Who's Top Dog? Zappa's Revenge

Studying and observing dog behavior is fascinating.  I can never get enough of it.

For those of you who have felt bad for Zappa getting the brunt of Brut,

let me ease your mind.

Zappa rules the living room for the most part and when Brut walks in Zappa lets him know it!

Zappa tenses up, Brut is coming...

Reflecting Comments

Thanks so much for all the comments on our post about Brut and our run in with a loose dog.  Pamela from Something Wagging this Way Comes, brought a point that I hadn't considered.  I was under the assumption by the dogs friendly attitude and wanting to meet and greet with Brut, that she must have been socialized or even over socialized.  She was very unsure how to read Brut's signals and kept running back and forth.

Which brings me to KB's comment from Romping and Rolling in the Rockies.  She wondered if Brut was giving mixed signals from experience with her fearful dog Shyla.  And I would have to agree with her as well.  When I analyze Brut's behavior around other dogs, he has been inviting at first until the dog starts getting close.  Then his fear kicks in and then he reacts.  He is terrified of other dogs, but I hadn't put two and two together because in the moment when another dog coming at him his fear kicks in as aggression and he is going to attack.

If I flipped that around in my mind and deal with the fear first, I might be able to help turn him around.  (Not in a situation when a loose dog is running in his face), but when we take our walks and run into safe dogs on leashes or behind fences.

And I agree with Elka from Elka's Almanac that it is very frustrating and that we have had our share of unfriendly dogs that have run up loose to us as well without incident.  But it took a whole lot of strength on my part trying to hold Brut back while blocking other dog.

Which brings us to the never ending fight of loose dogs and excellent recall.  It took several attempts for this dog's owner to get a hold of this dog and she made no effort to actually grab the away from the situation.  She just kept calling the dog's name over and over until eventually the dog came.  I also agree with White Dog Army, who stated no dog should be left loose without having absolute recall.

I've run into this situation time and time again.   In our neighborhood, at the park, even running around downtown loose dogs ahead of the owner whom can't even see his dogs and then they run into Brut and I and I am left with Brut facing a dog or two who are under no control.  And then I've got a situation until the owner catches up.  People simply forget that not all dogs are friendly.

It's the reason I take the utmost caution and preventive maintenance that it takes for the safety of Brut and other dogs.  I've been giving him treats walking by houses with dogs whether they are out or not, passing people walking or on bikes so that he starts to associate some good things when we are out.

Sometimes I just turn around.  If I'm not up to it or don't feel very calm I turn the other way when someone/dog is coming.  And I found if Brut keeps moving past person/dog rather than stop and wait for them to go by, he does much better.

One interesting point I'd like to add, when this incident happened with the dog running up to Brut, once the lady had her dog and after I was situated, I tried giving Brut a treat.  He was pretty roused up by then, BUT he did snap at the treat, which I took as an excellent sign that he was still with me.  He wasn't so far gone nor as focused on the dog.  And I thought THAT was great progress! 

Can a dog be too socialized?

 Where did she go?

Brut and I were on a walk and had a loose dog run over to us.  Brut immediately begins to lunge towards the medium size poodle mix as she came close to his face.  I tried to shoo her away with my foot while holding Brut back, who continued to lunge and pull forward at the little dog.  But she kept coming back.  She would run a space away, then turn around and come back towards us, still getting as close as she could.  She did this 3 or 4 times before the owner finally caught up to her and got her attention and was able to get a hold of her.  On a tight lead, while the owner held her dog by the collar, Brut and I were finally able to pass.

I was stunned and a bit flabbergasted.  I can not tell you how many times this has happened with Brut and me, of dogs running to get in his face, friend or foe.  It is as if they do not heed any warning signs Brut shoots out at all.  Which got me to thinking that what is going on with these dogs that they are willing to invade Brut's territory when he's made his indications known, with all the body language possible.  He wants to attack these dogs and they continue to come up to him either to confront or make friends.(?)

I don't know.  I don't understand it.  Are these friendly dogs so condition to friendly, socialized dogs they have been brainwashed and don't know a threat or a warning from another dog???

Is it a case of "all they know?"  Is it a socialized dog that is exposed to socialized dogs only knows the that all dogs are friendly?  Or an aggressive dog thinks all dogs are a threat and that's all he knows?

Because I'm really confused.  In the real world there are both.  Shouldn't our dogs be exposed to both if this is the case?

It raises many questions, I think, because wouldn't our dogs be a little safer with each other if they knew the warning signs from another dog and they could work it out?

Has anyone ever experience any thing like this with your reactive/aggressive dog?  What do you think the cause is?  What do you think should be done?  How have you handle the situation?

Please share.  

Back Dog/Front Dog Observations

For new readers we have two packs of dogs, the Front pack and the Back pack.  The Front Dogs consist of Chance and Blaze.  The Back Dogs are Brut, Silver, Fiona and Zappa.  We separated them when Chance and Blaze were returned to us (two pups from Brut and  Silver's litter) as the Back Dogs wouldn't accept them into their pack.  You can read more on the Two Packs HERE.

I had a little incident with Brut.  It was totally my fault and don't worry, nobody even made contact with each other.  It was over food (of course) and I watched how leery Brut got when I got the treats out.  He became so edgy and ready to strike which got me thinking later how the Front Dogs (Chance and Blaze) give me an opportunity to see what life is like without a dominant leader hovering over their every presence.  While there is only two of them, male and female, they are the leaders of their pack I don't know how they would act with a third or fourth dog 'underneath' them.

 

Between the Front Dogs there is only a slice of food aggression.  It does happen on occasion that there is a fight, but it is very rare.  Maybe once a year.  Chance has been known to push Blaze's buttons many a time during play and again on a rare occasion he pushes too far. 

Since they are only two dogs and only have each other, I really wonder how they would act with another dog added to their pack once they got past the accepting stage.  I don't know.  Hard to answer. 

Because one thing the Front Dogs don't have is Brut.  They don't have him controlling them to keep in his line.  Chance and Blaze don't have to worry or watch every step they make, like the Back Dogs.  The Front Dogs are constantly able to come and go with each other, with only each other to answer to.  They essentially have more freedom and less demand, which I think gives them their playfulness with each other.  Chance and Blaze are nothing short of playing chase games and bantering with each other.  While the Back Dogs under Brut's guise are more conservative and reserved.  It is like all the stars have to be aligned to have a game of chase.  Or maybe they have just grown out of it.  Or maybe there is something else I don't know going on.  Since I never had more than three dogs at a time, I've never experienced such a degree of pack mentality like I do with the Back Dogs.  It blows my mind sometimes how the Back Dogs can be so relaxed just exploring the backyard or sit and listening to the sounds.  There is an air of experience among them and in many ways they have outgrown the Front Dogs mentally.  It's something I can't really explain, there's just something different that is collective as they have learned to work together under Brut's throne.  Like pulling all the directions of the wind together and upwards.  Powerful.

One of the best things that happened was when the tarps blew down on the double fence that was blocking the two sets of dogs.  My biggest concern was when Blaze went into heat this past summer.  I was afraid there would be more fighting between the boys and there wasn't.  In fact it went almost unnoticed.  Which has help to create a bond between the two packs on a more physical level, seeing each other and interacting together.  When Chance and Blaze were playing one time in front of the fence, I saw Fiona do a playbow to them!  It was so cool.  This past year there has been less threatening barks and more of excitement, play and curiosity.  They have never howled outside, but it would be such a joy to see if that ever happened.

Slowly we are moving along and moving together.  And while I didn't plan it that way, nor did I think we were going to move along so slowly, I wouldn't have it any other way.  Each step is a step closer to something I'm still not sure will ever really happen.  Merging the two packs.  And even as I say that, I still see signs of hope that it will.  One paw at time, things will happen in their own time the way they were meant to be.  And that is just right with me.

Nature vs. Nurture: Chance and Fiona

Fiona

Chance and Fiona two of the white dogs from our litter.  Fiona was kept from birth, steady love, attention, and care.  Chance on the other hand went to a new home at 9 weeks old and was returned to us at almost a year old.  His ribs were showing, he was scared and kept looking for the boy that had abandoned him.   Two completely different backgrounds, yet both Chance and Fiona have similar personalities and traits that make you wonder about nature vs. nurture.

They both pull their partners tail during play.

They were both scared of being brushed.

Both are quiet dogs by nature and it has taken a long time to teach them how to "speak" on command.

They each love to run.  I mean really, really love to run.

Chance is the largest male by weight and size and Fiona is the largest female.

They are both love to steal food.

Both are always trying to get their partners to play with them.

And they are both afraid of the vacuum.

Considering that Chance was gone for almost a year except those first nine weeks from birth, you'd think they would be much more opposites, or at least that's what I would think.  I think it's the tail pulling and not liking to be brushed are the ones that stand out the most for me.  Interesting isn't it?

Winter blahs

I don't know about anybody else in the Northern Hemisphere, but I'm hitting my breaking point with winter.  We're just starting to hit the mid-way point (fingers crossed) and I've really been struggling with the winter blahs.  It sucks being inside too long as well as outside.  I don't know what happened in the last few years as winter used to be my favorite season and it was summer that I dreaded, now it's the exact opposite.

So were doing the best we can to survive.  Dog sledding and walks help, but it can be so limiting.  So to try and pass the time, I've been working with Fiona and Zappa on some behavior training.  Especially "Leave It."  Seeing as the last time we worked on it was when they were like five months old and Daddy has "trained" Fiona to steal his food anytime he leaves the couch, I figured it was a good place to start.

 

So every night after dinner when it is just the two of them in the living room we practice.  I place a treat in front of them, tell them "leave it" and then when they give me eye contact they get a different treat than the one I placed down.  Zappa is so adorable to watch.  He works so hard not to look at the treat and get his eyes up to mine that he bobbles his head up and down as if physically trying to lift his eye up to meet my gaze.  It is hilarious.

They are both catching on quickly, but I am still working on being able to walk away from treat while in front of them.  That one is a little too tempting.  So I scaled it back to just standing up and sitting back down again.  It's hard to catch them sometimes before they eat the treat, the little buggers are quick!

But I'm already seeing results, especially with Fiona and Daddy's snack time.  Which is quite a bonus for just a little bit of work.  And Zappa who likes to try and steal my juice cups.  I've been saying it when I leave the room whether they know there is anything or not and if they are in the same spots, I reward them.

I never had enough time to really work with Zappa and Fiona when Chance and Blaze were returned.  Between Brut, Chance and Blaze the three took up almost all my time.  So it is always a treat and sweet reward for me to be able to really work with them as we continue on this journey of getting to know each other a little better.   And the more the household settles down and gets in routine the more Zappa and Fiona  are enjoying the extra and well deserved attention they are getting.

So how do you and your dog get through the winter blahs?  

Monday Memories-Blaze's meet and greet

Monday Memories-our little trip down memory lane

 Blaze's favorite spot when she first returned.
My flower barrel

For those of you who are new to us and may not know, Blaze is a dog from our own litter of 10 puppies.  She is Zappa and Fiona's sister who was returned to us at seven months old severely abuse from her previous owners.  Neither my husband or I knew how to introduce her to our own pack, so I began reading any info I could find how to blend her into our four original dogs we call the Back Dogs which consisted of her parents, Brut and Silver and her siblings, Zappa and Fiona.  

Here are some of the things we tried:

Meeting in a neutral place with lowest dog in the pack:  Sounded easy enough.  At the time we thought Fiona was the lowest ranking dog, so we took her and Blaze to the park, where Fiona continually snarled and lunge at Blaze who responded the same way.  This didn't go well at all and we were at a loss again.  

Blaze after 3 months home

Rubbing Back dogs scents on Blaze:  This was suppose to help the Back Dogs accept Blaze by rubbing their scent (from their bedding) so she would smell like them when they met again.  This showed no promise either.

Called a trainer:  This is what people do, so I decided to try.  This is the trainer who after giving the whole run down saw absolutely no hope, gave up immediately when I explain the circumstances with his only answer being to get rid of a dog or two.  Dead end.

I got your back, sis

A little hope comes along:  Somehow we made headway with Zappa.  He liked taking the alpha role with her and after several short times together, they were able to be trusted with each other.  So much so I was able to let Zappa come and 'visit' Blaze on her side of the house before Chance came back and a few more times after his return.  

I was also able to pair Zappa and Blaze a few times to dog sled.  They made a great team together between Zappa's muscle and Blaze's speed they ran like champs.      

Chance and Blaze at 3 months

Once we got the call that owners wanted to return Chance, Blaze's long lost friend everything clicked.  Finally Blaze had a someone she knew, (their previous owner's were related) which took off all of the pressure of meshing the two packs.  Both Chance and Blaze had been through too much as it was and now that they had each other again it didn't matter to blend the two packs right at that time.  There was still much healing to do with just them alone that having them separated from the other dogs was a blessing in disguise.  This way I wasn't adding more problems of having to deal with Brut and his dog aggressive behavior as we still had a long way to go at that time with him and the rest of the Back Dogs.  Major issues that would have been counter productive for everyone involved if I tried to introduce the Front and Back Dogs that I wouldn't have been able to handle.

  BFF's forever

So we have had this separation for the last three years and we are witnessing all of the dog's anxiety levels come to a place of peace, comfort and stability.  The air around here is much more relaxed like reaching a plateau of rest.  While we've started pairing up one Front Dog and one Back Dog for walks, we are taking it slow and easy.  Letting them ease into being together and let things happen as naturally as possible.  Not to mention the comfort level of my husband and I so that we don't find ourselves in a place that makes it worse for everyone.  It has been a slow process, but with so many rewards and surprises along the way.  I know not many would think of running their home in this manner with two packs of dogs, but I keep finding more and more reason why it works for us and our lifestyle.   Pressing upon us that we are doing the right thing for ourselves and our dogs and in the end, isn't that all that really matters?  

The New Boss Isn't Going to Like That...

No, no, no, you can't take it from that angle!

Ever have one of those days when because you are (tired, stressed, busy, etc.), you start playing "boss" with your dogs.  Yeah, me too.  Those times when your dogs normal, everyday behaviors suddenly seem so obscure and unreasonable because you are so (tired, stressed, busy, etc.) and you begin an instant overhaul of these seemingly out of control behaviors.

Been there.  Done that.

 That's not right either!

Like this morning, after staying up late catching up on blogs, Blaze woke me by scratching my face because Daddy started walks early this morning.  It was bad enough having claws scraping down my cheek in a dead sleep, but the fact that the dogs were in a manic stage of excitement with walk time happening meant I wasn't getting back to sleep ever again.

So there I was in the midst of this pre-walk madness, after being awoken by the grace of Blaze's paw, and have I mentioned that mornings are my worst time of the day?  Suddenly the reasonable doesn't look so reasonable any more.  What are normal and justifiable dog behaviors suddenly make no sense at all.  Like the low man on the totem pole asking for the supervisor's position.  And my thoughts start going like this:  WHAT?!?  You want to go outside??  When I'm sitting down??  Are you crazy!  What do you think this is, the country club?? 

 Why are you doing it like that??

In no time my thoughts escalate into that of a new manager with a whole new set of rules who took over for the old boss that everyone loved for years.

You can't do that!   That's not following the rules!  I don't care that you used to be able to do that before, you can't do it now!  Who gave you permission to bark like that!  You are all getting written up!  No, you don't get treats for your howling sessions!  Do I look like charity??  From now on choir practice is after hours.  I'm in charge now, the old rules don't apply anymore!

When I finally began to wake up, I was able to fire the new boss and resume my old position.  WHEW!!  (Always good when the original manager comes back and realizes her mistake for leaving in the first place.  :)

Ahhh...so much better.  Glad you're back!

Yeah, some days it is like that when I'm too (tired, stressed, busy, etc).  Thank goodness it all stays in my head.  BOL!!

Ever have those, "I'm taking over moments??"   

We are Family

 The proud parents

Having a real family of dogs, with a mother, father and four of their pups is a fascinating experience.  Observing the dynamics of the pups traits in relation to the their parents is quite unique.  While all of the pups exhibit genetic factors of their mother and father, in personality and behavior, there is a clear distinction of those that are more like Silver or Brut.  What I find particularly amazing is that this distinction is even more apparent because the pups are separated and always have been since Chance and Blaze came back home to live with us.  Which indicates to me that Zappa and Fiona are not just imitating their parents because they live together with them.  While there are many other similarities between the four pups that are mind blowing considering these four pups have not had contact since Chance and Blaze left home home at 9 weeks old, the personalities and behavior that stand out the most is that in relation to their parents.

CHANCE AND ZAPPA

Chance:  I'm the king of cuddle

Zappa:  Maybe brother, but I'm the lovable one

Chance and Zappa are more so like their mother Silver than they are of Brut.  While all of the dogs are dominant in their own way, these two show more signs of submissions.  They are gentler by nature and have a quieter disposition.  While all of the dogs are independent thinkers to some degree, these two display a lesser degree of stubbornness.  Chance and Zappa's demeanor is quieter and softer without that rough edge of their father.  One of their more endearing qualities is the mothering instincts they received from Silver.  They are nurturers by nature and I find this type of affection in two males rather attractive and a beautiful gift.   I utilize this characteristic in them on a regular basis and never tire of this special bond between us.  Silver, Chance and Zappa are all foodies and have an excitement about food that will make them dance for their meals.    They never miss one.

BLAZE AND FIONA

Blaze:  You mean I'm just like HER?

Fiona:  Believe me sister, there is only one Fiona!

Blaze and Fiona are much more like their father, Brut.  They are mentally and emotionally more dominant than their brothers and are always putting the boys in their place.  Whether it be toys or food, they have a fierceness in their hearts that they utilize to get what they want.  While they also have a tender side that they display only on their own terms.  Blaze and Fiona are also very independent dogs and every decision they makes more sense when they think of it themselves.  They are also the ones that initiate play and challenge their brothers to exert their dominance.  Brut, Fiona, and Blaze are also finicky  eaters.  It is not uncommon for them to miss their morning meals.  It is when they miss dinner that I have to worry.

Isn't it always fascinating to witness genetics in action?             

Oldest Child Syndrome

Does anyone else do this?  My husband and I have such a bad habit with Silver and treating her with "oldest child syndrome."  Being that she is the oldest I find myself expecting more out of her and for her to "know better" than to act the way she does.  It is horrible, because I find myself more aggravated at her than the others for doing the same things.  It doesn't help that since we kept the puppies, Zappa and Fiona, she has picked up on their bad habits and is doing things that she's never done before, because she's watched them get away with it.   

Having so many dogs, sort of loosened up the discipline around here and Silver must have started realizing, if they can do it, I can do it too!  You can't always catch everything that they do, but when I would catch Silver in these acts, I find myself disappointed with her because I think she should know better.  For example I took her out to one of her favorite beaches and she has always had excellent recall, but due to not practicing it as much in the last three years, she wouldn't come when called and I found myself quite frustrated with her.  I had specifically took her to this beach so she could run free and we could have some quality time together at our old hangout.  I felt let down and hurt as I will brag to anyone that she is my best well behaved dog.  HA!  I know, I know, it's my fault for not keeping up with training, but sometimes with her I think that once she had it down she should still have it.

It's funny how when you have a pack of dogs how you treat them differently and think about them in different ways.  Things you put up with one that you wouldn't tolerate with the other.  I know the way I perceive Silver isn't fair, but it just sort of happened after she had her puppies.  I find myself requiring more of her than I do of the others, as if I taught her better than that.  BOL!  That dog has just as much of an independent mind as the others, I don't know why I expect so much more out her.  Stubborn and moody, each trait increasing with age.  No matter how much she aggravates me, she's still my Silver, I still love her and really wouldn't want her any other way.    

National Dog Bite Prevention Week

How about these choppers??

We read a great post by Hawkeye over at Brown Dog about National Dog Bite Prevention week that we think is a must read.  Please stop over and check it out.   

Here's our two cents on Dog Bite Prevention:

You have the right to say "NO."  If you are like me it is hard to say NO to someone who may want to pet your dog.  I know I have done it myself when meeting strangers with dogs and falling instantly in love with their dog and wanting to pet them.  You as an owner have every right not to let someone else pet your dog.  Even friends and family.  If you are uncomfortable with a situation, you are allowed to deny someone from petting your dog.  Forget about hurting feelings, our dogs are our responsibility which includes not letting others touch him or her if you do not warrant it.

I think we as dog lovers sometimes forget that we have that right even when we are around other dog lovers.  Even the best behaved dogs still get stressed and overwhelmed at times and can snap sometimes out of fear or frustration.  Biting is not limited to just aggressive dogs.  All dogs have teeth and use them as a form of communication especially when their message isn't getting across.

Knowing how your dog responds under different circumstance can also help.  Understanding their behaviors and body language are usually clear indicators how your dog may or may not be feeling.  Different breeds react differently under different circumstances, such as guard dogs are more protective and may take time to become open and friendly.  Dominant and aggressive dogs may act differently out in public then they do at home.  Some dogs do not like to be touched, or will only tolerate being petted in certain areas and/or may have spots on their body that are completely off limits.  Some dogs are shy and will snap or bite out of fear.  Understanding your dog will help in prevention.

As much as I dislike the term, your dog is your property.  Just because you own a dog, doesn't give everyone the freedom to touch him or her any way they please.  By protecting your dog, you are protecting others of what could be a serious situation.  Understand and respect your dog's rights just as you would a child or any other human.  They are counting on you.   

Monday Memories-A Regret

Looking back at my time with the litter of puppies, I have little regrets, but there is one thing that always lingers in my mind wondering if I should have done something differently.

Blaze at four weeks old

 
Part of the agreement of picking out a puppy was visiting at least a couple of times so that the new owners weren't a complete stranger to the puppies.  Blaze was the first picked at about three weeks old.  She met with her new owners several times as we would not let the puppies go to their new homes until they were about nine weeks old. 

Every meeting between Blaze and her new owners repeated the same cycle.  Blaze kept running back to the whelping box during their visit.  She didn't seem to have any interest in them.  Feeling somewhat out of tune with why she was acting this way, I didn't know exactly what to do about it.  I should have seen it as a sign of something.  I thought maybe she just was too shy or would rather be with her brothers and sisters.  Secretly I was smiling on the inside because I took it as she really didn't want to leave and even though she was quite the terror of the group, we were having a hard time with letting any of the puppies go.

When the time came and Blaze was the first to leave the litter, I was relieved.  Ten puppies that were all teeth and running around the house, I was ready to say goodbye.



Blaze saying goodbye to Mommy Silver

If I knew then what I know now.  We visited about once a month to see how Blaze was doing and get pictures of her growth.  It didn't take long to know something was wrong.  It was nothing we could ever prove, but something wasn't right.  When we saw her at six months old she jumped into our car before we could even get out.  It was obvious things for her were intensifying.  A month later we got the call that they wanted to return her and we jumped at the chance to save her.  The horrors she had lived through shown in her quiet demeanor.  She was a shell of herself and haunted with every move.  We were ever so grateful that they had returned her.  It was the only good thing I think they ever did.

We never knew the abuser of the family existed until after they took Blaze home.  He never came to any of the visited and was never spoken of.  It was he who made the call.  A call we are forever blessed with as it could have ended so many different ways.

Chance and Blaze (3 mos. old) at their new homes

I still wonder as I look back at those visits what would have happened if I had intervened and told the new owners I didn't think this puppy was for them .  As difficult as these thoughts are, I also believe everything happens for a reason.  Chance's new owners were related to Blaze's and they basically grew up together.  If Blaze's owners hadn't of made that call to return her, then there was a chance that Chance's owners wouldn't have made the call to give him back either. I suspected that once Blaze came back, it was only a matter of time before Chance did and that's exactly how it happened.  For the last three years I have struggled with the "what if" and the regret of not listening to those puppy instincts.  Today whatever the reasons are, I am glad they are both back, safe and sound and part of the 24 Paws of Love.  For I have no doubts about that.

Chance and Blaze home with us.

         

Monday Memories-Silver Understands

Silver and Alex

Alex had hip dysplasia.  As he got older and his condition got worse he needed assistance with certain things, like getting in the van.  He hated any amount of help and would always glare at us when he needed it.  He would put his front paws up on the floor of the van and we would lift his rear end inside. 

Sometime after this became a daily routine, Silver started to mimic Alex's behavior when getting in the van.  If it wasn't bad enough that I would have to lift Alex, now I had to lift Silver as well. 

It was cute and funny at first, but as time wore on and we watched Alex's legs decline, Silver's copying became a reminder of how painful Alex's situation was.  While we were trying to make the best out of the situation, Silver's behavior emphasised the obvious.    

Looking back it is still difficult to see how Silver interpreted this pattern.  Was she emphasizing with Alex, or just copying him thinking, this is how we get in the van now?  Alex was her first and best friend and I know she still misses him to this day.  Every so often she will still get in the van with her front paws and wait to be lifted up, letting Alex's memory live on.

BLOG THE CHANGE FOR ANIMALS

Be the Change for Animals is hosting it's BLOG THE CHANGE FOR ANIMALS today.  A day to sponsor your cause or passion for animals. 

24 Paws of Love believe in EDUCATION FOR FUREVER HOMES, whether you get a puppy, rescue or shelter dog or a senior dog, we would like to see more owners keep their pets for their lifetime.

There's nothing like getting that cute, fuzzy puppy to find him biting and chewing on you, your kids or your new shoes.  What do you do?  

Or you've found the perfect shelter or rescue dog wagging his tail at you with that sparkle in his eye, only to find he is aggressive with your cat and tears your house to pieces when left alone.  Should you take him back?

The gentle older dog, so quiet and gentle suddenly barks guarding the door when your friends stop by.  How do you make him stop?

EDUCATION is key.  Learning about your dog's breed and understanding the role it plays in your dog's behavior will help.  

Talk to your vet, make sure there isn't any medical reason for the behaviors.

Talk to trainers, dog behaviorist, other dog owners to find what works for you and your dog.

Keep learning.  Keep trying.  Your dog is counting on you not to give up on them and aren't they worth it?  

Having a dog has many challenges and struggles.  There are always behavior issues when you own a dog.  Training doesn't stop after six months.  They are a commitment and a responsibility.  Dogs only want to please you and be part of your life, show them you care by taking the time to get to know them.  They will be your best friend for life with a little extra time and understanding.  

Please think carefully about before getting any pet and be honest with what you about the attention you are willing to give.  Every pet deserve a FUREVER HOME.   Do you have one? 

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My experience with Paul Owens DVD, the original "Dog Whisperer"

Fiona playing the "Find It" game

I never realized before what a perfectionist I am.  Not about housecleaning or having the perfect lawn, but more about behavior and getting things done right the first time.  I grew up in a world where nothing could ever be wrong, there was no room for mistakes. 

This mentally has spilled over into working with my dogs. I grew up with the preconceived notion they were suppose to learn everything the first 6 months of their lives and training was done.   When I was working with the dogs and I couldn't get them to understand something the first couple of times, I blamed myself for them not getting it right. I would lose patience and would be frustrated, disappointed and angry with myself and would walk away. As I've painfully tried to undo the damage that was done to me, I began to understand that nothing happens overnight.

Then I found Paul Owens "The Dog Whispherer." when I was struggling with Brut's dominance/aggression issues.  I had already discovered "clicker training" and that was working wonders.  Paul Owen's approach was phenomenal to me.  At the end of every lesson he has three tips.  This one hit home for me and my dogs:

Teach step by step.  Don't go far too fast.
It's good for you, it's good for your dog.

I was always pushing myself so hard to get it right and get it right NOW.  I used to literally bawl through his video.  His methods were based on kindness, compassion and respect which I believed in.  He didn't believe in any kind of pinch, choke or shock collars and neither did I.  The lessons were simple and he believed in short sessions, 30 seconds, 1 minute or 2.  He taught how to teach a behavior in small steps that made it manageable and easy for me and my dogs.  He broke the process down so that it was understandable.

I took Paul Owens' words to heart, probably more for myself than for the dogs.  Still when I hear his kind gentle voice play, it is always a reminder to slow down, step back, breath and start again.

I still use these basic steps and principals when trying to teach anything new to my dogs.  When we had the puppies I was better prepared for handling all 10 of them.  The most import and thing I have learned in the last few years is patience and that we are in this for the long haul.  I certainly haven't learned all of my life lessons in a couple of days, that's why they are called life lessons and I can't expect the dogs to either.

It has been such a rewarding experience being taught such a simple lesson that can carry into every part of my life.  I have been so blessed with the patience and understanding all my dogs have had for me, it is nice to give back what they have given to me.

Paul Owens "The Dog Whisperer" is part the 24 Paws Favorites.