Most of us have an understanding of what it means to be comfortable in our own skin. It means we are confident with ourselves. We may not be thrilled with who we are in every aspect but we don’t resist being who we are. I am finding that being comfortable in our own skin also applies to dogs.
I love working with insecure/timid dogs. I know that within each of them is a solid Being. They may never be completely comfortable in their own fur, around other people, or other dogs; but, there’s nothing like the reward of having a dog with an abusive past, demonstrate a level of comfort in Being themselves.
A low self esteem in a human leads to poor choices and co-dependency with those who give them attention. It’s not so different with dogs. Low self esteem in my Great Dane shows up as timidness, insecurity, and neediness.
I hear others say of large dogs, “they don’t know their size – they think they are little dogs.” I disagree. I think she knows very well how huge she is but doesn’t know what to do with herself. Try though she might to get into my lap, her head is the only body part that fits. I think she dreams of being little and then awakens to her giant body filled with big uncertainties.
We’re working together on her insecurities and she is becoming more independent and secure. She is learning to be more comfortable in her own skin, uh – fur.
Here’s an update on a couple of the fighting dogs removed from Michael Vick’s property . . they are now affectionately referred to as the “Vick”tory dogs!
The news media isn’t known for being positive and uplifting. I think of what it would be like to have the news tell only “good” stories or stories that didn’t appear to bring anything good, but ultimately did. Beyond or within every disaster, we hear amazing stories of strength, hope, and the willingness to help others.
It’s a great feeling, an honor, and our duty to help someone (animal or human) who can’t help themselves. Thank you Humane Society and all those who contribute for making 2008 so memorable! Here’s a wonderful video of the lives that were saved and changed forever through the work of the Humane Society.
You have a new dog and they are housebroken and using the dog door or going out to potty just as they should. One rainy day you come home to find they chose to go “inside.”
What’s different today? Rain! It doesn’t seem right they would be afraid of rain, does it? They are, after all, dogs.Setting aside that they are dogs and being afraid of rain may not make sense to us, they should be introduced to this phenomenon – some more than others.
Water-type dogs may act like someone just blessed them with water coming from the sky. Other dogs, like my Pit, Olive, would hug the wall under the eave and find the closest place to go whether it was concrete, grass, rock, brick, etc.
Considering that some people use a spray bottle to deter their dog from barking or doing something it shouldn’t, why would they willingly walk out into the line of fire, i.e., rain!
So. . .when a storm is coming or something that your dog has not yet experienced (extreme wind, cold or hot temperatures) be prepared for a little insecurity or reservation on their part and a little more time and patience on yours. It will help their confidence if you go out with them and let them see that it is all ok.
Think again if you believe that all dogs are respectful of rattlesnakes. Some dogs have an instinct that says “stay away” when they are introduced to a rattlesnake. Other dogs may learn the hard way or not at all. They need to be taught through aversion training to avoid snakes, particularly rattlesnakes.
One of my dogs was alerting me (let’s just say that’s what it was) to a rattlesnake by the door. There was a previous encounter but that snake was “rattling” at an amazing speed as a warning of his presence. This snake either didn’t feel threatened, or after a nice meal wasn’t able to muster the energy to rattle at a barking dog.
Without the rattle, the snake blended nicely with the surroundings. Fortunately, my dog’s excitement and focus let me know there was something more on the ground than I originally saw. My dog was within inches of the snake’s face and for some reason the snake didn’t strike. If it weren’t for the full moon, none of us would have seen the snake. I don’t think the dog needed to “see” it to know it was there. However, my dog didn’t have the natural instinct to just leave the snake. The other two dogs were waiting at the door for my arrival and their place of safety.
Snakes don’t want to waste their venom on something they can’t eat; however, a dog may attempt to unknowingly push that theory and they will get bitten. They can survive it depending on where they are bitten, their immune system, and how quickly they are treated. There are anti-venom shots, but don’t rely on that to save your dog.
The rattlesnakes in this area should be hybernating by now. Due to warm temperatures they are still out and probably a little tired and confused as to why they aren’t tucked away somewhere for a long winter’s nap! I personally wish they were.
My dog responded to my call to “come” and we went inside and watched as the snake made it’s way to some unknown destination. I hope that it’s being here was the result of a wrong turn. She will need to be taught to avoid snakes – I sure can’t rely on instinct!
The test you are about to read about should not be conducted without a trained professional. Since I am a trained professional, I qualify to assist you. I witnessed this exact test on Lassie with great success. I will first give you some background information. . .
Moby, is a unique blend of Maltese, Yorkie, and Shih Tzu. He is mostly what I’d call a mess. His nickname is The Captain. He is (almost) the smallest member of the crew and works diligently to keep every one in order.
The cats also know him for his high-ranking position and have the utmost respect for his authority and watchful eye, and I do mean eye as a singular. Moby is partially blind.
At about one year of age, Moby lost sight in one eye and I’m quite certain he only sees partially out of his “good” eye. That is part of the reason he is always on guard. He lives in the land of giants, and while he seems to be protecting every one else, I get that he’s afraid of being smashed and has to make enough noise and movement to stay out of the way and to appear large.
I have been checking his ability to see by consistently testing his vision. This is the test: I hold two fingers up in front of his face and ask, “Moby, how many fingers am I holding up?” He always fails. Since he doesn’t answer at all, I’m beginning to assume that he is totally blind or also deaf. That will be the next test.
If your dog, responds with the correct answer, “two”, then give him a treat and ask if he can now write the number in the sand. Almost all dogs fail this test.
I’m constantly reminded how similar our relationships with our pets are to the relationship we have with humans.
My Great Dane is so in need of a constant reminder that I think she’s a “good” girl. Not mentioning any names, I’ve known a few women that can get caught in that level of insecurity. She came to me with a history of instability. As is true for a lot of rescued dogs (insert humans), they have a history that needs to be healed before they can move on.
I’m learning to balance the right amount of affection and attention for Violet. If I were to give her a lot of attention in an attempt to over-compensate for her past, I’d be doing her a disservice. She needs to learn to trust me and my intentions toward her. She needs and deserves to be a confident creature that is not too “needy.”
There is a balance we need to have with our pets. Some times, it’s a bit of an “I love you – now go away!” Haven’t we all felt that way toward a human or two?
Shortly after this video clip, I was saying. . .you guessed it – “I love you, now go away!”
It is never too late for you or your dog to change an unwanted behavior. Some people give up (on themselves and their dog) or surrender to the undesirable behavior. Others wait until the behavior has escalated and considered intolerable before contacting a trainer or behaviorist.
I am here to tell you that it’s never too late! Waiting may not have been the best choice, but you’re here now and so is your dog’s wonderful(?) behavior. It’s never too late. Shifting the behavior slightly and looking for gradual improvement is a good place to start. Don’t expect what was accepted for years (or even months) to disappear.
I have gone to client’s homes to work with their new pup only to find that the senior dog loved the attention and focus of the training as well. As adults, we can still learn (and should be learning) new things all of the time. We shouldn’t expect less of our canine adults. I’ve never sensed that a dog was saying – “I’m too old for this stuff!” Even arthritic, hearing and sight impaired dogs respond to the added attention, energy, and focus of training.
You and your dog are never too old to change an unwanted behavior and to learn a few new tricks!
Here is an excerpt from a great article on the recent closing of Puppy Mills in West Virginia.
“More than 1,000 puppies have a new lease on life following their discovery Saturday in a large puppy mill breeding facility tucked away in the backwoods of West Virginia, just outside of city of Parkersburg.”
Why use treats? You certainly don’t have to. With some dogs, it is a way to bond. A way to get them to focus. If they are willing to take the treat, it can indicate they trust you.
For me, there are no absolutes. I use treats; however, if the client doesn’t want to or the dog just won’t take them, I don’t. A dog will not take food from someone they don’t trust or if they are scared or nervous.
So, if they begin to take treats during training when they first didn’t, it can be an indication that things are shifting for them.
Treats aren’t bribes. They are rewards. They are also a way of bonding and with some dogs, it is a moment of celebration for us and them. Here’s a “cool” story that is sure to warm your heart.
