Missing the point entirely: There is nothing wrong with your dog!
Have you ever thought about how we humans sometimes miss the point entirely? I don't mean missing the point of a joke being told...yes, that happens too (insert smile)...but we sometimes get so bogged down with our blinders on when it comes to our social interactions and relationships with other people - be it family members, friends, or just people we interact with that we don't take a moment to step back and re-assess before we act or speak.
We easily get offended or hurt, we take things personally, and then we 'attack'....we react. This happens frequently for most people, and it’s ‘normal’ to us.
It's quite funny how we then like to label our dogs as 'reactive' or 'aggressive' when in fact they are just responding (reacting) to unknown or scary stimuli (no different than us, really).
What if I told you that you are very reactive or aggressive in your dealings with other people... Most people would take offense to being labeled in that way, as if there is something wrong with you, right?
The point is we treat our dogs, our pets, as if there is something wrong with them and we have to correct their behavior. We have been conditioned to think that way for decades, thanks to the pet industry.....dog trainers, veterinarians, etc….if our dog is not well behaved, there is something wrong with the dog - OR the dog parents!
Why talk to dogs?
Dogs don’t speak our language - or do they?
We all know dogs don’t speak English…..or Swedish….or German….or Japanese, right? And yet, many dog owners insist that their dog understands what “No” means. If you think about it, your dog probably knows what “wanna go outside?’, “wanna go for a walk (or a drive)?", or “do you want a treat?” means - along with so many other unspoken cues like picking up our keys, our shoes, the dog’s leash, opening the fridge, etc.
We teach dogs life skills and cues
Dogs are smart. Most people know that, even if they may sometimes say that their dog is “stupid”, “stubborn”, or “not very smart” . I have often heard or seen clients be genuinely surprised at how fast their dog learned a new skill. As a Dog Trainer, I have thankfully been able to give a lot of relief to dogs and their humans, and build closer bonds and help humans enjoy their dog more. That is what dog training is all about. That is what is satisfying about this occupation. Helping dogs and humans live happier lives together.
The Real Truth: Why We Are Seeing A 'Pandemic' Of Aggression, Fear, And Anxiety In Dogs.
Too many of our dogs are suffering ! That is a fact we can no longer ignore. Covid-19 is only part of the story. Yes, we dog trainers are seeing a rise in reactivity, aggression, fear of going outside, and all kinds of anxiety since the pandemic hit us all in 2020. But the truth is, behavior problems were already growing before then and have been on a steady rise for the past many decades.
“Covid Puppies”
More and more people have chosen and are choosing to share their lives with a ‘pet’….this of course exploded during Covid-19. “Covid puppies” are now having a whole range of problems due to lack of socialization. Many dogs can’t be left alone for even 5 minutes without crying, whining, barking, screaming. A vast majority of dogs are reacting to everything and anything: Barking, lunging, growling, etc. What is most disturbing are the dogs who now have an extreme fear of the outside world. Some are to the point of being paralyzed at even taking a step out the door!
That is both heartbreaking and alarming and we should….we MUST take action to address the REAL underlying issue at blame for our dogs’ suffering!! Are WE HUMANS to blame? If not, WHO, or WHAT is?