking. So it was I was speechles. for me too. I, who always express any kind of And those little rascals emotion I feel, became jumped and played on speechless. my legs, licking my face and scratching me with Their fledgling beauty, their brand new claws. covered with a blond They were indistinguishwoolly hair similar to able from one another. I ripe wheat, the podgy was in a state of ecstasy, and still insecure paws, a a kind of nirvana where 27

there is no need for " A true rascal " meditation; and that’s the kind of effect that dogs I checked the sex and it have on me. was a female, a beautiful, soft dark blond girl, with "There is no experience eyes as bright as smart more beautiful, I wish I and wise. I held her could have them all, I closer to me. I felt my knew it was going to be a soul melting: I kissed really difficult choice " and smelled this puppy in the spring breeze and Well it turned out instead something inside had it was not. Because when opened a door of the unI got up, the little rascals conscious and had told dressed in yellow rushed me that SHE WAS THE back towards their ONE. mother who in the meantime had come out, over- " It 's her " - I said. whelming her with all the strength of their " Would you like to give young spirit. All of them, a better look at the othexcept one . Ther was a ers? – puppy still at my feet, wagging his tail compul- But "others " no longer sively. The pup got up on existed. My heart, at that its legs to be picked up. I moment, was totally inaccepted the request. We extricably hers. I kept on looked at each other for a holding her in my arms. I long, ecstatic moment . felt like a hard core that enhances inside, sud" What is this pup’s denly becoming inconname? - I asked Anna , sistent, and leaving open owner of the parents and a passage that begins to the litter. exude emotions that chase each other in an " They do not have the increasingly whirling, to name yet, the one you create a single, gigantic are holding, would ap- overfolw. A medicine for pear to be one of the fe- the soul. males. She has the redest hair. " " It 's her, I have no doubt" -

" Well, how would you like to call her? " I did not answer, because I noticed that the names that I had come up with up to that moment did not not suit her. His eyes sparkled once again into mine. " I have not decided yet " – I looked around. My gaze fell on a small bush of lilac flowers with delicate and intense purple streaks, that was near the fence of the garden. They had made their appearance just after that harsh winter. At that time I was studying Homeopathy and Phytotherapy and I was quite prepared on the nature of what I was watching . " MALVA SYLVESTRIS . " " I beg your pardon? " "That flower is ..... Malva.

They are delicate flowers, a fragile gift of Spring.

But beneath this frailty, it hides a strong heart and many virtues. Malva was called " the remedy for all illness " in the language of flowers it symbolizes a mother's love and peace.

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Its flavor is sweet, and it’s decoction is used as a soother and a moisturizer for the body and the spirit. A soother for the soul. " -

gushed from my eyes, you stayed by my side in sickness, becoming yourself sick rather than abandon me. Because no one could separate you from me. You welcomed We named her Malva. me with joy when I was angry, tired, listless, and Because you were a deli- you have welcomed me cate flower. A fragile without asking anything flower. And holding you in return. aiganst me gave me calm and serenity. When I in- And even now, as I allow formed my partner in life myself these creativing that I had chosen the moments, you are sleepname for her, we were in ing at my feet; every complete agreement be- now and then you look at cause he, a wine enthusi- me, we look at each ast and expert sommelier other, we say to each found good in her name. other that we need one another, that you are Malva, is the diminutive complete when I am by of Malvasia!!! your side. And you know, you can feel that Now, after seven years, I it's the same for me. This am fully convinced that part of the journey, we it was a sign of fate I had lived it in fullness and met you. You are a won- joy, and when we experiderful spring flower, a enced unhappiness we sweet and strong soul at have overcome it tothe same time. You have gether once again . I will gifted me with uncondi- return to you all the love tional security and tran- that, sometimes without quillity in all these years, thinking, I denied you. loving me like no human being could have done. I will repay all the sweetWhen I had nothing ness you will need, when around me, you were your life, in old age, will there. You were there and take a more difficult turn. never left me, wiped the You taught me to face tears away before they everything with simplic-

ity but with intensity. I'll be by your side when you will ask me for help.

Malva, I think that was your name from the start, since before your very were born, when you were still a little star in the sky.

Someone had decided it before us.

Someone gave us a clue through nature. I think sometimes the flash of a moment is able to communicate, by instinct, a great truth: that flower, in that place , at that time, was the mirror of your soul.

Sweet, beautiful Malva.

CRISTINA PEDERZANI Veterinary doctor homeopath Teacher of alternative medicine in instructors courses And SIUA Dog trainer

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I started Early -- Took my Dog

by Emily Dickinson

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An information magazine created by CINOFILI STANCHI Our staff (educators, trainers, and professional dog breeders) are present in Ovada (AL), Sermide (MN), Castellazzo Novara (NO), Parma, Ravenna, Ancona, Velletri and San Marco in Lamis (FG).

About dogs, is the brainchild of four cynologists (Marcello Messina, Roberto Mannu, Gianluca Gherghi and Giovanni Padrone), they have combined their minds and experiences to create a point of reference for anyone who lives with his dog and requires correct informations to improve their living arrangements.

'About dogs (no silliest things)', because we are tired of the total disinformation, tired of anyone does marketing on the ignorance of the people, tired of the urban legends.

THE FOUNDERS

Piemonte: OVADA -AL- cell. 347-5760185 Castellazzo Nov.se -NO- cell. 339-7397499 Lombardia cell. 348-8029763 Emilia Romagna PARMA 346-6964342 RAVENNA cell. 338-1841201 Marche: cell. 338-3787447 Lazio: cell. 338-6523430 Puglia: cell. 328-5972631 Email: cinofilistanchi@yahoo.it

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We are our dogs...

Try to be a good person as your dog think you are.

For this and many other reasons do not mistreat or abandon your best friend.

Anyone who abuses or abandons a dog is not a good person.