Wise Dog Training

"Mum, can I pat the dog"?

"Sure....go ahead....just make sure you put your hand right up into their face"

What could possibly go wrong?

We were all taught this as children.
Time to teach our children a better way now.

Dog trainers tend to disagree with the "hands in faces" advice.
Some insist they must smell your hand because of the Jacobson's organ that allows a dog to gather far more information.
Now while this can help dogs gather more information....that is still way too close.

People also tend to encourage "sniffing hands" when a dog is showing signs of being scared or "nervy".
For me....that's another good reason not to greet a dog like that.

Will it work for some dogs...yes.
Should it be a universal way to greet dogs?
Heck no.

When we put our hands in a dogs face we are encouraging them to come closer....sometimes before they are emotionally ready

Many dogs don't trust hands.

The easiest way to gain trust is to ignore them.

They will show you when they are ready for more

Wise words. Please be careful introducing a new puppy when you have other dogs.

Those old grey chops may not appreciate a puppy.
They may just want some peace and quiet as they age.
We may want our older, calmer dog to play with our pups to help them learn skills....but many find a puppies energy "intrusive".
They just want some peace.

Bows?
Misunderstood.... and they can be for a range of reasons.
Many bows can be signs something "unwanted" is about to happen.

Favourite toy? 🧸
Other dogs around?
That can be risky, especially if that item is truly coveted.

Playstyles.
Allowing your quieter dog to be around highly energetic dogs can be an issue.
This is generally not the way to convince dogs to be more "playful".

Feel free to share to those that may need it or save this if you are wanting to explore play more.

THE PLOT TO DOMINATE HUMANS

We hear it far too much - “my dog is dominant” or “trying to be the alpha” or “I have to be the pack leader to show my dog who’s in charge”.

The definition of dominance - dominant in the chain of command / occupying or being in a commanding or elevated position / having a controlling, prevailing, or powerful position in a social hierarchy. Do we really believe this of our dogs in the context of our relationship with them? Are dogs really trying to take over our homes and rule the world?

We control everything in their lives - what and when they eat, when they go out, their choices, where they sleep, who they interact with, their environment etc. and yet it’s still believed they are trying to dominate us.

Yes, dominance between dogs does exist, but not in the way that we may assume. It exists in certain situations or contexts, is fluid and may constantly change. It’s not usually about using force but about one individual deferring to another.

Dogs know that we are not dogs and they don’t expect us to behave like other dogs.

Dogs need us to be their advocate, a source of security, of safety and a secure base from which they can navigate our world – not a source of pain, fear, intimidation, force, competition and dominance.

There is a vast amount of scientific evidence and information available that debunks the dominance myth as it pertains to our relationship with dogs.

Here are just a few links and references for further information -

American Veterinary Society of Animal Behaviour – “An appropriate trainer should avoid any use of training tools that involve pain (choke chains prong collars, or electronic shock collars), intimidation (sq**rt bottles, shaker noise cans, compressed air cans, shouting, staring, or forceful manipulations such as "alpha rolls" or "dominance downs physical correction techniques (leash jerking, physical force), or flooding exposure. The learner must always feel safe and have the ability to "opt out” of training sessions”

Why Dominance Theory Fails in Dog Training
https://readypupgo.biz/why-dominance-theory-fails-in-dog-training/

Dr Anne Mcbride & SJ Evans https://www.apbc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/APBC-Dominance-Article.pdf

Dr. L. David Mech talks about the terms "alpha" and "beta" wolves and why they are no longer scientifically accurate.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNtFgdwTsbU

A very smart 5 month old Labradoodle called Peggie. It's really makes me smile when I see a dog progress and the guardians are putting a lot of time and effort into training. It really works.

Every now and again a beautiful dog comes around. This is Dexter (or Dex as she likes to be called). She is incredibly smart and just needs a little nudge in the right direction. I can't wait to work with her again her again.