Can dog training really help you improve your parenting skills?
As we move through behavioral training with folks, I can't tell you how many times we've heard how similar the principles are to child rearing.
And they're right.
With the exception of a few obvious things, yes. The principles are the same.
"Having a child" and *raising a child* are two different things.
Same with dogs.
It's important we…..
It’s not “mental health”… but *emotional health*.
I share this as I'm working on my latest book, "The Human End of the Leash: Dog Training's Missing Link."
How we show up, the energy we're bringing into each space, whether or not we follow through, the words we speak, the thoughts we think, how we move in and occupy our space, etc. ... all is information, and all is information we're sending to our dogs (which impacts our level of relevance and what we begin to represent to them).
As Dr. Joe Dispenza says, "Thoughts are the language of the mind, and emotions are the language of the body."
7 Ways Unhealed Trauma Shows Up In Dog Training
No one is exempt from the experience of trauma, and there are varying degrees of this.
As I teach all my clients, "behavior is information."
And so is...
Skydog Sanctuary
Not a dog post, but important nonetheless.
I've been following this particular Sanctuary for a while now. The difference they fight so hard to make on behalf of these horses is commendable. They do amazing, amazing work.... and need our help and support to do more.
How we humans have decided to "manage" wildlife is not ethical, moral, just, or kind. It's just disgusting.
This mindset that we "own" any land is troubling. Regardless of if we paid for it. We don't own it. The land, the earth is not just here for us... for our profits and pleasure. It's to support all of life.
We're supposed to be stewards of the planet and of the other forms of life on the planet, and we've failed. Miserably.
Round ups are brutal, incredibly traumatic for the horses, and totally unnecessary.
Biden’s dog, Commander. History repeating.
Biden's first GSD, Major, had a major biting problem (pun intended). He was sent away for training more than once, but the problem persisted. Finally, he was given to friends and left the White House for good.
Then…..
Why I waited to neuter.
Welp. It's done.
I went back and forth about this for many reasons, but ultimately decided to neuter since we do a lot of off leash work and hiking.
My goal was to wait until….
Todd and Ronin inspired musings.
Todd doesn't know what's what or who's who anymore, but Ronin loves messing with him.... and also comforting him.
I can't bring myself to "make that call" with Todd. Not only can I not afford to anyway right now.... but I really struggle with "playing God."
well-fed does not mean healthy.
Something interesting has happened over the last 100 years.
"Food" changed in definition.
"Nutrition" became a science experiment.
"Cheap, fast, and easy" became our country's motto.
"Done for You" became our way of life.
.....and our collective health has suffered for it. Especially that of our dogs (and any other animal who relies upon us to make their nutritional choices for them).
This day 365 days ago.
This day 365 days ago was one of the most gut-wrenching days of my life.
A new initiative…
We’re in the midst of an emotional health crisis.
What’s being touted as “mental health” issues, are actually emotional health issues.
Signs…
The most magnificent things happened yesterday.
If you've been following me for a while, you know I'm a spiritual, praying gal. I also strongly believe in "signs" (the book, "Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe" is a must-read | https://a.co/d/21rxRBo ), and the power of affirmations to retrain our brains and re-pattern our thinking. Our hikes and pack walks are sacred, and I spend the great majority of that time in prayer and active meditation.
A few days ago….
Strong energy dogs.
Strong energy dogs can and will be a challenge for those who don't understand them.
7 major players in problematic canine behavior.
When we bring dogs into our hearts and homes, we are accepting a responsibility.
Dogs are 100% dependent upon us for everything in life. From what they eat... to how much exercise they get... to what they learn (and don't learn)... to what they get exposed to... and so on.
"Behavior" is multi-layered. It's also...
: information,
: a manner of expression,
: a form of feedback,
: a type of response, and
: a reflection of what's in excess, what's lacking (or completely missing), and what's just right.
While there are other ingredients that contribute to the development of problematic behaviors- like unclear messaging and communication leading to blurred lines, misunderstanding, and confusion- these are the big ones...
What “dog training” REALLY is.
"Obedience training" has long been synonymous with "dog training", but fully equipping a dog goes far beyond teaching a dog what certain words mean. It's...
How long should I walk my dog?
If a dog is experiencing behavioral issues, I can pretty much guarantee this is *one* of the contributing ingredients that's not being sufficiently and consistently met.
The Do’s and Do Nots of “Dog Dealing”
We've been charged a number of times while out on our pack walks by dogs who've slipped out of doors when someone was coming out or going in their home, dogs who were
Should your dog be off-leash?
“Someone can have the friendliest dog in the world, but this does not entitle them to bomb-rushing other people and dogs.
Even friendly dogs do not appreciate being approached like this. It's very off-putting (as it would be for any human being bomb-rushed by a complete stranger).
A playful, friendly dog does NOT translate into a ***socially skilled*** dog.
Off-leash freedom is great for every dog (for many reasons), BUT we must practice extreme care here as many of us are sharing the same spaces. This... and *anything can happen.*
I created this infographic for a quick "food for thought". Awareness is key, and practice is prevention. This is for the safety and security of our dogs, ourselves, and others' and their dogs.”
Why healing trauma benefits our dogs behaviorally.
Having a trauma-informed and *holistic* (meaning: we pay attention to ALL contributing ingredients) approach to behavior: behavioral training, conditioning, modification, and rehabilitation in working with dogs is important. Why? Because *both* ends of the leash are in constant conversation with each other. And both ends of the leash are usually responding, sharing, and exchanging from the residue trauma has left behind (aka skewed interpretations, perceptions, and filters).
Dogs and the importance of “space”
If we want a dog who has the *ability* to navigate and comfortably share the various levels of space alongside us, a dog who feels safe, secure, and comfortable doing so- it's up to us to guide the way.