Dogs Best Friend

Dog Behavioural & Dog Training Blog/Tips

Last 5 entries
Categories
04.04.2020
Although this all feels like an alternate reality for you, your dogs will also be feeling things have changed.It is hard not to notice the increase in both people and dogs out walking in these times, exercising and seeking respite from the confines of home. I’ve learnt that some of these people don’t normally walk and for some of these dogs they don’t normally get out either (I am very pleased they are having these experiences). We have encountered more excitable, ‘pully’ dogs on the lead and also people that are aversive to dogs (it does appear to be this, as opposed to the two metre rule practice). These examples feed into my philosophy, you get what you reflect with dog behaviour and so when your dogs ‘interact’ (even at a distance - where a dogs vision is best) with these dogs and people, their behaviour will alter. This intense behaviour is viewed as unstable. Dogs do not nurture instability.More dogs are being kept on their leads to avoid contact with other dogs and humans. Depending on the intensity and duration of the walk, you may want to increase the length, as often off lead romps as part of a walk increase energy expenditure. If you take your dogs off lead, watch out for cuing during this time, when you put them back on lead around people and other dogs to avoid exposure.When you put your dog back on their lead/leash after a recall/’Come,’ try if you can, to leave the lead slightly long enough for slack. If you have the lead too short and tight each time after you get your dog back in, a negative association can form with coming back to you and being put on the lead - because your dog has lost all that freedom. You can also create negative associations with people and/or dogs. Also, try not to tighten and tense up on the grip held with your dogs lead/leash when you spot another person and dog in the distance. One woman today quite loudly uttered an expletive and yanked her dog in when she saw us. These actions only perpetuate the signals to your dog that yes, indeed, there must be something off with that group if we are to react this way.I know, it’s all rather a lot but that’s why we go out and have a walk in the sunshine with our furry mates. It is still my most favourite part of the day, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend.
© Dogs Best Friend Limited 2021.