It's Not Their Problem - It's Ours.

 

It's Not Their Problem - It's Ours.

Your husky was bred to pull large loads of cargo and to act independently. Your dog who enjoys pulling on a lead and sometimes prefers to make their own decision is a problem… For us.

Your greyhound was meant to be a bullet! They go from your yard to the next in a single stride! Catching that loose bullet is a problem… For us.

Your mastiff was king of the castle, ensuring everyone within the castle is safe. If they perceived a threat, they were there to handle it. Your mastiff hesitating toward visitors coming over is a problem… For us.

Your Shih Tzu was used as a literal body warmer and doorbell. Now they “bark at everything” outside the house and never give you space. It's a problem… For us.

Your beagle was used to track animals for miles, aiding humans in their daily work. Now when they pick up a scent they are off for an adventure. It's a problem… For us.

Your Labrador was bred to be our best friend. To get along with everyone in every context. Now your dog excited jumps and mouths at everyone. It's a problem… For us.

Your terrier was used to attack and kill vermin keeping environments cleaner and free of disease. Now your terrier wants to chase every small animal it sees outdoors. It's a problem… For us.

Your boxer was original bred to jump, grab, bite, and hold massive animals like bears. Now when they are excited they display the same behaviors towards your friends. It's a problem… For us.

Your border collie's genetic history has herd hundreds of thousands of livestock animals, maintaining extreme precision, speed, and grit. Now your border collie chases your kids around the house nipping toward their ankles. It's a problem… For us.

We artificially selected dogs for specific behaviors for many generations. Dogs had JOBS long before they became our “pets”. These genetic drives do not simply disappear since they are now “unemployed”. These behaviors are NORMAL and only problematic for us humans.

Understanding where dogs come from and their breed-specific behaviors allow us to see the “picture” more clearly. We cannot simply “out train” genetics. We can implement management, and more importantly incorporate breed-specific enrichment activities that allow our dogs to express these deep innate needs resulting in a well-stimulated, content, pup.