* Updated 16:50 14 January 2009 by Ewen Callaway
Who needs children when a puppy can provide a similar emotional experience? After playing with their pets, dog owners experience a burst in a hormone linked to infant care, not to mention romantic love and friendship, new research finds.
Nicknamed the "cuddle chemical" and the "love drug", oxytocin has been found to dampen stress, combat depression, and breed trust in humans. Studies of voles, mice and rats also point to oxytocin's role in pair bonding and social memory.
For this reason, biologists Miho Nagasawa and Takefumi Kikusui, of Azuba University in Japan, wondered whether social contact between two different species could boost oxytocin levels, as well.
"Miho and I are big dog lovers and feel something changed in our bodies when gazed [upon] by our dogs," Kikusui says.
Look of love
They recruited 55 dog owners and their pets for a laboratory play session. Owners provided a urine sample to measure oxytocin levels, and then played with their dog for half an hour. Another urine test followed.
As a control on another occasion, some owners sat in a room with their dog and were told to completely avoid the gaze of their pets.
Kikusui's team videotaped the sessions and measured how long a dog spent eyeing its owner. Based on the analysis, the researchers split the pairs that were allowed to play into two groups: "long gaze", who locked eyes for an average of 2.5 minutes during the play session, and "short gaze", who made eye contact for fewer than 45 seconds, on average.
They found that these groupings reflected changes in owner's oxytocin levels. In participants that spent a long time making eye contact, oxytocin levels rose by more than 20% during the play session, on average. In the control group, owners that avoided their pooches' gaze saw their oxytocin levels drop slightly.
Mood enhancers
Kikusui thinks eye contact is a good proxy for the bond between owner and dog. Long-gaze owners tended to rate their relationship with their pet as more satisfying than short-gaze owners. And even when instructed to avoid eye contact during the control session, these owners experienced a mild boost in oxytocin.
A flood of the cuddle chemical could explain why playing with dogs can lift moods and even improve symptoms of anxiety and depression, Kikusui says.
More speculatively, oxytocin might have played a part in the domestication of dogs from wolves, about 15,000 years ago, the pair suggest. "Maybe during the evolutionary process, humans and dogs came to share the same social cues", such as eye contact and hand gestures, Kikusui says. "This is why dogs can adapt to human society."
One previous study found that humans who are administered oxytocin looked toward the eyes of people in photographs more often and for longer than subjects given a placebo.
However, Clive Wynne, a psychologist at the University of Florida in Gainseville, is skeptical that oxytocin release played a role in dog domestication. "Genetic evidence shows that wolves were turning into dogs thousands of years before anyone could suggest that people were involved," he says.
Still, he thinks that oxytocin could explain why some owners seem more devoted to their dogs than their families. "Think of the Helmsley women who gave a hell of a lot more money to her dogs than to her grandchildren," he says.
Journal reference: Hormones and Behavior (DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2008.12.002)
Clicker dog training tips, articles, and information
Friday, January 8, 2010
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Predominant Falsification in Dominance Dog Training Theories
Written by Charlotte Wagner of the Canine Paws Academy
With the fluctuating economy and increase in pet abandonment due to behavioural issues, it is not surprising to see many pet owners turn to television shows and books for guidance on training issues. Unfortunately many people who watch hit TV shows such as Cesar Milan’s “Dog Whisperer”, “Dog Borstal” or follow Jan Fennel’s Amichien Bonding are unaware of how unfounded dominance-based methods and techniques may be and what psychological ramifications they can potentially have on their pets. Unfortunately dog training and behaviour is an unregulated field where often books, television shows, and training clubs are consulted by owners, breeders, veterinarians, groomers, and amateur trainers without second thought to the validity of the information being provided to the reader.
Behaviourist James O’Heare (2003) claims that: “Dominance theory is probably the most misunderstood commonly used ethological theory in the dog behaviour field.” There are a variety of views on dominance, including those advocating dominance as a personality flaw where the dog is trying to take over the owner: “When a dog growls at the wife or kids in the family, it sees itself as a higher rank than family members.” (Frawley, 2009) and modern establishments opposing the use of dominance-oriented intimidation techniques: “Sadly, many techniques used to teach a dog that his owner is leader of the pack is counter-productive; you won’t get a better behaved dog, but you will either end up with a dog so fearful it has suppressed all its natural behaviours and will just do nothing, or one so aggressive it’s dangerous to be around.” (Science Daily, 2009) Most dominance- based methods revolve around dog and owner competing for the role of alpha or pack leader: “By exuding strong leadership, you should be implanting the idea that the job of Alpha within this pack is already taken.” (Fennel, 2006), however a recent study conducted by the University of Bristol observing a group of dogs at a Dog’s Trust centre concluded that: “The study shows that dogs are not motivated by maintaining their place in the pecking order of their pack, as many well-known dog trainers preach.” (Science Daily, 2009). Many respected establishments in the behaviour field will agree that “Dominance is not a personality trait but a description of a relationship between two or more animals and is related to which animal has access to valued resources such as food, mates, etc.” (APDT 2009) as opposed to the views of trainers who see dominance as a character flaw: “Once a dog figures out that it only has to mind under certain circumstances it is a short step for the same dog to start to think that it only has to mind when it wants to. This empowers the dog and elevates pack drive.”
Fallacies within dominance theories begin with the foundation belief that dogs are socially indistinguishable to wolves: ”One of the biggest problems in the modern history of dominance theory as it applies to domestic dogs is the direct transfer of conclusions made about wolf packs directly onto companion dogs.” (O’Heare, 2003) Most people advocating the legitimacy of dominance in behaviour and training believe that groups of dogs act similarly to wolf packs: “One of the best ways to start to learn about dominance is to study pack behaviour in wolves.” (Frawley, 2009) however many opposing views point out: “The whole dominance thing is, once again a case of leaping to a conclusion before ruling out more obvious explanations.” (Donaldson, 1996). When speaking on the evolutionary aspects of dogs and wolves Coppinger and Coppinger (2004) explain: “The canid family tree split, and wolves and dogs went along their separate branches. The wolf displays specialized adaptations to the wilderness, and the dog displays adaptations to domestic life. The two canid cousins are adapted to different niches, and they are very different because of it.” Despite the scientific evidence speaking against the correlation between dog and wolf behaviour, dominance-oriented trainers like TV star Cesar Milan (2006) still stipulate:“Though there are many differences between domesticated dogs and wolves, we can learn much about our dogs’ innate natures by observing wold packs in the wild.I lead the pack like an alpha wolf, and the dogs follow me.” but comparisons between similar species are not as transparent as dominance patrons believe: ”If we want to understand humans we might be able to learn a bit from studying chimpanzees but we can learn more by studying humans themselves. Similarly, it is dogs that we must study if we want to understand their sociability.“ (O’Heare, 2003)
The use of dominance to explain behaviour in dogs is not only deceiving in legitimacy, but can also cause psychological distress and prolonged damage to the dog: “If you think your acting- out dog is the leader and you try to emulate his behavior in controlling him what you are really doing is acting aggressively towards him. This way of thinking is not useful in trying to maintain a positive relationship or good training environment” (Dennison, 2005) Many advocates of dominance in dogs use force to achieve alpha status over their dogs by using choke chains and intimidation techniques: “There is no real pain, it just takes the air away from him and he submits.” (Frawley, 2009) however those people who implement aversives to gain dominant status such as pinning the dog to the ground to force submission and shaking them as a correction for dominant behaviour are often unaware of the consequences their actions may have:“Much worse, techniques such as pinning the dog to the floor, grabbing jowls, or blasting hooters at dogs will make dogs anxious, often about their owner, and potentially lead to an escalation of aggression.” Even simple non-aversive principles of the theory lack credibility: “Instructing owners to eat before their dog or to go through doors first will not influence the dog’s overall perception of the relationship - merely teach them what to expect in these specific situations.”
Rather than leading a dog by dominance based methods and techniques, the Association of Pet Dog Trainers recommends that: “Dogs thrive in an environment that provides them with clear structure and communication regarding appropriate behaviours, and one in which their need for mental and physical stimulation is addressed.” B. F. Skinner’s operant principles of positive reinforcement and negative punishment can easily aid in the increase of desired behaviours and the extinction of undesired traits with the use of motivation rather than intimidation and suppression through aversion. There are many associations certifying trainers and behaviourists which promote the use of learning theory and scientific methods of understanding and modifying behaviour. Many of these respected bodies require professionals to either: have a degree relevant to animal behaviour, further education in training, or extensive experience with another qualified professional before accepting applicants to become members. These association include but are not limited to the: Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants (IAABC), Association of Pet Behaviour Consultants (APBC), Certified Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and International Positive Dog Training Association (IPDTA) to name a few.
Written by Charlotte Wagner of the Canine Paws Academy
1 January 2010
RESOURCES
Association of Pet Dog Trainers. (2009) Dominance and Dog Training: Association of Pet Dog Trainers position statement [www document]. http://www.apdt.com/about/ps/ dominance.aspx (Accessed 7 December 2009)
Coppinger, L. and Coppinger, R. (2004) Dogs: A new understanding of canine origin, behaviour and evolution. Romford, Essex: Crosskeys Select.
Dennison, P. (2005) How to Right a Dog Gone Wrong. Loveland: Alpine.
Donaldson, J. (1996) The Culture Clash. Berkeley: James and Kenneth.
Fennel, J. (2006) The Practical Dog Listener. London: HarperCollins.
Frawey, E. (2009) Dealing with the Dominant Dog [www document] http://leerburg.com/ pdf/dealingwithdominantdog.pdf (Accessed 10 December 2009)
Millan, C. and Peltier, M. J. (2006) Cesarʼs Way. New York: Crown.
OʼHeare, J. (2003) Dominance Theory and Dogs. Ottawa: DogPsych.
Science Daily (2009) Using ʻDominanceʼ to Explain Dog Behaviour is Old Hat [www document] http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090521112711.htm (Accessed 7 December 2009)
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Oʼ Heare, J. (2007) Aggressive Behaviour in Dogs. Ottawa: Dog Psych.
Pryor, K. (1984) Donʼt Shoot the Dog. New York: Bantam.
Reid, P. (1996) Excel-Erated Learning. Berkeley: James and Kenneth.
APPENDIX
Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors: http://www.apbc.org.uk/
Association of Pet Dog Trainers (US): http://www.apdt.com/
Association of Pet Dog Trainers (UK): http://www.apdt.co.uk/
Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers: http://www.ccpdt.org/
International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants http://www.iaabc.org/
International Positive Dog Training Association: http://www.ipdta.org/
With the fluctuating economy and increase in pet abandonment due to behavioural issues, it is not surprising to see many pet owners turn to television shows and books for guidance on training issues. Unfortunately many people who watch hit TV shows such as Cesar Milan’s “Dog Whisperer”, “Dog Borstal” or follow Jan Fennel’s Amichien Bonding are unaware of how unfounded dominance-based methods and techniques may be and what psychological ramifications they can potentially have on their pets. Unfortunately dog training and behaviour is an unregulated field where often books, television shows, and training clubs are consulted by owners, breeders, veterinarians, groomers, and amateur trainers without second thought to the validity of the information being provided to the reader.
Behaviourist James O’Heare (2003) claims that: “Dominance theory is probably the most misunderstood commonly used ethological theory in the dog behaviour field.” There are a variety of views on dominance, including those advocating dominance as a personality flaw where the dog is trying to take over the owner: “When a dog growls at the wife or kids in the family, it sees itself as a higher rank than family members.” (Frawley, 2009) and modern establishments opposing the use of dominance-oriented intimidation techniques: “Sadly, many techniques used to teach a dog that his owner is leader of the pack is counter-productive; you won’t get a better behaved dog, but you will either end up with a dog so fearful it has suppressed all its natural behaviours and will just do nothing, or one so aggressive it’s dangerous to be around.” (Science Daily, 2009) Most dominance- based methods revolve around dog and owner competing for the role of alpha or pack leader: “By exuding strong leadership, you should be implanting the idea that the job of Alpha within this pack is already taken.” (Fennel, 2006), however a recent study conducted by the University of Bristol observing a group of dogs at a Dog’s Trust centre concluded that: “The study shows that dogs are not motivated by maintaining their place in the pecking order of their pack, as many well-known dog trainers preach.” (Science Daily, 2009). Many respected establishments in the behaviour field will agree that “Dominance is not a personality trait but a description of a relationship between two or more animals and is related to which animal has access to valued resources such as food, mates, etc.” (APDT 2009) as opposed to the views of trainers who see dominance as a character flaw: “Once a dog figures out that it only has to mind under certain circumstances it is a short step for the same dog to start to think that it only has to mind when it wants to. This empowers the dog and elevates pack drive.”
Fallacies within dominance theories begin with the foundation belief that dogs are socially indistinguishable to wolves: ”One of the biggest problems in the modern history of dominance theory as it applies to domestic dogs is the direct transfer of conclusions made about wolf packs directly onto companion dogs.” (O’Heare, 2003) Most people advocating the legitimacy of dominance in behaviour and training believe that groups of dogs act similarly to wolf packs: “One of the best ways to start to learn about dominance is to study pack behaviour in wolves.” (Frawley, 2009) however many opposing views point out: “The whole dominance thing is, once again a case of leaping to a conclusion before ruling out more obvious explanations.” (Donaldson, 1996). When speaking on the evolutionary aspects of dogs and wolves Coppinger and Coppinger (2004) explain: “The canid family tree split, and wolves and dogs went along their separate branches. The wolf displays specialized adaptations to the wilderness, and the dog displays adaptations to domestic life. The two canid cousins are adapted to different niches, and they are very different because of it.” Despite the scientific evidence speaking against the correlation between dog and wolf behaviour, dominance-oriented trainers like TV star Cesar Milan (2006) still stipulate:“Though there are many differences between domesticated dogs and wolves, we can learn much about our dogs’ innate natures by observing wold packs in the wild.I lead the pack like an alpha wolf, and the dogs follow me.” but comparisons between similar species are not as transparent as dominance patrons believe: ”If we want to understand humans we might be able to learn a bit from studying chimpanzees but we can learn more by studying humans themselves. Similarly, it is dogs that we must study if we want to understand their sociability.“ (O’Heare, 2003)
The use of dominance to explain behaviour in dogs is not only deceiving in legitimacy, but can also cause psychological distress and prolonged damage to the dog: “If you think your acting- out dog is the leader and you try to emulate his behavior in controlling him what you are really doing is acting aggressively towards him. This way of thinking is not useful in trying to maintain a positive relationship or good training environment” (Dennison, 2005) Many advocates of dominance in dogs use force to achieve alpha status over their dogs by using choke chains and intimidation techniques: “There is no real pain, it just takes the air away from him and he submits.” (Frawley, 2009) however those people who implement aversives to gain dominant status such as pinning the dog to the ground to force submission and shaking them as a correction for dominant behaviour are often unaware of the consequences their actions may have:“Much worse, techniques such as pinning the dog to the floor, grabbing jowls, or blasting hooters at dogs will make dogs anxious, often about their owner, and potentially lead to an escalation of aggression.” Even simple non-aversive principles of the theory lack credibility: “Instructing owners to eat before their dog or to go through doors first will not influence the dog’s overall perception of the relationship - merely teach them what to expect in these specific situations.”
Rather than leading a dog by dominance based methods and techniques, the Association of Pet Dog Trainers recommends that: “Dogs thrive in an environment that provides them with clear structure and communication regarding appropriate behaviours, and one in which their need for mental and physical stimulation is addressed.” B. F. Skinner’s operant principles of positive reinforcement and negative punishment can easily aid in the increase of desired behaviours and the extinction of undesired traits with the use of motivation rather than intimidation and suppression through aversion. There are many associations certifying trainers and behaviourists which promote the use of learning theory and scientific methods of understanding and modifying behaviour. Many of these respected bodies require professionals to either: have a degree relevant to animal behaviour, further education in training, or extensive experience with another qualified professional before accepting applicants to become members. These association include but are not limited to the: Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants (IAABC), Association of Pet Behaviour Consultants (APBC), Certified Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and International Positive Dog Training Association (IPDTA) to name a few.
Written by Charlotte Wagner of the Canine Paws Academy
1 January 2010
RESOURCES
Association of Pet Dog Trainers. (2009) Dominance and Dog Training: Association of Pet Dog Trainers position statement [www document]. http://www.apdt.com/about/ps/ dominance.aspx (Accessed 7 December 2009)
Coppinger, L. and Coppinger, R. (2004) Dogs: A new understanding of canine origin, behaviour and evolution. Romford, Essex: Crosskeys Select.
Dennison, P. (2005) How to Right a Dog Gone Wrong. Loveland: Alpine.
Donaldson, J. (1996) The Culture Clash. Berkeley: James and Kenneth.
Fennel, J. (2006) The Practical Dog Listener. London: HarperCollins.
Frawey, E. (2009) Dealing with the Dominant Dog [www document] http://leerburg.com/ pdf/dealingwithdominantdog.pdf (Accessed 10 December 2009)
Millan, C. and Peltier, M. J. (2006) Cesarʼs Way. New York: Crown.
OʼHeare, J. (2003) Dominance Theory and Dogs. Ottawa: DogPsych.
Science Daily (2009) Using ʻDominanceʼ to Explain Dog Behaviour is Old Hat [www document] http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090521112711.htm (Accessed 7 December 2009)
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Oʼ Heare, J. (2007) Aggressive Behaviour in Dogs. Ottawa: Dog Psych.
Pryor, K. (1984) Donʼt Shoot the Dog. New York: Bantam.
Reid, P. (1996) Excel-Erated Learning. Berkeley: James and Kenneth.
APPENDIX
Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors: http://www.apbc.org.uk/
Association of Pet Dog Trainers (US): http://www.apdt.com/
Association of Pet Dog Trainers (UK): http://www.apdt.co.uk/
Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers: http://www.ccpdt.org/
International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants http://www.iaabc.org/
International Positive Dog Training Association: http://www.ipdta.org/
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
SUPER SALMON DOGGIE BROWNIES
Cook up 1 C rice & 1 C barley (or 2 C rice if you don't have barley or if your dog is allergic to barley like mine is)
Once the grain is cooked, mix together with:
1 (12-16 oz) can of salmon (water drained off)
3 carrots (grated finely)
1 apple (grated finely)
1-4 cloves raw garlic (pressed or grated)
2 pounds zucchini (grated finely)
1 pound pumpkin or yams (canned type or raw grated)
1/2 Cup raw fresh or frozen chopped spinach, kale, or swiss chard
2 eggs
1 tsp molasses (optional)
1 T. dried parsley (or a handful of chopped fresh)
1/4 tsp. celery seeds
1/2 tsp. dried oregano and/or basil
(Mixture will be sloppy at this point)
Blend in enough whole wheat flour (about 2 C) that dough is soft but not wet.
Spread dough about a quarter-inch thick on baking sheets, using your hands or the back of a large spoon. (Use non-stick pans or spray pans with non-stick cooking oil.)
Bake at 325 degrees for 25 minutes, then remove from oven and score into 2-inch squares with pizza cutter.
Return to oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes more, or until edges and underside are light brown.)
Remove from oven, lift away from pans with spatula, then let cool to room temperature and separate the brownies. These treats will be moist and chewy.
(If you want crunchy treats, return brownies to oven at 200 degrees for about an hour after they've initially cooled. Check often to get desired texture.)
Once cooked, keep brownies refrigerated. They'll keep fresh about a week this way. Brownies also can be frozen for later use.
The raw dough freezes well too. Portion it into plastic zip bags in convenient amounts and freeze flat. Thaw overnite in fridge and bake as above.
Once the grain is cooked, mix together with:
1 (12-16 oz) can of salmon (water drained off)
3 carrots (grated finely)
1 apple (grated finely)
1-4 cloves raw garlic (pressed or grated)
2 pounds zucchini (grated finely)
1 pound pumpkin or yams (canned type or raw grated)
1/2 Cup raw fresh or frozen chopped spinach, kale, or swiss chard
2 eggs
1 tsp molasses (optional)
1 T. dried parsley (or a handful of chopped fresh)
1/4 tsp. celery seeds
1/2 tsp. dried oregano and/or basil
(Mixture will be sloppy at this point)
Blend in enough whole wheat flour (about 2 C) that dough is soft but not wet.
Spread dough about a quarter-inch thick on baking sheets, using your hands or the back of a large spoon. (Use non-stick pans or spray pans with non-stick cooking oil.)
Bake at 325 degrees for 25 minutes, then remove from oven and score into 2-inch squares with pizza cutter.
Return to oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes more, or until edges and underside are light brown.)
Remove from oven, lift away from pans with spatula, then let cool to room temperature and separate the brownies. These treats will be moist and chewy.
(If you want crunchy treats, return brownies to oven at 200 degrees for about an hour after they've initially cooled. Check often to get desired texture.)
Once cooked, keep brownies refrigerated. They'll keep fresh about a week this way. Brownies also can be frozen for later use.
The raw dough freezes well too. Portion it into plastic zip bags in convenient amounts and freeze flat. Thaw overnite in fridge and bake as above.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Holiday Hazards for your dog!
CHRISTMAS
* Holiday plants – Christmas rose, Holly, Lilies, Mistletoe, and Poinsettias are all toxic to dogs and cats.
* Ribbons – It may look adorable, but placing a ribbon around your pet’s neck may cause them to choke.
* Bubbling lights – Older forms of this attractive decoration may contain methylene chloride, which is a highly toxic chemical.
* Fire salts – Contain chemical that could be harmful to pets.
* Angel hair (spun glass) – Can be irritating to eyes and skin, and could cause intestinal obstruction if eaten in large amounts.
* Christmas tree water – Stagnant tree water or water containing preservatives could result in stomach upset if ingested.
* Decoration hooks – Can cause blockage and/or trauma to gastrointestinal tract if swallowed.
* Styrofoam – Can cause your pets to choke if swallowed.
* Ornaments – These can look like toys to cats and dogs, but they can cause serious injury, especially if your pets break or swallow them.
* Tinsel – Can cause choking or internal trauma if swallowed.
NEW YEAR’S
* Balloons and Confetti – These fun New Year’s party decorations can cause your pets to choke or obstruct their intestines if ingested. Keep an eye on your pets when they’re around these items or move them to an area that is not decorated where they will be safe.
* Loud Noises – New Year’s is typically a noisy holiday. Unfortunately, loud noises frighten pets and can cause them to run off. Keep your pets in a separate room away from noisemakers, music, and other loud sounds that may startle them.
Keep your pet safe this holiday season!
Merry Christmas!
Happy New Year!
Pam, Isabelle, Bandit & Sabrina
* Holiday plants – Christmas rose, Holly, Lilies, Mistletoe, and Poinsettias are all toxic to dogs and cats.
* Ribbons – It may look adorable, but placing a ribbon around your pet’s neck may cause them to choke.
* Bubbling lights – Older forms of this attractive decoration may contain methylene chloride, which is a highly toxic chemical.
* Fire salts – Contain chemical that could be harmful to pets.
* Angel hair (spun glass) – Can be irritating to eyes and skin, and could cause intestinal obstruction if eaten in large amounts.
* Christmas tree water – Stagnant tree water or water containing preservatives could result in stomach upset if ingested.
* Decoration hooks – Can cause blockage and/or trauma to gastrointestinal tract if swallowed.
* Styrofoam – Can cause your pets to choke if swallowed.
* Ornaments – These can look like toys to cats and dogs, but they can cause serious injury, especially if your pets break or swallow them.
* Tinsel – Can cause choking or internal trauma if swallowed.
NEW YEAR’S
* Balloons and Confetti – These fun New Year’s party decorations can cause your pets to choke or obstruct their intestines if ingested. Keep an eye on your pets when they’re around these items or move them to an area that is not decorated where they will be safe.
* Loud Noises – New Year’s is typically a noisy holiday. Unfortunately, loud noises frighten pets and can cause them to run off. Keep your pets in a separate room away from noisemakers, music, and other loud sounds that may startle them.
Keep your pet safe this holiday season!
Merry Christmas!
Happy New Year!
Pam, Isabelle, Bandit & Sabrina
Sunday, December 20, 2009
What does being a good leader for my dogs mean to me?
One of my friends asked me how I would describe the type of leader I am when it comes to my dogs.
My answer:
I believe in being a good leader to my dogs. However, that does not mean using any form of intimidation or force. I think a good leader can set a good example by showing, explaining, and communicating what is expected of either a kid or a dog. I also think that one must trust a leader and know that no matter what that person will protect, take care of, and not put the dog or kid in harm’s way. I also think that to be a good leader one should be consistent and fair. I say kids/dogs a lot, because to me training/teaching a dog is not any different than teaching a kid (my full time job is teaching 6,7,8th grade physical education). If I would not mistreat, punish, yell at a kid, then I would not ever do it to a dog. I do think that good leaders provide good learning opportunities for the dog, sets the dog up for success and guides them in the right direction but still allowing them to figure it out and learn on their own as long as the environment is safe and will not cause the dog to regress in training, get injured, or have a bad experience. To me a good leader should also have good motivational skills, be able to set goals that are realistic and achievable (I would never expect Isabelle to do some of the tricks that Bandit can do, but I can modify and support her or pick different tricks for her that are more realistic and attainable). I also think that a good leader provides things the dog needs, but does not just give without the dog earning it. I do believe in the notion that nothing in life is free. We all have to work for what we get and therefore I make my dogs work for food, playtime, things in their environment and anything else they may want and they get rewarded heavily for a job well done.
I really hope that this helps some of you and makes you think about your relationship with your dog(s).
Sincerely,
Pamela Johnson
My answer:
I believe in being a good leader to my dogs. However, that does not mean using any form of intimidation or force. I think a good leader can set a good example by showing, explaining, and communicating what is expected of either a kid or a dog. I also think that one must trust a leader and know that no matter what that person will protect, take care of, and not put the dog or kid in harm’s way. I also think that to be a good leader one should be consistent and fair. I say kids/dogs a lot, because to me training/teaching a dog is not any different than teaching a kid (my full time job is teaching 6,7,8th grade physical education). If I would not mistreat, punish, yell at a kid, then I would not ever do it to a dog. I do think that good leaders provide good learning opportunities for the dog, sets the dog up for success and guides them in the right direction but still allowing them to figure it out and learn on their own as long as the environment is safe and will not cause the dog to regress in training, get injured, or have a bad experience. To me a good leader should also have good motivational skills, be able to set goals that are realistic and achievable (I would never expect Isabelle to do some of the tricks that Bandit can do, but I can modify and support her or pick different tricks for her that are more realistic and attainable). I also think that a good leader provides things the dog needs, but does not just give without the dog earning it. I do believe in the notion that nothing in life is free. We all have to work for what we get and therefore I make my dogs work for food, playtime, things in their environment and anything else they may want and they get rewarded heavily for a job well done.
I really hope that this helps some of you and makes you think about your relationship with your dog(s).
Sincerely,
Pamela Johnson
Friday, December 11, 2009
Dog Poem
If you can start the day without caffeine,
If you can get going without pep pills,
If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches & pains,
If you can resist complaining & boring people with your troubles,
If you can eat the same food every day & be grateful for it,
If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time,
If you can overlook it when those you love take it out on you when, through no fault of yours, something goes wrong,
If you can take criticism & blame without resentment,
If you can ignore a friend's limited education & never correct him,
If you can resist treating a rich friend better than a poor friend,
If you can face the world without lies & deceit,
If you can conquer tension without medical help,
If you can relax without liquor,
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,
If you can say honestly that deep in your heart you have no prejudice against creed, color, religion or politics.....
Then, my friend, you are almost as good as your dog.
If you can get going without pep pills,
If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches & pains,
If you can resist complaining & boring people with your troubles,
If you can eat the same food every day & be grateful for it,
If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time,
If you can overlook it when those you love take it out on you when, through no fault of yours, something goes wrong,
If you can take criticism & blame without resentment,
If you can ignore a friend's limited education & never correct him,
If you can resist treating a rich friend better than a poor friend,
If you can face the world without lies & deceit,
If you can conquer tension without medical help,
If you can relax without liquor,
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,
If you can say honestly that deep in your heart you have no prejudice against creed, color, religion or politics.....
Then, my friend, you are almost as good as your dog.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Twas the night before Christmas (dog version)
Twas the night before Christmas,
When all through the house;
Not a creature was stirring,
Not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
With no thought of the dog filling their head.
And mamma in her 'kerchief,
And I in my cap,
Knew he was cold,
But didn't care about that.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Figuring the dog was free of his chain and into the trash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow;
Gave the luster of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But Santa Claus - with eyes full of tears.
He unchained the dog,
Once so lively and quick,
Last year's Christmas present,
Now painfully thin and sick.
More rapid than eagles,
He called the dog's name,
And the dog ran to him,
Despite all his pain.
"Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN!
On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONNER and BLITZEN!
To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!
Let's find this dog a home where he'll be loved by all."
I knew in an instant there would be no gifts this year,
For Santa Claus had made one thing quite clear.
The gift of a dog is not just for the season,
We had gotten the pup for all the wrong reasons.
In our haste to think of a gift for the kids,
There was one important thing that we missed.
A dog should be family and cared for the same,
You don't give a gift - then put it on a chain.
And I heard him exclaim,
As he rode out of sight,
"You weren't giving a gift!
You were giving a life!"
- Author Unknown
When all through the house;
Not a creature was stirring,
Not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
With no thought of the dog filling their head.
And mamma in her 'kerchief,
And I in my cap,
Knew he was cold,
But didn't care about that.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Figuring the dog was free of his chain and into the trash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow;
Gave the luster of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But Santa Claus - with eyes full of tears.
He unchained the dog,
Once so lively and quick,
Last year's Christmas present,
Now painfully thin and sick.
More rapid than eagles,
He called the dog's name,
And the dog ran to him,
Despite all his pain.
"Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN!
On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONNER and BLITZEN!
To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!
Let's find this dog a home where he'll be loved by all."
I knew in an instant there would be no gifts this year,
For Santa Claus had made one thing quite clear.
The gift of a dog is not just for the season,
We had gotten the pup for all the wrong reasons.
In our haste to think of a gift for the kids,
There was one important thing that we missed.
A dog should be family and cared for the same,
You don't give a gift - then put it on a chain.
And I heard him exclaim,
As he rode out of sight,
"You weren't giving a gift!
You were giving a life!"
- Author Unknown
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