Canine Continuum

08/23/2023

04/14/2022

First time with a dumbbell (other than me), and he was terrific. Walker is almost 10 months old now and I have been gently shaping this particular behaviour since he arrived at 4 months. I did not do this with my 4.5 year old Flat Coated Retriever and she has had a much more difficult time coming to grips with the way I wish for her to hold the dumbbell. While they are natural retrievers, I’m convinced that it’s the subtle changes I’ve made over time that have had the greatest impact. What we do in all things with our dogs affects their behaviour. Succeed or fail, we do it together. “Influence the dog”.

(I should elaborate on shaping his behaviour….I’ve never shown him a dumbbell before today. I’ve encouraged his natural tendencies for retrieving and celebrated items brought to me and carried in a particular manner. That is all.)

03/23/2021

Went for a walk with my son and two of the dogs tonight. When we came home, we were discussing the Canine/Human Relationship. I told him that while walking Didja’ last night, I stopped to tie my shoe twice...once for each foot (yes, I do know how to tie a knot 😬). When I did this, I was crouched down on the sidewalk, and this is actually a very vulnerable position. Both times Didja’ positioned herself across the top of my head, and scanned the area around us. When I was finished, and consequently stood up, she resumed her position at my side. This is not the first time this had happened, but on this particular evening, it was very clear that she was watching out for me when I was not able to do so effectively. She had my “six”.
When a relationship like this is able to develop to this level, it gives one pause to reflect on how fortunate one is.

03/13/2021

Allowing the dog on the couch.

Whether you allow this or not, what you decide has meaning. Regard such activities as a privilege not a right. The decision will be in the hands of the leader and it is up to you who that leader will be. A leader leads consistently in manner and over time. A leader leads in all things, not just laying on the couch.