Are Dogs Just Being Who They Are?

Who else can they be?  I admit, along with most of my animal-friendly friends, it is easy to humanize our dogs.  The more science reveals about our canine companions, it’s obvious why that is so easy to do.  While I believe dogs do understand and communicate with us; unfortunately, for the dog, it isn’t fair to assume they think like we do.

I have walked by people with a dog they are less than happy with and can tell they have reached maximum frustration.  Really, the dog in that moment is good at being a dog.  It is up to us humans to learn what is triggering the undesired behavior.  That is not the time to expect them to understand and self-correct their behavior because of our obvious embarrassment.  They will do much better if we learn ways to work with them in a way they understand.  That’s why I’m here!

It reminds me of times I spent with my niece when she was around the age of three to four years old.  When I would start to feel impatient with her behavior, I would say, “you are acting like a four year old.”  She would look at my quizzically and respond, “I am four.”  I would just say, “I know, and you are good at it.”  It was my way of reminding myself that she was indeed four and to expect her to act like an 8 year old wasn’t going to happen.

It’s all about acceptance and it applies to how we work with our dogs.  Shelter dogs come to their new home with an unknown history.  Even if we start out with basic obedience, in every situation that is new to them, they will be showing us who they are and it is up to us to take that information and find positive tools to redirect and support them as though they are what they are – dogs.  That is in no way a less-than-us approach.  It’s only fair to them.

Next time you are walking your dog and it does it’s who-knows-why random bark at a person or dog, it might help you to relax when you remember they are being a good dog.  If you would like my assistance in better understanding your dog’s behavior, send me an email.  I am happy to help!