04-29-2011 at 12:31 AM

<br /> <br /> Here are a few.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://petcentral.startribune.com/blog/dominance-and-humping-not-connected">Source1</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://petbehaviorsolutions.blogspot.com/2011/03/dominance-and-dogs-myths-and-facts.html">Source 2</a>

04-29-2011 at 12:13 AM

Why are we talking about dogs dominance humping?

04-28-2011 at 9:33 PM

Celest, my point was that, even if a dog is primarily humping to "play" or due to excitement, their brains and instincts still associate the action with assertiveness or dominance. They might not hump -only- to dominate, but it's still an instinctive association. It's why pretty much any reputable trainer will tell you not to allow your dog to hump your leg, not only because it's awkward and embarrassing for the person, but because the dog will associate the action with being the more dominant family/pack member. They might not do it just for that reason, but that's the message theirinstincts are wired to accept. :P<br /> <br /> If you can cite a source that says otherwise, I'd be interested in reading it and seeing what sort of support there is behind it.

04-28-2011 at 3:19 AM

Humping can also be from excitement. It's also a sign of a assertive dog.<br /> <br /> The people who developed the term dominant in wolf behavior (which a lot of trainers translated over to dogs.) recently spoke out on how wrong they were. The dominant animal is actually the one who has control of resources. :p

04-28-2011 at 12:00 AM

Talespin, not to say a gay dog is impossible, but humping is a dominant gesture. X} Most male dogs will attempt to hump a stranger male, especially if they already have a dominant nature, to assert their authority. Plus, the canine brain is hardwired to associate sex with dominance, so even if a dog is attempting to "relieve" itself, it will still associate the action with dominating another dog. :P<br /> <br /> Just some info.

04-27-2011 at 9:00 PM

LOL my chihuahua is gay. He doesn't mind what color his scarf is. Yeah, debate that all you like...but he always gets super "frisky" with male dogs and totally ignores (or runs from) females. I might take him with me to the local gay pride festival this year if h can behave himself. :P

04-27-2011 at 8:07 PM

A bit late to the party on some of this but hey who cares.<br /> <br /> "Also, Dogs are NOT colorblind.<br /> They see in shades of Blue red and green. You should probably start supporting your 'evidence' with facts, too."<br /> <br /> This is a form of color vision deficiency or, technically, <b>color blindness</b> compared to human color vision. You're thinking of monochromacy, which is total color blindness, there are <i>many other forms</i>. Someone already caught this but man I'm going to say it again, just to get it through, because this one really drives me up the wall. I'm glad it's been pretty thoroughly covered, but still. Read about color blindness everyone, it's pretty interesting.<br /> <br /> Also, I don't like dressing any animal that clearly dislikes it. But who cares if the animal doesn't mind? Hilariously, considering the topic.. you're humanizing the dog too much. Emotionally. Some fabric isn't going to shatter the psyche of an animal who really doesn't care. And if you say it wrecks the dog's dignity, look at what humans do to each other. I find that a little bit more worrisome, man.<br /> <br /> "A wolf is an image of beauty, of power, courage and strength."<br /> <br /> You're projecting. A wolf has no real, solid concept of any of these things.<br /> <br /> "Thay poor yorkie is a guy. Being forced into pink clothing."<br /> "Girly girls who force the same thing on their animals"<br /> "I do not like pink frilly dresses on dogs"<br /> "Imagine a wolf in some sort of frilly dress. That. is disgusting."<br /> "ts like, what if you put a lion in a dress. The 'king of the jungle' "<br /> "Would you do that to your son..?"<br /> <br /> ...Really.. really projecting. Wow, suddenly all is clear.<br /> <center><br /> <img src="http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/8806/dogpitbulldress2.jpg"><br /> <br /> <img src="http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/5201/dogwow.jpg"></center>

04-27-2011 at 7:19 PM

"Exactly.<br /> I mean, I don't like it at all when people dress up male dogs in awkward sweaters.<br /> Would you do that to your son..?"<br /> <br /> Don't you know about the millions of mothers and grandmothers who give their sons and grandsons awkward sweaters for Christmas and birthdays? X}<br /> <br /> Again, you're humanizing animals, or rather, trying to anthropomorphize them/their minds. They don't think like us, they don't get embarrassed by clothing.<br /> <br /> I will agree with the point that if the only reason you have a dog is to use it as a fashion accessory and otherwise don't train, nurture, and care for it, then you obviously got a dog for the wrong reasons.

04-27-2011 at 6:00 AM

Why would the gender matter?<br /> <br /> And the sweater wouldn't be awkward to them. It could be uncomfortable if they are not used to it.<br /> <br /> My male dog won't go outside in the rain unless he has a jacket or sweater on. He's got to go out and pee somehow.

04-27-2011 at 5:52 AM

Exactly.<br /> I mean, I don't like it at all when people dress up male dogs in awkward sweaters.<br /> Would you do that to your son..?

04-27-2011 at 4:12 AM

I can't stand people like that either. Animals aren't accessories, I view my dogs (and my cat, guinea pigs and rats) as FAMILY.

04-27-2011 at 4:01 AM

Lol here are some funny things: <a href=http://i53.tinypic.com/23sar7c.jpg rel=nofollow>http://i53.tinypic.com/23sar7c.jpg</a><br><br><img src="http://goofygifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/funny-animated-gifs-puss-n-boots.gif">

04-27-2011 at 12:23 AM

Exactly my point, Fangdeer. Thats what really bothers me. Dogs as accessories. They are living breathing beings.

04-26-2011 at 11:33 PM

I'm too tired to form a big post, but here's my short opinion. I personally don't like it, but as long as the clothing is not uncomfortable for the dog (too tight/small, etc.), then I don't care. It's not abuse in anyway. I really hate people who just use them as accessories though, cause a dog isn't an accessory. But there's a difference between dressing a dog up and using it aas an accessory.

04-26-2011 at 4:33 PM

Dogs are not going to be humilated or emotionally effected by clothing the way a human being would be. Have you forgotten that tracking collars are regularly put on wild animals, and it doesn't affect their ability to socialize or mate whatsoever. It might be a source of curiosity to others of their kind, but that's about it.<br /> <br /> You're not degrading an animal or harming it by putting something cute on it, and animals do not think or feel on the same level that we do. That's not to say they don't have feelings, but believe me when I say that the only reason an animal might be eager to get out of a cute little clothing item is because they're just not familiar with it. Like putting tape on a cat's back. You are not hurting the animal, it's just reacting in such a way that its impulses tell it there's something above them that they have to duck under. X} A cat can easily reach back and just nip the tape and take it off (the tape's stickiness doesn't painfully pull out hair, either, unless you're using something heavy duty, which you should have the presence of mind not to be using anyway).<br /> <br /> Basically, I think you're a bit too caught up in "animals are majestic and noble creatures." That's an opinion, not fact. Wolves brutally kill coyotes "just because." Coyotes don't pose any real threat to them, but wolves will kill them for the sake of showing off who's boss. They roll in dung and carcasses, lick their own privates and each other's privates, and they can be merciless bullies. Same goes for dogs if left to their own devices.<br /> <br /> They're animals and a part of nature, not magical, noble creatures of fantasy.<br /> <br /> I respect animals for what they are, and the part they play in nature. But as far as dogs go, they have evolved alongside us, we put collars on them, vests, jewelry, etc. usually because we love them like they're our children, not because we want to have a laugh at their expense. And even the silly little things like tape on the back, or putting booties on their feet and they walk funny, have you seriously never ever done something funny to a friend or family member that was totally harmless like putting a fake bug on them, or whatever sort of minor little prank that doesn't hurt anyone? X}<br /> <br /> It doesn't change or harm the animal at all to just put something cute on them. :P

04-26-2011 at 4:22 PM

Dogs and wolves are like symbols of power and beauty to me. I find it sad that we're humanizing them so much.<br /> Yes yes, I know we created them, but what do you think our ancestors would think?<br /> Dogs used for hunting of whatever animals..in a coat.

04-26-2011 at 10:14 AM

I'm cool with practical stuff...a sweater for a small or shortcoat breed in winter. I'm also okay with bandanas. Those special "cooling bandanas" for summertime are very useful!<br /> <br /> I don't mind light "dress up" for special occasions. They have Halloween pet contests at the local Petsmart & Petco stores and it's fun to do stuff like that, IF the dog is okay with it. Which my husky/collie mix is. For me, it's just another chance to get out and do something fun with my dogs. Last year I took Wahya as "Little Red Riding Hood", while I wore a wolf mask. It was like reverse roles lol. She didn't mind, and she seemed to really enjoy meeting all the other dogs and people at the event. :) <br /> <br /> I fail to see how wearing clothes is "embarrassing" to them. Provided it's a simple, non restricting outfit most dogs don't seem to mind. I just had a basic cloak for Wahya. and I only had the hood up for a minute while a picture was taken.

04-26-2011 at 5:26 AM

<a href="http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc67/healthypetnut/dog-clothes-tuxedo-1.jpg"> this is too cute!!! </a>

04-26-2011 at 5:14 AM

dont think anyone who dresses there dog is going to run out and try and squeeze a lion into a dress. because no matter what you put the lion into, its still goina bit your head off. it dosent change the animal in any way. <br /> <br /> You completely missed the point.

04-26-2011 at 4:50 AM

That would be obnoxiously adorable.