Questionable Tails
Dear Hogan,
I’m a Great Dane like you. Just not so old and wise. I’ve heard my humans say that having me is like having a child in the house. They’ve had to move everything out of the reach of my tail. Now, I haven’t noticed any little humans with tails. But I have noticed two of my friends at the dog park don’t have tails. They just have little stubs that wiggle, like mine wags. I’ve asked them why they don’t have tails but they don’t know. Do you?
Signed: Merlin, Decatur, GA
Dear Merlin,
Thank you for the compliment but I’m really not that old – I just like sniffing out answers. So, on to your question. For some dog breeds, humans often “clip” or “dock” the tails. While there is some debate about the severity of pain this may cause us – most tails are docked when pups are just a few days old – the procedure is best left under a veterinarian’s supervision. Traditionally there are a number of breeds – Terriers, Spaniels, Boxers, Schnauzers, Poodles, Rottweilers, Pinschers and others – whose tails are docked. Many humans also feel that a docked dog tail helps keep the dog from repeatedly injuring the tail later in their lives – especially in working dogs.
Meanwhile, a tail is one of our most unique features. Since humans don’t have one, most of them have little understanding of what the tail really does and means. Tails can offer a strong indication of our confidence and moods. It also signals whether we are feeling dominant or submissive. Generally the higher a tail is held the more confident we are feeling, while a tail held low or between our legs means we’re feeling a bit less secure at the moment. We all know that when we are truly happy (getting a good chest scratch or expecting a treat) our tails seems to take on a life of their own, wagging quickly. A slower, careful wag usually means we are trying to figure our situation out.
Dogs with docked tails may have more difficulty in communicating their feelings to other dogs (and people). Some studies have shown that some of these breeds actually compensate by wagging their entire behind. Just remember to celebrate tail diversity. Be proud of whatever tail you have. Many doggie park get-togethers and pooch parties offer prizes for longest tails, curliest tail and hairiest tail.
No More Shedding
Dear Hogan,
Why do I leave hair all over the place? During a certain time each year, my dad and mom won’t even let me on the couch. I have to sit in a special chair with a sheet over it. I try not to get things messy but I’m leaving my hair in a trail, on everything I touch. Can I do anything to make my hair stay on me?
Signed: Kyle, Naples, FL
Dear Kyle,
Just use a bottle of “Shed No More,” available at your local...rrright, wouldn’t your parents just love an option as easy as that. Sadly “Shed No More” doesn’t exist. And the
reality is all dogs shed...unless they have absolutely no hair. Don’t believe the talk you might hear at the dog park about how “I don’t shed.” Many dogs shed a lot, some shed less than others but we all shed. Even humans shed what little hair they have.
As far as our coats of hair, most dogs can be divided into two categories. Their hair (or fur) is a single coat or a double coat that has an undercoat of hair in addition to their normal hair. Lots of humans think thick, double-coated dogs, like Collies, shed all the time and in large amounts. But often single-coated dogs, like Labradors, shed just as much or more than longer-haired dogs. While it is shorter hairs lying around the house, it can add up quickly. Double-coated dogs really have twice as much hair to shed. And many dogs also shed much more hair once or twice a year, at shedding time, but may shed very little during the rest of the year.
Back to your point – don’t worry Kyle, I didn’t forget – the key to controlling dog hair around the house is something you will love. Good grooming. A good sit with your mom or dad as she or he brushes through your coat will help. A few times a week will make a huge difference. So ask your humans to brush you – give them one of those great longing looks we dogs specialize in. Getting brushed outside or on a porch is probably best, so the hair stays there and not in the house. Here’s hoping you are invited onto the couch sometime soon.
Stop to Smell the ‘Hoses’
When I got out for a walk with my Larry – that’s my human – I love to stop and sniff everything. It’s like I become some sort of “zombie dog” and all I can do is move from item to item enjoying the scents. It’s like a trance. Trees, bushes, sprinkler heads, popsicle sticks, car tires, trash bags, kids. I love to smell it all. But I’ve seen other dogs who just trot along on a slack leash glancing around but never seeming to stop and smell the hoses. Am I doing something wrong?
Signed: Fluffy, Panama City, FL
Dear Fluffy,
There are a few schools of dog thought when it comes to walks. Some
humans like us to leash walk right next to them, very formally. Others are a bit more lenient. Still, others are very lenient and let us run all over, pulling at the end of the leash. We’re all different with different doggie senses and preferences and personalities. And I love to smell during walks, too. So no problem there. You do need to be true to your inner dog.
It is important, however, to remember that in the human world there are many dangers we don’t recognize or understand. Our human is responsible for keeping us from these dangers. Especially on walks where we are in areas in which our humans can’t make sure everything is cleaned up and dog-safe, like our own homes and yards. So it is good to learn your commands. Learn to walk without pulling a whole lot. If your sniffing seems excessive to your human, he or she will let you know. Just be “scents-ible” about it.
He’s a GREAT Dane so you can ask Hogan anything.
E-mail: hogan@bocadogmagazine.com
or write to:
Hogan, BocaDog Magazine.
P.O. Box 812485, Boca Raton, FL 33431
