For the one seeking a new home…..
So many dogs, dozens a day “free to good home” or needing to go! I believe we now live in a throw away society, a society that seems to have owners who lack tolerance, are quick to judge, give blame and demand perfection! All of which is detrimental to the effect on dogs!!
Not every dog needing a new home has uncaring humans, they may genuinely have had a change in circumstances, ill health or a death in the family etc.
But the ones with the throw away attitude are the ones who tend to bypass seeking any expert help or realising they are a contributing factor to the problem.
The dog ends up “free to good home” advertised on social media and selling sites, dumped, or in a rescue shelter! The problem is not helped but passed on.
Instead of passing the problem on think about seeking canine experts in the behavioural or dog training field. Find help to work with the problem first and try everything you can as you owe it to the dog!!
When your the one adopting the new dog….
Knowing the breed traits and characteristics of the dog is great but also remember that dogs are individuals with their own personalities and are sentient beings, and like us they have their own thoughts and feelings! They can suffer anxiety, depression, boredom, can be defensive, withdrawn and anti social or they can be joyful, friendly, outgoing and content.
In their previous home they may have been abused or frightened. Their owners may have asked too high expectations from them, family members may have caused confusion with conflicting messages or they may have been an unwanted gift and ignored, causing boredom and frustration.
All these factors can create stress in a dog, a stressed dog becomes a problem dog and unwanted behaviours develop.
Most behaviour problems are more of a problem for the owner than the dog. For the dogs’ these unwanted behaviours may have been keeping them safe, helped them to deal with stress, gain food or overcome boredom etc.
Dogs need to be given the motivation to change and the opportunity to learn an alternative behaviour using positive reward based training.
It’s important to separate human emotion from the dogs’ behaviour and focus on teaching the dog what they can and are allowed to do rather than constantly telling them what they can’t do!
When welcoming a new dog into the home with no previous history known, keep in mind that the dog will have picked up previous behaviours from their previous home, they may not have had the developmental social skills at an early age, and they are more than likely highly stressed and anxious in their new home. They might be fearful or suffer separation anxiety. It’s important to train your dog the positive to way to create a secure, confident and rewarding relationship between human and dog.
Like us they have good days and bad days and their ability to focus and learn can vary. They are greatly affected by stress which can lead to them developing compulsive behaviours as ways of coping and this has to be kept in mind while training.
Medical conditions and pain can also influence the dogs’ behaviour. Dogs have less tolerance when in pain. Diet and environment are also factors. We need to accept as humans the influence we have on our dogs and how we shape their behaviour! Dogs are little Einstein’s in reading human body language. Once we as humans understand this we have a better chance on building positive solid relationships between us and our four legged furry friends!
It’s human nature to make mistakes and dogs can make mistakes too!! They are not punishing you by behaving badly, they just need redirection and shown how to change the unwanted to the wanted!
Treat your dog with respect, understanding, love and compassion and you will get back what you put in!
Dogs are as unique as us humans! 🐶💕
Alexis
Muttropolitan Management 