By Nick Jones
Below are a few thoughts simply laid out to provoke
further thinking on this subject.
- We see an increase in dog-to-dog aggression due to a relatively insular lifestyle. I believe that a lack of 'imprinting' (socialisation) at an early age is responsible in the main.
- Separation anxiety. With less time for children due to work obligations for example, and more people channelling their emotional selves through their dogs, the dog often take the brunt of an 'overload' of emotion - leaving the dog less able to cope when left alone.
- Many dogs seem lost and without a leader. Leadership is an essential component to a well-balanced life with our dogs. With a lack of leadership comes an increase in unwanted behaviour in and out of the home. We may then see issues occurring such as: none (or poor) recall, jumping up, aggression towards people and other dogs. The list goes on :)
- Everything is connected. All aspects need to be addressed in a calm and balanced manner to break free from the above. It's like building a house...we need to get the foundations in first, then think about the walls, roof and decorating in that order. Also, much like a house the dog needs constant maintenance: an ongoing process of input and direction from birth to death.
Nick Jones MCFBA
Dog Behaviour Specialist and Trainer
01299 404356
nickjones@alphadogbehaviour.co.uk
Nick’s Blog
Nick Jones, a full time Dog Behavioural Specialist and Trainer wrote this article. You can visit his website atwww.alphadogbehaviour.co.uk for more articles and training information. You may freely distribute this article or save to any electronic media as long as it is left intact, including this copyright box. Please let Nick know out of courtesy where and when you publish. Email will suffice. Thank you