Dogs display so many behaviors that are simply enchanting to watch. I spend every day watching dog behavior because it is so fascinating to me. I see their feelings, their hierarchy, and their distinct personalities. As an instructor and trainer, this is critical to helping dog owners to understand their own dogs. I also spend a lot of time photographing these behaviors.
By now, most of the locals know my recent expedition over Mount Heart Attack. Let me say that the journey there is far beyond any Everest climb! I am here today to tell you this story for several reasons. The first is to pay overwhelming tribute to St. Luke’s ER Doctor Torres and his forthright, honest and hard line that he took with me, someone in total denial of my health condition! The second is that extraordinarily compassionate and capable Life Flight crew that raced me to the Twin Falls Cath Lab to the expert hands of cardiologist, Dr. Hymas. Without all of them and their support teams, I wouldn’t be here to tell you this story.
I must share a very distressing incident happen this week. I was working with a client in their yard with a very sweet 7 month old puppy. Across the field came a male Akbash limping very badly. He had a collar and name tag on, and was somewhat uncharacteristic of the breed in his friendliness with other dogs, especially considering he was badly injured. He was not just limping, but would not put any weight on his rear leg indicating to me it was VERY painful. Many dogs in pain are not friendly at all! But, this fellow wanted to play with the puppy I was working with.
I don’t usually write much about equipment for dogs because I have always believed that equipment should be discussed and recommended for the individual dog. I also believe there is a time and place for the use of almost every piece of equipment. However, I recently spent some time with many of my NADOI colleagues. I had a few eye-openers and reinforcements for feelings I have had about some equipment. I am not a veterinarian, but I am confronted with harnesses on a daily basis. My colleagues did address the use of harnesses and collars with relationship to behavior. Behavior IS something I deal with everyday.
I don’t usually write much about equipment for dogs because I have always believed that equipment should be discussed and recommended for the individual dog. I also believe there is a time and place for the use of almost every piece of equipment. However, I recently spent some time with many of my NADOI colleagues. I had a few eye-openers and reinforcements for feelings I have had about some equipment. I am not a veterinarian, but I am confronted with harnesses on a daily basis. My colleagues did address the use of harnesses and collars with relationship to behavior. Behavior IS something I deal with everyday.
Most of us realize that teaching our dog to “come” is extremely important, especially in areas where dogs are allowed many times of the year to run free on Forest Service land (except during the summer) and on many trails. Due to an active lifestyle, people take their dogs everywhere.
Many people don’t even believe in dog “dominance.” It has now become an evil word if you are a modern dog training enthusiast. Merrium-Webster dictionary defines it as “more important, powerful, or successful than most or all others.” I watch dog behavior day after day and see one dog that pushes another around, or one that controls all the interactions. Social hierarchy is EXTREMELY important to dogs even though it might not be how we humans like to view our sweet, adorable companions.
Today, DNA testing for breed is a common place and easy thing to do. There are many companies that offer testing at very reasonable prices that are more and more correct. I have even DNA tested my pure bred dog for breeding purposes to ensure identity.
Our hearts go out to the dog that is shy or even fearful about life. We are drawn to the dog in the back of the kennel at the shelter that appears to have had a rough life and is afraid to even come visit you. We instinctually want to nurture this dog back to a happy dog. Or we are drawn to the puppy that crawls into your lap seeking shelter from the other puppies. As humans, we have big hearts and want nothing more than to help!
We all remember that kid in school with a gang behind him that bullied someone who was a bookworm, or wore glasses, or even just didn’t have the cool clothes. The bully had to prove he or she was stronger, cooler, or just wanted a good laugh. We are all aware of the cyber bullying going on in schools now with the proliferation of cell phones resulting in the emotional devastation to the victims. Well, in the dog world things are not much different. With the proliferation of over permissive dog “parenting,” excessive off leash opportunities and lack of knowledge about what aggression really is, more and more dogs and puppies are being victimized by dogs who are bullies or as I would call it “pre-aggressive.”
AFTER AN EXTENDED MEDICAL LEAVE, I WILL BE RETURNING TO WORK MARCH 1st!
