There are many who, if they passed us on that day, would have thought, because this dog did not bark or lunge at the person or car he saw at a distance…that he was FINE. He may have looked like he was enjoying being on leash in the community. What do you think? Actually, while he may look fine, this is a fearful dog with anxiety. The story of his dog behavior is below. [Read more…] about While He May Look Fine, This Is A Fearful Dog With Anxiety
dog stress signals
The Problem With Begging Your Dog To Train
Something to think about when it comes to dog training (or parrot training, or training any other animals) …if you demand or beg for participation, it is not REALLY about cooperation. It is applying pressure, coercion, even force. You may notice more dog stress signals or avoidance. You probably will not see an eager willingness to stay in the training game. Let’s talk about the problem with begging your dog to train. [Read more…] about The Problem With Begging Your Dog To Train
Reframing Thoughts About A Social Dog
I can’t tell you how many times I have heard from dog owners that they would like to have a more social dog with other dogs. They are frustrated and even embarrassed taking their dog for a walk because their dog barks at certain neighborhood dogs. Usually, the topic comes up when they tell me about their reactive dog on leash, making a generality about their dog’s leash behavior. Let’s reframe our thoughts about having a social dog who is friends with all other dogs. [Read more…] about Reframing Thoughts About A Social Dog
Parents, Please Teach Kids, Do Not Hug Your Family Dog
Often kids mean well with their interactions with your dog (or other dogs) but they can do things – like hugging – that can cause dogs to feel uncomfortable. A lesson for parents of a kids and a dog: please teach your children this important relationship building lesson – DO NOT HUG YOUR FAMILY DOG. It is not only about dog bite prevention, but also about helping to strengthen your dog’s relationship with your children in the long term. [Read more…] about Parents, Please Teach Kids, Do Not Hug Your Family Dog
Why Is Your Dog Stubborn?
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard the complaint, “My dog is stubborn.” It seems to be an epidemic among the canine species and apparently it is easily spread from one household, one animal to another. But, it also apparently mutates. A stubborn dog could be one that stays standing or even lunges on the leash when asked to sit. A stubborn dog could be one that continues to sniff a flower or dig in the dirt when being called to come. Or a stubborn dog could be one that puts on the brakes, refusing to move in the direction you are trying to walk. Why is your dog stubborn and what can you do to stop it (at least in that moment)? I’ll talk more about that in this post. [Read more…] about Why Is Your Dog Stubborn?
When Rolled Over, Does Your Dog Always Want A Rub?
There are so many different circumstances when I have seen a dog roll over to expose his belly. At night time, my Dawson often jumps next to me on the sofa only to roll over in a total state of relaxation and will stay in that position for as long as I will continue to rub him. Lots of dogs will lay on the backs, legs splayed and head back to solicit body rubs or even play.
But there are also times when a dog will roll on his belly as a means of communicating, he would prefer distance. Often when I point that out to people, they are surprised, which is why I thought I’d write about it here. [Read more…] about When Rolled Over, Does Your Dog Always Want A Rub?