Sleepover!
Lenny and Joey are here for their first overnight! Here’s what that looks like:
The more dogs there are in a given social situation, the more likely inter-dog conflict occurs. Preventing conflict is very, very important to me, so when new dogs join the pack, I work really hard to help them acclimate and learn the structure and routines over here. Other pack members are also such amazing role models and are so patient. Here’s what bringing Milo into the pack has looked like:
Dogs are incredible at picking up on patterns of behavior. This is why it sometimes feels like they know what are thinking. Here is an example:
Quiz time! Can you tell what the most sensitive part of Leo’s body is based on his body language during this session?
2 terriers, 2 herders, and a Shy guy
#PackDynamics #dogs Cari Byrd Olsen Jean Gipple Eric Olsen
Your relationship with your dog matters.
Big time.
This goes for all dogs but especially dogs that struggle to manage big feelings.
Think of someone you trust. I’m guessing that person knows you well. They know what your strengths and your struggles are and they accept all of you. They can tell how you are feeling without you needing to say anything. They don’t try to convince you that you shouldn’t feel the way you do. Instead, they give you the support you need when you need it without needing to be asked.
The same goes for our dogs. Behavior is often a reflection of how they are feeling. Correcting or neglecting behavior that is based in emotions not only doesn’t work (the feelings are still there), it shows your dog that you don’t get it. If you want them to listen to you, to turn to you when they are having a hard time instead of trying to handle things on their own, you need to fully see them, accept them, and give them the support that makes sense to them.
Just a clip of Wednesday dogs out in the yard! Jean GippleCari Byrd OlsenEric Olsen
Little weenie had a very big day
