What if your dog gained access to the computer and saw their story and face on Craigslist in the pet section under the caption “looking for a new home.” What if they saw you were re-homing because you were busy or you thought they needed more room? I wonder what they would say.
This may seem a tad dramatic because many of us have fostered dogs or got them out of shelters and re-homed them or were in situations where we felt a new home was in the best interest of a dog. However, it is worth considering if you are re-homing a dog because you think it could do better. Remember where it came from. . .
If a dog has been in a shelter confined to a 5X5 space, being confined to a cozy home with random access to the outside is living in the lap of luxury. If you are considering re-homing because you are busy and don’t think you are spending enough time with your dog, consider where they came from. Chances are, if they are a rescue dog, they had minimal attention and definitely not anything compared to what it’s like in the security of a home.
I used to work 12 hour days, 7 days a week. I would feel tremendous guilt until I returned home to my amazing dog who was so happy to see me and never scolded me for working long hours. She had been saved! The life she knew in a shelter for nearly a year before my finding her was good, but now she was loved and cared for in ways she had never known.
I don’t write this to contribute to guilt, as we all do what we feel is best. I just want to point out that guilt is a human experience. So, if you are able to provide a loving home for a dog even if it’s not “perfect,” it could be much better than where they were or where they’ll be. If only you could ask them!
Most of us have heard that dogs age approximately seven years to our one. A friend told me about a chart in her veterinarian’s office where you can find the age of your dog using other factors (breed, weight, etc) so they may be even “older” than we think! Maybe that’s information we’re better off not knowing.
I know why dogs age so much faster than we do. Many (many) years ago, dogs lived to be 50! It’s true. After they started living with humans in their environment, they began to age quicker. Living with the stress of time and schedules and the future and what to do, when to eat, what to eat, stop, go, wait, do, do, do – the dogs began to show signs of premature aging.
Please don’t go to Snopes and see if this is true. It’s not; however, we have and do contribute to health issues and unwanted behaviors (in ourselves and our dogs) just because of our busy lives and inability to live in the moment. That’s where dogs – all animals – live.
Of course, we all have busy lives and will continue (that’s a good thing) and if we can also stop to enjoy moments along the way, we all may live a little longer!
Aren’t you wondering why there isn’t an academy awards for dogs – after all, they have been stars in many movies. “Secondhand Lions” wouldn’t have been the same without that pack.
Well, here’s the reason. . .they don’t “act.” They can be trained to respond to commands, but they are in the moment and I don’t believe capable of acting. Maybe that’s why there’s the saying that goes something like – if you are respected and loved by a dog, you’re probably an ok person.
Babies fit in this category as well. They respond to things but aren’t yet capable of being out of their true character or pretending to be someone they’re not. (I’ve met a lot of people who spend way too much time “acting.”)
So, enjoy the Academy Awards and then see yourself as your dog or child does. Somehow, they help us step off the stage and be in the moment.
What’s that Moby? More popcorn? I think they think “Pet Hotel” is up for an award!
The study of body language certainly isn’t new and most of us are paying attention to it in our every-day lives with little effort. We can tell when someone is angry, happy, sad, upset, delighted, or disappointed all by the language of their body.
I don’t know if a dog’s body language is more subtle or we aren’t as attuned to what it might be saying. In training, it is important to observe the dog. It becomes obvious as to what they are feeling – or not feeling as the case may be.
A twitch of the ear means something. A slight stiffening of the neck and ever-so-subtle shift in their posture is an indicator of something – either in anticipation or in response.
You can see when a dog “takes” a command. There is a different look than when they have no clue what you are asking. (My Great Dane has this look a lot so it may not always be wise to judge the book by it’s cover!)
Why does any of this matter? Learning what the posturing (body language) of your dog means, helps you in training and in understanding them. You will start to recognize when the dog is “having a good time” versus when the tail wag is purely nervous energy. By observing and learning from them, you can also begin to experience the importance of your body language.
We all know what it’s like to be in the presence of someone who is saying something completely opposite from their body! Your dog is at least that smart. They are always tuned into our body language. We should do the same for them. It is amazing what you’ll learn!
Our culture is not very comfortable with death. While that is understandable, it is a part of life and what we do when a loved one passes, is so important. Some want and expect everyone to just “move on” and “get over it.” I think this is based on the fear of pain and loss rather than really wanting us to forget.
We may use words less abrupt than dead or died in exchange for passed away, crossed over, and in an effort to add humor – “kicked the bucket” or “bought the farm.” I’m sure there is some great story where these sensitive phrases originated.
When a family member dies, human or canine, there is a loss. That loss can be huge! Since this is a dog blog, I’m going to talk about when a dog dies. When a dog is young and had a dependent personality, it seems to make the transition much more difficult than if they have lived to be 13-15 years-of-age and it’s time. Sudden loss is extremely difficult and for a sweet Spirit who needed us, it can be even more challenging emotionally.
We have the same questions we have with a human death in that we wonder why. We will never know the answer. What we can do is stop and remember them and the life that was shared. To try to forget too soon, doesn’t honor the life that was and in many ways always will be. Memories are forever. (Make good ones!)
Here’s my tribute to a beautiful Dane who had to leave us too soon. He was so afraid of many things in the outside world, but never feared giving or receiving love and affection. You had to smile and laugh at his lack of social graces and his cartoon-like looks and personality. He is a true Gentle Giant that leaves a giant hole on this earth.
Trust comes easy for children and animals – in this case, dogs. Respect, on the other hand, isn’t an automatic. I believe it is earned. Trust and respect work well together. I don’t know if one can exist entirely without the other.
Respect can be falsely created through abuse, emotional or physical. In this case, I don’t think it’s true respect but respect based on fear. When we trust someone, we typically respect their decisions.
Why do dogs trust us? I think that trust is a part of who we are – in dogs and humans alike. Until. . .until we learn otherwise. Until something happens that causes us to question. Unlike humans, I don’t think dogs are as quick to lose trust or to not trust again.
They trust us to provide and care for them and are usually tolerant of less than respectful treatment. Not always – but usually. Why? I wish I could answer that; honestly I’m just glad they do. It makes me a better human to have to care for them. Trust and respect in return is a very fair trade.
There is an event in the news/media lately and I would like to share my own analogy. . .
I love dogs. I have always loved dogs. I didn’t get one until the timing was right and I was ready and I knew I could be responsible for her.
Many years had passed and I was ready for more dogs. In fact, I wanted to help as many dogs as I could. I am at my limit financially, time-wise, and ability to care for them and still have a life myself.
Second thought, since I love dogs so much I’m going to adopt an entire litter of puppies – eight would be perfect. I don’t know how I will feed them or care for them, but I want them. I deserve to have as many as I want. I know there are people out there who will love my puppies as much as I do and will help me care for them because I want them.
Does this “story” sound familiar (and no, I’m not saying dogs are children). However, if you feel moved by my situation, please send money. I accept all major credit cards and checks are acceptable too!
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I hope you enjoyed my little story. I wrote it because – well, because I wanted to. Don’t we always get what we want? =)
It is amazing dogs understand human language. What is even more amazing is how many words they can and do learn. I know of a service dog who understands over 300 words.
So, when I am asked if I am confusing a dog during training by using different words – the answer is no. It takes time and repetition for them to understand. When the word is associated consistently with a behavior or command followed by a reward and/or positive praise, they will get it.
This is not to say they may act like they don’t understand what you mean when you tell them “down.” However, it is important you make sure they know the command and what is expected. Once they understand a command, waiting patiently for them to follow through is key. It’s not necessary to repeat the command ten times as the volume of your voice increases along with your frustration. You can see in them when they get it! If they look confused, they probably are.
Give a command, wait. . .wait. . .(if necessary) and hold the command as you look at the dog. Do this consistently and with little distraction until they are consistent. Only then, can you be sure they know what you are asking and they aren’t just responding to part of a process while in training.
How many words can they learn? How many do you want to teach? How many do you have a need for and the patience to consistently teach and expect follow through. When you ask them to do “something,” They need to do it. I remember the words of my Father when I was asked to do something. . .I looked at him questioning, “why?” His response, “because I said so.”
Do dogs really need toys? What is it that makes them so appealing? Do toys replace or fulfill the dog’s need to hunt and chase? Do they really think the stuffed bunny is a real rabbit? I guess the answer to that one is obvious.
What’s also obvious is that dog toys are now a huge business. There are dog toys for each holiday! We all know how dogs love the holidays and the new toys that are sure to be their possession. My dogs like Easter because they like to chase rabbits. They don’t dare chase Santa!
Let’s face it. . .the toys we choose are usually for us. Personally, I seldom let the dogs have stuffed toys because the disemboweling makes a fine, white, fluffy mess I am left to clean up. Unlike a real rabbit, they don’t eat these “guts” – or at least we hope they don’t!
The truth – dogs are happy being with us and while they love chewing and playing, it can be a cardboard box or plastic water bottle. It’s similar to how a small child has to learn that what is in the box is more important (and supposedly more fun) than the box! Dogs are much the same. Don’t feel like your dog won’t be happy if you don’t buy expensive stuffed animals.
If all of their toys are left lying around, they are sure to get bored which will lead you to buy even more toys. Leave out a few at a time and rotate the others. What was once old will be new again!
Some dogs do get a bit possessive over a stuffed treasure as though they hunted and killed it themselves. I do believe they fully know the difference between a “real” rabbit and the sherpa bunny. In case they don’t, I won’t be the one to spoil it for them!
