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.
As I mentioned previously, there are a lot of four-legged victims as a result of the many foreclosures. Along with older dogs, there are puppies and pregnant dogs being left behind. Forget that there isn’t enough food for all of them, the fact that they are not being socialized can affect them for the rest of their lives.
When dogs have not been socialized adequately, the result is that they will back away when someone reaches to pet them. As they tuck their tails, round their ears and perhaps squat, their body language would indicate that they have been abused. They have. It just isn’t the way we typically define abuse. They were never hit. They were never touched in any way.
Many studies have proven the need for touch for all creatures. Touch boosts our immune system, and the lack of it causes emotional and behavioral problems. It is important for puppies to recieve nurturing from their Moms and for this nurturing and bonding to continue through human touch.
Neglected dogs may also develop obsessive-compulsive behaviors. They may walk in circles, go through a “ritual” prior to eating, and may be protective of food if they had to fend for themselves previously. All of these can be dealt with as they learn to trust and establish new behaviors.
Once they are brought into a home and slowly socialized and begin to trust human touch, they will improve!
My last post featured Melody - a little Yorkie that was at the shelter. She was so reserved and afraid. By watching her, I can assume some of what her past was like. She has a few rituals for reasons known only to her.
She now sits on the floor by me waiting for a little affection. It’s a bit of a tease because she will pull away. Wanting affection and praise and so afraid of what might be attached to it. We have a promise that she will never be mistreated again. (There are a lot of animals - and humans - that need to hear that promise.)
Melody is an example of how trust can change your life!
This little Yorkie was given up to a local shelter. She’s not special because she’s a desirable mini-dog - she’s special because she was used only to breed. It’s not clear how many litters she’s had or how she was treated.
She is (was) terribly afraid of human touch; especially if you were to reach for her before she was ready to approach. It’s not likely that someone will adopt her with this behavior quirk. So, I brought her home.
Once home, I noticed that she sounded like her bark was filtered. She’s been debarked. Then, there’s her teeth. She soon trusted me enough to let me take a look in her mouth. I quickly saw that she only has four teeth in the front. No wonder her tiny tongue sticks out. There’s nothing to hold it back. This is a relatively young dog so it’s not an age issue. It’s an abuse and neglect issue.
I realized that this little girl doesn’t need me to feel sad or sorry for her. She needs love and dog rehabilitation. Within 12 hours of bringing her home, I was able to put a harness and leash on her. I could pick her up, walk her on the leash, clean her face, look in her mouth, and check her ears without her recoiling.
Never underestimate the power of the Spirit, be it Human or Canine. And, the two of us together can be an amazing combination!
She will be “fine.” It’s good that we can’t sit and talk about her past. We might get stuck. Dogs don’t stay stuck in their stuff unless we do. They live in the moment and deal with what that brings. I’m learning a lot from the shelter dogs.
I recommend it - if you can put your thoughts aside of how horrible it is, you might experience the love of a little girl like Melody.
I so appreciate Cesar Milan’s approach and instruction on being a calm, assertive leader. What I see a lot of are loud, anxious, demonstrative, wanna-be-leaders. And, I’m not talking about the dog. =)
In observing the introduction of dogs to one another, there is a posturing but not a lot of noise. Usually, the noisy one is attempting to demonstrate their authority. I’m not sure that the alpha/leader in the group isn’t amused by the interaction while appearing tolerant.
Remember that when you are demonstrating authority to one or more dogs, that you do it with intention and presence of mind rather than as a reaction and in fear. Think of something that you really KNOW and then bring that same level of knowing to BEING the authority with the dog. They WILL get it as soon as you do.
. . .but, I wanted a little lap dog. That’s like wanting a lap cat. There is nothing inherent in a dog’s size that MAKES them want to be a lap dog. I know a lot of Golden Retrievers, Pit Bulls, and Great Danes who are wonderfully, huge lap dogs. I also know lots of Yorkies and Maltese who will avoid your reach because they aren’t interested in always being nestled on your lap.
I imagine that there are a lot of little dogs released to shelters or going from home to home because they aren’t lap dogs. And, there are probably cats given away because they are considered too needy when what you wanted was an independent pet who didn’t care if you were around.
If you want a lap dog and yours doesn’t quite fit that characterization, relax and give it time. Don’t grab at them or chase them down. Let them be and when they come to you, praise them, but don’t reach out. Let them get close to you on their own.
If you keep grabbing at them they will approach with caution and stay just far enough away that you can’t possibly get them. Believe me, they learn very quickly that your next move will be an attempt to convince them that they really ARE a lap dog but haven’t yet experienced the joy of being smothered by you. If given time and patience, your dog may decide that being near you isn’t so bad.
The moral of the story - if you don’t have the dog you want, want the one you have!
