To get things started we’d like to pose a couple of questions:
• What is a trained dog?
• What is a well-behaved dog?
Imagine a dog that can sit, stay, fetch, roll over, play dead, do backflips and drive a car. We would probably say that dog is well trained, correct? Would we also say that they are well-behaved? Not necessarily. Let’s say this same dog does great on leash for a specific handler, but is reactive and tense with another...now how do we feel about the dog’s training/behavior?
Picking up where we left off. You’ll recall that in a balanced human-dog relationship, a trained dog looks to us for direction and they regularly respond to our direction in a positive manner. A dog won’t look for direction or respond to our requests unless they:
• are fulfilled as animal-dog-breed
• trust our ability to direct and protect
• know all good things come from us
We’d be remiss if we did a series on Dog Behavior 101 without talking about what’s going on in between our dog’s ears. A basic understanding of the dog’s mind can help you better meet your dog’s needs and create a balanced, happy human-dog relationship. So what are dogs thinking? How does a dog’s mind work?
A day in the life of a human is hard to define, because all of us lead such different lives. There are some fundamental elements that are the same: rest, eat, work, play, etc..but beyond that baseline our lives are pretty different. Some of us stay home with the kids, some of us go to an office, some play rock music, some do yoga, some train dogs and so on. Dogs on the other hand, tend to do the same 4 things, no matter where they live or who their owners are. Whether living in the wild, or in an apartment in Uptown, a dog will do the same 4 things every day.
Think of a dog running around, tail wagging a million miles an hour and tongue flapping out the side of their mouth. Do you think that dog looks happy? Now imagine a dog sitting on a cot quietly, doing nothing. Is that dog happy?
Today we’re introducing a concept we call 23:59:59. This will help you understand why your dog acts out and what to do to prevent it.
At BDB we never get calls from clients with perfectly behaved dogs-why would we? A dog who is consistently respectful, doesn’t whine, bark, chew or otherwise act out doesn’t bother their owner-and a human with a well-behaved dog doesn’t need a dog behaviorist.
Today we’re taking a look at dog communication methods.
It’s common sense that dogs don’t speak human, but that doesn’t keep 99% of dog owners from trying anyway. You could read your dog the entire dictionary front to back and they would understand exactly zero words. You could tell your dog “no, no, we don’t jump on guests” a thousand times, and they will still jump on your guests.
You’ve heard the old saying: find something you love to do, and you’ll never work a day in your life. It illustrates the human need for fulfillment in our day-to-day lives and the struggle against working boring, meaningless jobs.
Whether you’re trying to understand your long-time dog, or you’re considering getting a new dog, it’s important to know a few things about what makes a dog who they are. Knowing our dog on a deeper level allows us to better understand our individual dog’s needs. Just as humans have different personality traits that can be affected by the environment, our dogs too have unique dispositions that make them who they are as individuals.
Well friends, we’ve come to the end of our Dog Behavior 101 Series. We’d like to review what we’ve covered over the last several posts. I know it might seem like a lot to take in, but just focus on one or two things at a time. Eventually it will all become second nature and you and your dog will be well on your way to a happier, more balanced relationship.
$40.00
BDB's Raised Dog Bed gives your dog not only a great place to rest, but the help needed to focus on a job (relaxing) even with distractions. We use these beds for training every single day. Because the raised bed creates very defined boundaries, it makes it much easier for the dog to know what we're asking (stay on the bed and relax).
We also love them because the fabric is breathable - making them much cooler and more comfortable than a regular dog bed. After a long walk, your dog will be happy to lay on the BDB Raised Bed instead of the tile or wood floor. It features a sturdy, powder-coated steel frame and a durable, PVC-coated fabric sleeping surface made to last. The tight, breathable fabric provides an added level of comfort and support that also keeps your dog cool and won't sag after extended use.
Get one for each room that you use the most so you don't have to carry it around the house. These beds are ideal for use indoors or outdoors. They are easy to assemble and easy to clean. Give your dog the bed she deserves!
* DIMENSIONS:
SMALL: 35.7” L x 21.8” W x 7.75” H
MEDIUM: 43.4” L x 25.8” W x 7.75” H
LARGE: 51.6" L x 31.8" W x 7.75" H
* WEIGHT: 8.36 pounds
* BED FEATURE: Water-resistant, Outdoor, Machine-washable
* COVER MATERIAL: Polyester
* FILL & FRAME MATERIAL: Metal
* BED TYPE: Elevated
* LIFESTAGE: Puppy, Adult
* ASSEMBLY REQUIRED: Yes
* TOOLS INCLUDED: Yes
$125.00
$150.00
$25.00
Our soft, durable, and easy-to-use figure 8 slip lead is the perfect tool to gently but clearly communicate with any dog. Tired of your leather "stopper" either stretching out and not working or being so tight that you can't move it? Our easy-to-use, adjustable slide keeps the loop from slipping down your dog's neck, yet releases slightly when the leash is in the relaxed position. The BDB Leash comes with a back-up or "safety clip" that can be attached to your dog’s collar when you're using the leash in the "Figure-8."
We use the figure 8 slip lead every single day in our training sessions, pack walks, and treadmill sessions. Not only are these leads helpful in ensuring your dog doesn't stray, but the slip leash also provides unparalleled comfort for your dog. As the name implies, the figure 8 slip lead slips over your dog’s head and rests comfortably on the shoulders. Unlike other leads, our slip leash doesn’t pitch or cinch providing your dog ultimate comfort and peace of mind. The BDB Slip Leashes are workhorses that are made to last and are a must have for any dog owner.