The Zen Den - Dog Behavior

12/06/2023

Thank you all for the wonderful birthday wishes!!

07/15/2023

I got this from a colleague who got it from Heather Arthur.

The longer a dog has been allowed to marinate in soft, enabling, over-indulgence, the stronger her association with the “accommodator” will become, and the taller the mountain the spoiler will have to climb to earn any believability or respect.

Training a handful of obedience commands, using tools to help create leverage, and setting limitations on unacceptable behavior is actually the easy part. RE-training how your dog views you, and WHO you are in their world, is the toughest part of the entire journey.

Your dog’s past relation to you—what you’ve allowed to repeatedly to occur, and what you’ve prioritized in your relationship (spoiling, affection, playtime, and freedom)—needs to be reprogrammed. And your dog is WAY TOO SMART not to make you earn the new understanding of how your interactions affect her.

If your relationship with your dog was heavily skewed to one side—that of play time, freedom, treats, food, and a ton of affection—she sees you in the only perspective you’ve had to offer - soft, accommodating, and in desperate need of a leader. This one-dimensional relationship fueled her stress and anxiety, as she took on the role of Leader for you.

Removing unearned privileges and excessive freedoms may shift the way your dog currently views you. But a dog used to getting away with whatever she fancies will make you scratch and claw your way to believability in order to completely reverse her perception of the softy she was so habituated to taking advantage of.

Basic Obedience is the easiest and fastest part of this equation. But training for respect, and for your dog to look at you through a new lens, typically takes a lot more time, and most definitely a commitment to consistency.

09/26/2022

Thanks for the amazing feedback and the continued support within this amazing community.
Lots of people need to see this.

People at the dog park need to have this as a quick reference card.

Some people may need to read it a couple of times

Hey, if you like our show, support us on PATREON or get a shirt from tee spring. Keeps our show running

08/18/2022

08/18/2022

I tell clients CONSTANTLY - dogs in the back seat only!

Here is what happens when you have your feet on the dashboard and the airbag goes off…

08/07/2022

So very true!

05/08/2022

❤️❤️❤️ BELLE ❤️❤️❤️

Belle deserves the loving home she's never had. This sweet, beautiful girl is 3 years old, and was abandoned in a backyard without the love and companionship she craves. She is one of the most affectionate dogs ever... Prepare to be kissed & loved!!!💋

Belle is spayed, microchipped, up to date on vaccinations, and ready for her FOREVER HOME!!!

TO MEET BELLE, PLEASE CONTACT:
[email protected]
Or fill out an Adoption Application: https://www.allforloveanimalrescue.org/adoption-application

Ventura County, CA.

05/07/2022

This is what nice play looks like. Relaxed bodies, calm interaction. Good give and take, like dancing.

It takes awhile for dogs to settle into good play and be comfortable.

Since the lab is a puppy, he learns his cues from the seasoned dogs about etiquette, behavior and social cues.

Everyone has worked hard, been tolerant and appropriate with corrections to get to this lovely point!

The lab goes home from his board and train today. I am delighted he’s ending on such a positive note!

This is a great step and represents a lot of time and energy getting to this juncture!

Woohoo!

05/04/2022

A little zen after pack walk and brain work!

05/04/2022

‘Wait’ at a distance with distraction. Building skills by adding more layers to each skill and gaining confidence with success!

05/04/2022

Working on ‘up’. He’s doing benches, objects like this rock, seating areas, and like that. Doing duration with distraction and he is a rockstar!

04/27/2022

This is a client dogs first ever ‘going out for lunch’ adventure.

He got a structured walk with skill drills beforehand; was set up for success with his own blankie to use as ‘place’ and had a nice bone to chew on.

No one fawned over him; he was not given anything from the table; he did not beg, bark, jump up or get out of hand and required no corrections.

As his trainer and pack leader, it is my responsibility to keep him safe. Not allowing other dogs to approach or get in his face is part of this.

Telling a 30 something dude being dragged to the restaurant by a young rottie ‘no’ repeatedly as he made a beeline for us is part of that. It took me repeating ‘No!’ three times before he veered toward another part of the patio. I was ready to leap out of my chair and stand between his dog and my clients dog to keep his clearly poorly behaved dog with no manners away from my clients dog who was doing a great job being calm and well behaved.

A solid foundation of skills built and practiced over weeks and months enabled him to shine at this exercise and be successful because of the training and practice put in beforehand.

He was a ROCKSTAR! I am stoked for him, his progress and his success!

He will continue to practice and use these skills while he is here doing training and his parents will be able to take him with them on these same outings after they pick him up.

Encourage your dog to be his best by teaching him skills and practicing constantly!

Well behaved dogs don’t get to be well behaved as if by magic!

04/25/2022

Hello my people!

I’ve had several conversations recently and want to share some misguided thoughts:

SMALLER DOES NOT MEAN LESS WORK!

Let me expand - chihuahuas, jack russels, French bulldogs and any similar sized versions of canines are NOT NOT NOT less work or ‘easier’ than Labs, boxers, mastiffs, Dobermans or any larger versions of dogs.

Having a big yard ‘to run around in’ is lovely but does not replace exercise, structure, boundaries, consistency or training.

If your dog ends up being a hot dumpster fire of poor manners and bad behavior, you have only to look at one who holds the leash to determine the source.

Dogs are the same amount of work as babies and toddlers no matter what size they are.

Keep this in mind when you are thinking about getting a dog. If you don’t have the time and energy for a baby - perhaps rethinking and getting a cat is a better idea. Or, hang out with your friends who have dogs instead.

You may have a startling realization and think better of getting a dog.

Well behaved dogs that you see out and about didn’t get that way by sitting on the couch watching Netflix - it takes actual time, patience and effort - every day!

Go forth, walk your dogs, encourage them to be their best!

Have a wonderful week!

04/25/2022

04/16/2022

The last time I posted this it went viral 🤯

It rubbed some the right way and some the wrong way with lots of different opinions about my opinion ... and I still say the same 💁‍♀️

It seems that the ultimate goal for dog owners is to have a dog they can bring to a dog park because that must mean their dog can tolerate and deal with anything 🧐

And I wonder why that's so important?

I understand that many owners with this as their goal in mind, doing it with the best intentions, assuming they’re doing the right thing and are improving the quality of their dog’s life. And for a small amount of dogs, it can be a great experience.

But…

If you have a dog that doesn't really enjoy other dogs, you don't do your dog any favor trying to get him to a point where he can "tolerate" being at the dog park...usually it's quite the opposite and you'll lose your dogs trust that you got his back.

Or if you have a dog that enjoys playing really rough, why is it so important that he can "play" with the miniature doodle at the park rather than finding him a personal play mate that is on his level?

There's many reasons why I don't bring my dog to a dog park regardless of how well tempered and balanced my dog would be...the environment is just way too uncontrolled.

It's like going to a night club, you never know what to expect LOL

The fact that the majority of dogs are dog selective, meaning they prefer a more social circle than having to hug and kiss every stranger they come in contact with, is just another one.

But one of the big reasons I don't bring any dogs there is, because it really is a very unnatural environment for dogs and if you'd like to understand more about this, read my article on that topic on my website blog https://www.k9possible.com/single-post/2016/04/05/why-dog-parks-are-unnatural-how-to-properly-socialize-your-dog

04/01/2022

FDA requires new warning on Apoquel label. See details at https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/drug-labels/animal-drug-safety-related-labeling-changes?fbclid=IwAR0pglOgqy_07mIVe-pfysmEquhtv0VP6GjugJYhqRS8Hokha1WqB018y1k

03/25/2022

ATTENTION Pet Parents!

A chemical used in Milk-Bones, Ol’Roy, Kibbles’n Bits, Hill’s Pet Food and other pet foods should no longer be considered safe for consumption due to concerns about its ability to damage DNA according to a new animal-model study.

According to the Environmental Working Group: “A scientific panel created by the European Food Safety Authority found that titanium dioxide “can no longer be considered as safe when used as a food additive.” The panel, citing concerns about titanium dioxide’s genotoxicity, or its ability to damage DNA, based its conclusion on a review of hundreds of scientific studies. EWG called on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to quickly consider whether to ban titanium dioxide from use in food."

A chemical that may damage our pet's DNA should not be fed to pets.

Titanium dioxide is on The Forever Dog’s Dirty Dozen list of additives you need to avoid in your pet food. www.ForeverDog.com/about

03/13/2022

I call it the Zen Den for a reason!

Dogs who are fulfilled as dogs - whatever that is for that particular dog - are relaxed and confident.

As pack leaders it is our job to know our dogs as beings and what makes them tick. Forcing your dog to be who they are not is a recipe for frustration and a train wreck of a relationship.

Encouraging your dog to be who they are is much more successful! Good pack leaders spend the time to build solid relationships based on trust and respect.

Time consulting? Yes
Frustrating? Can be
Worth the effort? Every time!

My people! Spend time with your dogs. Encourage good habits of behavior. Be consistent, calm and fair with them.

If you’re having issues, please call a professional for help!

03/06/2022

❤~ Michelle

02/27/2022

While most people would look at this photo and think ‘awww, cute’, there is so much more than meets the eye.

How this moment got built is the key to what you see!

Starting Thursday afternoon this 4 month old boy arrived for a short board and train.

Building and maintaining a calm, seasoned pack is a process - like adding ingredients to a recipe: one at a time, fold in, mix well, repeat.

Puppies are very challenging and require the same amount of energy as having a baby. It can be exhausting and frustrating and have you muttering unflattering things out loud.

It took from the time he arrived, being with my pack, getting corrections from them, from me, consistent boundaries and structure to get this ‘awwww’ moment.

He chose to be calm (what I refer to as ‘library’), approach respectfully, lie down and relax. This was allowed by Walter because the puppy did it calmly and respectfully.

Since this pic was taken, he’s left this spot and come back a couple of times. Calmly.

I am DELIGHTED with his choices and we will be moving forward as a pack with a bit more library and a lot less ‘Chuck e. Cheese’.

02/24/2022

If you do what you always do, you’ll get what you always get.

Make a change. Stick with it and be consistent.

You’ll be astounded at the difference consistent effort makes!

02/23/2022

PSA:
DO NOT NOT NOT GET A MALINOIS BECAUSE YOU SAW ONE IN A MOVIE!

These are very serious, working dogs who need a lot of training, the consistent mental challenges a job (like police work or the military) provides and are DANGEROUS in the wrong circumstances.

The wrong circumstances are:
With you
At your house
With your kids
At a dog park
Not being put to work

DON’T DO IT.

No matter how long you’ve had dogs or how ‘good’ you are with dogs, YOU ARE NOT THE EXCEPTION.

You will be putting yourself, your family, your neighbors and friends at great risk.

Just don’t.

02/02/2022

How many trainers can relate!?

12/08/2021

For dog training follow or contact HPR Working Dogs. Early training is the best investment you can make!

12/08/2021

I got this from another post, but it rings true no matter the source!

11/23/2021

Www.facebook.com/sammythecockerspaniel

05/03/2021

Good morning, my people!

Anyone who knows me, has taken one of my classes or done training with me will tell you that I am spot on about well timed, calm, consistent corrections.

Walter, my big boy, is a goof. All of my dogs have been goofs. Who doesn’t love a goof?

I’ve taught Walter ‘out’ which means, leave this space. We reinforce every night during feeding time as he wants to be right in the action with his big ‘ol face in the container as I scoop up their portions.

His job during feeding is to be on the other side of the threshold and sit or stand calmly while I get bowls filled for them.

Every single night, we work on this skill as all he wants to do is not follow direction. He will sit on one side of the threshold and have his hands on this side. He’ll straddle the threshold with his body. He will do play pose several times and jump backward when I correct... did I mention he is a goof?

“Out”.

He moves back as requested but with ‘you NEVER let me have any fun!’ In his eyes. He actually always looks like this - this is my interpretation in this moment.

Lather, rinse, repeat.

For those of you who also have goof dogs, this is your life. There are worse things and, in truth, I find it so amusing that a smart, well behaved dog does this pretty consistently.

This morning, I am getting my ‘dog clothes’ on to take them out. Again, we have a similar issue with ‘out’ as I don’t need help from a big dog getting dressed.

He complied with ‘out’ nicely... for awhile. Then, in a bold move, he skipped in, did play pose and looked at me expectantly.

I had to bite the inside of my cheek - he is a funny boy.

As I said ‘out’ I stepped into his space. What I’d forgotten was I was still putting my pants on and almost took a serious header while correcting my dog.

OOPS!

Awareness is another thing I am big on... ask anyone!

No one fell, got fallen on or broke anything, thankfully. I would hate to have to tell Doogie Howser in the ER as he’s xraying my arm that I injured myself getting dressed... who does that!

My point is: awareness and consistency are our friends. Oh! And make sure you are dressed before you step into your pup’s space. Gravity always works!

Go forth, play with your pups and enjoy your week!

01/27/2021

TANK

"Why are you here aunty Ro? Leave me, why you picking me up? What I do wrong? Why are mommy and daddy crying? Open the crate, they wants me..."

As I left I could see in the rearview mirror the couple cry. Tank was just staring out the window at them. I could not hold back the tears anymore, it just started flowing. I need to phone Dania, she is expecting my call. I texted, "Tank is with me.." She waited for me at the kennel. Tank got out, bewildered, why is he back at the kennels. We just stood there, looking at him.

When we home a bullie we usually give the new owners and bullie about 3 weeks to settle in before we publicly share "happy homing" pics. We thought this would be the case with our boy Tank. Beautiful home, perfect in every sense. The garden is a paradise. When Tanks paws hit the ground he fell in love with everything and especially with the gentleman.

The photos came in, they loved him, the kids loved him and even the grand kids loved him. He was happy, so we thought. We received an email in last week: "please come collect Tank..."

The couple didn't want to let go of him, but they wanted him to go. I don't even know how to capture yesterday's events in words. It was the hardest and saddest retrieval I've ever done. They are an elderly couple and admitted they made an impulsive and emotional decision by adopting, but unfortunately by this time Tank already grew attached to his new family.

Dania checked on Tank early this morning, he was curled up in his basket, shivering. He is not barking, just running from one end of the kennel to the other, looking bewildered at us. When all was quiet at the kennels we got busy in the garden. As I pass Tank's kennel he was just standing there. Looking in anticipation it was as if he is asking ... "you take me back?

As I walked past I could hear him pining, soft crying sounds coming from deep inside.

If you have read this far, please can you share Tank's post publicly on your timeline. It's gonna take you 2 seconds. Tank came to Adora-Bull from a very bad area, his scars will be an eternal reminder of his past. He is about 4 or 5 years old. He is fantastic with people of all ages especially with kids. His only flaw is not liking other dogs.

It breaks our heart seeing him like this, please help us find him a new paradise.