engagement

If You Love Dogs, Buy a Goldfish !

If You Love Dogs, Buy a Goldfish !

If you love dogs, buy a goldfish. It sounds counterintuitive, I know, but hear me out. Dogs are incredible creatures, full of personality, intelligence, and charm—but they’re not accessories, nor are they little humans in fur suits. Too often, we bring a dog home and expect it to fit into our lives as easily as a new couch or houseplant. We assume they’ll adapt to our schedules, tolerate every guest, and generally go with the flow, all while remaining endlessly loyal and affectionate. But dogs aren’t wired to live passively in our world. They need more than food, water, and a soft place to sleep. They need structure, guidance, and a bit of respect for who they truly are—animals with instincts and needs that don’t always align with our expectations.

In this article, I explore what it means to be a steward rather than a mere owner when it comes to dogs. Becoming a steward means understanding and meeting our dogs’ needs, recognizing that they are sentient beings with unique personalities and preferences. True stewardship goes beyond basic care and training; it’s about creating an environment where a dog feels secure, valued, and fulfilled. Dogs need routines that make sense to them, guidance that respects their instincts, and a life that offers more than just a passive existence in a human household. And if that sounds like too much responsibility, there’s no shame in choosing a pet that doesn’t require quite so much—like a goldfish, perhaps.

By the end, I hope to leave you with a deeper understanding of what dogs truly need to thrive and maybe a smile at the thought of swapping your dog for a simpler, less demanding companion. Because while a goldfish might offer peace and simplicity, it will never give you the kind of partnership, loyalty, and joy that a dog brings. So, are you a dog steward or more a goldfish-fishtank kind of person?

The Blue-Eyed Puzzle: Unraveling the Genetic and Behavioral Challenges of Tater Tot and Finnley

The Blue-Eyed Puzzle: Unraveling the Genetic and Behavioral Challenges of Tater Tot and Finnley

The icy-blue or sky-colored eyes that captivate so many dog lovers are often accompanied by a higher incidence of anxiety, reactivity, and behavioral concerns compared to their brown-eyed counterparts. This observation isn't just anecdotal; it's supported by a growing body of scientific research and my own hands-on work with these breeds.

Currently, I'm working with two dogs in my board and train program that exemplify these challenges: Tater Tot, a mini Australian Shepherd, and Finnley, a Catahoula Leopard Dog. Both of these blue-eyed beauties are here to address severe anxiety, reactivity, and aggression issues. The striking similarity of their problems, despite their different breeds, has led me to delve deeper into the genetic underpinnings of these behavioral issues.

In this article, I aim to shed light on the genetic basis of blue eye color in these breeds, explore the link between sensory perception and behavior, and examine how these factors may contribute to heightened anxiety, reactivity to novel stimuli, and aggression towards people. It's crucial to understand that these dogs are not at fault for their challenging behaviors. Instead, their struggles often stem from genetic factors related to their distinctive eye color.

Choose Your Difficult: Navigating the Complex Choices of Dog Ownership - Part 3 Consistency

Choose Your Difficult: Navigating the Complex Choices of Dog Ownership - Part 3 Consistency

In my ongoing series, "Choose Your Difficult: Navigating the Complex Choices of Dog Ownership," we’ve been exploring the pivotal decisions that shape our relationships with our dogs. The essence of "Choose Your Difficult" is the understanding that every path in dog ownership comes with its own set of challenges. There is no easy way out, but we can make informed choices about which difficulties we are willing to face to create the best possible outcomes for both our dogs and ourselves. In the first article, we discussed the balance between affection and boundaries; in the second, we emphasized the importance of early training. In this third article, we will look into the critical importance of consistency—a cornerstone of effective dog ownership that is essential for fostering a well-behaved, secure, and content dog.

Consistency in dog ownership is about creating a structured environment where your dog knows what to expect and what is expected of them. While this might seem straightforward, maintaining consistency in our often chaotic and busy lives is anything but simple. It requires discipline, commitment, and a deep understanding of how our behavior and decisions impact our dog’s behavior and emotional well-being. The choice you face here is between the short-term convenience of being flexible or inconsistent and the long-term benefits of maintaining a structured, predictable environment for your dog.

Why Do Good Dog Trainers Get Bad Reviews? 10 Eye-Opening Reasons

Why Do Good Dog Trainers Get Bad Reviews? 10 Eye-Opening Reasons

Many highly skilled dog trainers are receiving poor reviews and negative feedback from clients after their dogs return home from intensive board and train programs or service dog training. At first glance, it may seem like the issue lies with the trainers themselves or the quality of their training methods. However, after careful analysis and observation, I've come to the conclusion that in most cases, the problem actually stems from the owners and handlers themselves.

In this article, I will explore ten key reasons why even the best trained dogs often quickly revert back to undesirable behaviors once they are back in their home environment, leading to frustration for both the owners and the trainers who worked so hard to help them. By understanding these common pitfalls, my hope is that dog owners can be better prepared to maintain their dog's training and create a harmonious household for all.

The Engagement Illusion: How True Connection Differs from Superficial Responsiveness in Dog Training

The Engagement Illusion: How True Connection Differs from Superficial Responsiveness in Dog Training

As a cynologist I have dedicated my life to understanding and improving the relationship between humans and their canine companions. I have worked with countless dogs and their owners, and I have seen firsthand the incredible power of true engagement in transforming the way we train and interact with our dogs.

But what exactly is true engagement, and how does it differ from the kind of engagement that most people are familiar with? This is a question that I have grappled with throughout my career, and it is one that I believe is crucial for anyone who wants to build a deep, meaningful bond with their dog. In this article, we will explore the scientific principles that underlie true engagement in dog training. We will delve into the realms of psychology, neuroscience, and ethology to understand the mechanisms at play in fostering this deep connection. By understanding these principles, dog owners and trainers can move beyond simplistic notions of training and instead focus on building a relationship that unlocks the full potential of the human-canine bond.