As a dog trainer, I’ve noticed some fascinating intricacies of dog behavior. They’re observations and details that anyone can see – I have no magic third eye when it comes to dogs – but somehow, along the way, patterns jump out when you’re open and looking for them. I’m sure, when you read them, you’ll think to yourself, “Well, of course! Anyone could see that!” and you’d be right! Just about everyone has seen them, and yet how many of us have really given them much thought?
Little Dogs Get No Respect!
I worked with a client and his toy poodle and I remember watching with sadness as he yanked and dragged the little dog from one place to another with no regard for the dog’s autonomy or personal space. That was the day I came by the axiom: All little dog owners should be required to own a big dog first.
Except under the most dire of circumstances, such as when a dog wanders too close to traffic and needs to be pulled abruptly out of harm’s way, no one would dream of manhandling a rottie or shepherd the way they might a little lhasa. We invite big dogs to join us, to follow us, to move with us. With little dogs, we force more than we invite.
Let’s not marginalize our best friends, no matter how small they might be. If you find that you and your pooch are not like-minded in the ways you spend your time together, that you need to use your leash to keep your dog beside you, then training can teach your dog all of the reasons why being at your side is to his advantage.
Toys are More Fun!
I remember fondly how, when I was a child, my father could make a forkful of broccoli or green beans a more entertaining mouthful by transforming it into a plane coming in for a landing on my tongue-tarmac. What child hasn’t fallen for this old chestnut of a parenting trick and enjoyed it despite themselves?!
Well, I’ve noticed it can work with dogs, too! I’ve seen more than a few dogs who, though not particularly turned on by their kibble, will suddenly eat with renewed vigor when their food is distributed in a puzzle toy like the Tricky Treat ball (by Omega Paw). My own dog will overlook nuggets of food strewn on the floor and opt instead to toil over her food-stuffed ball, though the food is exactly the same!
The trick is to spend time teaching your dog how to access the food from the toy first, employing particularly tasty treats to jump-start his motivation to work. Once your dog has mastered the toy and is enjoying the challenge, then you can stuff with less valuable tidbits, like his normal kibble.
On Wednesday, there will be additional sketches from Trainer’s Notebook. So give a peek back!
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