We begin this week’s “RUFF TAILS” featuring a beautiful, according to DNA MY DOG, we have a 34 % Siberian Husky, 26% Collie, 15% Australian Cattle Dog, 13% Labrador Retriever, and 12% Border Collie named Bruce
Here I am, can you see the different breeds in me? My mom says I shed like a Husky. LOL. Here are my results.
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K9 CORNER WITH THE CHIEF
This week we are going to discuss YOU becoming the pack leader. This is a very interesting topic for me as I have learned the importance of this in my years of professional dog training, handling, and even K9 ownership.
History has shown with domesticated or wild dogs many of them wish to follow the leader of the pack. Very few dogs want to lead the pack and only do so because it is imperative for survival.
It has become very clear to me that if you do not take the position of pack leader then your dog will.
To become a pack leader, you must instill at the earliest opportunity that you have your dog’s back. This will mean both on-leash and off-leash. You may obtain this by sending concise, consistent commands, and correctives, when your dog is reactive and praise them when your dog is displaying good behaviour.
When correcting a behaviour, these messages must be sent within seconds of the behaviour. You should see a desired behaviour change at that time of the correction. Then praise, praise, praise your K9 when you have the desired behaviour change.
Many clients have asked us does the size of the dog mean more fear-based behaviours. The bigger the dog, the more reactive? It is irrelevant when it comes to dog reactivity. In-fact I would suggest that humans are more empathic to smaller dogs and as a result deal with more behaviour issues.
I endorse a happy pack life with my client’s and their dogs and to do so it is imperative to do the training as soon as the dog arrives home.
This will instill the pack hierarchy and leadership within the pack environment. When establishing the pack bond, it provides a transparent and clear understanding of your position therefore creating a happy and harmonious home.
Welcome to Doggie Dialogue
Every K9 breed is different, each dog has his/her own unique personality, therefore some of these top things that “dogs love the most” will vary from K9 to K9.
One thing I know for sure is most K9’s love to be by your side. They love your scent and the family scent as well. Some K9’s will even get in-between you and another “scent” in a way to protect you or your family members from an unfamiliar “scent”. Experts suggest this is an emotional-biological habit and this behaviour is your K9’s way of offering protection.
Dogs also love being productive. They love to accomplish a task. Tasks can be as simple as retrieving a ball, getting the newspaper from the front porch, or going for a hike.
Some dogs love music, watching T.V. or going for a drive. Some dogs love collecting your personal items and hiding them. Dogs will grab your shoes, socks, tea towels or even the remote control and place it somewhere unexpected. This is the way your K9 will be able to interact with you, their favourite person, good or bad. LOL.
I know many of our clients have told us the best thing their K9 loves, is sleeping with them. Whether it is a “cat nap” on the couch or in the bed, dogs love to be close to their owners.
It makes them feel privileged and important. Creating a safe, comfortable space for your K9 is truly a wonderful way for your K9 to feel like part of the family.
Have a safe and wonderful Canada Day long weekend!!!
