H1N1 Virus Confirmed in 2 Dogs in China

The China Agricultural University tested 52 sick dogs, and two of them tested positive for H1N1. Since their virus matched the human virus 99%, it is likely they caught it from their human companions.

No cases have been reported in the United States yet, but this discovery means that transmission is possible. At this time, there’s no evidence that our pets can transmit the virus to us.

If you’re sick, it’s important to be careful not to expose your dog:

* Avoid coughing or sneezing on your dog.
* Wash your hands often, especially before touching your dog.
* Don’t allow your dog to come into contact with used tissues.
* Avoid touching your dog’s eyes, nose, and mouth while you are sick.
* Use alcohol-based hand cleaners.

Symptoms of H1N1 in pets may include:

* Loss of appetite
* Lethargy
* Difficulty breathing
* Fever
* Coughing
* Sneezing
* Wheezing
* Runny nose and/or eyes

If your dog or cat develops these symptoms, contact your veterinarian for the best course of action.

For more information, visit the American Veterinary Medical Association website.

I don’t agree with Casar Milan on many things but this is worth sharing. I also don’t like the term “pack leader” as I am not a dog. My dog and my children should all behave in inappropriate ways.That being said. Here’s what Casar Milan has to offer:
How can you tell if your dog is the pack leader? It’s simple: if she jumps on you when you arrive home, she is the pack leader. If she jumps on your guests, she is making sure that these new arrivals also know she is in charge. What can you do to stop this unwanted behavior?

•Establish yourself as pack leader. When a dog doesn’t have a clear pack leader, she tries to fill the vacant role, usually to disastrous results (for the owner and for the dog!) The pack leader leads by projecting a calm-assertive energy.
•Don’t shower your dog with affection when you walk through the door. This kind of attention is wonderful for a human child, but not for a dog. Remember dogs are animals, and the kindest thing you can do is to treat your dog like a dog and communicate in a way he’ll understand.
•Correct bad behavior. The dog’s mom, the ultimate pack leader, would never tolerate inappropriate activity. If she sees something she doesn’t like, she stops it by moving the puppy out of the way in a calm-assertive manner. The puppy learns an important boundary from the lesson, and her firm and unambiguous leadership balances the puppy’s submissive role in the pack.
•When your guests arrive, ask your dog to sit patiently. Your dog will follow your commands when he respects you as his pack leader. Remember, the animal pack leader doesn’t negotiate to get what he or she wants.
•You can’t be a leader only some of the time. Leadership is forever; inconsistency triggers confusion and anxiety in a dog. Animal pack leaders never waver from their leadership role, and neither should you!

Capture the Behavior – The “Down” Cue -
Most dog owners will agree that a calm, obedient dog lying quietly next to them as they watch TV, read a book, or have dinner with the family is far preferable to an in-your-face dog who just won’t relax. Getting your dog to lie down is usually a simple dog training/obedience cue to master; ABC’s method of teaching a dog the “down” cue is to food-lure the dog into position using yummy, potent-smelling treats and praising her when she gets in position accurately and in a timely manner. However, what if your dog will not allow you to lure her into the down position? What if she just does not seem to be catching on? Many dog owners would consult a dog trainer in this instance, though it’s relatively simple to train dogs (especially your own) on your own or with simple guidance from a professional animal trainer.

The best way to go about mending this dog training issue is to capture the dog’s behavior on a regular basis, whenever you “catch” her lying down quietly. ABC deems this the “opportunistic” or “natural” down. Capturing the behavior involves praising and treating the dog whenever you observe her lying in the down position. Since your dog trainer doesn’t live with you 24-7, it’s your responsibility to reinforce dog training cues such as the down behavior. Some owners will find that treats, toys, or praise – whatever the dog finds most rewarding – are sufficient for capturing the behavior. Some owners may choose to also use a clicker to capture the natural down.

To capture the down behavior, place a handful of food treats between your dog’s front paws whenever she is calmly resting in the down position. If she does not find food treats rewarding, try giving her a favorite chew toy or verbal praise (“Good!”). Remember to do this every time you find her in the down position. She will soon learn that lying in the down position is beneficial to her and will offer the behavior more often. After repeated captures and rewards for her good down behavior, you will be able to associate a cue, i.e. the word “down,” with the behavior. Your dog will soon become much easier to coax into the down position.

If you have any questions or problems, always contact your animal trainer or dog trainer for advice and tips.
Good advise from ABC Animal Behavioal College