The documentary And Man Created Dog from National Geographic covers the history of dogs as man’s companion, focusing on the strengths of some common, and uncommon, dog breeds. How wonderful to see the image of three Great Pyrenees dogs surveying their flock of goats on a green pasture. The farmer interviewed mentions how he has had no predation of his goats since using his dogs.

The documentary has moving moments of dogs helping humans, and humans helping dogs. It includes our responsibility towards our loyal friends - mentioning consequences of breeding  and some tools to prevent genetic diseases, and the plight of homeless dogs. One thing is for sure, we love our dogs, and our dogs love us!

Fun facts from the show:

The Saluki is one of the fastest dogs. Unlike most dogs, all four feet are off of the ground twice during each stride, allowing him to run faster and further. As a sight hound, the inside of their eyes has a special band that allows them to see movement better than most dogs.

Retrieving dogs, like the Golden, Labrador, and Standard Poodle, have soft mouths so they don’t damage retrieved birds.

Mixed breeds are now being used for sled dogs and often win the Iditarod.

“A good herding dog has the right balance of boldness, excitability, and a desire to herd” – the reason dogs need jobs like dog agility!

Italy’s Coast Guard gets help with water rescue from a team of highly trained dogs – and their owners!

Thanks to dogs, damage to Air Force aircraft in Israel has been reduced from $10.5 million to $8.

Dogs can move one nostril at a time and devote 40 times more brainpower to scent than we do. Scent discrimination is used in Competition Obedience.

Puppies are deaf until they are about two weeks old. If your adult is deaf, you can still teach and train your deaf dog.

Dogs are one of the few animals willing to look us in the eye and understand where we point. Read more about this phenomenon in my review of “The Secrets Inside Your Dog’s Mind” from Time magazine.

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Dogs in Greek Mythology

This list highlights some interesting dogs found in Greek mythology and literature.

Argus - the faithful dog of Odysseus, Argus is the first to recognize Odysseus upon his return to Troy. The dog has been exiled from the house and is an amazing 20+ years old. You must read Homer’s text (Odyssey, Book 17) which is quite moving.

Cerberus - made faithful by Harry Potter, this is the three headed original watchdog “Hound of Hades.” Interestingly, his saliva is what created the first poisonous plants!

Hecuba - while not originally a dog, the gods turned Hecuba into a dog while she was snarling and cursing at Odysseus, allowing her to escape slavery – but only in the story Hecuba by Euripides.

Laelaps - the dog who always caught his prey, he was gifted to Europa by Zeus, then gifted again a couple more times. Unfortunately,Laelaps was sent to catch the Teumessian fox – which could never be caught – and Zeus grew tired of the never ending chase, turned them both to stone.

Marea - belonging to Icarus, Marea led Icarus’s daughter to his slain body buried under a tree. A star is named Marea, which rises a little before the Dog-star Sirius.

Sirius - Sirius was not originally a dog. The name comes from a Greek word meaning “glowing” or “scorcher.” It is associated with dogs because it is the brightest star of the constellation Canis Major, the “Great Dog.” Ancient Greeks also thought this star affected dogs negatively.

Sources:

• Dogs of Greek Mythology by Sheppard Software
• Wikipedia
• Names and Meanings: Dog names
• Colin Hughes at Washington State University

The Greek Food at Our Weekly Dinner

After a long day working, a Greek dinner is a welcome respite. Healthy, tasty, Greekish, eclectic assortment of tastes. Everyone cleaned their plates and the serving bowls are nearing empty. We had moussaka, cucumber salad, chicken kabobs and falafel with taziki sauce, accompanied by pita, hummus, and tabbouleh.

What do you think? Try our recipes by clicking on “more.” Next week, barbecue and “Snooker” (you must join us to find out what this is!) (more…)

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There are a multitude of ways to spend quality time with your dogs. You can have fun training, going somewhere special, and playing games with him or her. If you are living in a multiple dog family, find a little time to spend with each dog individually.

 Training

Spend a few minutes each day working with your dog. It doesn’t matter which dog training lesson you work on as long as you keep it fun with positive dog training methods. Work on a quick sit-stay before feeding your dog breakfast or shake before dinner. Not only does your dog have fun, but you’ll start seeing results in a matter of days.

Go Someplace Special

Have you ever been confined to your house for several days in a row? Did you get stir crazy? Your dog can get cabin fever too! Take your dog out once in awhile.

Take your dog for a walk or hike. Please obey the rules, pick up after your dog, and keep him on a leash everywhere you go. Even remote places are negatively impacted by things your dog does or leaves behind.

Many cities now have off-leash dog parks – see our list of off-leash dog parks in Metro-Denver, Co. Please follow the rules and read tips on off leash dog park etiquette.

Your dog even enjoys a car ride when you run quick errands. But don’t leave your dog in the car on mild or warm days – studies show even a 72 degree day can turn a car lethal. Go to MyDogIsCool.com to learn how quickly cars heat up even with windows cracked.

Games

There are many tricks and games you can play with your dog. Play “hide and seek” by moving from room to room in your house and calling your dog to you, rewarding with lots of treats, play, or love. Rotate your dog’s toys, pulling a different one out each week, so toys remain new and interesting.

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The Dumb Friends League Furry Scurry is Saturday May 1st at Washington Park in Denver, Co. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors with your canine pal while raising money for a great cause.

Schedule already booked for May 1st or live outside of Denver? Sponsor a team like Aura Leigh and side-kick Tanner, members of the Online Dog Coach community. Aura Leigh runs Paws Ma Pet Care Services, a Littleton-based pet sitting and dog walking service. In addition to walking in the Furry Scurry, she is generously donating a portion of March’s proceeds to the event.

Kelvin and Kalee, two of the Online Dog Coach stars, were adopted from the Dumb Friends League 8 and 10 years ago.

Live outside the Denver Area but still inspired by the Furry Scurry? Donate time or resources to a local shelter in your home town.

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As I was putting together the blog on Pet Dental Health Month, I came across this hilarious animated video of the challenges of brushing a cat’s teeth (aren’t you glad you have a dog!). While admittedly it an advertisement, it was too funny not to share. Enjoy!

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