There are many interpretations out there about why dogs hump each other. We are totally confused when we see males hump other males, or females hump males, or females hump females. We are even more confused when our dog humps his or her bed or US!!! The fact is, like with all dog behavior, there are many reasons that dogs hump. So, it’s important to see it in context with the rest of the relationship a dog has with the other dog.
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.
It has long been thought that if a dog is shy or even fearful, you should get that dog out and expose them to MORE social situations. If your dog is afraid of people, she should see more people. If she is afraid of dogs, she should be more exposed to dogs. The proper time for socialization is very early in a puppy’s life. The best time is up to about 16, maybe 18 weeks. During that time, we imprint events and good behaviors.
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.
Recently, I have been so dismayed by the lack of early dog training with puppies. I am not sure where this is coming from, but EARLY training and socialization is imperative to have a dog you can live with! What do I mean by EARLY? BEFORE 16 WEEKS OF AGE! Not AFTER they have finished their shots. By, then, pups have missed a critical imprinting period that helps them to live comfortably in our world. If puppies are not socialized with people, other dogs and new places during this period, they may fear them the rest of their lives.
AFTER AN EXTENDED MEDICAL LEAVE, I WILL BE RETURNING TO WORK MARCH 1st!
