Most of us make play dates with other dogs, especially for our puppies so they learn how to interact appropriately with other dogs. While this is a GREAT idea, many times, playtime teaches dogs to become nuts and uncontrollable around other dogs! One of the biggest concerns people call me about is that their dogs “come” very well, EXCEPT WHEN THEY SEE ANOTHER DOG!
Everyone walks their dogs. Many take advantage of that time to catch up on phone calls or chatting with fellow walkers. Many times, our walks turn into “our” walks instead of a walk for the dog. That can be a good thing, too! It can be the only break in an otherwise stressful day for us! I am always refreshed after taking a walk with my dog(s)!
Many people still question whether dogs learn from each other or not. Over and Over, I have seen dogs learn both good and bad from other dogs. About 7 years ago, I had puppy here for training as a service dog. His name was Rainier. Rainier came here from Washington with his breeder, Sharon.
It is almost uncommon to find dog households with only one dog. When I grew up, no one had more than one dog. The love, indeed, has become a delight for so many of us! I know for me that when I lose one, I am so grateful to have another one at home to soothe my broken heart.
I have a very strong opinion about dogs that mouth people, even if it is in play or because of youth. Imagine yourself visiting my house. You come in and my 95-pound BIG German Shepherd, Brinx decides to put his mouth on your arm! Most people would absolutely be terrified!
Recently, I was working with a young puppy in town. We were practicing friendly greetings with people with no jumping. Along came two HUGE male dogs at least twice the size of the puppy. They were off leash but with electronic collars so I assume the owner of the two huge dogs felt he had control of them. The two huge dogs surrounded the puppy, sniffing and putting their heads over the pup’s shoulder. The puppy, clearly terrified and unsure what to do, tried to back away and hide. The two huge dogs did not bite, growl or sneer at the puppy, but clearly terrified the pup. I asked the owner to please call his dogs. The owners seemed insulted that I would ask. I tried to explain that the puppy was clearly not having fun.
When I was a kid, it was extremely rare to see homes with more than one dog. In fact, we were the only people in the neighborhood to have a dog! Now, it is common place to have at least two dogs if not more. I have been living with multiple dogs for 25 years. We learn a lot about dog behavior if we keep our eyes open and look through a dog’s eyes instead of our human eyes.
Every day I am approached by dog owners whose dogs have practically pulled their arm out of the socket, or jumped on them and knocked them down, or stolen an expensive turkey off the counter. In one incident years ago, I had a client whose dog actually pulled him over and broke his face requiring three reconstructive surgeries! Then the dog pulled over his wife that ended up having to go to physical therapy for six months for her back!! This was the epitome of the worst case I have ever seen. The work to make this dog safe was on the highest level of difficulty because the puppy was not taught respect and leadership early on.
This valley in particular is very conscientious of exercising our dogs. In fact, many times we over exercise our dogs, particularly puppies. I was told by my vet back in the early 90’s that puppies should not be taken farther than one mile a day until they are over a year old. Why? A 17 24puppy’s joints are not even close to being developed at that point, and over-exercise can damage that growing joint. That can contribute to lameness and even poor joint development. We love taking our pups with us on wonderful hikes, especially here where there are so many wonderful places to go! I am not a veterinarian, but puppy and dog health is a huge part of dog training. A dog or puppy that is in pain will inhibit the dog’s ability to learn and can contribute to behavior problems. Another note is that dogs will not show their pain until it is very severe. I urge you to consult your own veterinarian about how far your young dog or puppy should go.
When we have children, we are quick to start reading to babies, providing them with educational experiences, socializing them, even taking them to an educational pre-school. We would not lock them in a dark closet and expect them to come out when they are 2 years old as a well adjusted child.
AFTER AN EXTENDED MEDICAL LEAVE, I WILL BE RETURNING TO WORK MARCH 1st!
