As a constant observer of dogs, I am still amazed at how shifts in their behavior occur as they mature. It is interesting to see how at times they will appear to be practicing to be dominant. I’ll explain using two separate incidences.
I was working with a dog who is a big fan of chasing anything that moves or may move or used to move! On this occasion, we were making progress with him when I looked down to notice his hackles were up. I couldn’t help but think the timing was off. Something in him triggered this response and he even seemed unsure about his behavior. Natural, though it is, I believe he was in a sense trying out his maturing instincts. The dog didn’t appear to feel threatened. It was either a delayed or premature response. Practice perhaps?
Recently, my own dog who is 18 months of age, kicked up his back legs for the very first time. It was a macho move, but he was awkward and the action appeared misplaced. He looked up at me as if to say, “look, I’m kicking my legs up!” It was like he was practicing for when he would need to show his new-found dominant move. My other thought was that he had witnessed this strut as done by his little (tiny in comparison) brother, who exhibited this macho-manner after nearly every potty break.
I believe they are trying on things much like when you are fortunate enough to see a child as they catch their reflection in a mirror practicing a confident look or pose. It’s not a necessary posture at that moment, but it may be and one needs to be prepared!
As you enjoy the many changes that occur in the life of your dog, watch carefully for those times when they appear to be growing into their instincts.
If your maturing dog is exhibiting new behaviors and you aren’t sure how to handle them, please submit your question in the box to the right (I share it with Melody).
If your dog is one of those that loves to focus and obsess on moving objects, i.e., cars, golf carts, or even vapor trails from airplanes, this post is for you.
This activity may now be a pattern of behavior that is rapidly becoming a habit. See car - chase car. Sound familiar? You hear the engine in the distance (just after the dog) and brace yourself with the you-won’t-pull-me-down-this-time stance as you feel embarrassed and aggravated that your dog is officially a car chaser.
First, you want to master (and be the master) of having your dog heel. This means your dog is walking on a loose leash next to your side.
Work with them to sit when you stop and on command even when they are distracted. Add stay and increase their ability to stay by throwing treats in front of them, walking all the way around them, and using other staged distractions.
Now, take your dog to the street and have someone in a car work with you to desensitize the dog to the moving vehicle. Have the car drive by slowly and stop in front of you allowing you time to have your dog sit. Repeat this process eventually working with your dog in a down and stay. This is a more submissive and relaxed position and they can’t lunge when lying down.
The second you sense they are beginning to focus on the car or even just the sound of it approaching, say their name in a positive tone. You want them to shift their focus to you. You will be wasting your voice and energy if they have already bolted, you’ve lost control, and you are yelling their name followed by sit. Take a breath, get yourself focused and feeling confident, and continue the training.
If this behavior has been tolerated for awhile, it may take awhile to break their pattern of response. Some breeds are more prone to chase moving things, so you are also working against or with that instinct. Take it slow. Too much, too fast, and your dog may get over-stimulated.
It’s also important to consider that if your dog has been confined all day and has energy to burn, provide exercise prior to training so all of that energy isn’t going toward the behavior you want to correct - in this case, car chasing.
Please contact me in the box to the right if you have any questions! (I share this box with Melody)
I know you’ve heard it more than once from me that dogs bark. That’s their voice. How much they have to say and when they say it, may need to be fine-tuned!
As a personal note, my little guy, Moby (please never tell him he is little), feels the need to exit the slider as he announces to any and all who might go before, after, or are outside when he approaches that he is coming and he is to be feared.
As the temperatures cool and dogs (in the desert) are out more, they may become more excited (accompanied by vocal expression - i.e., barking) in exclamation that they can once again be given free access to the outside world that fears and respects them.
Tonight, Moby was declaring his presence to a neighboring dog. I walked outside and sometimes that alone is enough. This time, I gave the human hand signal for “cut” by turning my flattened hand toward my neck as I said “ixnay arkingbay.” He stopped immediately and hasn’t barked since.
Why do I share this moment of enlightment? To let you know that once your dog listens, respects, and responds to you, you can even speak in pig Latin and they will get it. It all means stop, and most important is the energy behind your words. Their respect for you will be evident.
Gaining the respect of someone is much the same as it is with a dog. It’s not about how strong or big or how loud you can yell. It’s about being in a calm state of mind that is confident, in control, and worthy of the respect you expect.
Melody, a 5 lb yorkie, came into the house and gained the respect of the other dogs. Let’s face it, she’s a toothless, de-barked little thing who manages to handle the big dogs just fine. She is afraid of a human’s intention, but a 120-lb Dane will easily move away from it’s bowl of food if Melody approaches. They all clear a path for her as she dodges big feet and long legs to get to her bed.
If she had words, she would be a good example for a woman’s self-defense course on how to assert yourself with little effort. She is who she is and they know she knows it! I wonder what she does know? It’s definitely the calm, assertive nature Cesar Millan speaks of so often.
Humans usually require training tools in working their dogs, and there’s nothing wrong with that. That’s what they are - tools. Be it a collar and a leash or a remote training device, it will be far more effective when we are worthy of the dog’s respect without these tools. When the collar comes off, the dog should still listen and respond and basically look to you for approval because they know who is in charge.
Their tail won’t be tucked in fear, their ears won’t be back and heads down because they are afraid of the hand approaching them. They will be happy, confident, and balanced dogs whose respect of you is natural.
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.
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!
