Man's Best Friend

Simple put, we don't ask enough of our canine companions! Modern dogs have been unwillingly retired from an active and fulfilling life - a life which honed their natural abilities and earned them the respect of their human companions. This is not to say we don't love our dogs, but for many of our modern canines, life has been reduced to napping on the sofa, or walking to the always filled food dish.

Canines, like their human counterparts, need valued work to give them a sense of purpose. Until recently, canines were bred and trained to assist humans with a multiplicity of necessary tasks. Their acute senses and tenacious character were a much depended upon early warning system, announcing intruders or threats to human encampments. Their physical stamina and intelligence were challenged as they worked long hours managing and guarding the family sheep and cattle. They needed to remain alert and fearless as they tracked, chased, and assisted their human partners to find and hunt game. Their strength and endurance were strained pulling carts filled with goods to market. And if that wasn't enough, canines were expected to find and dispatch the small rodents which threatened the health and safety of the community. Their unique skills and total devotion earned them the recognition, "Man's best friend".

Now, I'm not suggested we can, or even should return dogs to their traditional roles of the past, but we can help them to feel like they are contributing to our pack by ensuring they are obedient and responsive.

I like to start all dogs by making them attentive. I take a food treat and lure them to my left side. I raise the treat above their head and say, "Sit". When they sit and look at me, I give them praise and the treat. As they master this simple behaviour, I begin to ask for more. Their concentration and intensity must increase when I ask them to watch me while other family members try to distract them with loud noises or increased activity. If they are distracted and look away from me, they receive a quick popping with the leash or a slight pinch or poke from my hand. When they return their gaze to me, they are promptly rewarded. After a few repetitions the dog is released to exhaust their energy through exercise. A game of fetch or a run beside the bike channels all the energy which has been built up during the "attention-obedience" exercise.

The more a dog is challenged and able to respond successfully, the more the dog seems to enjoy this game. It is similar to the way we humans feel when we have finished an intense game of hockey, or completed a demanding project at work; we feel a sense of accomplishment.

Provide your dog with opportunities to challenge their bodies and their minds. Give them plenty of exercise and insist that they concentrate and respond with intensity to your requests. After all, they did earn that title, "Man's Best Friend!"

Noel Pepin -- Noel Pepin Canine Behaviour Specialists