October 2008 Archives

Sometimes two members of the same pack can get into a fight, but once a dog has been injured, the reintroduction to the pack is a very important step. Fights can be scary, so if the owner is not feeling 100% sure, it's best to hire a professional to guide them through the process.

I always recommend a pack walk before sticking the two dogs into a room together. Supervision is also a must, especially for the first two to three months until everyone feels good about the situation. The person supervising needs to stay neutral because many times, we can actually make things worse by being anxious, nervous, or anticipating another attack.

Taking these steps and maintaining a calm assertive stance will not only aid in physical healing, but also your dog's mental healing as well.

Some people think that giving their dog one good, long walk a week is equal to walking their dog consistently every day. This is not true. In a natural environment, a dog will walk every single day to find food and water. They might not get to eat every single day, but they will always walk. Not a day goes by where a bird doesn't fly and fish don't swim. It's only natural for dogs to walk. It's in their DNA.

The truth is, animals are not born to live behind walls and just get out when it's convenient for the owners. And one long walk a week is actually against a dog's nature. They need their daily dose of Mother Nature and it's your responsibility to make sure they get it.

Obsession is a trait that I usually see in dogs who are bored. They become frustrated because they sit behind walls all day and have nothing to do. The only way they know how to release that frustration is to find something that attracts them and to fixate on it.

A dog can easily become fixated on seemingly harmless objects, like Patches's love of paper, which almost cost him his life. When a dog is at the height of his obsession, there are no limits! He will ignore pain, hunger, and almost any sign of danger. While it may seem that your dog is enjoying himself, he's not. Obsession is a very unhealthy habit.

What you need to do is redirect his focus. For instance, if you find him with an object of fixation, remove it and take him on a walk instead. In fact, make sure your dog gets adequate exercise before you leave the house. And don't be afraid to create games for him, like hide and seek. Be creative because if you have fun with it, your dog will too.

Many people want to adopt powerful breeds, but they usually don't know what they are getting themselves into. When you hear the sad story of a dog's past, it's easy to have a sense of pity. One of the best things offered here in the United States is the ability to volunteer at a shelter or a rescue organization where you can learn about different dog energies and handling problem behaviors. This way you are more prepared when you adopt and better able to pick a suitable dog for your energy.

I want to encourage people to use instincts and logic when bringing a dog into the house instead of coming from an emotional, spiritual, or intellectual standpoint. If you choose to bring a powerful dog home, you have to understand instincts first. You have to understand how to fulfill the needs of the breed.