Helping fearful dogs
Of all of the misconceptions about dog behavior we are faced with, the idea that dogs are 'pack' animals is among the 'stickiest'. Yes dogs are closely related to the Grey Wolf, a species which does form cohesive and lasting 'packs' when in the wild, packs which function to ensure the continuation of the genes of the animals in that pack. They hunt together and ...
I wish I had a dollar for every recently adopted or foster dog who goes missing. If I did I'd spend it on one of the new GPS tracking devices available to pet owners. A day doesn't go by without seeing notices of these lost dogs on my Facebook or twitter feeds. I've had it happen myself and the sinking gut feeling of knowing a ...
Join me in Bow New Hampshire January 21, 2012* and learn about the most effective and humane ways to work with fearful, shy, anxious and aggressive dogs. Pet owners, trainers, shelter and vet staff, foster care providers will gain valuable information to improve their fearful dog handling skills. The 1/2 day session will include: Why dogs are afraid What fear/stress looks like How to interact ...
My 4 dogs and I had just entered the area of the trail that led up the mountain through the forest when a sound stopped me dead in my tracks. It had originated directly above me, though I was not aware of this immediately. It trailed off behind me and I turned around, there was a tightness in my chest, I was holding my breath ...
In dog training the way you get the behavior you want, really want, is by constantly raising the criteria. This means that you stop rewarding the behavior that is 'almost' what you want and ask for more or better from the dog. When you get it, you reward it. If you want your dog to 'down' you don't settle for one of those lowered, but ...
It's true, sh*t happens and when it does it's good to know about it. It's like those fast food restaurants with the sign in the bathroom that says 'Please let us know if this restroom does not meet our high standards for cleanliness'. If sh*t happens and you don't know about it, how can you clean it up? In the industry of animal rescue, and ...
Of all of the silly things I hear in regard to dog behavior the proclamation that 'dogs live in the moment' perhaps takes the cake. It is usually used to criticize owners for being understanding of their dog's past and that unlike humans, that past doesn't effect them. They are furry zen masters of 'be here now'. The idea that it is the owner's response ...
I'd like to invite you all to visit with me over at the Life With Dogs site where I will be blogging each Wednesday. I'll be writing about fear based behavior challenges in dogs (of course). I'll be creating a unique post for both Fearful Dogs Blog and Life With Dogs. You'll find a wonderful community of dog lovers and advocates enjoying the antics of ...
One of the difficult things for people to understand is that fear based behaviors are not often easy or possible to 'get over' for all dogs. The idea that a dog will adjust is not always an option. In order for a dog to adjust to a new life, new people, places, objects, situations, they need to have a previously established set point for 'adjustment'. ...
One of my responsibilities when I foster a dog is to give them as many skills as possible for making sense of people. This is helpful for any dog but crucial for a fearful dog. Along with teaching a dog basic life skills such as; waiting at open doors or gates, coming when called, getting in and out of cars, getting off of furniture when ...
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