In my training sessions, I teach owners the difference between privileges and rights. Dogs today are impulsive and entitled because we treat privileges as if they are rights - getting on the furniture, getting treats, jumping on anyone they want to greet or over sniffing dogs they encounter. Some of these things are just bad manners. Other times it is our dog thinking that they should get exactly what they want when they want it. We are so desperate to give our dogs the best life, we have conditioned them to think this way..
Every dog’s Bill of Rights
Food
Water
Shelter
Exercise
Socialization
Mental stimulation
That is it! Those six things will give your dog the best life possible. I didn’t include leadership, boundaries and a job to do, but these are also an important part of creating a calm, mentally balanced and happy dog.
Why would more rules make for a happier dog? This is a little counter intuitive! Imagine if your friend had a meltdown every time they had to wait at a red light. Or if someone you knew wouldn’t take no for an answer when trying to flirt with someone. Or if your partner demanded that they go where they wanted to go exactly when they wanted to go there? We wouldn't tolerate that kind of behavior from another person. Ultimately that person would be stressed and unhappy because they never learned the sad fact of life that we can’t always have what we want exactly when we want it. Learning patience, compromise, acceptance and how to deal with disappointment is an important part of raising children and it should be a part of dog ownership. Dogs are social animals and as such they need to learn that “No” is an answer, and they have to learn how to be ok with that.
The best way to love your dog is to feed them the best possible food and change their water daily, put down a few comfy dog beds or blankets or set up a crate to give them their own space, get plenty of exercise every day, create a balance of interaction and focus, and give them the job of being polite and responsive , rewarding their good behavior.
Most of this is activity and relationship based! Notice we don’t mention treats. Did you know that our dog’s are not designed to graze? Most adult dogs, especially those that are raw fed, do best when they are fed just once a day. Treats can be used as a reward when teaching something new, ideally close to a meal time, but they are not an expression of love and are bad for dogs stomachs when fed intermittently. Dogs are opportunistic eaters and will always take a treat, but just because you want to have ice cream or french fries every day doesn’t mean you should.
We are passionate about enabling you to go hiking with your dog because it meets so many of your dog’s needs. There is no better way to satisfy a dog’s natural drive for activity, novelty and adventure. The sights and smells on the trails stimulate your dog’s senses. Climbing, swimming and running on uneven terrain exercises your dog’s brain as well as all their muscle groups. Your ‘pack’ and the dogs you meet along the trail provide socialization without the closed in feeling that can make dog parks wild. Being asked to remain responsive in a stimulating natural environment reinforces the calm, obedient mentality you want your dogs to maintain at home. The natural challenges that arise on the trail are wonderful learning experiences! It’s incredible to watch a dog’s confidence grow as they learn to navigate the great outdoors and face their fears with your guidance.
Love your dog by getting them out of your neighborhood and to a park or hiking trail so they can enjoy nature and live their best life! If you want to learn more about training your dog to be safe off leash, check out our group classes. The next one will run in the Fall and you can join the waitlist today!