Archive for the ‘Dog Training’ Category

Mastering Dog Socialization and Training: Don’t Blame the Dog – Part #2

Posted on: May 31st, 2023 by Asia 3 Comments

Get ready to learn how, from a canine’s perspective, dog socialization and training can make all the difference in creating a happy and well-behaved furry companion.

Dog Socialization

SOCIALIZATION is crucial in helping your dog develop positive behavior towards humans and other animals.

Through proper socialization, your dog can learn to interact appropriately with its surroundings, and everyone in it, making the dog feel relaxed and confident and less prone to fear and anxiety, which can lead to aggressive behavior.

As soon as a young puppy comes home with their new family, they need to begin socializing.

This can be achieved by exposing your dog to different environments, sights, sounds, and situations, including different people, animals, and places, in a controlled and positive manner.

If you wait until a dog is older, before they are introduced to all the normal day-to-day activities in our human world, chances are high that you are going to have to deal with a dog that has behavioral issues.

Get out there and take that puppy everywhere you can think of before they get older and may become nervous or fearful rather than calmly following your lead in every situation.

They need you to teach them that the horse-drawn carriage, the ducks at the petting zoo, or the airplane landing at the airport is all part of a normal day.

Here are Five Quick Dog Socialization Tips to Remember:

Start socializing your puppy early by exposing them to different environments, people, animals, and situations in a controlled and positive manner.
Gradually introduce your dog to new experiences and stimuli to build their confidence and reduce fear or anxiety.
Encourage positive interactions with humans and other animals to foster good behavior and appropriate social skills.
Provide regular opportunities for your dog to meet and interact with a variety of dogs to promote socialization and prevent behavioral issues.
Use positive reinforcement and rewards to reinforce desired behavior during socialization, making the learning process enjoyable for your dog.

Dog Training

TRAINING is another essential aspect of responsible dog ownership that will definitely improve canine behavior and strengthen the bond of trust and respect between you and your furry friend.

By consistently rewarding positive behavior and addressing negative behavior, you can easily teach your dog the three most important basic obedience commands (Come, Sit, Stay) because once learned, these commands will keep them safe in almost every situation.

Then it’s up to you how many more commands or fun tricks you might like to teach.

Training can also help your dog develop impulse control, which is essential in preventing destructive or unexpected and sudden aggressive behavior.

It is essential to remember that training should be a positive and rewarding experience for your dog, that always avoids harsh punishments.

Dogs love to learn and when you use positive reinforcement techniques, the learning will be fun for everyone.

By investing the much-needed time and effort into proper socialization and training, you can ensure that your dog becomes a well-behaved companion that will live a stress-free life as a happy member of their human family.

In conclusion, socialization and training are crucial in fostering positive behavior in dogs.

By exposing your dog to different environments and situations and consistently rewarding positive behavior, you can help your furry friend develop the necessary socialization skills they need to interact appropriately with their surroundings.

Training, on the other hand, is essential for strengthening the bond of trust and respect between you and your dog.

However, dog socialization and training are not the only crucial aspects of responsible canine ownership.

The next blog post will discuss the role of exercise in creating a happy and healthy dog.

If you missed our first “Unraveling Mysterious Canine Behavior: Don’t Blame the Dog – Part #1” article click on the link below. Enjoy!

Unraveling Mysterious Canine Behavior: Don’t Blame the Dog – Part #1

– Asia
Dog Whispering for 40+ years
© K-9SuperHeroesDogWhispering.com Since 2008

Asia

Asia Moore has been dog whispering for 40+ years, and along with K-9 Super Heroes Dog Whispering team members Jim and Boris the dog, offers insights about dog behaviour and psychology and their relationships with their humans! Many humans don’t realize that they could have a much happier life with their canine counterparts. You don’t have to live with the embarrassment of behavioral problems because with just a little dog whispering, everyone can live a happy, stress-free life together. ^..^

Unraveling Mysterious Canine Behavior: Don’t Blame the Dog – Part #1

Posted on: May 23rd, 2023 by Asia 1 Comment

Don't Blame the Dog for Bad Behavior if You Don't Take the Time to Training Them

As a dog owner, you’ve no doubt often found yourself frustrated with your furry companion’s canine behavior.

Why won’t he stop barking?

Why does she keep chewing on things she shouldn’t?

Why doesn’t he listen to me?

It’s easy to jump to conclusions and blame the dog, but what if we took a step back and tried to understand things from their perspective?

After all, our canine friends have their own unique ways of communicating and interpreting the world around them.

In this article, we’ll delve into some key concepts that can help us better understand our dogs and strengthen our relationships with them.

From rewarding positive behavior to managing stress and anxiety, we’ll explore various topics that can help us become more empathetic and effective dog owners.

So, if you’re ready to gain a deeper understanding of your four-legged friend, read on!

Communication and Canine Behavior Interpretation

If I were a dog, I’d probably say, “It’s not like we can just wag our tails and expect humans to understand us, so it’s kind of funny how they expect us to understand their every command.”

Communication is key, but it’s not always easy for us dogs to interpret what humans are saying.

Instead of all that talking that humans rely on, us dogs rely heavily on energy, body language, tone of voice, and even the scent of their emotions to understand what they want from us.

As much as we want to please our owners, we also have our own canine instincts and behavior that we sometimes find challenging to suppress.

Often humans blame us when we act out, but they don’t understand that we’re not trying to be bad, it’s just our natural response to a certain situation.

That’s why it’s important for humans to try and understand things from our 4-legged perspective, to see things through our eyes and not just blame the dog.

With that being said, rewarding positive behavior is a great way to encourage us dogs to pay attention and learn more quickly the lessons humans are trying to teach.

Rewarding Positive Behavior

You can encourage good behavior in your furry friend by using rewards and positive reinforcement.

Canine behavior can be modified through consistent training, and positive feedback is an essential part of it.

You can use verbal praise, treats, or toys to communicate to your dog that they’ve done something right.

Positive reinforcement requires patience, but it’s worth it in the long run.

Where we humans often miss out is forgetting to praise our dogs when they performed the task we asked.

We are quick to scold when our dog does something we don’t like, but often forget to tell them when they actually did what we asked of them.

When your dog understands they’ll be rewarded for good behavior, they’re more likely to repeat it.

Responsible dog ownership involves more than just feeding and sheltering your pet.

It also requires proper socializing, training, and supervision in combination with consistent persistence, repetition, and much patience, while maintaining a calm, yet assertive energy.

Training is a crucial aspect of owning a dog, and it’s essential to begin schooling your dog as early as possible.

Dog owners need to understand that, in order to thrive, every dog needs to feel that they can trust and respect their humans, and this requires consistent guidance and boundaries.

This is why the importance of supervision in dog ownership can’t be overstated.

As the owner, it’s your responsibility to ensure that your pet behaves appropriately and that they’re not a danger to themselves or others.

In Part #2 of the “Don’t Blame the Dog” series, we discuss the importance of socialization and training in more detail.

Go check it out…“Mastering Dog Socialization and Training: Don’t Blame the Dog – Part #2“.

– Asia
Dog Whispering for 40+ years
© K-9SuperHeroesDogWhispering.com Since 2008

Asia

Dogs in the Workplace: A Win-Win for Employers and Employees

Posted on: May 17th, 2023 by Asia 2 Comments

As a dog lover and pet owner, the thought of being able to bring my furry friend to work with me is a dream come true.

The idea of having my loyal companion by my side throughout the workday not only brings me joy but also has numerous benefits for both myself and my workplace.

Dogs in the workplace have become increasingly popular in recent years and for good reason.

Studies have shown that having dogs in the office can improve employee morale, reduce stress levels, and increase productivity.

In addition, dogs can also serve as a means of socialization and help facilitate communication among colleagues.

However, as much as we love our canine companions, there are also drawbacks to having them in the workplace.

In this article, we will explore the benefits and drawbacks of dogs in the workplace, as well as provide tips for implementing a dog-friendly work policy and preparing your dog for the office.

Benefits of Dogs at Work

Having furry companions around can boost morale and productivity, making the office a more enjoyable and efficient environment.

Dogs at work can help reduce stress levels and promote a positive atmosphere.

A pet-friendly office attracts employees who value a healthy work-life balance and want to bring their furry friends with them.

In addition to the social and emotional benefits, there are also health benefits to having dogs at work.

Taking breaks to walk and play with dogs can increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior.

However, it’s important to have a dog-friendly workplace policy to ensure the safety and health of both the employees and the dogs.

Moving on to the drawbacks of having dogs in the workplace, there are also some concerns regarding health, safety, and productivity.

Drawbacks of Dogs in the Workplace

You may feel like a fish out of water when dealing with the downsides of bringing furry friends into the office.

While there are numerous advantages to having canine companions in the workplace, there are also some disadvantages that need to be considered.

One major drawback is allergies. Not everyone is comfortable with dogs, and some may be sensitive to pet dander or fur, which can lead to serious health problems.

As such, it’s important to ensure that your pet-friendly policies take into account the sensitivities of all employees, including those with allergies.

Another issue to consider when implementing a dog-friendly work policy is security.

While dogs can provide a sense of safety and comfort in the workplace, they can also pose a risk to sensitive company data or personal belongings.

Additionally, occupational health and safety should also be taken into account.

Dogs may cause distractions or accidents that could result in injuries, which could lead to costly lawsuits.

Therefore, it’s important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of having dogs in the workplace and implement workplace policies that are sensitive to the needs and safety of all employees.

As we move into the next section about implementing a dog-friendly work policy, it’s important to keep in mind both the advantages and disadvantages of having dogs in the workplace.

By taking a holistic approach to pet-friendly policies, you can create an environment that’s safe, inclusive, and enjoyable for everyone.

Implementing a Dog-Friendly Work Policy

Creating a friendly and welcoming environment for dogs in the workplace can be a great way to improve the overall work environment for staff and team members.

A pet-friendly workplace can boost morale, reduce stress and anxiety, and increase job satisfaction.

However, it’s important to implement a canine-friendly policy that takes into account the needs of both dogs and their human counterparts.

To create a successful dog-friendly work policy, it’s essential to establish clear guidelines and expectations for both dogs and their owners.

This includes setting rules for acceptable behavior, providing designated areas for dogs, and making sure that employees feel comfortable in the presence of dogs.

Additionally, it’s important to ensure that all dogs are properly trained, vaccinated, and socialized before they’re allowed on company premises.

By following these guidelines, companies can create a work environment that’s both welcoming to dogs and supportive of their workers.

As a result, employees are likely to feel more engaged and satisfied with their jobs, leading to increased productivity and success in the workplace.

In the next section, we’ll discuss some tips for preparing your dog for the workplace.

Tips for Preparing Your Dog for the Workplace

Get your furry friend ready to join you at work with these helpful tips that’ll have tails wagging and coworkers smiling.

Before bringing your dog to the office, you must ensure that the environment is canine-friendly.

Make sure your office has a pet-friendly policy and that your colleagues are comfortable with dogs.

You should also consider the physical condition of your dog.

Take them for a veterinary checkup to ensure they’re healthy, up-to-date on their vaccinations, and free from parasites.

Aside from physical health, you must also consider your dog’s behavior.

Properly train and socialize them to prevent any negative effects on the workplace.

A well-behaved dog can improve the well-being of the office by reducing stress levels and increasing employee morale.

If your dog is a service dog, ensure that your company is aware of its purpose and is willing to accommodate its needs.

With these tips, your furry friend will be ready to join you in the office, providing positive effects for everyone.

While bringing your dog to work can be a great experience, not all offices are dog-friendly.

In the next section, we’ll discuss alternatives for non-dog-friendly offices.

Alternatives for Non-Dog-Friendly Offices

If your furry companion can’t accompany you to the office, don’t worry, there are other alternatives for non-dog-friendly offices.

While having dogs in the workplace can bring many perks such as increased social support and protection, there are also negative aspects to consider, such as allergic reactions and work regulations.

Here are some options to consider for your pup:

Doggy daycare: This is a great option if you want your dog to socialize and exercise during the day while you’re at work. They’ll get to interact with other dogs and receive the attention they need from trained professionals.
Dog walker: If you prefer to have your dog stay at home, hiring a dog walker is a good option. They’ll take your pup for a walk during the day and give them some much-needed attention.
Family or friend: If you have a trusted family member or friend who loves dogs, you could ask them to take care of your pup during the day. This is a good option if you want your dog to stay in a familiar environment.

Remember, while it’s tough not to have your furry friend by your side during the workday, there are still many options available to ensure they receive the care and attention they need.

It’s important to consider your dog’s needs and personality when choosing an alternative.

If you have a disability and rely on your dog for assistance, it’s important to know that there are laws in place to protect your rights.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) allows service animals to accompany their owners in non-dog-friendly offices.

Be sure to educate yourself on the specific regulations and requirements for service animals in the workplace.

Frequently Ask Questions

How long can I leave my dog alone while at work?

It’s recommended not to leave a dog alone for more than 6-8 hours. Consider hiring a dog walker or using doggy daycare to ensure their needs are met.

What are the problems with dogs at work?

Potential issues include allergies, distractions, conflicts between dogs, and disruptions to the work environment. Proper policies and guidelines can help address these concerns.

Are dogs happier when you work from home?

Dogs may enjoy the company and attention when their owners work from home, but individual preferences vary. Providing a structured routine and mental stimulation is important for their well-being.

What are the cons of having pets at work?

Drawbacks can include potential distractions, allergies among employees, hygiene challenges, and liability concerns. Assessing these factors and establishing clear guidelines is crucial for a successful pet-friendly workplace.

How do I introduce my dog to work?

Gradually acclimate your dog to the work environment, ensuring their comfort and safety. Introduce them to colleagues and provide a designated space with toys and their own belongings to create a positive association. Monitor their behavior and make adjustments as needed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, having dogs in the workplace can have numerous benefits for both employees and employers, including increased productivity, reduced stress, and improved morale.

However, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks, such as allergies and distractions, before implementing a dog-friendly policy.

According to a survey conducted by Banfield Pet Hospital, 65% of employees who are allowed to bring their dogs to work reported feeling more loyal to their company.

This statistic highlights the positive impact that dogs can have on employee satisfaction and retention.

If you’re considering implementing a dog-friendly policy in your workplace, be sure to set clear guidelines and expectations for employees and their furry companions.

And for those who work in non-dog-friendly offices, there are still plenty of ways to incorporate the benefits of animal companionship into your workday, such as taking breaks to walk outside or scheduling a visit from a therapy dog.

At the end of the day, a little bit of canine love can go a long way in improving the overall work environment.

– Asia
Dog Whispering for 40+ years
© K-9SuperHeroesDogWhispering.com Since 2008

Asia

Dog Walking or Human Walking?

Posted on: February 19th, 2013 by Asia

Is Your Dog Walking Your or Are You Walking Your Dog?

So very often when you’re out and about and you see someone with their dog, it’s not the person walking the dog, but rather, the dog walking the person.

In fact, you see this scenario so frequently that it’s become quite a common joke you’ll hear from passing observers who comment, “Who’s walking who?”

It seems that far too many humans are unaware that by allowing the dog to walk them, that they are actually setting themselves up for possible serious, and unwanted consequences.

Follow the Leader

The basis of a happy and stress-free relationship between dog and human starts with what dogs do most naturally, which is to walk or roam about their neighbourhood and to do this in a safe and respectful manner, they need to be following their human leader at all times when they’re out dog walking, not dragging the human behind them.

Dog Walking Protocol

If proper dog walking protocol is not established right at the very beginning which places the human as the leader of the dog walk, then the dog has no alternative but to believe that the role of leadership has defaulted to him or her.

Couple this with the natural enthusiasm of most dogs who are most happy being outside sniffing, exploring, and moving at a pace usually much faster than the average human, and you’ve got the picture we so often see, which is the dog walking the human.

So What’s the Problem?

This type of dog walking can and often does have the potential to become a problem for many different and sometimes surprising reasons.

First and foremost, every time you walk your dog you have an opportunity to re-establish that you are the leader, both inside and outside the home, and if you are not making the effort to ensure that your dog follows you on the walk, you’re sending confusing messages to your fur friend.

You cannot then blame your dog for “not listening” to you at other times when sometimes you’re the leader and sometimes your dog is the leader.

Dogs in Charge

Secondly, there are many different dogs of varying breeds, sizes, and temperaments and you will not know whether all of them or any of them are actually under the control of their owners or whether they may pose a risk to your dog.

When you allow your dog to be in front of you on the walk, your dog has no choice but to have to figure this out for themselves and if an unknown dog in charge comes rushing in, this could frighten your dog, who may react aggressively because he or she feels threatened and the need to protect themselves.

No dog should be put in the position of feeling that they need to protect themselves, and any human who puts this type of stress onto the shoulders of their fur friends needs to be prepared for what could become an inevitable consequence that they may not be very happy with.

Dog Fights

Because our dogs have become so humanized, and thus many have forgotten how to properly greet one another, or they’re feeling your uncertain emotions, when you allow them to make human decisions and be in charge when you’re out dog walking, it’s almost inevitable that the outcome, somewhere down the road, maybe a dog fight.

Nobody wants to see their dog in a fight with another dog. Nobody wants to see their dog or someone else’s dog become injured and certainly nobody wants to be the cause of being blamed by a distraught human or suffering the consequences of what has become far too prevalent in today’s unforgiving society – a potential lawsuit.

What’s the Answer?

Being in charge when you’re out dog walking means that your dog always walks beside you when on a leash, not in front of you, not twenty feet behind you so that your dog always understands the chain of command and looks to you for answers when he or she feels uncertain.

Compared to dogs, we humans don’t move very quickly, which means that it’s doubly important to always keep your dog close enough to you so that you know what’s going on, can quickly correct any unwanted behavior, and can react in time to take care of any situation that may come flying toward you.

So ditch the retractable leash, get yourself a four or six-foot leash, learn how to have a comfortable (no pulling) walk with your dog at your side when out dog walking and have a happy, stress-free relationship with your dog who will love you all the more for being in charge.

– Asia – Dog Whispering for 40+ years
© K-9SuperHeroesDogWhispering.com [Since 2008]

Asia

Is Walking Your Dog a Real Drag?

Posted on: January 29th, 2013 by Asia

Do you enjoy walking your dog, or does this picture remind you of how taking your dog out for a walk has literally become a painful drag because your dog is pulling your arm out of its socket?

Don’t worry, because the above picture is more common than you might imagine as easily 90% or more of all dogs (from Chihuahuas to Great Danes) are not enjoying their walk, either, and many humans with larger breeds avoid the activity altogether because it’s just too embarrassing or too painful.

Walking the dog sounds simple enough – everyone knows how to do that, or do they really?

Most humans think that they just put a collar on the dog, snap on a leash, and away they go for a wonderfully relaxing walk, when in fact, many humans and their dogs are suffering every time they go out the door.

Unfortunately, whether you’re walking a small dog, or a large dog, or walking many different dogs at a boarding kennel, pet care service, or your local SPCA, not mastering the walk is painful, and it can and does lead to many other behavioral issues that can endanger you, those around you and the life of your canine companion.

Why is Walking Your Dog So Important?

It’s important that you are walking your dog correctly because this is the time when you will have an opportunity to bond and help your dog to realize that you are the leader and they are the follower.

An uncomfortable, unproductive and/or out-of-control walk with your best friend very often leads down the sad and lonely road to the local shelter because the human element can’t handle it anymore and feels forced into making the difficult decision to put their canine companion up for adoption.

Mastering the walk with your dog is the number one, most important primal activity that you will do with your canine friend, therefore getting it right is paramount.

Mastering the walk helps to create that all-important respect, build on trust and fulfill your dog’s needs in such a way as to create a deep, lasting bond, easy communication, and a happy, relaxed relationship between you and your best friend where there’s never any question about who is the boss.

Dog Out Front Creates Many Problems

When you allow your dog to take the lead, you are “telling” him or her that they are the leader, instead of you. This can be very confusing for your dog, especially if you expect them to listen to you at other times and in other circumstances.

When the dog is out front you are putting a great deal of stress onto the shoulders of your fur friend, which means that you are ultimately helping to shorten their lives, because stress doesn’t just shorten human lives.

When you are not walking your dog, and instead permit your dog to walk you, you are putting your dog in the position of having to make humans decisions about what to do whenever you meet another dog or person, or encounter unknown circumstances, which means that you’re asking them to do your job for you.

As smart as your dog probably is and as much as they really want to please you, asking them to think, act and respond as a human is simply unrealistic.

If your dog is taking the lead by walking in front of you when you go out for your walk, and straining and pulling you on the leash, you both can benefit greatly from a little dog psychology so that you can learn what you need to do to correct this situation and instead work toward creating that special bond that all dog lovers seek to have with their best friend.

You Can Easily Fix The Problem

The good news is that even if your dog has been taking the lead and walking you for years, after just a few minutes of learning dog whispering techniques, you will soon understand how to easily become the master at walking your dog and Fido or Fifi will love you all the more for it.

A dog is not just for Christmas – a dog is for a lifetime. Walking your dog is the most important time you will spend with your fur friend, so why not make the all-too-short lifetime you have with your canine companion a pleasant, loving experience for both of you?

Call K-9 Super Heroes Dog Whispering today and we’ll help you learn, among other things, how to walk your dog properly, because if you’re not being the pack leader in all circumstances, you’re sending confusing messages to your dog, who then has to figure out when the leadership role has defaulted to them.

Never forget that if you force your dog into the role of leadership and they make the wrong choice, it’s not their fault because they’re a dog with limited brain power and zero reasoning skills, therefore, it’s you who will literally pay the price of your dog having made an incorrect decision about how to deal with what may be coming along down the road.

Walking your dog should be a pleasurable experience, so keep yourself and your dog safe at all times by learning how to keep them walking comfortably at your side so that you can both look forward to your daily walks together.

– Asia – Dog Whispering for 40+ years
© K-9SuperHeroesDogWhispering.com [Since 2008]

Asia

The Flexi-Leash Fiasco

Posted on: January 29th, 2013 by Asia

Many people are huge advocates of the cumbersome flexi, retractable, extendable, or cord leash concept and have happily laid out anywhere from $15. to $50. or more, depending on the size they required, to purchase one of these dog walking devices for their favourite canine counterpart, and why not, after all, they seem to be just the thing for a great walk, or are they?

What the flexi-leash offers is (on average) a free range of 16 to 26 feet for the fur friend so that they can get plenty of exercise sniffing about and exploring while remaining safely attached to their human. Isn’t this great – or is it?

Unfortunately, while many people have been lulled into believing that they are doing a great service to their dog by purchasing one of these leads, exactly the opposite is actually true.

How can this be, you ask because this leash comes highly recommended at so many pet stores and all my friends use one.

While it’s certainly true that the flexi-leash can be purchased at just about every pet store outlet known to man and dog, and yes, they appear to be enormously popular because you see a lot of them around, the fact remains that the use of these devices are causing far more harm than the perceived good they offer to the dog at the other end.

Teaches Bad Manners

For starters, a well-behaved dog must be a follower, which means that at no time during the walk should your dog be romping 20 feet ahead of you, or lagging 20 feet behind you.

The walk is the time when your dog needs to be concentrating on following its leader and this is impossible with a flexi-leash arrangement.

Teaches Your Dog Not to Listen

Secondly, every dog must be safe and listen to its leader (you) so that they don’t find themselves suddenly in trouble, and this just can’t happen when the dog is so far away.

When you allow your dog to reel out on the flexi-leash, he or she is no longer paying attention to the leader, but instead may be so totally engrossed in smells, sights, and sounds that they might even forget you’re there at all.

Dogs can move at a speed much faster than the average human has adequate time to react.

I’ve seen it happen many times when a dog who is 20 feet or more in front of its owner is suddenly startled by another dog, becomes nervous or afraid and before you’re able to reel them back, a fight has already broken out.

Hazardous to Humans

Thirdly, the flexi-leash is a hazard to humans, both small and tall because often they are not seen and because of this they create dangerous tripping hazards, and if you’ve ever been wearing shorts and run into a flexi-leash, you will know the pain of that nasty rope burn.

I know someone whose daughter was tripped by the flexi-leash, fell down the stairs, and broke her toe and this is mild compared to other more serious accidents that have been caused by these devices.

Teaches Pulling

Fourthly, putting a flexi-leash on your dog encourages the dog to pull and be in charge of the walk, which is both painful for the human as well as potentially dangerous if your dog feels that it needs to protect the follower and decides to attack another dog, person or animal.

Dangerous for Dogs

Fifthly, there are many sights and sounds outside, and when your dog is so far away you might be distracted and not notice quickly enough that he or she has just spied a squirrel crossing the road and chased it out into traffic until it’s too late and your beloved best friend has just been struck by a vehicle.

False Sense of Security

Sixthly, the flexi-leash provides the human with a false sense of security that can quickly create an embarrassing situation as simply being attached to their dog becomes a substitute for not paying attention to what their dog is doing.

If you’re not watching, you can be certain that most dogs will be engaging in self-rewarding behavior which can then lead to the dog teaching itself to act inappropriately in most public situations.

Leash Laws

Seventh, we have leash laws that require that we have our dogs under control, which is just not possible when the dog is already 20 feet or more in front of you.

Difficult to Hold Onto

And finally, my eighth peeve is the actual handle of the flexi-leash which is not only cumbersome to hold, but can also become a weapon in itself that has the potential to cause much harm and pain.

For instance, I was sitting on a grassy hill with my dog one summer afternoon when a couple of children came by with their little dog who was attached to a flexi-leash.

They accidentally dropped the handle which snapped back while the dog ran and I received the full weight of the handle against the side of my head.

Thank goodness it wasn’t my eye and I only had a headache for the rest of the day.

So let’s recap in bullet form what we’ve learned about the potential hazards of the flexi-leash.

it places your dog in the wrong walking position
it teaches your dog to pull and be in charge on the walk
it teaches your dog not to listen to you
it places your dog in danger of approaching dogs
it places your dog in danger of traffic
it’s a tripping hazard to humans
it provides a false sense of security
it doesn’t fully comply with leash laws
the handle is cumbersome and can be a weapon

Bottom line, if you truly care about the safety of yourself, your dog, and those around you, dump the flexi-leash and get yourself a simple 4 or 6-foot leash that fits comfortably in your hand, keep your dog beside you when walking, and avoid all the potentially flexible problems.

Flexi® is a registered trademark with Flexi USA INC.

Asia

Are You Really a Rescued Dog?

Posted on: January 28th, 2013 by Asia

I was recently chatting with a local dog walker/sitter who told me the most shocking statistic about her business is that “…90% of the dogs I work with are rescued dogs with serious issues…many are aggressive…”

Curious, I asked why she didn’t suggest to the owners that they engage a professional for a dog whispering session so that they could learn through dog psychology all about how they can help their dogs regain balance and become the happy companions they were meant to be.

She replied, “I have suggested it to many, offered to take them myself but if they say no, that’s where it stops.”

Rescued Dogs Need to Regain Balance

Then I have to ask the question, “From the dog’s point of view, what’s the difference between living in a rescue facility or living in a home with a human who is just providing a different “kennel” when the human is not willing to address previous behavior issues?”

Rescuing a dog can present itself like a two-sided coin where one side or the other often lies hidden. Oftentimes the hidden side requires the assistance of a professional that can teach humans how to understand the dog.

On the one side, the human feels good about providing a dog with a new home because this act of compassion imbues the human with improved self-worth, and a sense of righteousness from doing a good deed for a creature less fortunate. Indeed wonderful human characteristics, but does this help the dog regain balance?

Are the Dog’s Needs Really Being Met?

However, the other side of this coin, and the one that is often forgotten or not immediately recognized or acknowledged by the human, is whether rescuing the dog was more for addressing human needs because if the rescued dog’s needs are not also being met, which includes being aware of and eliminating previous unstable behavior concerns so that the dog can become a stable, happy member of its new human pack, the “rescue” can be very one-sided.

Oftentimes a human will rescue a dog from the SPCA or local facility because they feel sorry for it being “locked up” and facing possible euthanasia or because of breed-specific persecution or because it looked dejected and sad or because it was frightened, or perhaps it reminded the person of a childhood pet, or the human was feeling lonely or sad…or any number of other human emotions.

What Are Good Reasons?

Although all of these above reasons are what makes us caring humans, none of these are good reasons for rescuing a dog. Good reasons would be because the human is willing to really provide for all aspects of their new 4-legged companions’ needs, which are dependent upon firstly addressing any behavioral issues that are already present or may arise in their future.

Dogs live much more in the moment than we humans, and once the humans understand what their particular dog requires in order to get back in balance, they will both be on the road to recovery and a loving, fulfilling relationship.

Unfortunately, what awaits many rescued dogs in their new home can be even more heartbreaking when the human, although kind and well-meaning, is not capable (because of personal circumstances, work commitments, health, lifestyle, age, etc.), of giving the dog what it really needs to be happy and so, the newly “rescued” dog ends up being further frustrated and unfulfilled.

Is a dog really rescued when the only thing that’s changed for them is the size, shape or colour of their four walls?

A Kennel is a Kennel

A kennel is a kennel is a kennel in any dog’s mind. They don’t care how large or beautiful your home may be, because, in their mind, it’s still their kennel when they’re left in it without you being there to provide the companionship and direction they need.

When you’re gone, they’re still locked up, they’re still left alone, they’re still frustrated, they’re still frightened, fearful, nervous, anxious, or aggressive because they still aren’t having their needs fulfilled which means they’re still unbalanced and unhappy.

To really rescue and rehabilitate a dog takes time, never-ending patience, and unwavering commitment. Yes, it can be hard work because it demands firstly, an understanding of what’s required in a particular dog’s circumstances, and a skill set and understanding of dog psychology that most humans can learn, but don’t naturally come by.

Taking the time and effort to learn what your dog needs to be a well-balanced member of your family is priceless because a happy relationship with your dog reaps untold positive rewards that many of us don’t even realize and that simply can never be measured.

The very definition of the word “rescue” tells us that to rescue means “to bring (someone or something) out of danger – to deliver or save.”

Understanding What’s Required

Therefore, when a human rescues a dog but doesn’t follow up with learning how to bring the dog back into balance and harmony with itself and its surroundings, they have not brought this dog out of danger or saved it from anything other than possible euthanasia.

It’s a very sad situation indeed when canine guardians (humans) are not willing to make the effort to learn what they need to do so that these rescued dogs can become well-balanced and happy companions.

Are rescue facilities doing these dogs any favours if they are not following up and/or recommending professional help as a matter of course for humans who don’t yet understand what dogs really need in order to be happy and well-balanced members of their new human pack?

Do You Really Have the Time?

Unfortunately, many humans throughout their busy days just don’t have the time necessary or inclination required to invest in the consistent effort necessary to do what’s right for the dog and believe that a bowl of food with access to a yard will fulfill all of their dog’s needs. Our dogs require and deserve so much more from us humans.

Many a rescued dog doesn’t get their needs met, or their problems addressed, and as they pass from owner to owner, become even more unbalanced because the humans they happened to come into contact with, although well-meaning, didn’t understand what they needed to do to really help them.

Sadly, many rescued dogs, even after finding a new forever home, are still left to fend for themselves as best they can within an alien, human society that doesn’t truly understand what they need to be happy.

When these dogs are “rescued”, will their humans be doing all they can to ensure that the dog’s needs are being met, or will these dogs simply have to endure a life of instability?

Dear Dog – My wish for you is that you are, in every sense of the word, truly a rescued dog.

Asia

What is Dog Whispering?

Posted on: January 25th, 2013 by Asia

First of all, let’s get straight about what “Dog Whispering” is NOT because some people seem to have the amusing idea that the term “dog whispering” refers to some sort of hocus-pocus, California crazy, psychic connection where the person doing the “whispering” has the eerie ability to read the dog’s thoughts and convey these to the owner, like some sort of psychic medium talking to the recently departed. Rest assured, this is NOT what “dog whispering” is all about.

Teaching Humans to Speak Dog

While a good “dog whisperer” indeed does have the ability to “read” the dog, this is not accomplished through any sort of dog/human mind meld, but rather through a combination of keen observation of body language and understanding of how this relates to the dog’s genetic behavior in the dog’s world of Mother Nature. There are no bad dogs, just misunderstood ones trying to communicate with their humans. A large part of dog whispering is actually teaching humans to speak dog.

“Dog Whispering” can be difficult to define because it’s a combination of intuition born out of having spent many years observing dogs and their social behavior in their natural environment and then interacting with them at their instinctual level of understanding through the use of energy and body language, just as dogs would do amongst themselves running as a pack in the wild.

“Dog Whispering” is specific and very effective because it plays on the natural instincts and communication tools that a dog already knows and understands. Rather than reacting negatively to your dog’s perceived bad behavior, a “dog whisperer” can teach you how to lead your dog to the positive, good behavior you desire.

What Can a Good Dog Whisperer Do For You?

For instance, a good “dog whisperer” can recognize where the miscommunication between a dog and owner is causing a particular problem and then create a plan specifically designed to help eliminate the problems in each individual case.

Although “dog whispering” is a relatively new term for dog owners with respect to teaching their dogs to behave properly, in fact, it has been around for a long time, the term first coming to the forefront through “horse whispering”.

Effective Communication

The ability to effectively communicate with your dog can help to make any type of training not only easier but also much more effective. In fact, there is little doubt that you can gain more control over your dog by utilizing this type of method and then integrating these techniques into your daily routines. When you can communicate with your dog in a way that your dog actually understands, anything is possible.

Disney Expectations

Unfortunately for many of the canines in our lives, as humans, we were raised on a daily diet of Disney cartoons in which animals have the same thoughts, ideas, feelings, expressions, and understanding as humans – when in reality, you and your dog are not living in a Disney cartoon and dogs don’t understand human language. Therefore, although dogs can certainly learn to understand the sound of some words when humans persist in endlessly chattering with their dogs, the conversation is for the benefit of the human, because dogs communicate through energy and body language, not speech.

Rather than shouting confusing human words and commands to a dog and forcing it to somehow understand what you want of it, dog whispering is a much more natural approach to training or eliminating unwanted behaviors because it connects directly with the dog through body language and positive associations, at the canine level of understanding.

Dogs Are Not Humans

What many humans fail to understand when bringing a dog into their life is that dogs are a totally different species, not four-legged humans and that dog brains are NOT simply smaller versions of the human brain, complete with the myriad of human emotions, with the same capabilities to think, rationalize and solve problems. Thankfully, for us humans, dogs are extremely agreeable to living within our alien human world.

When humans are capable of being truly honest with themselves, often when a dog is brought into a human family, this is for the fulfillment of a human need and although humans are indeed well-meaning and most often loving toward their canine family member because humans think like humans, there can be little understanding or consideration of what the human should provide (beyond food and shelter) in order to fulfill the dog’s needs.

From the human point of view, most behavioral issues that seem to surface out of nowhere are directly caused by the human failure to understand what the dog is “telling” them or consider what the dog’s needs really are.

Communication Breakdown

Once there’s a communication break-down between you and your dog, frustration and the command style of shouting orders don’t really work because when you get angry or frustrated your dog continues to be confused and may end up simply doing what you say (maybe) as a way of avoiding some sort of negative punishment which can then lead your dog to both disrespect, mistrust and even fear you, all which are very unstable legs upon which to build a solid relationship.

The reason “Dog Whispering” techniques are usually more effective than many traditional training methods is that it’s much more natural to communicate with the dog through energy and body language, at the instinctual level, which they already understand because this is forming a basis of mutual understanding and respect through a simple connection with the natural way a dog thinks and feels.

Humans who may have tried a variety of “training” techniques yet were unable to achieve the desired results and decide to give “dog whispering” a try, are often so amazed at the positive and rapid transformation that occurs in a very short period of time, that “dog whispering” done properly can seem like magic.

The bottom line is that we humans, more often than not, seem to forget that dogs are very good at being dogs, and unfortunately for them, are not very good at becoming humans. Therefore, dogs only become unbalanced and stressed out when they are brought into a human family and expected to look like dogs but behave like humans without any regard for what they really require in order to be happy dogs.

A good “Dog Whisperer” knows that working WITH Mother Nature, instead of against it, by teaching humans how to speak dog, which will restore balance to their best friend, can have far-reaching, positive results because restoring balance at the instinctual level of the dog world usually also results in restoring balance and harmony to the entire family and the surrounding neighbourhood, too.

Just Love is Not Enough

Possessing a lot of love and affection for dogs alone will not make you a “dog whisperer” because the love of dogs is just one part of a complicated combination of skills necessary to be a good “dog whisperer”. There is no special course or training you can take in order to become a “Dog Whisperer” because if you don’t have the right kind of energy and a strong, instinctual connection with the canine world, no amount of training will help you.

Some of the traits necessary for the makeup of a good “Dog Whisperer” include being a natural-born leader and problem solver with highly honed skills of observation. Also very necessary is a love of dogs, no fear of dogs, an understanding of dogs at their instinctual level, calm, assertive energy, exemplary teaching skills, unflappable confidence, patience, and persistence, plus an unshakeable belief that there are no bad dogs, but rather only misinformed humans.

Couple all this with a strong desire to help relieve dogs under stress while creating a closer canine/human bond, a belief that there is always a solution that will help alleviate unbalanced situations and an inventive mind to find the solution while creating a comfortable situation for counseling humans and encouraging them to get in touch with their own truths, and you will have developed a solid framework for becoming a good “dog whisperer”.

It takes time, usually many years, to evolve into becoming an effective “Dog Whisperer” because it’s equivalent to learning an alien language. However, the rewards are very much worth it when you see the amazing results that can be achieved when you help another dog and its humans return to a naturally balanced way of being.

Who doesn’t want a much happier dog, a stress-free home, a peaceful neighborhood, and a greater understanding that will create a strong, loving bond between two very different species?

Asia

What Happens at Your House During Your Dog Whispering Session?

Posted on: January 13th, 2013 by Asia

What Happens During Your Dog Whispering Session

When you’re waiting for the Dog Whispering team to arrive at your door, you’re probably wondering what will happen. Don’t worry – it will be a fun and educational time for everyone.

Case History Interview

When the K-9 Super Heroes Dog Whispering Team arrives at your home, we first complete a comprehensive case history interview of you and your dog, your past dog history, and the family dynamics, including breed-specific characteristics and DNA traits, how your dog came to live with you, any changes in circumstance, what you perceive as problem areas and what your goals are.

Hands-On Training

We then spend as long as it takes with your dog and your family addressing the challenges, teaching you new dog whispering techniques, and showing you how to redirect your dog’s unwanted behaviour(s), which includes teaching you and your family how to work with Mother Nature and learn how to provide your dog with the leadership that is paramount for a happy relationship.

Once we are confident that all areas of need have been addressed, we leave you with new techniques for you and your family to practice every day with your dog which will make you AND your dog much happier.

Written Report and Homework

Whew, that’s a lot of info! But it’s OK because we put it all in writing for you, complete with pictures, to keep as a forever, personalized reference, specific to you and your circumstances, including extra suggestions, support, and encouragement. It’s like having your own personal dog whisperer “whispering” in your ear whenever you need reminding.

Follow-Up Visit

To be continued…After two weeks of practice on your own, we come back for a refresher visit, during which time we review you and your dog’s progress and address any areas of uncertainty.

Exclusive Extra Client Services

Now that you’re a K-9 Super Heroes Dog Whispering client, you have access to our exclusive services (Dog Sitting and your home, Dog Walking (Victoria area only), $75. refresher visits, and endless free Sunday Pack Walks).

You can come along any Sunday to our Free Pack Walk in Victoria. Here you and your dog(s) can get even more practice and a little tune-up if needed while enjoying the camaraderie of a friendly group of dogs and humans. We e-mail our Pack Walkers a Sunday picture of the happy group every week and you’re always welcome to call or e-mail us if you have any questions.

Call the K-9 Super Heroes Dog Whispering Team today and we’ll help you learn, among other things, how to use Mother Nature and dog psychology to help your best friend become your K-9 Super Hero.

Asia