Shock collars vs. E collars | Prey Drive | Ava.

As you know, we're desperately trying to find GOOD, responsible, *committed*, invested, loving homes for a mother dog (Ava) and her puppies who were found at an organic waste management facility under a metal trash container back in December.

I'm finding it incredibly difficult to find excellent prospects for sweet, athletic, drivey Ava. She deserves nothing short of landing some place amazing -- who will take the time to understand and tend to her needs, and not abandon her the second "life" changes.

I've posted about her in various groups (I really do believe she's a healthy mix of awesome stuff, not a pure breed of dog), and a post in one of those groups popped up today re: a dog and "chasing chickens." The poster was asking about "shock collars", and- of course- I chimed in.

Many don't know the difference between a "shock collar" and an "e collar."

Nor do they understand DRIVE (specifically, prey drive) in dogs.

Cheap shock collars typically come in very few settings (a la "hot, hotter, hottest"). It's an electrical shock and will hurt the dog.

E collars work very much like tens units used in physical therapy and have about 100+ different levels. This is because a dog's state of mind is constantly fluctuating depending on what's going on around them, and the overall goal behind this collar is : clear and effective communication, influence, and off leash guidance | steering. When these collars are used properly, we're able to maintain (even strengthen) relationship.

The problem with these collars is they're widely and easily accessible to anyone and everyone who think they have a "problem dog" and that a dog training tool is going to resolve it. So, people hop online, pick up a certain collar somewhere, slap it on the dog, and start going to town without learning all they need to learn in order to use it ethically, responsibly, respectfully, and effectively. We do FAR more damage to the relationship and the dog (physically and emotionally) this way.

Prey drive is also something that's gravely misunderstood.

Quite simply...

Prey drive is a natural behavior, and is a dog's inclination to chase and capture, maybe even kill, prey.

While we measure drive in terms of low, medium, and high, *intent* and intensity must also be taken into account.

This is where developing a solid understanding of who your dog is in nature... who your dog is *as the individual* (yes, as well as breed or mix of breeds) is essential.

My dog, Ronin, for example. Very high level of prey drive, but zero intent to kill (common in herding breeds since killing livestock isn't part of the job description and would defeat the purpose). I'm sure, given the opportunity, he would take great joy in chasing chickens; but I know- without a doubt- he wouldn't cause harm.

Finding an activity for dogs with prey drive (especially those with the higher levels)-- so their drive can be channeled and directed and, therefore ***satisfied***, is key. A great game of "fetch", frisbee, flirt pole, and even agility are excellent, satisfactory outlets for channeling, directing, and diffusing drive.

Drive is not something we should "punish".

It's, very much, an ingrained part of the dog and cannot be removed.

BUT. We can direct it, provide safe ways for it to be exercised, and manage it.

Punishing a dog's natural drive is like punishing Celine Dion for trying to sing.

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Speaking of drive......

Ava is likely a Catahoula mix. Perhaps with Aussie? Heeler? Cattle Dog? She's a herding breed of dog. A working dog. Rates high in terms of pack, prey, and defense drive...and needs a human willing to respect and honor her for who she is, train her to become all she can be, and provide ample (secure) space and opportunity to RUN (Lord, she needs this).

Our 2x daily pack walks take the edge off... but just barely.

She's incredibly intelligent. Athletic. Eager to learn. SUPER sweet and affectionate (the PERFECT cuddle bug). And also tough as nails and resilient. I have the utmost respect for her, and know it's what kept her alive living in the middle of the desert on her own.

I've gotten to know this dog very, very well, and also have an understanding of the general public -- level of most people's education and awareness when it comes to dogs, level of effort when it comes to learning... and executing what they're learning, expectations, etc.

Trying to find this stunning, AMAZING dog a special, well meaning heart and appropriate home has been like trying to find Elvis.

Rocco will be leaving for an amazing foster in Oregon (thank you, Angela Adan, for the connection).

Willie and Winnie *may(???)* have placement.

Cowboy is being slowly integrated into the pack (I swear he's beloved Toddie reincarnated :)).

We really need to find a place for Ava.... I've got to keep faith alive that her special someone is out there.

**Funding is still needed!!!**

For:

Rocco's food and continued vet care (3rd round of vaccinations, rabies at 6 mo's) while in foster.

Winnie and Willie's food and continued vet care while still here.

Ava's food while still here.

Ava's spay ($948 with our vet; still obtaining other estimates; avoiding the risk of low cost spay and neuter clinics).

Rocco, Winnie, and Willie's 2nd round of vaccinations (they have a vet appt on the 19th, which should run about $235).

Links to donate:

Venmo (no fees): Kimberly-Artley-2

Food donations can be called into our store for pick up (talk to "Jay" if possible): (951) 461-0001 (Smallbatch pets frozen, Steve's Real Food frozen, Green Juju bone broth, Answers Pet Food raw goat's milk)

GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/3ef19a44

Thank you all so very much for taking this journey with us and supporting this effort the way you have..... hoping and praying (heavily) we can see this all the way through and have everyone end up in amazing homes.