About Owners
Dog owners who want to communicate more effectively with their dogs are good owners. I am very aware that the road to hell is paved with good intentions in canine communication as in so many other things. I also know that asking for help is a VERY DIFFICULT thing to do, and I do not condemn anyone either for their dog’s behaviour, or the things they might have resorted to to try to solve any problems.
If you are feeling that you have lost the battle with your dog, and fear that you might have to part with him, can I suggest that you find a copy of Turid Rugaas’ book “On Talking Terms With Dogs: Calming Signals.”, or the DVD. You will find that your dog is telling you what stresses him, and reducing his levels of stress will reduce and eventually eradicate behavioural problems. The book is not long, it is clear, and it is practical. Start watching your dog and reacting ‘politely’ to him, and he will reward you in kind.
Of course, you might not have problems with your dog, but simply want to check out that s/he is as responsive, happy and relaxed as s/he can be!
Dogs benefit from this regime, and ‘problem’ behaviours such as hyperactivity, destruction of property, over-enthusiastic guarding, pulling on the lead, problems with recalling him/her, aggression, fussy eating, car-phobia and discomfort, and general fearfulness can be addressed.
If you find yourself unable to cope with the loss of a much loved pet (of any species!) I am qualified to counsel. Someone once said the worst thing about life is the number of dogs and horses we outlive! That speaks to me!
