Our valley has a unique atmosphere that appears to be dog friendly. Recetly, so many people have moved into the valley with their dogs or have acquired a dog because of this factor. This is an awesome thing to see shelter dogs getting homes, and people enriching their lives by having the company of the incredible canine.
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” which can come in different degrees or levels. 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.
I’m so glad to be back writing to my Wood River Weekly followers! It’s difficult to bring this topic up, but so important right now. With all the struggles we have all been through and will continue to go through until COVID 19 is at a place where we have some ability to be more social, our animals become so important to us.
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 insist 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.
Many people these days have or will have multiple dog households. In addition, we meet other dogs along the trails all the time. This means that our dogs must learn how to meet and greet appropriately with the outcome being healthy relationships. Having said that, I also believe strongly, that many dogs are not social and do NOT want relationships with other dogs. When we find we have a dog that does not like other dogs, it is our job in all fairness to not push those relationships on them.
This is probably one of the biggest problems people come to me with. I think of jumping as an invasion of my personal space and lack of respect from the dog, at ANY age. It is not “attention seeking” or “just being friendly”. The bottom line is that the dog has not learned some basic respect and that the people are the leaders. I also see jumping up as the dog's attempt to get "higher". Dogs are literalists. In their world the "higher you are, the higher you are in social status.” This is why so many times, when dogs greet each other, one dog will try to stand on the other’s shoulders or back. Do you have any friends with little dogs (especially terriers) that run to the back of the sofa when you come in the door then they start to bark at you? This pup may be really friendly, but friendly doesn't mean he respects people. The same can be true for other dogs, too!
Kalidor has been home almost a week. We have worked on house training by using a marker method and food to let him know that going outside is what I want. He has also learned that sitting by the door is how I open it. Now, when he has to go, he immediately goes and sits by the door!
Kalidor has learned his basic manners. He has not jumped on anyone since day two. I will not pet him or give him any reward for jumping up, EVER. He sits politely to go in or out a door including his crate. He has also stopped running through my legs. He almost tripped me many times the first 3 days. Imagine what would have happened had I allowed that behavior and he weighed 65 pounds! He would have knocked me over! I stopped the running between my legs by just gently squeezing my legs together so he couldn’t pass through.
Kalidor has been going new places almost every day and meeting someone new every day. Socialization is so important, especially for a German Shepherd. This CONTROLLED socialization must occur very young, and hopefully before a puppy reaches 16 weeks of age. It should be with people and other friendly, adult dogs. All of these interactions happen on a loose leash.
Kalidor has been cruising right along learning all kinds of things including imprinting of behaviors I want to see the rest of his life. I have until he is 16 weeks old to teach him those vital things. Who he will be is a combination of genetics and experiences. Critical to me is the sport of competition tracking, so Kalidor has already had many experiences on the tracking field.
AFTER AN EXTENDED MEDICAL LEAVE, I WILL BE RETURNING TO WORK MARCH 1st!
