Teaching a dog how to behave? All you need to do is come back to earth!
As a photographer specialized in dog photography, and a dog lover I get confronted daily with dogs that (according to their owners) do not behave.
The first thought in my mind is: seriously? Unfortunately, I know and then mistake my thoughts with my words now and then and say this seriously out look. And if I don't use words, my facial expression will tell.
So, dear dog owner, you honestly believe that it is de dog who is misbehaving. Or are we the ones, the humans, who actually do not behave properly? That is the question we have to ask ourselves.
Take going to a restaurant for example. In general we humans take place on a seat and we sit on this seat for the moment we enjoy our meal or drink. We leave this meal or drink on the table in front of us. We only move and get off our seat to go to the toilet or when we leave. Is this because we knew this from the moment we joined this world? Or are we told to do so? Did we got rewarded by for example parents when we 'behaved' the way society wants us to? Or did it become our natural way of behaving in public so the public wouldn't stare strangely at us?
Come back to the dog now...
Imagine yourself as a puppy, a stray or rescue dog. You enter a family. They speak a weird language, definitely not yours. They take you to a restaurant, they all take their places, but for you, there is no comfy couch or basket like at home.
Sniff.. what do you smell? Fresh bread? Melted cheese? No.. sausages! Definitely! Let's find out. Once you were up on your paws your owner says something with quite a loud voice, you don't know what it means. You feel a little frightened, but hey.. after a couple of seconds you try again. Again this weird sound coming from their faces. You just decided to lay down and wait. Is it ok? They don't say anything anymore, but don't pet you either.. Well.. you'll see next time.. when you try again.
See what's happening? As long as you don't teach your dog how to behave in certain circumstances (which means rewarding the good behavior too!) the dog usually won't learn what you want. Of course there are some smart pups around, but usually, it comes down to bonding and communication as step 1 in your relationship.
So dear human, in name of the dog, come back to earth and start communicating with your beloved fur friend.
Great write up! I rescued a big dog off the street and was kind of scared of him, so before I fed him, I asked him to lay down on the side. Now, whenever I get food out or a treat, he lays down. :) And, this is 6 years later. So cute.
Thanks @karencarrens I am really into dog psychology and their way of communicating and experiencing life. Our dogs are rescue dogs as well. Of course he saw the food as the rewarding. Dogs love to 'work' for you, but they even like to work together more. One of my dogs almost know every 'command'. People use to say that there is no chance that he can like that, following commands. My question in return for them is; if I'm always nice to you, help you whenever I can and always approach you with respect, would you slam the door in my face when I would nicely ask you: 'please, can you hold the door open please?
Their facial expression is al I need at that moment :)
Exactly! Nothing makes them happier then making us happy. Please pop into my blog, you'll see a post I did yesterday on rescues and animal homelessness ❣️
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As the brand new owner of a stray puppy living on the beach in Panama, I say YES. We are the "pack leaders" as the dog whisperer would say. It is our responsibility to teach the dog proper behavior. Whenever I see a dog misbehaving, I look at the owner. It's a huge responsibility and it takes dedication to the animal.
great article......following