Dogs and the Napoleon complex: How to calm a hostile toy dog

Image source: imageshack.us


The Napoleon complex is described as a psychological phenomenon wherein shorter-than-average men demonstrate unwarranted aggressiveness to compensate for their lack of height. The name of the syndrome was inspired by French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, who was a short man notorious for seeking power by starting wars.

In the canine world, Napoleon complex is thought to exist in small breeds. Male toy dogs, like chihuahuas and poodles, are sometimes found to be overly aggressive towards bigger animals. They are even known to instigate a fight, seemingly unaware that the larger animal could very easily hurt them. The mistake dog owners make is to assign this complex to the breed. In truth, Napoleon complex cannot be diagnosed, and no single breed is more prone to developing it than others.



Image source: 123rf.com


The more likely cause of canine Napoleon complex is actually the dog owner. Dogs respond to their environment and take cues from their owners’ body language. A small dog may sense that his owner is afraid he will be hurt or attacked by larger dogs. He will interpret this as his cue to protect himself by showing aggression or launching preemptive attacks. Dog owners must remember to remain calm and lower their anxiety when taking a small dog out in situations where they might encounter a much larger dog. When the small dog senses that his owner is unafraid, he, too, will not feel the need to protect himself against larger dogs.

Small dogs are generally higher maintenance dogs than medium or large breeds. Experienced dog breeder Suzy Azalea talks about breed-specific care, training, and feeding on this website.



Image source: dogster.com

YOUTUBE: Bye Bye, Bad Dog Breath —Orapup.com

Although there is truth to the suggestion that canine saliva is cleaner than a human's, with everything they eat, there's no telling how dirty your dog's mouth can be!

Three myths about sterilizing pets

Image Source: aspcapro.org


An estimated 6 to 8 million cats and dogs enter shelters all over the country each year. Of that number, 3 to 4 million are euthanized. Animal overpopulation has become an epidemic. It occurs not only because strays and unsterilized pets are left to breed, but also because irresponsible dog owners choose to breed a whole litter of puppies when they intend to keep only one.


No less than half of all dogs in shelters end up there because they were relinquished by their owners. An unstable economy has forced households to prioritize their expenses, and pets don’t often make the cut. Coupled by suddenly finding the pet pregnant, some dog owners are left with no choice but to give their dog up. But when vets suggest owners have their dogs neutered, many of the latter reject the idea. Some believe this is psychologically harmful to their dog, or will cause future consequences. Here’s a list of the three most common misconceptions about sterilizing dogs and the truth to each one:




Image Source: conferenceofbirds.net



The dog will feel like less of a “man” after being sterilized

Although dogs can suffer from trauma, the “shame” of being neutered is a human-associated emotion. Dogs develop their personalities from their genetics and environment. Sterilizing a dog will not affect its personality, except for giving it one less need to fulfill.



Spaying or neutering will cause weight gain

Dogs do not get fat from simply being sterilized alone. A healthy dog will only gain weight if it is fed more than exercised. Some owners sometimes cause their dog’s weight gain due to feeling sympathetic for the dog post-surgery. They give the dog extra treats or refrain from making it do too much activity because they “feel sorry” for having neutered him. There is no need to make a dog “feel better” because he will not “feel bad!” Exercise helps a dog recuperate from surgery and should be maintained regularly after sterilization.




Image Source: katu.com



Spaying or neutering is expensive

While this may have been true in the ‘80s and ‘90s, overpopulation has led many clinics, pounds, and animal shelters to offer low-cost and even free dog sterilization programs. Veterinary clinics without free programs do offer payment in installments. Getting a pet dog neutered or spayed is the responsible action to take. Owners should not let their psychological fears prevent them from doing what is best for their pet.



Many humans make the mistake of assigning their emotions to their dogs. Experienced breeder and trainer Suzy Azalea discusses the difference between how humans and dogs interpret and react to their environment on this blog.

A look at AKC's top 10 breeds of 2012

Image Credit: psbtc.org

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has kept a registry of purebred dog pedigrees in the United States since it was founded in 1884. Every year, the AKC releases a list of the top 10 breeds by popularity. While the 2012 list showed no surprises, it was interesting to note that America’s idea of a canine companion has moved away from traditional working dogs into what is commonly known as fighting breeds.


10. Rottweiler
Square-jawed and big-boned, the Rottweiler is America’s working dog. Often misunderstood for being intimidating, rotties—as they are sometimes called—are in fact playful and highly intelligent dogs.


9. Dachshund
This wiener-shaped breed fell one spot from last year’s list but is still one of America’s preferred pets for families with children. They are versatile little creatures—they can dig and hunt but also take care of small children—making them an ideal family pet for homes with yards.

Image Credit: dachshunddog.org

8. Poodle
Another misunderstood breed, poodles are capable of far more than most people would think. In fact, they are capable of more than most dogs can learn in a lifetime. Poodles have been on the top 10 list since 1960 for their intelligence and trainability; they are able to complete service dog duties while remaining a playful family pet. They are bred in three sizes, making them easy to raise in just about any type of home space or environment.


7. Boxer
Protective and patient, boxers have maintained a steady position on the top ten list for their loyalty and manageable energy level. Although they were originally bred for fighting, boxers have come a long way since, making excellent family guard dogs, even for homes with children.

Image Credit: bib.ge

6. English Bulldog
In a chicken-or-egg debate, it can be argued that bulldogs gained popularity because they have consistently been used as school mascots. Whichever way it happened—and regardless of the sports team they represent—bulldogs are known for their protective instinct and gentle temperament.


For the rest of the list, visit this web page.

Image Credit: topnotch-bullies

Suzy Azalea is an experienced dog breeder with expertise across all types of breed categories. Visit this Myspace page for details about her breeding programs.

REPOST: Congress Passes Legislation Protecting Military Dogs

In the past, the military listed service dogs– such as watch dogs, guide dogs, and bomb detection dogs– as "surplus equipment." When American troops were sent home, no resources were dedicated to ensuring the safe return their canine companions. Military dogs were simply left at abandoned camp locations, much to the protest of their army handlers. After numerous petitions, it seems this nonsense has finally come to an end. Here's an article from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals about the new legislation allowing military personnel to take their service dogs home.

The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) today applauds the U.S. Congress for passing legislation to protect military dogs. Included as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013, the measure provides significant steps for the protection of retired military dogs by streamlining the adoption process and authorizing a system of veterinary care for the retired animals at no expense to taxpayers. The Defense Authorization bill now moves to President Barack Obama for his signature.

This provision was included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) through the leadership of Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) in the U.S. Senate and Rep. Walter Jones (R-N.C.) in the U.S. House of Representatives.  Both legislators introduced similar legislation to assist military dogs, the Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act, earlier this year.

"Military dogs are true heroes—they play a critical role in our nation's defense," said Nancy Perry, senior vice president of ASPCA Government Relations. "These amazing dogs have been loyal to us in extreme circumstances and deserve to be properly cared for and adopted into good homes after such unwavering service to their country. We thank Senator Blumenthal and Representative Jones for ensuring these heroic dogs' health and well-being is properly cared for."

Military dogs successfully perform many important and dangerous duties that can be difficult, if not impossible, for humans. After years of service, military dogs deserve a safe retirement option and may require expensive veterinary care to treat health issues related to their dedicated service. Establishing a long-term, reliable source of support for that care will ensure that our nation's commitment to the dogs' well-being extends beyond their period of military service. The bill also streamlines the adoption process by standardizing the transfer of retired military dogs from foreign soil back to the United States, where they can be permanently placed into loving homes.

"Military working dogs are so crucial to the safety of our service members, and it is our job to provide them with the love and care that they so honorably deserve when they are retired," said Rep. Jones.  "I would like to thank Senator Blumenthal for his leadership in the Senate and all the organizations, such as the ASPCA, who have supported our efforts."

"I am pleased that this year's NDAA will recognize the importance of military working dogs by providing for their care," added Sen. Blumenthal. "These dogs have saved countless human lives through their vital work and deserve to be honored in this way. I thank Congressman Jones and the organizations that have worked so hard to ensure that these canine heroes receive the care they deserve. I will continue to work with these key organizations to ensure that the Department of Defense implements the provisions of the NDAA that will establish standards of care for retired military working dogs, allow for the transport of retiring dogs working overseas back to the United States, and provide for recognition of their service."

For more information on the ASPCA and to join the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade, please visitwww.aspca.org.

Like war veterans, dogs that have seen action are prone to post-traumatic stress disorder. Experienced dog breeder Suzy Azalea discusses how to effectively ease dogs into new homes on her blog.

Walk n' wag: Keeping the pounds off you and your dog this year

Image Credit: plano.bubblelife.com

Holidays are indulgent times for taste buds. After a year’s hard work, Christmas celebrants look forward to a feast of countless courses and forbidden desserts. In our household, everyone enjoys a good serving of signature Suzy Azalea holiday dishes, including the four-legged members.

Image Credit: topdogcs.com

To combat holiday weight gain, most health consultants suggest making meals out of fat-free ingredients or doubling up on exercise routines. It is ideal to do both in tandem to keep button bursting at a minimum. While preparing healthy Christmas dishes, you may also consider treating your fur pals to special meals. Contrary to what some home cooks expect, this requires no extra effort. As an experienced dog breeder and canine welfare expert, I have put together a list of 10 everyday food ingredients that are safe for dogs to eat. The list includes most of the fruits, meats, and vegetables used in dietitian-recommended Christmas dinners, allowing you to treat your canine pals to something unique without increasing their fat intake.

Image Credit: dogchow.com

While it’s tempting to stay snug in bed all day after a hearty meal, keeping the pounds off means moving around—double time. As winter temperatures prevent “sweating it off,” holiday exercise has to compensate. Taking your dog out for a run allows you and your dog to get your exercise. Exercising has an added benefit for dogs: It releases tension and excitement pent-up from staying indoors all day. A bored dog will usually resort to eating more than it should-or worse, chewing on shoes and furniture. If you’re worried about the cold weather, this DIY fleece coat for dogs from Martha Stewart is a great solution.


Keeping a dog healthy does not have to be an added chore. It can be done alongside the usual family habits and become part of the holiday routine.


Get more tips about exercising with your pets on this Facebook page.

REPOST: Adopting the Right Dog

I found this article on Martha Stewart Living. I'm sharing it here because I agree with everything it says.

For one woman, adopting a dog meant keeping an open mind and redefining her perception of a family pet.

by Lisa Rubisch

Martha Stewart Living, October 2012 

I spied him in the window of a New York City shelter, as I walked home from Chinatown with my small son. The dog was furry and black, the size and shape of a meat loaf, with the type of crooked underbite you see only in cartoons -- a creature so homely that he was cute. His name was Lil Sweet, which may as well have been tattooed on my heart. It was love at first sight.

When we went inside, the shelter employee eyeballed my younger son, who was 3 years old at the time. She shook her head. "Not a family dog, this one. You're better off with one of those," she said. She pointed to two sturdy puppies in the other window that were playfully attacking their bed.

Reluctantly, I held one -- a female with a brindle coat, a white stripe on her nose, and a spot of white on her chest. Her name was Jitterbug. She had recently survived several surgeries after someone found her gravely ill in a box on the street. She had been at the shelter just a few days, but she was already everyone's favorite, thanks to her extraordinarily gentle disposition. She nuzzled my neck the way a human baby would.

I asked what breed she was. There was a pause. "A pit mix," the shelter employee said. And that was that. I couldn't imagine a pit bull as our family dog.

We weren't even looking for a dog. Two years before, we had lost the dog I had "married into," a Jack Russell that was two parts crocodile, one part wildebeest -- and who, in his old age, had given my older son a dog phobia.

Yet I found myself returning to the shelter several times that week with my family just to visit Jitterbug. To my great concern, we were falling for her. As my older son shyly pet her, I saw his fear melt away. At dinner that night, we took a family vote, and the next morning, we brought Jitterbug home.

I could not sleep for two weeks. I had impulsively walked into a shelter for one dog and ended up with another; a pit bull, no less. If you search online for "pit bull," you will, of course, find some unpleasant information. What I wasn't expecting, however, was link after link of info to the contrary, as well. Veterinarians, trainers, dog walkers, and other experts -- the majority come to the same conclusion: The breed gets a bad rap.

We introduced Jitterbug to my parents through Skype. I told them she was a mutt. Leaning in toward his screen, my dad sputtered, "Lisa, that's a pit bull!" They both pleaded with me to take the dog back.

Though it may not have been love at first sight, it is a love that has lasted. Two years after the adoption, Jitterbug is a dream dog -- a goofy, affectionate, well-behaved mush. She licks babies. She lets our ancient skin-and-bones Persian cat boss her around. She cuddles with my boys and tolerates her fair share of ear tugging, wrestling, and being dressed in superhero capes and soccer jerseys. She stole the show at show-and-tell, with 20 pairs of first-graders' hands on her all at once.

Now and then, Lil Sweet pops into my mind the way an old boyfriend might. I hope he's happy and that he found his own family after leading Jitterbug to ours.

How to Find a Match

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. Before you bring home a canine companion, consider these helpful tips to find the right dog for your family.

Think Shelters

"Shelter animals are not damaged goods; most are given up for reasons that have nothing to do with the pet, such as a family's finances," says Tiffany Lacey, executive director of the Animal Haven shelter in New York City.

Take a Test-Drive

"Most shelters will let potential adopters spend time with a dog or take it on a walk," says Katrina Krings, a dog trainer and animal-behavior specialist. "Don't be afraid to ask the staff questions about the dog. These people know the dog best."

Get an Evaluation

Inquire about the dog's behavior evaluation, something every shelter should do. Although evaluations aren't 100 percent accurate, they help eliminate biases based on breed and instead focus on behavior so a pet can be placed appropriately.

Be Flexible

"People come in thinking they know exactly what they want -- it can only be a Pomeranian, or it must be a specific color or sex," says Lacey. Instead, she suggests you match the energy level of the dog to your lifestyle.