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.
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. We are so blessed that we can do things with our dogs here, such as long walks and exercise away from people.
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.
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’ve been training dogs for 35 years now, professionally for 25 years. Prior to that, I did my share of riding as well. In my teenager years, I showed competitively in Hunter/Jumper and dressage, pretty hard core. In fact, in my first show with my first horse, I beat 3 of my riding instructors in Hunter/Jumper. I still look at that in total astonishment! In several big shows back in Michigan I won High Point Champion winning in both Hunter/Jumper and dressage.
We are all in this pandemic together, including our dogs! Living with a high energy dog when we are staying home to prevent the further spread of the Covid-19 Virus can be incredibly challenging! However, there are ways to enrich our relationship with our dog in easy, fun ways! First, educate yourself. Right now is a perfect time to take an online course in dog behavior, dog enrichment ideas, teaching Cruiser new tricks or just making new friends with online groups related to dogs.
I just finished looking at an online magazine about beautiful homes and dogs. Almost every photo showed a dog sleeping on the sofa, on the bed or other furniture. It’s lovely to think we love our dogs so much that their comfort becomes an unselfish concern! However, with all things there are two sides. What could possibly be wrong with our beloved dogs and their comfort? Dogs are literalists. That means that they look at everything literally.
So many of my clients, if not all, have asked me what to do about other dogs that will “mug” their dog while out recreating. What is mugging? It is when a loose dog runs up to another dog, full speed and gets into the first dog’s space. Yes, dogs do have spatial needs just like people. This is especially true of herding dogs such as Aussies, Border Collies, German Shepherds and many others since they use their space to push livestock in the correct direction.
NO! It’s not a carry along poop bag although having poop bags is a MUST! A “Go Bag” for your dog is a bag that you can put all of your dog related training and first aid equipment in. It should be monitored regularly to be sure you have what you need so you are never anxiously looking for something AFTER you have left the house.
What is a gateway behavior? It is any behavior that leads to more destructive behaviors and even aggression. What might seem like a simple or even cute dog behavior may, in fact, be leading to more very undesirable behaviors in the future. It can be very difficult for anyone to anticipate where a behavior might go - unless they have had years and years of experience with a multitude of dogs.
AFTER AN EXTENDED MEDICAL LEAVE, I WILL BE RETURNING TO WORK MARCH 1st!
