Why We Need To ‘Unplug’ Dog Training
We have become blind and deaf when it comes to our four legged family members. How so, you may ask?
If you have a dog with behavioral issues, one of the first things you probably think about, apart from maybe seeking the advice of your veterinarian first, is contacting a dog trainer. If you have a puppy one of the first things on your mind is likely also “I have to start right and I know that training is important.” Why and how do you know that? Because we have all been told by the pet industry for so many decades that we have to train our dogs - so that they can become well behaved.
If you google any dog trainer, you are very likely to come across services like ‘Behavior Modification’, ‘Puppy Training’, ‘Puppy Socialization’, ‘Leash Manners’, or “Off Leash Training’, etc. All these have become so permeated into our subconsciousness that we all understand what they mean and how important they are. Yes, there may be many different methodologies out there, but almost every person agrees that training is important.
Why do we all agree?
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 Do Dog Trainers Exist?
Why do dog trainers exist?
Have you ever thought about that?
Apart from the ‘obvious’ reason: Training a dog to perform certain skills and helping dogs and humans live harmoniously together - as you will hear from most trainers.
Wikipedia defines dog training as:
“Dog training is the act of teaching a dog particular skills or behaviors. Dog training includes teaching a dog to react to particular commands and cues as well as to act independently by deliberately changing their natural behavior.”
I don’t know about you - but I have a problem with that last sentence, “by deliberately changing their natural behavior.”. This is why I have become a Certified Family Dog Mediator and refer to myself as such, rather than a ‘trainer’
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?
How To Keep Children Safe Around Dogs
Recently, we have had a couple of clients with small kids who experienced their dog suddenly nipping, lunging, or biting their kid, apparently ‘out of the blue’. This is quite a common problem for families with small kids and dogs. Kids like to hug, kiss, and reach out to touch in sudden quick movements. Most kids squeal, shout, jump, run, and attempt to put things in the dog’s face, etc. They like to take things away from a dog, or tease the dog.
Unfortunately, these are all things that dogs don’t generally like. It is important to understand that a dog never does anything without something triggering his behavior. It could be something very subtle or unnoticeable to the untrained eye. It can be something in his environment, like a dog barking outside and your kid runs by at the same time. It can be something your child has done on a few occasions that the dog doesn’t like and then suddenly snaps. It can be something physical. Perhaps she is in pain. When a dog reacts, aggressively or fearfully, it is usually due to a perceived threat.
Through The Love of Dogs...How Life's Purpose Revealed Itself Late In Life
VivaPaws Training & Behavior was born out of passion, love, heartache, and guilt
Aimlessly searching for a purpose in life for most of my 49 years, the fact that love brought me to the United States late in life, was a blessing from the universe for sure. But having to give up a life I loved in my home country of Denmark, leaving behind family, friends, all my ‘things’, and not least my two beloved schnauzers, was a major heartache. It is a known fact for most of us who don’t have kids, that our pets are our kids. Rufus and Balou, my two dogs in Denmark, were my kids. They brought me love, joy, comfort, and companionship while enduring a long-distance relationship for five years. And yet, I left them! Do I deserve dogs?
Upon leaving Denmark, I had already decided that once I got to the US, I wanted to continue caring for animals in some capacity, but the thought of becoming a Certified Professional Dog Trainer had not yet found its way. I believe I had to suffer first to find my way; find my meaning in life.
How To Improve Leash Reactivity In Your Dog
What do you do when taking your dog for a walk was supposed to be relaxing, enjoyable, a way to de-stress for both of you, but in fact it has become a stressful, frustrating, and embarrassing event because your four-legged friend at the end of the leash can’t stop barking. lunging, and ‘losing it’ every time he sees another dog or person? When that otherwise sweet dog of yours, who loves to give kisses and cuddle with you on the couch, suddenly turns into a demon-like monster you don’t recognize?