When asking clients if their dog has food aggression, I may get a response similar to, “no, they growl if we or the other dog gets near the food bowl, but that’s normal.” Let me share something – it may be considered normal when dinner is served in your home, but it is not good to allow it.
If your dog even begins to growl when you reach for their food as they are eating, immediately get your hand out of the way! That’s what you do to keep rom getting bitten! The real response would be to give a quick correction (use a leash if necessary) and then pick up their food bowl. Hand feed them and let them know the food comes from you. Place your hand in their food bowl as they eat and touch them as they eat.
If their aggression is directed at another dog, do the same thing. If you are not going to supervise when feeding, then feed them separately. A scuffle over food may seem normal and for some dogs, it’s a tough trigger to break; however, you should be the one determining who eats where and when. You want to be the provider and be clear that until they are able to go hunt and fend for themselves, you make the rules! (how parental of me, I know!)
If this is an issue you are dealing with, please contact me for more specific guidance on your situation.
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!
Let me guess – some of your responses might be: yes, no, maybe, sometimes, when invited, when no one else is around, only when you leave them unattended. . .
Here’s an article where I write a more in depth answer to this burning question!
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.”
