Sage advise from PAWSitively Calm

Too often I am called to address the behavior problems of recently adopted rescue dogs. More often than not, these problems are caused by loving, though misguided people who have inadvertently created the very behaviors that now need fixing. Contrary to the Beatles, 'love is all you need', it is struture, rules and routine that are the building blocks for a well balanced dog.

 I read this on a PAWSitively FaceBook post today and thought I'd share.

When our eagerness to make a “poor” rescue feel loved and secure OVERRIDES her need for structure, rules, boundaries, and accountability, we quickly see why the dog feels an obligation to take control of the home. All our unearned love and kisses will have a dog quickly conclude who the actual leader is in any situation.

All our loving care is provided with nothing but the best intentions of course, but soon you will see it backfire when control over couch time, demanding affection, unearned privileges, and allowances associated with being the leader, come from DEMANDS FROM THE DOG rather than you.

When these are given at the dog’s request, these valuable resources are interpreted as proof of the dog’s role within the home. Rule setting then becomes the dog’s privilege, where in canine fashion, she feels growling, snarling, or snapping will enforce such ruling. We humans may be thinking “I love you, you will need for nothing ever again,” while the dog hears “Your wish is my command”.

 

Happy Valentines Day

A new species is evolving right before our eyes -- an ultra-successful mix of wolves, coyotes and dogs

A new species is evolving right before our eyes -- an ultra-successful mix of wolves, coyotes and dogs: A new species combining wolves, coyotes and dogs is evolving before scientists’ eyes in the eastern United States. Wolves faced with a diminishing number of potential mates are lowering their standards and mating with other, similar species, reported The Economist. The interbreeding began up to 200 years ago, as European settlers pushed into southern Ontario and cleared the animal’s habitat for farming and killed a large number of the wolves that lived there. That also …

Sadly for the dog too many dog owners abide by this definition.

Comments on 2 German Shepherds and a Husky get into a Fight Video

Published on Nov 24, 2018

This video is very popular in dog training circles. I added my observations about when the Shepherds are warning the Husky. I find many people don't notice those warnings when watching the video. It is helpful to know what the Shepherds are doing so we as Humans can learn about dog behavior. It shows the German Shepherds warning the Husky multiple times using body language and eye contact. The Husky is picking on the Lab repeatedly and the German Shepherds do not agree with the Husky's behavior. Finally the Husky decides he is going to tell the Shepherd to leave him alone, but the Shepherds take over and put the Husky in his place.The Shepherd keeps the pressure on by standing over the Husky until he totally calms down and submits. This is a step we humans often miss. We don't keep pressure on the dog until the dog totally gives in and accepts his place and our instructions. I am not advocating humans roll dogs in this manner, but we can learn a lot about effective communication, and how to follow through with out instructions with dogs by this video.