How to Move Your Dog

Moving can be a little traumatic for our pets.  Don’t underestimate the affects of this experience on your dog. Just because you are there along with their toys and bed doesn’t mean they will feel right at home any more than you will.

Let them get acclimated to their new surroundings.  Go outside with them and explore the yard.  Let them walk through the home.  This isn’t to say they should sleep with you if they don’t normally or that the routine should change to somehow compensate for the change in their lives.  It’s more about them feeling secure and to give that process time.

Keep their routine as “normal” as possible.  Soon, your dog will learn that home is where you are!

He Doesn’t Know He’s a Dog!

Yes, he does.  I can almost promise you that some day and maybe when you least expect it, he’ll show you he’s a dog.

Dogs may be domesticated but that does not remove instinct or history.  They are genetically and psychologically dogs.  No matter how social, large, small, cute, non-dog you attempt to make them - they are dogs.

Sorry!  Someone had to tell you the truth so that when FiFi jumps out of her cute little carry bag and bites another dog, you’ll remember. . .”Oh, that’s right! FiFi is still a dog.”  It actually makes life much easier when we treat them as nature designed them because they don’t do well being “human.”

In the quiet of your own home, feel free to pretend and make believe that your dog doesn’t know.  And, when in public remember and prepare for him to be a dog.  (I’ll be waiting for your call for training!)

Dogs Should Have a Middle Name

When correcting your dog, it is important, and sometimes critical they have a middle name. When I heard, “Gayle get in here,” I was motivated; however, “Gayle Marie, get in here right now!” - got me to run (well, it may have been the other way, but I usually would go to whom used that tone and my proper name.)

All of my dogs have a middle name. They don’t know if it’s masculine or feminine and no one makes fun of Moby for being named “Moby Marie.” Now that I think of it, that could explain a lot of his insecure behaviors. That’s another post.

If your dog is “pure” and comes with papers (we don’t know what that is around here), then they most likely have a given name much like my Catholic friends. It is useful to have more than just a first name for those times when you “mean” what you say.

I’m a trainer and I know that when we’re at home hanging out with our pets, we’re cool with calling them a nickname or something cute. But, when they are outside and we want them in yesterday, their name suddenly becomes proper! hmmm. . .

Try it! Call your dog using their given name and an added middle name and see if they don’t look at you with a new-found respect. Maybe, it won’t exactly be respect, but it will certainly be easier for you than dragging out a name when demanding something like “Spoooooot get in here.” “Spotty-James, get in here right now” sounds much better - doesn’t it?

Dog training isn’t always serious. . .and if it is, you’re doing something wrong!

What’s your dog’s “real” name? I won’t tell!

The Key Reason to Touch and Socialize Your Dog

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!

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Abandoned Dog Can’t Speak

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.

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What You Can Learn from the Pack

Dogs need to play and exercise! And, try though we might, we don’t play like another dog. In a family of one dog, they get all of the attention and the focus is on them. They may also get bored and do what they can to explore the other side of the fence.

However, having more than one dog and letting them play together as you observe, is better than most movies. There is a lot to learn just from watching them interact. If it is healthy play, and you are the one in charge, there will be an exchange of rolls - one dominant, one submissive and they will alternate this role .

They will show you the true meaning of the word dog-pile. There are three dogs playing in this photo.

The best is the “tuck-butt” where they turn into animated cartoon dogs running with their hips rounded as their back legs come up through the front to propel them across the yard. I call this doggie-bliss. I don’t know what they call it other than instinct and fun.

I guess I should say that THE best is when they come inside after their play time, exhausted and ready to relax.

During the summer months when it’s more difficult to get outside for walks, find the time to let your dogs or get some form of exercise even if it has to be inside. It’s important for their health and yours!

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How to Change a Timid Dog

I have had the loving experience lately of working with shy dogs and their new human families. During the first visit, we talk about the history of the dog and any possible trigger for their timid behavior.

A lot of the time there may be clues but no real “a-has!” Genetically, some dogs and breeds are more timid than others. Granted, prior abuse and/or the lack of socialization are more obvious reasons.

Usually, the behavior shows up as the dog tries to bolt or it backs off when someone approaches. It will only make it worse if the person is doing their best to convince the dog that they are not the enemy. It’s important that you remain calm and confident and that will transfer to the dog. You don’t want to coddle or encourage the dog’s response.

It gets frustrating and disappointing to the family when the newly adopted dog refuses to approach them. It can be something as simple as the tone of voice, the size of the person, a beard, a baseball hat - those are all things that can trigger an uncertain response. This dance may continue for awhile so be patient.

The best thing to do is to be less confrontational when approaching, don’t have eye contact, and give the dog a chance to approach you. Basic obedience training can help because it not only builds confidence in the dog but will help the dog respect and trust you.

Give your new dog a chance to settle into the home environment and then get them into training and socialization. Patience is the best reward!

Here’s some other insight into the benefit of early socialization

Democracy and Dogs

Since it’s an election year and all I was thinking about democracy in my home. I realized that there is a form of democracy at work. One description notes that in a democracy all members of the society have equal access to power (equal rights) and the second that all members enjoy universally recognized freedoms and liberties. The majority rule is another key aspect of a democracy.

So? Well, my relationship in the pack is democratic in that I treat everyone equally. Affection, in particular, is given to each the same. Appropriately, of course! They are all fed the same diet and at the same time. And, that’s where it ends because there is no equal access to power. They don’t all have the same freedoms and definitely the majority couldn’t rule, because I’d be odd-man-out for sure!

I never wanted to be a part of a dictatorship; however, like it or not, I think I have one. I’m a kind, loving dictator, but I am one, none the less. It sounds so much better to say Pack Leader, doesn’t it?

Don’t tell the dogs that this November, they don’t get to vote! =)

Respect of a Dog

It’s one thing to be taught about pack behavior and how dogs show respect and it’s another to really observe the dynamic.

In being with my own ever-changing pack, I have watched as they demonstrate to each other who’s who and where they belong. With a little guidance from me, boundaries are clear.

From a local rescue, I brought home a little terrier mix. Breed isn’t important. He is about 4 or 5 years old. He’s timid but so wanted to be a part of what the other dogs were doing. Well, the only female at this point is herself only 10 months old. She is large for a puppy, and It’s already obvious that she is proud of her position in the family.

I introduce the new guy to everyone. There was a lot of showing of teeth by him as he cowered hoping that they’d have mercy on him. (Maybe that’s not his exact thought!) It took about two days before I noticed an obvious shift. The female was never aggressive with him but was certainly fascinated by his little size and looked as if to question why he was showing his teeth and snarling at her. I’m not sure if she was responding with “are you crazy, man?” or “hey, lighten up, I’m harmless.” She would try to engage him in play but that just scared him more.

As I sat and watched their interaction, the trust between them was shifting. After running around in the yard for awhile, the little guy walked over to the female and licked her lips. The sweet signs of a peaceful submission. I had to remember if they had had peanut butter that morning, because that will also cause a licking of the lips for an entirely different reason.

He licked her lips and she let him. Then, the other pup followed. What is this, a mutual admiration society? It’s peace in the kingdom is what it is.

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Seven Reasons to Train Your Dog

1. It creates a better relationship between you and your dog.

2. You’ll be happier with your dog.

3. Your dog will be happier with structure and purpose.

4. You won’t be embarrassed as you walk your dog down the street!

5. Once the dog is trained - you can lower the dose of your blood pressure medication.

6. You’ll save money on furniture, nice pillows, Persian rugs, and other unintentional dog “toys.”

7. You CAN live in harmony with your canine companion.

I came across an article on why not to train your dog. See if you’ve ever used one of these “reasons!”