To err is human. To forgive, canine.
Now that is something I can definitely fetch.
27.1.09
Why don't we socialize our dogs? Part 2.
Here's the thing: No matter what you tell yourself, chances are the way your dog behaves in social situations is not "normal," or "ok," or "he's just excited," or "she's just really shy." Dogs, just like people, are individuals. Individuals who react differently when confronted or thrust into new situations.
Can you predict how your dog will react, given the situation?
I feel that this is step one. Once you have a good feeling as to how your dog will react, you can plan accordingly!
So think about it - think about every possible situation you can put your dog into - walks in the neighborhood, the pet store, the dog park, the vet's office, etc. Then answer the following questions:
How does my dog act in each situation (excited/nervous/agitated/etc.)?
How does my dog react to my input/commands in each situation?
How might I change or correct my dog's behavior in the given situation?
What factors can/can't be accounted for?
And these are just to get you started. Be prepared! You have so much more control over your dog's behavior than you realize, and it begins the moment you leave your home. This is not something to be left up to chance - it really is up to you.
In the next Don't Think. Just Dog. post we'll be going over some strategies to help keep socialization as positive and productive as possible.
Can you predict how your dog will react, given the situation?
I feel that this is step one. Once you have a good feeling as to how your dog will react, you can plan accordingly!
So think about it - think about every possible situation you can put your dog into - walks in the neighborhood, the pet store, the dog park, the vet's office, etc. Then answer the following questions:
How does my dog act in each situation (excited/nervous/agitated/etc.)?
How does my dog react to my input/commands in each situation?
How might I change or correct my dog's behavior in the given situation?
What factors can/can't be accounted for?
And these are just to get you started. Be prepared! You have so much more control over your dog's behavior than you realize, and it begins the moment you leave your home. This is not something to be left up to chance - it really is up to you.
In the next Don't Think. Just Dog. post we'll be going over some strategies to help keep socialization as positive and productive as possible.
17.1.09
How do you walk your tiny dog?
All dogs need to be walked, and not just for exercise! Walking is, in this trainer's opinion, one of the single best bonding experiences to be had with any dog, regardless of size or shape.
It breaks my heart that so many owners, and their dogs, are deprived of this.
And unfortunately it seems that the smaller the dog, the less the dog gets walked. Now I don't know if this is because the owners figure that small dogs = small exercise, which can be true in some cases, but more often that not it is because the dog is in the owners arms, or a purse, or in their coat, or in their - well, you get the idea.
I know they're cute. I know they're cuddly.
I know that it is much easier to carry them than it is to walk them, but they still need to be walked.
That being said, most of these dogs don't know what it means to be walked on a leash. Some pull way out in front leading the charge, while others shut down and refuse to move at all. And it is in these situations that owners are more than likely going to pick up their dogs and continue on their way without a second thought.
So how do we teach little dogs leash manners? No one likes to bend over the entire trip around the block (using treats to keep the dog in place), and there is simply too much leash required to "lock in" the dog (by lock in I mean using as little leash as possible to limit freedom while still remaining comfortable).
So I guess this is an open call to all of you out there with tiny dogs: How do you walk them? What works/has worked for you in the past? Any helpful hints as to breaking the dog-carrying habit?
It breaks my heart that so many owners, and their dogs, are deprived of this.
And unfortunately it seems that the smaller the dog, the less the dog gets walked. Now I don't know if this is because the owners figure that small dogs = small exercise, which can be true in some cases, but more often that not it is because the dog is in the owners arms, or a purse, or in their coat, or in their - well, you get the idea.
I know they're cute. I know they're cuddly.
I know that it is much easier to carry them than it is to walk them, but they still need to be walked.
That being said, most of these dogs don't know what it means to be walked on a leash. Some pull way out in front leading the charge, while others shut down and refuse to move at all. And it is in these situations that owners are more than likely going to pick up their dogs and continue on their way without a second thought.
So how do we teach little dogs leash manners? No one likes to bend over the entire trip around the block (using treats to keep the dog in place), and there is simply too much leash required to "lock in" the dog (by lock in I mean using as little leash as possible to limit freedom while still remaining comfortable).
So I guess this is an open call to all of you out there with tiny dogs: How do you walk them? What works/has worked for you in the past? Any helpful hints as to breaking the dog-carrying habit?
12.1.09
Why don't we socialize our dogs? Part 1.
The greater majority of the dogs that I see on a daily basis have negative behaviors that can be attributed to a lack of proper socialization.
Whoa. What does that even mean?
It means that the dog has not learned, or rather, has not been taught, what type of behavior is appropriate for a given "social" situation.
Still confused? I think I am too. Think about it this way:
How do you become a better basketball player? A better typist? A salesman? How do you earn straight A's in school? How do you make a relationship work?
I'll let you ponder it for a minute...
The answer? Practice. Hard work. Repetition. Luck. Instruction. Talent. Understanding. Trust. Guidance.
Right now I know you're thinking "But my dog does fine is social situations! He/she's a really friendly dog!"
Awesome. Congratulations. But have you ever thought about why?
I always use athletes as examples. Michael Jordan would not be Michael Jordan if he didn't practice. What would he be like if he never had any coaching or instruction at all? He was blessed with almost limitless talent to be sure, but he also had family and coaches and teachers and teammates who fostered and nurtured that talent. And you can be sure that MJ was never satisfied with "good," or "fine."
So How did your dog become this exceptional citizen? Think really hard. What have you done to bring him/her to this point (it's ok to brag yourself up a bit here)? Chances are, you have actually done a lot. Granted, you might a very happy social dog to begin with - but that doesn't mean that there isn't room for improvement.
Next on Don't Think. Just Dog: More on socialization and what it means for us as owners.
Whoa. What does that even mean?
It means that the dog has not learned, or rather, has not been taught, what type of behavior is appropriate for a given "social" situation.
Still confused? I think I am too. Think about it this way:
How do you become a better basketball player? A better typist? A salesman? How do you earn straight A's in school? How do you make a relationship work?
I'll let you ponder it for a minute...
The answer? Practice. Hard work. Repetition. Luck. Instruction. Talent. Understanding. Trust. Guidance.
Right now I know you're thinking "But my dog does fine is social situations! He/she's a really friendly dog!"
Awesome. Congratulations. But have you ever thought about why?
I always use athletes as examples. Michael Jordan would not be Michael Jordan if he didn't practice. What would he be like if he never had any coaching or instruction at all? He was blessed with almost limitless talent to be sure, but he also had family and coaches and teachers and teammates who fostered and nurtured that talent. And you can be sure that MJ was never satisfied with "good," or "fine."
So How did your dog become this exceptional citizen? Think really hard. What have you done to bring him/her to this point (it's ok to brag yourself up a bit here)? Chances are, you have actually done a lot. Granted, you might a very happy social dog to begin with - but that doesn't mean that there isn't room for improvement.
Next on Don't Think. Just Dog: More on socialization and what it means for us as owners.
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