Do dogs act out for revenge?

How many times have you heard someone say "My dog did that in revenge because he didn't like that I.... "?

"My dog went to the toilet on my bed because I went out"

"My dog ripped up the couch because I didn't take him for a walk"

"My dog started digging up my favourite plant because I wasn't giving him attention when I had friends over"

Well, prepare for your bubble to be burst. Revenge is actually more complicated than you might think. According to Stephen Beckerman, a Penn State anthropologist. “Revenge is a desire to not just punish the culprit, but to change his mind, to make him see -- if only in his death throws -- that he was wrong.” 

So, it may be giving a bit too much credit to think Woofy has intentionally waited for you to go out, storing his bowel movements to cleverly release at an opportune time, just to really annoy you.

The more likely answer is that the dog didn't have adequate access to an appropriate place to go to the toilet, or hasn't been properly trained to understand where and where is not an appropriate place to go. Dog's noses are super sensitive, so if they have urinated inside before (on the carpet, particularly), even after a spray and scrub with a towel, they can still pick up that scent and therefore re-offend in the same place.

Similarly, other destructive behaviours are more likely going to be a reaction to something else - boredom, frustration, lack of obedience/training, behaving in line with a genetic predisposition  - see previous blog titled "Understanding a dogs breed".

It's important to look at all the factors that can be at play - has the environment changed? Is the dog in any pain/discomfort? Was there anything happening outside (fireworks, a party next door, the neighbours introducing a new pet) that could impact the dog's sensory environment?

If you're not sure what could have changed or how to overcome the undesireable behaviour, contact us at info@k9evolution.com.au. 

At least you can sleep a little safer knowing Woofy isn't going to bite you in your sleep because you didn't share the last Tim Tam.

Understanding a dogs breed.

I had a friend recently who said "I want to buy a puppy. But not too big, and one that will be lazy so I don't have to walk it. A puppy that doesn't need training. But just something small like a beagle."

My jaw hit the floor in disbelief of what I was hearing. The thought that there are people who believe that there are breeds that "don't need training" and even more so, that beagles don't just blew my mind - but then I realised, that is really arrogant. I love dogs, I always have.. I have a keen interest in understanding them and their different traits, but that doesn't mean that Jessie next door has any interest.. Jessie just wants a companion that will keep her company on the couch. Full stop.

This got me thinking, I wonder how many people out there are having difficulties with their dogs, not because their dog is "bad" but simply because they don't understand their traits, their needs, what they were actually genetically bred for.

As an example, Border Collies are working/herding dogs. They were developed to gather and control sheep with almost unlimited energy, stamina and working drive. Now consider, do you think their mental and physical needs are met if left in a backyard for 8 hours a day until called in and then simply petted on the couch? Probably not.

Lets go back to considering Jessie's theory of a Beagle being "lazy" and not needing training. Here is some information about Beagles easily gathered via Google.

Intelligence	Training must begin early or the beagle can get out of hand and indulge in its favourite habits - overeating and making a mess. Beagles do like to please their masters but must clearly be shown what is required and the owner must be firm and consistent. If one does not begin early and continue with firm commands, then this breed can be very hard to housebreak and will bark to an annoying degree.
Energy	High
Suitability for Children	High
Tendency to Bark	High
Overall Exercise Requirement	Beagles do need a great deal of exercise. Because of their strong hunting instinct, they cannot be let off lead till extremely well trained to return when called. This will take a long time for the Beagle to learn as they are so strongly inclined to follow a scent. Garden walls must be high at least 6 feet and secure for the same reason - once on a scent, a Beagle does not return voluntarily. They are excellent escapologists and will attempt to dig their way out of any confinement. One way of keeping your dog well exercised would be to let it utilize its natural hunting talents. Field dog trials are popular with beagle owners. In terms of actual hunting, beagles can be worked as a pack or a brace (two dogs.) Regardless, the breed must be exercised extensively and is probably not a wise choice for the city dweller.

Well Jessie, your Beagle sure sounds a bit harder than you thought, hey?

Regardless of Breed, ALL PUPPIES require training from the beginning to ensure a well socialised, confident and obedient dog. There is no easy fix, and may not even be a breed issue.

If you want a lazy dog that doesn't need training, consider contacting your local rescue/shelter and adopt a senior dog.. these are really great dogs that don't need a lot of work, just love and companionship.

As always, if you are having issues with your dog, or want advice about choosing the right new addition for your home, please contact us at K9 Evolution and we would be happy to point you in the right direction.

Exercising your dog.. mind and body

In our day to day lives, sometimes it's not easy to take your dog for a walk every day. More and more people are thinking "off lead dog parks" are the bees knees.. Take your dog(s) there, and you can basically stand around while your pooch runs itself stupid "playing" with other dogs and voila! Tired and exercised dog with little effort. 

I personally have a big issue with this mentality. Many dog owners have unfortunately not reached a great enough level of obedience for a guaranteed recall in these environments, and just because your dog is friendly, doesn't mean the dud over the other side of the field is friendly as well.. and thus we have dog fights and lawsuits waiting to happen.

The other misconception is that aimless running around will tire your dog out completely. Mentally stimulating your dog can tire them out just as much than (or even more when combined with) simple physical exercise. 

As an example, take your dog for a 15 minute walk around the block with no commands. No heeling, no loose lead walking, no sitting etc. Then the next day, 15 minutes but the dog must heel or loose lead walk, sit and wait until they are released, turn left and right on command and I will bet the dog will be more tired on day two.

The other issue we encounter is "it's raining and doggy doesn't like to walk in the rain". I call bulltish. YOU don't like walking in the rain. Well, don't teach your dog to dislike the rain. Wait until it starts raining and take your dog for a walk. I would say, the walk is more valuable to the dog than keeping his/her fur dry.

Still, because we don't want to walk in the rain after we've been to the hairdresser, we need to be able to appropriately "exercise" our dogs without leaving the house.

Train inside. Work on your sit, stand, drop, "on ya bed", and recall. Pick up the lead and loose lead walk around the house and make sure your dog doesn't pull and drag you to the door. 

Create games - place bits of food around the house and make the dog find them.. put food in a shoe box, a toy, under a tea towel.. they can search for the reward.

Develop your tricks.. high five, praying, turning on a light switch.. all these basic things are making your dog work and in the long run can pay off for you big time!

If you need more tips, or don't know where to start, feel free to call any time.. We can assist with giving you the foundation to dogs evolution.

Beware of "quick fix" dog trainers!

Do you have, or know someone with a reactive or aggressive dog? There are many trainers out there who will offer various suggestions on how to "fix problem behaviour".
Be wary of any trainer who promises a "quick fix."
Like all behaviour modification, it takes time and patience - to rush is to put added unnecessary pressure on what may be an already stressed, anxious or overstimulated pooch. 
No matter where you are, we're here to point you in the right direction to get the best advice and assistance in evolving your dog's behaviour. Email or call any time. 😊

Creating a balanced dog..diet.

Do you notice when you eat poorly, you just feel out of sorts? Your dog has the same reaction!! If your dog seems flat, anxious, or crazy-hypo, look at its diet!
Natural home-made food with real meat and veggies with the right vitamins can make a big difference. Before you question the outside, think of what might be happening on the inside.

I have met many people who have young dogs on medication to "calm them down", yet when I ask what they feed their dogs, they say "tinned supermarket food.. but the good stuff." (Of course it is. hmmm)
Feeding your dog canned food is like giving a 6 year old child McDonalds and then wondering why they are hyperactive. Would you continue to feed your child red cordial and lollies and then combat this with ADHD medication? 

Okay, I'm not a vet and if your dog truly has serious issues, please seek professional advice. However, if it works, wouldn't it be better to try a more natural solution first?

Get some fresh mince or minced off-cuts from the butcher. Blend up some silverbeet, kale, carrots (avoid mushrooms, garlic, onions as these can be toxic to dogs) and mix it all together with a little rice. Maybe even add a raw egg - these are high in protein and great for your dog's coat!
If you want to add some dry food, grain free options like Black Hawk are really good.

DELICIOUS!! 

"Oh my dog only eats fresh roast chicken and caviar from My Dog" I hear you say. Really? Fine. Don't feed your dog for a day, I guarantee, they'll get on to my mix pretty quick.

If you need some extra calming options, try Paw Complete Calm by Blackmores. These are tasty kangaroo based chews that contains Tryptophan, B group vitamins and a blend of multivitamins and nutrients to support the general health and nervous function in dogs. Available at PetBarn and other dog supply stores.

For more assistance, contact us at k9evolution.com.au.