Is It Necessary?

 

Is It Necessary? 

How often do we ask things of our dogs for no good reason?

I'll list some scenarios I've seen with clients or members of the public. Keep in mind this is not to belittle anyone. I believe a large majority of Pawrents want the best for their dog. It just comes down to a lack of education.

• Your dog is standing beside you while you talk to someone, the dog isn't pulling, they're just hanging out. But we insist that the dog sits down and doesn't move.
• Your dog is smelling something, like a bench. There are no safety concerns, but we shout to the dog to "leave it alone" and/or call them back to you.
• You bring water outside in a dish for your dog. They see it, and then walk away from it. We then insist, and sometimes "drag" the dog over to the bowl. They NEED water, right?
• Our dog is "reacting" to a stressor. But instead of giving them additional space from "the thing" that makes them anxious, we do the opposite and immobilize them, asking them to sit down and calm down.
• We often overwhelm our dogs with excessive social "pressure." We approach them head-on, maintain prolonged direct eye contact, lean our upper body over them, pet them roughly or squeeze their cheeks, and bring our faces close to theirs. How do you think this whole interaction makes them feel? I sure wouldn't enjoy it!

We ask our dogs for so many behaviors, and often there's no reason to do so. Not only is it additional work for both of you, but any "failed" signals will only weaken the overall strength of that signal.

Remember that a relationship is a give-and-take equation. Let's focus less on controlling their every move, and allowing them more choice and freedom.