Over the past 18 years, I have worked with a countless dogs with fear issues that have resulted in separation anxiety, fear aggression and biting, lack of ability to trust people or other dogs, and even a form of dog PTSD. This dog always seems to tug at our heartstrings. So, what I am about to say, may seem a bit controversial because it is so close to our hearts.
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).
Since humans first invited wolves into their lives, humans selected only the most social of wolves to co-exist with us. Humans began to see if their wolves could help him work to sustain food sources. Over time, humans began selectively breeding wolves to create a domesticated version we now call dogs. Before the beginning of mechanization, dogs participated in helping humans with everyday tasks – hunting for food, herding the larger domesticated livestock, and keeping his land safe from predators and vermin.
There are some very simple things you can do if you incorporate them into your daily routine with your dog that will help your dog feel less anxiety, help her to be less demanding, improve her obeying commands and in general make your lives together much more harmonious. If we start asking our dog to sit at the doors before going through, soon she learns that darting through the door doesn’t get her much
Opportunism is a big word with big consequences, both good and bad! How many times have you called your dog to come to you, he then looks at you and runs off to play with other dogs? At that very moment, your dog thought to himself, “I can either go back to my owner, OR go play with the other dogs! What is the better deal? No brainer! Go play!” Or how about, “No one is watching and there is cheese on the counter! FREE TREAT!”
It seems everyone wants to make their dog a service dog for many reasons. Some have a legitimate disability that a dog can be trained to help with, and some people just want to take their dog everywhere they go. First, it is important to know the difference between a Service Dog and an Emotional Support Dog. Both types of dogs must have exceptional, impeccable manners in public. This is the definition of a service dog by the ADA;
This is about the power of competition in the multiple-dog household! It can be your worst enemy or your best friend if you know how to make competition work for you. I know only barely a few folks that do not have multiple dogs in their home. Competition can lead to aggression in the worst cases, but the skilled knowledge of the owner can turn it into a tool for quick and gleeful obedience!
We are all so fortunate to live here with so much space for our dogs to romp. Over the past few years, there has been a new development. A piece of property, privately owned has been taken over by dogs and people calling it a “Dog Park.” I must tell you, that it is NOT a dog park. It is private property that someone has allowed people to use. In my opinion, calling this a “dog park” is indeed, disrespectful to the owners and their generosity.
Many of us here in the Wood River Valley don’t feel the need to teach our dogs how to heel. We take them for walks in the woods, or with us on bike rides or family fun days in all sorts of place. Most of the time, our dogs are off leash. One of my biggest concerns is that I hear people telling me they don’t want to put a leash on their dog because the dog pulls so hard its miserable. That is exactly the point. It’s miserable for everyone. So, is the solution not to put a leash on your dog? Or is it to teach you dog how to heel?
It’s an incredibly sad day for me. It is with a very heavy heart and a lot of trepidation that I share this with our community. I have been struggling with a dog that has been fear aggressive for a long time. She was attacked by another dog many years ago. From that experience, she became horribly leery of other dogs and has decided that the way to deal with her fear is with aggression. She wants to get them first before they can get to her.
AFTER AN EXTENDED MEDICAL LEAVE, I WILL BE RETURNING TO WORK MARCH 1st!
