Personal Reflections
Bart De Gols
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?

If You Love Dogs, Buy a Goldfish !
Animal Behavioral Sciene , Behavior Modification, Training Techniques
Bart De Gols
Mind Over Manner: From Behavioral Conditioning ...

In this article, I present my approach to dog training that moves beyond traditional behavioral conditioning to embrace the complex neuroscience of canine cognition. Through the years I've discovered that successful training isn't merely about teaching and reinforcing behaviors—it's about understanding and managing the dog's brain state to optimize learning and promote lasting behavioral change. This paradigm shift represents a fundamental departure from conventional training methods, offering a more sophisticated and scientifically-grounded approach to canine behavior modification.

At the heart of this methodology lies the recognition of what I call the "two minds" of the dog—the cognitive mind and the primal mind. This duality, rooted in the interplay between the prefrontal cortex and limbic system, forms the cornerstone of modern canine behavior understanding. Through careful observation and documentation of hundreds of cases, I've developed protocols that allow us to identify, influence, and maintain optimal brain states for learning. When we understand how to manage these states effectively, we can achieve behavioral changes that are both more profound and more sustainable than those obtained through traditional training methods.

The implications of this neuroscientific approach extend far beyond simple obedience training. By understanding the biological mechanisms that drive behavior—from neurotransmitter balance to cortisol management—we can create training environments that work with, rather than against, the dog's natural neurological processes. Throughout this article, I will guide you through the practical applications of these principles, sharing detailed protocols and case studies that demonstrate how this understanding transforms our ability to address complex behavioral challenges. When we shift our focus from external compliance to internal state management, we open new possibilities for creating lasting positive change in our dogs' lives.

Mind Over Manner: From Behavioral Conditioning to Cognitive Mind State Management
Personal Reflections, Animal Behavioral Sciene , Industry Topics
Bart De Gols
Rogue's Fight Against Gastric ...

Last Wednesday, what began as a routine day turned into a life-altering experience when my wife's German Shepherd, Rogue, developed Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), a potentially fatal condition. As I was teaching a class in my barn, Rogue's increasing distress caught my attention. His whining escalated from mild to severe, and upon checking, I found his belly alarmingly distended. Recognizing the signs of GDV from my knowledge of canine health, I knew we were in a race against time. With my car in the shop, a client volunteered to drive us on the hour-long journey to the nearest emergency veterinary clinic. Every minute of that drive was filled with fear and uncertainty, knowing that GDV's mortality rate increases significantly with each passing hour.

In this article, I will explain the harrowing journey of Rogue's battle with GDV, from the emergency surgery to his challenging recovery in the ICU. I'll delve into the complexities of the surgical procedure, including how the surgeon managed to save Rogue's spleen despite finding blood clots. Moreover, I'll explore the science behind GDV, discussing its causes, risk factors, and prevention strategies. Drawing from our experience, I'll highlight the critical importance of early recognition and rapid response in GDV cases. The article will also cover the long-term implications of GDV, both physical and emotional, for both the dog and the owner. Finally, I'll share the valuable lessons learned from this ordeal and how it has transformed our approach to canine health care, hoping to raise awareness and potentially save other dogs' lives.

Rogue's Fight Against Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus
Animal Behavioral Sciene , Training Techniques, Behavior Modification, Anxiety Aggression Fear
Bart De Gols
The Blue-Eyed Puzzle: Unraveling the Genetic ...

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.

The Blue-Eyed Puzzle: Unraveling the Genetic and Behavioral Challenges of Tater Tot and Finnley
Animal Behavioral Sciene , Training Techniques, Behavior Modification
Bart De Gols
Choose Your Difficult Part 4: The Socialization ...

Many dog owners believe socialization is about exposing their dog to as many people, dogs, and environments as possible to create a friendly, outgoing pet. However, in **Part 4 of the "Choose Your Difficult"** series, I challenge this notion. While exposure is important, too much engagement often leads to overstimulation, reactivity, and anxiety. My philosophy focuses on raising a **neutral dog**—one that can observe the world around them without feeling compelled to react. A dog that remains calm, balanced, and focused on their handler is not only easier to manage but more emotionally secure.

In this article, I dive into the challenges and science behind socializing for neutrality rather than excitement. Overstimulation triggers stress, and many behavioral issues stem from a lack of emotional control. The difficult path is teaching your dog to be calm and neutral in the face of distractions, rather than chasing engagement or excitement. Though it takes effort, patience, and consistency, raising a neutral dog leads to a well-balanced companion who thrives in any situation, strengthening your bond in the process.

Choose Your Difficult Part 4: The Socialization Dilemma – Calm vs. Chaos in a World of Distractions

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

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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.

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The Art and Science of Communicating with Dogs: Balancing Training and Relationship Building

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The Art and Science of Communicating with Dogs: Balancing Training and Relationship Building

The intricate dance of communication between humans and dogs is a fascinating interplay of behavioral science and emotional connection. As we seek to train our canine companions, we are often faced with the challenge of how to effectively convey our expectations while also nurturing a bond that transcends mere obedience. This article delves into the nuanced realms of learned irrelevance and its implications for dog training, contrasting it with the undeniable benefits of fostering a strong relationship through verbal communication. Drawing from the wellspring of classical conditioning, canine cognitive research, and the biological underpinnings of social bonding, we will explore how the judicious use of verbal cues can enhance training efficacy, while also examining the role of speech in strengthening the human-dog bond. By integrating the precision required for clear command training with the softening touch of relational dialogue, we can achieve a harmonious balance that enriches the lives of both dogs and their human companions.So let’s unravel the threads of this complex tapestry, weaving together a more cohesive understanding of how to communicate effectively with our beloved pets, ensuring a dynamic that is both disciplined and deeply connected.