A Dog’s Love

It’s not important why we love who we love. . .just that we do.

Wordless Wednesday

Thank You Veterans!

This post is to honor my Father and all the other Veterans - this includes the canine variety.

THANK YOU!

Wordless Wednesday

Stay Versus Wait In A Dog’s Mind

I have clients ask if it is confusing to their dog to be told to wait some times and other times the command is to stay.  There is a difference in the two and any dog can and will learn the difference.  The stay command (request) is associated with a position; i.e., sit, down, or even standing.  It means they do not move from that position until you return to them and give them a clear release, such as a word like okay.

Wait is very similar to what it is for us two-leggers; i.e., give me a second.  It’s not attached or associated to the dog’s position.  They are free to move around in the area where they are told to wait.  It’s also used for entering and exiting doors or at a curb prior to crossing the street.

The most important thing to remember is that when you are teaching these requests, you need to be consistent.  Don’t release your dog from a stay at a distance.  In time, that may be something you choose to do; however, initially, other than the dog’s position, your returning to them for their release will differentiate the two commands (or requests as I like to call them).

Let’s say you’ve asked your dog to wait at the door as you open it.  The first few times, don’t push it too long.  The purpose of having them wait is so you can open the door without them rushing out AND to allow you to go first.  I have corrected a dog for starting to walk through the door as they have always done and the expression on their furrowed brow as they look at me is clearly an indicator they have no clue why they just got corrected for something that was normal the last time they went through that door!

So, when you are teaching it, remember that for both “stay” and “wait” they are learning!  It is so very clear to us big brains what we are expecting.  It’s not so clear to our dogs.  For either request, only make them stay or wait for a second.  Reward!  They will quickly learn what is expected and will wait or stay until given the request for them to move.

If you are having challenges in teaching either command (request), I am happy to provide assistance!

Is Halloween Scary For Dogs?

Think of Halloween from your dog’s perspective.  Here’s what they hear and see:  A knock on the door or a ringing of the doorbell.  You open the door anxiously as high-energy children (most you don’t know) are camouflaged as something potentially scary or threatening, as they yell, “trick or treat.”  You hand them goodies. . .door closes until the next time.

This may be fun and games for your dog; however, if you have a dog new to your home or a dog that is easily frightened or skittish, here’s a great article giving some sound advice on why it’s ok to leave the lights off this year.

Is Halloween Scary For Dogs?

If you aren’t willing to do that, I would put them in a room (crated perhaps) with enough white noise or music to block the sounds of the at-the-door festivities!

Sunday Funny

In case you think that Mac-Nanny was being a little rough with Pepper, there was a purpose to their “play” and it was supervised.  Pepper was being too rough with her older brother who wouldn’t defend himself.  I knew Mac-Nanny could demonstrate a few moves that would make Pepper a little less certain of herself!    (I miss you Mac.  Thanks for always being such a great puppy nanny)

Praying Dog

I would like to add a few more requests to his prayer.  Well, it is Sunday. . .

Dogs and Time

I have witnessed the aging process of many dogs.  I personally had a Pitbull that was puppy for so many years that when asked how old she was, I would say, “five.”  However, I had her since she was about two, and at least five years had passed.  “Oh,” I corrected myself, “she’s seven or eight!”  I believe that is because most of us want to deny our dogs are seniors even before they hit their early teens.

From the age of twelve to thirteen, it was evident there is truth to the concept that dogs age approximately seven years to our one.  To me, it appeared she literally aged in a few months.  Sure, denial played a part, but so did the fact that our dogs are proud creatures.  They will rally and pull it together to please us at times when if they were human, they would be curled up in bed making certain we knew how bad they felt!

I have also learned that dog hours are very different than ours.  Moby will assure me at 3:00 that it is at least 6:00 or 7:00 in dog-time.  He comes to me asking for dinner, as I assure him, “it’s only 3:00 so you’ll have to wait, Bud.”  Just to keep things interesting, some days, I will put the food down early.  All it means to them is a full belly and nap time.  When the real 6:00 rolls around and they look at me like I’m forgetting something, I remind them they already ate dinner according to human time.

It’s ok to honor dog-time.  Some would encourage tough love - I say, “pick your battles.”  If feeding a dog at 3:00 (actually 6:00, their time), is the most you give in to your dog, you’re doing great!

The Exuberant Dog Service Jacket

It is always wonderful to witness a dog that is in service to someone.  They walk nicely (and honorably) side-by-side with their human providing some form of service, companionship, and/or support.  The jacket they wear is an indication to other humans to not touch or pet the dog as it is working.  These dogs are bred and trained for years prior to their being put into service.

I don’t have one of those dogs.  I don’t need one either; however, my dog does provide a service.  The service is to encourage you to smile.  Zoe is always smiling.  She is a Labradoodle (plus) mix and is always delighted to be out on a walk.  When she walks by someone or even sees them approaching, she begins to smile, sometimes speak, and wiggle her body all to get you to smile.  Is she begging?  Perhaps.  As long as she does it without invading someone’s personal space, I don’t get too concerned.

I have decided that dogs like Zoe should have their own jacket or vest.  The inscription on it will read, “Exuberant Dog - Please Pet!”  Zoe would also like to add, “oh please, oh please, oh please.”  This way, if you see a dog wearing the Zoe vest, you won’t have to wonder if they are friendly.  You will also know to brace yourself in the likelihood they will make you smile.  So, if you are planning on being in a grumpy mood and you see a dog wearing the “Exuberant Dog” vest,  you will know to look the other way.  They can be real mood changers.  Zoe will knead the floor with her paws in an effort to refrain from jumping, but every once in awhile, she can’t contain her enthusiasm.

Let me know if you’d like to have me interview your dog and make certain they are worthy of donning the “Exuberant Dog” vest!

p.s.  The trainer in me has to add that rewarding a dog by giving inappropriate affection when it is overly excited is not good practice and can lead to a dog who is overly anxious and bossy (even if it is for affection).  The “Exuberant Dog” vest is purely for comic relief and for those dogs that know if their human asks them to settle down or leave it - they will.