I think many times we bring dogs into our homes thinking if we just put them together, they will get along just fine. Sometimes this can be true. Other times, this can be a disaster, especially if either dogs is a herding dog or herding dog mix.
When we get into trouble with our dog, many people head to the internet to get information. As the information expressway, there is so much out there to gather! What becomes difficult for most people if they search diligently is that they will find conflicting information. Some information will say to never say, “NO” to your dog, never raise your voice, never do this or do that, or that there is only one way to train.
I am approached daily about dog owners wanting to eliminate behaviors in their dogs that are “instinctual”. An instinctual behavior is one that comes hard wired in the dog when they are born. The behavior is hereditary from the parents and ancestors. All dogs possess what is called “prey drive.” This is instinctual behavior passed along from the wolves for survival. In a very basic description, prey drive occurs when the wolf smells or sees game, then follows either the scent or vision, attacks the game, shakes it, kills it, and eats it with the pack.
The relationship we have with our dog is probably the number one concern most dog owners have with their dogs. Owners want to provide comfortable beds, nourishing food, fun toys, lots of exercise in beautiful areas, and mental enrichment for their dogs. It is true that our relationship is the number one prime ingredient to a happy life for dog and owner together. There must be something positive that keeps us in love with each other.
It is not my nature to pussy foot around (or puppy foot as the case may be) any topic. This has long been a disturbing topic for me and I hope that I can meaningfully describe why in the paragraphs below. I am among all those who live here that LOVE taking my dogs in the woods and mountains to run free and play in the meadows of wild flowers and clear, cold rivers! As a dog loving photographer, there are no better photo ops for me than to capture those joyful moments so I can enjoy them over and over, as well as share them with my dog loving friends.
More than ever before, separation anxiety is a leading cause for many dogs to be re-homed for household destruction and lots of medical intervention. As always, an ounce of prevention is worth many, many pounds of cure! In the beginning when you bring a new dog or puppy into your household, it is imperative to teach them that being alone can be a good thing. If you are worried about leaving them alone, you compound the potential of severe separation anxiety to begin.
I think many times people think since I have a lot of working “titles” on my own dogs from AKC, UKC, and the SV, that I expect my clients to work towards that goal as well with their dogs. That simply is not the case. Originally, the AKC title called a “CD” or “Companion Dog” was developed because the skills needed in that were basic for a good companion. I do think that these skills to accomplish titles are very helpful in terms of teaching a dog how to be a nice dog to live with. But, getting a “title” is not the end all.
The truth of the matter is that almost all dogs do not enjoy being hugged and it can be a reason for a dog to return the affection with a bite. This is one reason so many children are bitten by dogs every year. For a child, a dog is not much different from a stuffed toy – something to cuddle and squeeze. The reality is that dogs see children much like another dog, not a small human like we do. When the dog is offended with a hug, the dog many times replies with a nip. Unfortunately, to a child, even a nip can have devastating results.
Is there an easy way to house train? The only way I know of is for us to just put our mind to it and do it. The more commitment we make to it the moment our pup comes home, the sooner it is over and happier everyone is. The longer a puppy is allowed to go in the house, the harder the habit is to break. Deciding right from the beginning that we are going to be seriously committed to letting this dog out EVERY time he has to go and even when he doesn't have to go, the easier it will be for us and our dog.
Bringing a new dog into your life is an exciting new time. It’s so much fun to get to know your new dog – the things she likes or doesn’t like, what are special toys to her, going on walks and watching her explore her new environment with you and your family. I especially remember bringing my Mavis home. She had lived with a breeder in a kennel for her first 3 years. It was a gorgeous facility and she got plenty of exercise and training.
AFTER AN EXTENDED MEDICAL LEAVE, I WILL BE RETURNING TO WORK MARCH 1st!
