Dog Park Dictionary

parainfluenza: A chronic, highly contagious viral disease that produces a mild respiratory infection marked by coughing and gagging.

 

parvovirus: A highly infectious intestinal and cardiac virus characterized by lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea. While there is a vaccine for parvo, it is potentially fatal if left untreated.

 

pendant ears: Ears characterized by long, hanging leathers.

 

peritonitis: An inflammation of the abdominal cavity linked to abdominal trauma, abdominal surgery or pancreatitis. Peritonitis is marked by accumulation of excessive fluid in the abodomin, as well as diarrhea, fever, vomiting, weakness and loss of appetite.

 

Perro de Presa Canario: A breed of dog from the Canary Islands which is similar in stature to a mastiff, bred to guard flocks and herds.
 

pheromones: Chemical secretions capable of influencing other animals of the same species. Phermones are often key in attracting dogs of the opposite sex to aid in reproduction.

 

piebald: A coat pattern marked by patches of two colors, typically black and white.

 

pit bull: A general term used to describe several breeds of dog, most of which fall into the Molosser group of dogs but also includes some bulldogs and terriers.
 

plume tail: A tail characterized by a fringe of hair running partly or entirely along the length. Plume tail also refers to a tail carried over the back in the manner of a plume.

 

predisposition: An innate ability or tendency in behavior.

prevention: A method of dog training in which positive reinforcement is used before the animal has an opportunity to perform an undesirable behavior.
 

prick ears: Typically pointed ears carried erect.

 

progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): A genetic, bilaterally occurring, untreatable degenerative disease of the retina resulting in blindness.

 

prompting: A method of dog training during which a trainer physically prompts a dog to perform an action or obey.
 

puppy mills: A perjorative descriptor that refers to profit-minded facilities that breed purebred dogs without regard for breed standards, genetics, temperament, socialization and the general health and welfare of the animals.

 

purebred: A dog whose sire and dam are of the same breed and of unmixed heritage.

 

quick: The vein in a dog's claw.

 

rabies: An acute, bite-transmitted viral infection affecting the central nervous system. While puppies can be vaccinated for rabies, unvaccinated dogs or dogs who aren't immediately treated after contracting rabies can die.

 

rat tail: A tail characterized by a thick root and a hairless tip.

 

remedial socialization: A method of dog training in which an adult dog is gradually placed in various situations in an attempt to reduce fear and aggression.
 

ring tail: Refers to a tail carried up and around in a circular fashion.

 

rose ears: Refers to a small ear that folds over and back to expose the inner ear.

 

ruff: The thick fringe of hair growing around the neck.

 

saber tail: Refers to a tail carried in a half circle.

 

saddle: Dark coloration over the mid-back reminiscent of a saddle

 

screw tail: Refers to a naturally short tail curled in a spiral manner.

 

selective breeding: A process used by dog breeders to increase the probability of having puppies with certain desirable physical or personality traits.

selective reinforcement: A training method in which only the best or most complete instances of a certain behavior are rewarded.
 

sickle tail: Refers to a tail carried up and out in a semi-circular fashion.

 

silent heat: An estrus period that passes unnoticed by virtue because the typical heat symptoms aren't present.

 

spay: A surgically sterilized female or the surgical process of female sterilization.

 

squirrel tail: Refers to a tail that is carried up with a general curve forward. Squirrel tails tend to be bushy.

 

Staffordshire Bull Terrier: An English breed of dog, similar to but smaller than the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier.
 

stern tail: Refers to a tail carried straight out and typically seen in sporting dogs or hounds.