Come is one of the most difficult commands to teach a dog. Better said, it is one of the most difficult commands for your dog to respond to consistently. It may take several years to master it. It’s tough because in typical situations, you are calling your dog away from a distraction, which to them may be far more interesting than you.
I encourage you to continue working with your dog on this very important command. A friend of mine told me she was out with her two Scottie’s when someone commented on how well behaved they were and how they came to her when called. She smiled as she replied, “thanks, it only took 10 years!” Aren’t all relationships a work in progress?
I have had concerns that my dogs’ vision may be the problem. Perhaps they couldn’t see me clearly and were not responding as quickly as I would like. So, I gave them an eye exam, and this was the result.
The title for the post could actually be the nurture of dogs. Mac and Zoe were featured in a video of them play fighting. Lots of noise and gnashing of teeth. They know they are playing and there’s no threat of it becoming more than just that.
They know each other. They trust each other. They often stop for a moment of nurturing where Zoe cleans Mac’s eyes. I observe as Mac relaxes and seems to enjoy being preened by Zoe. One side and then the other. Mac will reciprocate by licking Zoe’s ears. She too sits patiently.
It’s not quite so easy when I do it. Mac is far from in a state of enjoyment during his eye cleaning session. I can’t help but admire and enjoy the relationship between dogs. Wouldn’t it be nice if humans could make a lot of noise and only play fight? Then, because of mutual respect they could stop and give each other affection and feel safe doing it? I’ll be sure to ask them how it’s done.
I have been contacted by more and more people concerned their dog is aggressive. They may even state they have a “red zone dog.” Here’s an article I wrote on this subject. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns about your dog’s behavior.
I don’t think I’ll lose business by this post. At least, I hope I don’t! I just wanted to share something. . .what if a lot of what you needed to know about dog training, you already know? I know you don’t think this is true, and I hope you never do!
However, the reason I write this is because as the sometimes-common-sense-trainer that I am, I meet men in the military who command respect from hundreds and are at a loss with how to deal with their dog. Mothers of teenage children who sit in wonder as their dog misbehaves.
I suggest you still work with a trainer and behaviorist, AND as you do, think of your state of mind when you are in control in other areas of your life. Dogs are extremely in tune with our energy. If they had words, they would be great counselors for us as they reflect back to us what they sense we are feeling.
I know the reason. . .when we get in from work or dealing with other aspects of life, we want to curl up with our dog and not have to be in charge. With some dogs, you can get by; however, this isn’t usually the case. Dogs need guidance and structure. Rules to live by, so to speak. Someone will be making the rules, and it should be you!
So, regardless of the form of training you choose, remember you may already know a lot of what you need to know to train your dog.
Dogs and cats can be great friends. Maybe the friendship isn’t one of true admiration but more of a tolerance mixed with a little respect. Maybe, a growl is just a growl…Melody and her little brother, Mac, respond to a question from a cat who loves a dog and the dog doesn’t share the affection – yet.
Anthropomorphism is a word that means to assign human characteristics to animals or inanimate objects. Humanizing a dog happens all too often as their human swears, “my dog doesn’t know he’s a dog!” I assure you he does. Here’s an article featured in the Seattle Times about this topic. I agree with Cesar Millan on this one.
Very few dogs won’t find enjoyment in a belly rub or any rub for that matter. They are also very smart. They learn quickly that if you ask them to do something – sit, stay, down, etc., and they choose to roll over for a belly rub, we fall for it. “Ah, they’re being submissive.” Maybe not. Why wouldn’t they drop and roll over for a belly rub if it means they don’t have to do as asked?
I do laugh when my dogs are resting and they will start to show me their belly when I’m only walking by to close the blinds or do something else. They don’t want to miss the chance that I will give them a pet so if I’m anywhere within sight, there’s a good chance I’ll see their movement and stop by for a rub.
I have met some dogs who will not show you their belly because they can’t risk making themselves too vulnerable. Is this action something they need to do or have to do for you to feel they are submissive? Absolutely not! Their touch of choice may be a scratch on the neck.
Just as a pat on the head or a rub of the ears is affection, remember that a belly rub is too. You decide when it is appropriate to respond. If not, your day will be filled with a dog’s nose lifting up your hand or arm for your affection. Begging for affection may be cute, but that’s about all. It is still begging.
Our dogs deserve our affection, it’s up to us to decide when!
It’s important to create an environment and life for your dog that will assist them in being well adjusted. You want your dog(s) to be independent and confident. It seems that some people think an insecure dog will love them more. The dog may need you, but don’t confuse their need for you with their love for you.
It’s so nice to be able to leave for a weekend, a week, or even longer and know your dog(s) will be content in the care of someone else. You will be missed; however, don’t expect to find their journal filled with loving thoughts of you. A happy, secure, content dog will adjust much better to your absence. You, on the other hand, may need to see their happy faces to feel secure.
Here’s two well-adjusted dogs, Cody and Xena, on stay-cation while their Dads were away. They missed them, but I think they did ok. . .
Michael Vick appeared on 60 Minutes as a way of showing remorse for his contribution to the horrible animal abuse that is dog fighting. As Wayne Pacelle, President and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, writes in his blog, “It’s about the dogs, and it always will be.” It’s important to look to the future and not get stuck in the past. However, it is also important to remember that this wasn’t just dog fighting. Vick was responsible for dogs being hung, shot, and drowned. Most of us couldn’t live with ourselves with witnessing it, let alone doing it.
Michael Vick has a lot of words about what he will do. If truly remorseful, he certainly can make a huge difference in the lives of a lot of Pits and hundreds of the children who are learning to fight them. Let’s see if he will.
I’ve mentioned previously that the best trainer for a dog is another dog. I have been working to socialize Suki, a 9-month-old Pekingese, to be comfortable in new surroundings. She is horribly afraid of new sounds and hyper-sensitive to unfamiliar movement and objects.
I called in Mac-Nanny, my Labradoodle, to help Suki be a dog. The video shows how playing with Mac let Suki relax and have a little fun!
