Dog Behavior 101

To me it seems obvious that the pup is our client in dog rescue. For flippin' sake, it's called DOG RESCUE, not human rescue. Fortunately, we enjoy a solid relationship with a majority of people we adopt to. The only issues we have ever had are when people forget to place welfare of the pup first. However, over the years we run into many spoiled, lazy, self-centered people who demand that the dog is secondary to their petty needs. Now, let me stop here. I am not 100% crazy...close, but not 100%. I realize we need humans in this fulfilling endeavor. We do strive to find sweet souls that want to sincerely help dogs. Our organization would not survive without our hardworking volunteers; willing to sacrifice, time and sweat in the name of helping the plight of neglected dogs. We also need amazing adopters who understand that adopting a dog is forever, and it is not a purse or a pair of shoes to be returned at a whim. However, we have no time to be a doggie emissary for the ...

Almost 100% of the time, when we go to a pet owners home for the first time, there are many dog toys scattered across the house. Like a spoiled toddler, the dog is overwhelmed with options, from chewy toys to squeaky multi colored balls. We get it, we realize the humans love their dogs and want them to be happy and content. However, this situation has the opposite effect, causing the pup to be nervous and possessive.  Why you ask?   Well, the dog begins to think that the toys belong to him or her and not the human. In turn, this will lead to resource guarding, causing even deeper issues, like growling or even biting when the human or another pup wants the toy. Dogs need to understand that the toys belong to the human and that the human allows the dog to play with them at proper times. Like food and shelter, dogs need to understand that everything belongs to the human, including those fun, furry and noisy play things. To some, this sounds cruel. But the reality is that...

Ever truly wonder why fights break out at professional sporting events? Why that pitcher threw a heater at the melon of a left handed slugger or the gloves immediately hit the ice and fist a cuffs ensue in the middle of a hockey game? Well...sports are playing and playing is simply play fighting. Play fighting can lead to a real fight extremely quickly when egos and adrenalin begin pumping. Most parents don't realize the same goes for a pup when playing with their children. At least once or twice a week we are contacted about a child receiving a bite wound. The scenario is almost the same every time. The caller describes a situation were a child is innocently playing with the family pup when, out of nowhere, the dog switches gears and attacks the child in a most aggressive manner. The parents are devastated and begin making plans to rid their family of this horrible beast, not realizing that Fido did nothing wrong. In fact, the parents or the human, in almost 100% of these cases...

Fostering saves lives, but it's not for the faint of heart. As much as we need good fosters, wimps need not apply. In fact, you must have a pretty high tolerance level—or what I like to call a grit level. For example a wimp with a grit level of one would be a family who gives up on a pup, when it decides to potty on their new carpet. Conversely, a grit level of 10 would be someone who just got bit in the face, but decides to carry on anyway. For our cause, we need you to be at grit level 4 or better. Now, I do not want discourage anyone who wants to step up and foster a pup. However, if you decide to throw your hat in the ring, don't do it to make yourself feel good—or to get a pat on the back. Do it because you realize the dog needs you for the period it will take to get adopted, no matter how long this might take. Yes, no matter how long. In fact, on average, it takes just over 4 months for these furry animals to find their forever home. You must endure barking, jumping, a...

Did you realize your pup is 98.6% gray wolf? Yes, even your best buddy, your little toy poodle Biscuit is genetically mostly wolf with all of their instincts and drive. I realize that most of us believe our dogs are really little people in fur coats—but they are not. Therefore, how can anyone logically believe that 100% positive dog training is the way to go? How can that gluten free, organically grown, grain free treat, coated with rainbows and butterfly kisses keep those instincts at bay all of the time? They can't and it's ridiculous to the point that it has become dangerous to believe so. So, what is the answer? As with all things in life, it's balance. Positive reinforcement is fine in a controlled environment, but when distractions arrive, your pooch must respect you and listen, realizing you have his back. No amount of treats will make Fido stay calm when an obnoxious high energy dog approaches off leash or the pizza delivery dude knocks at the door. So toss th...

Nothing get's me more frustrated than when I see a pet owner with the wrong equipment on their pup when walking. Few people understand how important the dog walk is and this ignorance is made worse when these owners hook up their best pal to a harness or retractable leash. Walking your best pal correctly is one of the best ways to teach him who's is the leader and instills discipline. Why all the fuss you ask? Because the dog walk is where your dog begins to learn who is in charge. It's flippin' impossible to communicate with your pal and guide him through the weirdness of your neighborhood or urban jungle with a retractable leash or almost as worse—a harness. Don't take my word for it, Google it! Most dog related accidents, such as dogs getting hit by cars or bites all stem from retractable leashes and harnesses.  Now, having said that, there are some dogs that MUST be on harnesses, such as the English Bull Dog, because of their breathing issues. However, no do...