“A dog is a reflection of his master” – Max von Stephanitz

Powerful words. “Master” surely strikes a cord with many of us. OUCH! This is a quote from Max von Stephanitz spoken over 100 years ago.  If you own a German Shepherd, you probably have heard this before because Captain von Stephanitz founded the German Shepherd Dog (GSD).

“Oh. Fran is just spouting off about German Shepherds again because she is a nut ball!”  I can hear it now!  Yeah, maybe I do adore the German Shepherd Dog. However, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE dogs for being dogs and a wonderful species different from us!  They are truly so magnificent and honest.  They will love you beyond your dreams, if you treat them well.

So, why is this important to you even if you own a Maltese, Bichon, Pomsky, mix breed, English Setter or any other dog who is your beloved PET?  His words are the truth. Whatever our dogs become, they are a product of who we are and what we hold important for them and for how they fit or don’t fit into society and our very own families.  There is ONE rule, however; and there are always exceptions to every rule!  

When any dog is unruly – jumping, biting, humping, counter surfing, acting aggressive or being a bully, won’t come when called, etc., etc., it is almost always a result of us not providing leadership in a manner that the dog understands. 

Dogs are also sensitive to our emotions.  While they do feel emotions, usually they are not for the same reasons we think.  Dogs may be however, many times feel OUR emotions. They know when we are sad, or excited or even scared. Dogs are the most compassionate and empathic beings on earth! The hard thing for dogs is that they may FEEL what you feel, but they don’t understand why. When I see a dog that is acting depressed, many times it is because the owner is depressed.  If I see an owner that is feeling overwhelmed, confused or frustrated in their lives, the dog will be too.  

Some dogs can be fairly unaware of their owner’s emotions. A dog like that may be in a flurry all of his own because he does not have the guidance he needs.  So, the question is, is he feeling guidance or leadership from his owner?  If we are in an emotional upheaval, our dog may be too because we have cut back on the rules that guide our dog.