Sooo we had to make this... 🤣 This is a reinactment to an entitled and not so understanding person making assumptions we came across when we were walking Scout recently.
I was legit working with Scout. In our own space practicing commands. Working in a calm manor. Giving off my own body language of avoiding people and to not come interrupt me. Scout focused and engaged on me. But apparently all of that was a giant flashing sign above my head saying "Hey come interrupt us and bother us please!" Oblivious much? 🤦🏻♂️
We had been walking and watching this person being dragged all over the place by their dog. Going from person to person and dog to dog.
Things to keep in mind when doing on leash greetings..
If you must. ONLY do it with people and dogs YOU KNOW and TRUST. And watch how STIMULATED your dogs are.
DO NOT put your dog and yourself at risk meeting a random dog or person that YOU DO NOT KNOW.
Here are five important reasons why on-leash greetings between dogs and strangers’ dogs should be avoided:
1. **Limited Mobility:** Leashes restrict a dog’s movement, making it difficult for them to communicate and move NATURALLY, which can lead to tension or conflict.
2. **Increased Reactivity:** Dogs may become more reactive on a leash due to feeling trapped, leading to aggressive behavior. Like a dog fight for example.
3. **Unpredictable Reactions:** You don’t know how the other dog might react, which can lead to unexpected aggression.
4. **Injury Risk:** Tangling leashes can cause injuries to both dogs and handlers.
5. **Reinforcing Bad Behavior:** Allowing leash greetings can reinforce pulling or excitement when meeting other dogs. And this is one of the biggest issues many dog owners struggle with!
This relationship I have with Scout is unmatched and unique
Such a simple moment we shared together
I did signal her to "hug" me with her head
The moment she did, I felt the weight of her lean into me and against my head
Feeling the unmatched connection
I absorbed every single second of this with such detail to store in my memory
Listening to her heartbeat, her breathing, her smell, her weight of her body, the wag from her tail travelling up her body rocking against me, the look in her eyes of pure joy
Do not take moments like this for granted with your dogs
Life is to short with them, so cherish your time with them to the fullest capability
Whenever her time comes, I'll look back and reflect on how much of an amazing life we shared together, and not looking back with any regrets of not doing more
This moment tells you the story of us
Just a moment of bonding with Ragu with some low arousal wrestling, quick body handling, pressure on paws and nails for general grooming invasiveness, and pets/massage to finish it off
On day 3 of her 3 week Board & Train and we are now besties 🥰
Playing with Scout is truly a highlight of my day, and it’s more than just a game – it’s a special bond-builder. Whether we’re tossing a ball and playing some fetch or goofing around at home like this video, those moments of shared joy are like glue for our relationship. With every wag of Scout’s tail, it’s like we’re speaking our own language of love. These playful interactions are the heart and soul of our connection, creating memories that stick with us long after the game is over.
Having a well-trained dog that remains neutral in public spaces is a game-changer for both you as the owner and your dog. It fosters a sense of confidence and trust, allowing you to take your dog on outings without the stress of worrying about unruly behavior. With proper training, your dog learns to navigate various environments calmly, making every outing more enjoyable and inclusive for both parties. Imagine being able to dine at outdoor cafes, stroll through crowded parks, or attend social gatherings with ease, knowing your dog will behave appropriately, making new experiences together.
As an experienced dog trainer, I specialize in cultivating these essential skills. With a personalized approach, I focus on building a strong foundation of obedience, socialization, and impulse control tailored to each dog’s unique temperament and the owner’s lifestyle. Through effective training techniques and clear communication, I empower owners to develop a deep bond with their dogs based on trust and respect, enhancing the relationship dog owners strive to achieve. My commitment to ongoing support ensures lasting results, making me the ideal choice for anyone seeking to transform their dog into a well-mannered and welcome companion in any setting.
Enrol your dog today in our Board & Train program and enjoy 20% off if you book before July 30th, 2024!
Visit the link in the bio to get started!
Anyone else make faces at your dog when they aren't looking? 😂
Scout enjoying the face and ears massage.
Do you do this with your dog? If so, how often?
I do things like this with Scout daily.
It adds some extra benefits besides the obvious fact she enjoys it. One being it gives her a continued positive experience being handled and touched around her eyes, ears and mouth - especially important for vet visits, checking ears if there is a build up of gunk that needs to be cleaned or if you need to get close and sniff to see if the is an odour present. Checking eye's, opening the mouth and inspecting for issues on the tongue or gums, chipped or cracked teeth.
#barkersbalancedk9s #gsd #germanshepherd #nyc #yyc #nycdogs #yycdogs #dogtraining #happydog #earscratches
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