Super Dog

As a dog lover, you already know how amazing canines can be. Did you know that there are “special powers” some dogs have that defy explanation but have been helpful to humans for centuries?

For example, dogs (and cats) have been known to sense when a woman is pregnant. Experts are not sure whether it’s the hormone changes, emotional changes, or changes in routine, but animals seem to be able to detect pregnancy before a traditional pregnancy test! The animal behavior seems to fall into either a pattern of extreme affection and protectiveness, or uncharacteristic aloofness and territory marking.  (Source:  Pregnancy-Info.net)

Also, seizure-alert dogs are dogs that are able to notify someone with epilepsy or a seizure disorder that a seizure is imminent. Again, the exact reason dogs are able to sense the seizure before it happens is somewhat of mystery- whether it’s behavioral changes or something that they can smell. Dogs will bark, whine, lick, or paw their epileptic-prone owners before an event. Unlike seeing-eye dogs, the behavior cannot be trained, and is not breed-specific.  (Source:  National Geographic)

Dogs can also detect several types of cancer. With training, they can detect cancer in the breath of lung, breast, colon, bladder, ovarian and skin cancer patients. Researchers  in Japan are working with an 8-year-old black lab named Marine to research the use of special dogs to provide non-invasive ways of detecting cancer. Marine is accurate 93% of the time in distinguishing between cancerous and benign colorectal polyps. (Sources:  National Geographic and Global Animal)

The most important sense that dogs have is probably their sense of humor. Whether or not dogs can actually understand humor in the intellectual sense, some breeds are more apparently playful than others. Setters, spaniels, retrievers, and poodles tend to be more playful. Scientists liken playful canine behavior to the socialization of a young child, in that behavior that gains positive attention tends to be repeated. However, it’s hard to believe that your dog doesn’t know what he’s doing when he jumps out at you and startles you, or when she presents your underwear to your houseguests. (Source:  Modern Dog)

Your dog may be more than just a common house pet. For all you know, he may be able to prevent disease, protect the unborn, and keep you in stitches. He may just be… Super Dog!!!

Is your dog a public nuisance?

These are the local laws where I live.  Does your dog need some training to avoid being a public nuisance?

A dog shall be deemed a public nuisance for any of the following reasons (but not limited to):

1) If such a dog is found to be at large;

2) If such dog shall persistently and prolongedly bark or howl;

3) If found without wearing a license and a vaccine tag as required by Section B of this bylaw;

4) If found in a schoolyard, public or private recreation area, store, or shopping area except that a “seeing eye” dog (or other certified assistance dog) under the care and control of its owner shall be deemed to be exempt from this provision;

5) For having bitten or attacked any person;

6) For having killed or maimed or otherwise damaged any wild or domestic animal;

7) For chasing a domesticated animal, pedestrian, or vehicle on a way to which the public has a right to access within the Town;

8) For damaging or destroying property that does not belong to its owner or keeper;

9) Except that a police dog acting in the line of duty shall not be considered a public nuisance;

10) Except that a dog being used as a so-called “hunting dog,” which is being supervised as such by a person demonstrating the ability to control such dog so that it will not be a threat to public safety, shall not be considered a public nuisance;
 
Source:  Town of Norfolk Animal Regulations