Stop it! No, that’s not a new command to teach your dog. Its what we need to do when we are taken over by our own human instincts in terms of misinterpreting our dogs behavior and acting on our feelings instead of a dog’s reality at times when we must display a level of self-awareness when interacting with potentially problematic dogs. When we go into that autopilot mode, we must assess where we end and our dogs begin. As I always say, it feels too good not to do this, we’re only human. It is in our nature to do this when living with dogs because of their amazing (and usually harmless) ability to make us misinterpret their behaviors and go by how our dogs make us “feel” as opposed to the reality of their actual existence…

However, when it comes to dogs who have the potential for behavior problems, catching ourselves and not giving in to the illusion dogs at times can present is of utmost importance if you want to be one step ahead of them and curb unwanted problem behaviors.

A balanced dog is quite self-aware. Another dog knows to look for this quality in a leader. They feel it oozing from their core being whenever they are in the presence of someone (or somedog) who possesses this quality. Most humans are lacking this ability according to some dogs… We just do what we do around our dogs without regarding all the things that dogs with certain personality types are constantly keeping track of. Do you really put much thought into walking from one room of the house to the next? We are pretty much on “auto pilot” the majority of the time we are at home coexisting with our pets. This contributes to the confusion in a dog who thinks they are the only ones who are concerned with the flow of life and need to carry that responsibility over to all other aspects of the human environments they share with their owners. I tell my clients that just by being more in tune with what you’re dog is paying attention to, and showing them you regard what they are caring about in life, (for their sake, of course) they can project an energy of understanding their dog will respond to. With this, your dog will feel as if you know what you are doing in a dog’s game of life. Regardless of the method of communication or training techniques we use towards our dogs.

So next time you want to indulge in your feelings towards your dog…Just stop! And begin to think of the incorrect energy you may be projecting if it is not appropriate to act on those feelings. As I tell everyone, the sooner you develop this skill, the sooner you won’t have to use it.

I would like to personally wish all of my fellow dog owners and clients a very happy holiday season! The holidays are a special time of year that can present numerous unique, and at times, potentially dangerous situations for our pets. From peeing on the Christmas tree to stealing holiday turkey, we need to make sure we are taking the steps necessary to ensure we share our holidays with a happy and well-behaved dog. The following are some helpful tips to guide you through the holidays and make sure your dog gets on Santa’s “Good Dog” list!

:Christmas trees tend to bring the outdoors in during this time of year. Because many dogs get very used to going to the bathroom and marking on trees, this can be confusing for your dog and can create some soggy presents! If your dog has this potential then it would be best to teach you dog how to keep a safe distance from the tree by using a “Place”, “Get” or similar command to give them a specific location to be when in proximity of the tree. There are also many products such as “Bitter Apple” and “Phooey” that act as deterrents as well. This will also help with dogs who like to eat tinsel and ornaments, or those that just can’t wait till X-mas to open their presents…:

: The holidays are times to gather with family. During the holiday when guests come over our dogs may want to wish them a happy holiday before you do and jump on them at the door. This is a perfect opportunity to work on your dog’s jumping issues since there will be so many chances to practice! Now is the time to use that “Stay” command and regain your dog’s focus so they do not feel like jumping in the first place. (your Mother in law will appreciate it): :Cold winter weather can present its own hazards for our pets. Even with a permanent fur coat our dogs can be vulnerable to cold weather. Make sure you wipe your dog’s feet to remove any harful de-icing salt and debris they may have stepped in. For extended walks, a good pair of dog boots helps prevents cold chapped feet and frostbite. “Mushers secret” is also a great product for this. In the winter we are using more antifreeze products for our cars. It tastes like candy to dogs but is extremlely poisonous for them. Make sure all antifreeze is stored safely and any leaks are cleaned: :During the holidays, we tend to have more food around than usual, this can be tempting for even the most well mannered dog. To avoid a scene from A Christmas Story Movie playing out in your house, now is the time to establish a good meal routine so your dog knows that your food is off limits to them and they have their own. By establishing this you won’t have to order Chinese takeout for Christmas dinner and spend your holiday at the vet’s office!:

By following these guidelines we can eliminate any unwanted problems before they even start and ensure the holidays are enjoyble for you and your pet! Feel free to contact me at 303-325-7961. Visit my website: wwwthecaninecounselor.com for more holiday tips and dog behavior/training information.

Happy Holidays!!!From The Canine Counselor

Not a day goes by where I am not confronted with the unavoidable fact that there are people out there who claim to be professionals in my field and then take on cases their experience, or even worse, their misinterpretations of dogs themselves cannot handle. What happens then, in my opinion, is the literal “Kiss of death” for some dogs who’s owner(s), foster parents, or rescue organizations don’t know what they are seeking or need in a dog behavior specialist. The so-called professional dog trainer, behaviorist, psychologist, etc. blames the dog and then proceeds to write them off as lost causes that no one can help or in best case scenarios, goes right for the medication cabinet before any basic applications of communication, training, and leadership are applied. I feel this is simply because they couldn’t help them with the limited tools and understanding they were providing. I don’t think so. Unfortunately I see this happen every day. This shouldn’t be. And it wouldn’t be so prevalent if us as dog enthusiasts became a little more in tune with what makes us tick before we can expect to analyze our pets. The problem with most dog behavior specialists is that we like to control things in our lives and environments (admittedly” me included). Our personalities like to solve problems and fix what seems to be broke. We like it our way or no way at all! (Sound a little like some dogs we know ) This works great when persistence, control, and a hefty ego are necessary to convey the assertive take no nonsense control of a good pack leader. It does however get in the way of one’s ability to see a broader scope than their own eyes and mind may allow them to see. This is where we as professional dog handlers need to understand ourselves and who we are so we can be effective in being objective and neutral when educating pet owners and the public about dogs and their behavior. The inability of many of my peers in this particular department has driven me to place the majority or my work’s emphasis on the need for this self-awareness so we can help rehabilitate dogs who otherwise are limited solely by our lack of understanding of the innate concepts they as a species already know. It is hardwired into their genetics. It is our job as the creator of this species to learn how to see the reality of their existence and not make assumptions based on preconceived notions of what they mean to us and how they fit into our psychology. An example of this will be how someone will name a dog “Sparky” because they are a Terrier and have a spitfire personality. Sparky just seems to do everything 110%. I’ll hear something like: “He gets so excited when people come over he literally spins in circles while he barks constantly.” “Sparky just loves walks, he nips at me when he sees the leash and is always out in front barking at the world announcing his presence.” “Sparky just seems to be so excited with everything, even a leaf blowing across the yard!” If we examine more closely though, these are just character traits of the dog and not their actual personality or psychological makeup. In the past, my observations usually have concluded that most “Sparky Dogs” are a little discontented from the over-thinking they have to do during the times their owners don’t take over certain aspects of their lives for them. The behaviors, (good bad, or indifferent) are just manifestations of the dog’s mindset at those particular transition points in a dog’s life and the way they are reacting to it, not their personality. In my section on “Doggie Racism” , you will learn how a dog’s breed has little to do with what makes them who they are. Unless you are utilizing the more pronounced natural instincts certain breeds posses to accomplish a working or sporting goal, you are getting a breed because of how they look to you and how your psychology projects onto them or theirs onto yours. Trust me, its not what you think” So many of my client have a difficult time hearing this and facing these facts. I always explain how I understand why this is difficult for them to hear and accept, and what I am revealing to them is far from criticism or they are being a bad dog owner. They wouldn’t have made the effort to come see to help them resolve these issues if they didn’t love their dogs! Remember, we are just being human, and as humans we must display some humility in the face of something we do not fully understand. I do this everyday, and feel there is always something our dogs can teach us about who they are so we can create a deeper understanding and communication between us and them. It’s the so called “experts” or the “I’ve had dogs/insert breed (even worse!) my whole life and this is what you should do” “For the armchair dog trainer this is ok for some basic training and maybe light obedience issues where the dog will let you slide with some effort and intent. For dogs that have higher requirements of leadership, usually due to higher than average levels of insecurity and anticipation anxiety, this “speaking with an accent” , at best, won’t do. We need to understand our dogs to the core if we are to successfully address more advanced and complex behaviors such as aggression, separation anxiety, anti-social behaviors, and severe problem behaviors based in discontentment. What I continuously find amazing is this ignorance has permeated into my profession. After all, dog professionals are still humans first which places the responsibility on us to understand our end of the leash as well. Half of the cases I see have been through some other type of training or behavior program before they come to me. When I ask all these numerous unrelated people why they have spent a great deal of time and effort, and are now in my office to see me make them put in more of a great deal of time and effort. (Everyone loves when I tell them that!) I consistently get the same response; “We just didn’t get the results we were seeking, and don’t feel the previous trainer/behaviorist understood our dog.” The reason for this is in the statement itself. Once we understand our dogs, the results come naturally” Period!!! This is why I frequently show owners results during the first time we meet far beyond what the past person was able to achieve after months of work with the dog. It’s all in the understanding. “How can we understand our dogs and relate to them if we don’t understand what motivates us to have them in our lives, interpret their behaviors the way we do, and relate to them in such a unique way “. As a professional, it is our responsibility to examine and understand this to its fullest extent. Too many professionals are stuck with their method or philosophy and can’t get past what they think is their new breakthrough creation and amazing contribution to dogs as a species. Honestly, I have a difficult time biting my tongue not telling these people to get over themselves. Talk about alpha-dog ego. So, what makes me different I mean I talk about myself and my fantastic ability to relate to dogs and their owners all the time, I promote myself as a dog expert, so what gives  Here’s the difference; I see myself as a messenger. Someone to tell it like it is, based on my experience, understandings of energy and psychology (my own as well), and the gift I have been given to be highly sensitive enough to be able to be in tune with the instinct driven, sometimes extremely subtle world of dogs. I just teach people how to tap into and understand what nature has already created! As professionals, we must see ourselves as a vehicle to do this and act as a bridge between species. Not a preacher who feels they have found the missing link to communicating with our dogs and are unable to see past their viewpoint. The link is there. Dogs use it 24/7, we just have to see past our own psychological instincts as humans to grasp it and see it for what it is. Once we do, that link becomes the golden ring to link us to the endless communication possibilities we can have with our dogs”

When we think of anxiety, pictures of Woody Allen or that common photo of a person holding their head in frustration with the word stress in big bold letters comes to mind. Perhaps it is that presentation we have to give at work tomorrow, or even the flight we have to take to get there. After all, anxiety is just the over-anticipation of future events in one’s life. For some, these may be big. For others small. But regardless of its scope, the brain (both human and canine) handles the phenomenon of anxiety in numerous and interesting ways.

For the most part, we as human beings can handle the ebbs and flows of life if we stick to our routines and familiar environments. But every now and then when things get too overwhelming, we can sometimes be put on sensory overload. Especially if we are in a situation we do not know how to handle or are not familiar with. To cope with the literal physical and mental sensations associated with this over-processing in our minds, the brain has numerous ways of reacting to, and coping with this stress. For some it may be a brisk walk or run, for others it may be some form of addictive substance or distracting behavior, some may even internalize it and express it at a later date. Anxiety also can be triggered by an event(s) or imposing event(s), or can be in a more generalized form. This is more of your neurotic, worry-wart type of personality who can never relax and is always worrying about when the next shoe of life is going to fall. Even when nothing is wrong! (Can you begin to see how this can tie into dogs with certain agendas and personality types )

Whatever the form of coping happens to be, it all has its basis in slowing down the rate at which the brain is processing its information. This enables the individual (or dog) to get back to a baseline or “normal” feeling and mental state. Which, due to the uncomfortable feelings and worries associated with anxiety, is a quickly learned “go to” place for relief because it actually relieves the individual or dog from the symptoms of their anxiety. So you are probably asking yourself, “what does my dog have to be anxious about”

To better understand how your dog is viewing the world, and how some dogs can take on responsibilities of universal proportions, (in their minds), let’s examine how our dogs see things so we can get in tune with what motivates them and inspires their actions. When examined at face value, and not by our misinterpretations of their behaviors or our preconceived perceptions of what they mean to us, it makes complete sense once we see things from their perspective and operate by their unspoken set of rules and regulations in the laws of the dog world.

As I have written about extensively in the past, the flow of life’s energy is of utmost importance to any pack animal. Because dogs coexist with humans, and share the same natural habitat, (no other animal species does this with us, not even cats!) everything I write about will apply exclusively to dogs, with the occasional wolf analogy thrown in for good measure. So if these transitions which come about throughout a dog’s coexistence with us, that when having to navigate on their own, become the root cause of the anxiety which ultimately leads to the problem behaviors we experience in our pets. Let me give an example of what I mean by this; Let’s say you are nervous about flying in an airplane and you are scheduled to take a trip in two weeks. Although you’ve flown before and have read all the literature, your rational thinking gives way to anxiety as the imminent day grows near. This anxiety increases until it comes to head when you are face to face with the day of the trip and even worse” the airplane itself. At this anxiety peak, we are most likely to panic or show some symptom(s) or form of reaction to everything coming to a head right then and there! Many people act in ways that are atypical to their usual personality during these times and in some cases would be considered out of the norm for typical human behavior in general. This can range from sweaty palms to full blown panic attacks!

Let’s now look into our dog’s lives and how anxiety contributes to the problems we may be experiencing with our pets”

Now, of course a dog has no comprehension of flying, bills, or even having a deadline, so let’s talk about what is actually important to our dogs and what may create an overwhelming feeling of anticipation in situations they may encounter throughout their day. Also keep in mind that although our jobs are important to us, we ultimately realize that it is not a life or death proposition and we can take vacations, holidays, sick days, etc. For dogs, it is all about survival. It is hardwired in their genetics to do what they do without much conscious thought. For dogs that live the more hyper-sensitive, in-tune existence with this flow of life I speak of, and feel an undying need to anticipate future events, this way of being is more of a reality to them. They have no choice, it is in their DNA, it is a means to preserve and continue their species by following this instinct-based pack structure and the rules that apply to this way of being. There is no time off the clock! This usually means them (the leader) at the head and everyone falling within their respective roles within the pack structure to keep things running smoothly. In nature and at the dog park this usually works itself out into a peaceful co-existence amongst all dogs. Actually, only the unbalanced dogs, who in the majority of instances have ill-defined roles within their human-dog packs to begin with, are the ones who get themselves into trouble because of their unregulated energy that triggers other dogs to “re-align” them into their already established pack that works much better and efficiently than what they are trying to do on their own. Although their owners do, the real dogs in charge aren’t going to tolerate this unbalanced approach to life. This works so well because a dog sees another dog true to how they are and understands the rules” instantly! There are no misinterpretations or perceptions made about their behaviors by one another. Survival is at stake, it cannot happen. We as humans frequently do this with our dogs. By not playing the game at their level, our dogs, who may have this higher requirement for us to understand how to be a leader to them, may begin to question what their responsibilities are in life and begin to make their own decisions in situations they never could handle in the first place. This happens because of their questions about the roles the humans play in their lives within the structure of the pack, both in those moments of transition, and in life in general. This is because everything from going on walks to going to the kitchen to get a snack can take on more meaning than necessary if our dog doesn’t feel that it has meaning to us as well and we navigate life around them accordingly.

This is the flow of life that dogs pay attention to. I find us humans really don’t put much thought into this. This makes dogs with a more assertive approach to life feel like it is their duty to pick up the slack because we just aren’t thinking about it. Who besides me in their right mind would. This is what is most difficult for many of my clients, especially those that have many other non-dog things to tend to in their human pack’s lives. They may run their human pack quite well, but if our dogs don’t see us taking over when Aunt Mildred comes to visit, which in most cases can be as simple as putting our dog on a solid “Sit” command, they are going to try and take matters into their own hands” or paws, because we didn’t step up to the plate and assert ourselves at a time of need according to them. Considering dogs don’t visit relatives for the holidays this is more than the dog can handle and they soon become overwhelmed with all the “What to do’s” ” during these high stress moments which manifest themselves into the problem behaviors commonly known as jumping, barking, aggression, etc. These are just symptoms of the already existing anxiety being spiked by the instant stimulus of a new person arriving at a major transition point in their lives. What is meant by already existing anxiety is exactly like the person who’s anxiety builds as the anticipated event gets closer until it peaks upon its start. Its like being on 7 or 8 all the time and going to 10 isn’t that far a jump! For dogs this is even worse for two reasons: First, a dog doesn’t ever know when these changes in the environment will happen so there is always a “When will it happen ” feeling within them which can create unwanted “light” or “generalized” problem behaviors rooted in anxiety like; chewing, panting, agitation, pacing, fixating, and overall general discontentment/anxiety. The second problem is that dogs tend to take everything to the life or death place in their mind so the anxiety associated will be more severe and feel more serious to a dog than even the most neurotic human would experience. This can make a dog downright fearful of life if it gets so extreme. I usually see most cases when it gets to this level because the dog has put the weight of the world on their shoulders and forgot how to let go and let someone more qualified take over. I have to teach their owners how to become “qualified” ”

“How can a so-called dominant or alpha dog be so insecure?” I always answer that question simply with the analogy that the Mayor of a city is not necessarily equipped to be President of the United States no matter how much they try. Even though they are a kick-butt mayor.

When seen through this perspective, it is easier to make sense of some of the behaviors our dogs display at these times in their lives. They are just getting in over their heads because we need to intervene and show them the alternate fork in the road of life. When it is presented and mapped out correctly, it takes little effort for them to take the correct path. They will thank you for it by being happy and content pets because of the security in the understanding you have provided for them.

In response to everyone requests, I am going to attempt to update my “Colorado Dog Blog” and Colorado Dog Training articles more frequently. In addition to the usual tips, advice, information, and the occasional rant, you will also find updates on The Canine Counselor, happenings and events at our facility, as well as the Colorado dog world in general. If there is a subject of interest that you would like me to open for discussion, or have a question regarding dogs and their behavior, or just about what I do, feel free to reply and I will do my best to address your response. I look forward to communicating with all my fellow dog enthusiasts and appreciate you visiting my website!

Although the following article I found is kind of an advertisement for a DVD about dog training, it pretty much sums it up as far the dynamics of the types of problems people come to dog behaviorists and trainers for and how very few actually even understand what these types of dogs are all about.

As always, I have to give credit to the bearer of this great information…Ed Frawley. His website: leerburg.com is filled with balanced information about dogs from someone who is knowledgeable, experienced, and truly understands dogs for who they are. (Yes, there are actually a few of us out there!)

In my DVD I provide 3 1/2 hours of information to help people solve their problems with dominant dogs and aggressive dogs. This information is based on 45 years of experience training dogs. For the last 30 years I have studied the art of protection training dogs. I was a police K9 handler for 10 years, and was chairman of the training committee for the WI police dog association for a number of those years. I have bred German Shepherds for police service work for 28 years. During this time I have bred over 350 litters of working dogs. I have dogs from my kennel working in law enforcement, Search and Rescue and competing in Schutzhund all over this country. No one I know in the United States can make these claims.

Everyone has an Opinion:

I tell you these things for one reason. You found this web page because you have a problem with your dog. You have also found out that “Everyone has an opinion on how to solve your problem.” You only need to use Google for a few minutes to see this, or ask your neighbor or best friend. Everyone thinks they know what you should be doing. The problem is that very few people have the experience to back up their opinions.

Every year hundreds of thousands of dogs go through obedience training. The vast majority of dominant dogs that enter training classes come out of class just as dominant as before they started. The reason for this is that instructors and owners alike do not address issues of pack drive and rank within the pack.

These instructors and pet owners underestimate the genetic power of the “PACK DRIVE GENES” that flows through the veins of a family dog. Dogs, like wolves, seek to live in a family packs. A family pack can be one dog living with his human family, or multiple dogs and their human family.

When the average pet owner gets a new dog the owner’s first goal is to show the dog how much he likes the dog. This is the absolute opposite of how dogs think. When a dog meets another dog they will always establish their rank with each other before they become friends and play (or fight) with the new dog.

Rank within the Pack:

Dogs instinctively try to establish a rank within their family pack. The vast majority of dogs would rather not be a pack leader. In fact, many become stressed when they are forced into that position by a human pet owner that does not practice proper pack procedures.

Dominant dogs are dogs that have problems with pack and rank issues.

This DVD was produced to help people analyze their dog’s dominance and aggression problems. I provide the information for them to come up with a solution to those problems. These solutions include educating the owners on pack drive and rank drive.

Learning to be a Pack Leader:

Owners of dominant dogs don’t have an option, they must learn to become pack leaders. Unfortunately, many people are not themselves leaders in their normal lives. Becoming a pack leader for some people is a foreign concept. In my DVD I explain a logical protocol for these pet owners to follow that will result in their dogs’ changing the way they view their position in the family pack.

This DVD is a project I have been working on for over 5 years. In my opinion it may be the most important training DVD I have ever produced. More dogs are given up for adoption or euthanized every year because of dominance and aggression problems than any other reason. Not all of these dogs are salvageable but I believe the vast majority of dominance problems can controlled so that those dogs can live a better life with their family pack.

We help you learn to design a training plan:

The information in my DVD is going to help you develop a road map to getting a grip on your dogs behavioral problems. If you are not physically strong enough or don’t have the temperament to do the work necessary to solve the problem I believe that I have provided you the information needed to find a local person that is qualified to come in and help you.

Most behaviorists lack experience in dog aggression:

It is important to point out that the vast majority of dog behaviorists are unqualified to offer advice on dog aggression and/or dominance.This DVD (and the e-book I am writing) provide enough information to help dog owners determine if an individual is qualified to assist in these areas.ed on 45 years of experience training dogs.

As a follow up to my last article on energy, it would deem appropriate to write about the flow of life in which dogs follow. Basically what this means is that dogs, being as in tune with life as they are, pick up on changes in the daily pattern or “flow of life” that occurs in the environment that surrounds them. Whenever something new happens big or subtle, it has great meaning to a dog. Examples are when someone new comes to the house, going from one room to another, going up stairs, or doorways, or even things like getting up off the couch and mealtimes will tap into a dog’s natural tendency to feel life’s energy shift, and be in tune with these changes in the flow of life according to their established roles in the pack. We as dog owners and trainers can tap into these energy flow changes to be one step ahead of our pets to be, as you guessed it, the best leader possible to our dogs. A good place to start can be with greetings. Whether it be at the door or on walks in public, this will apply to any initial greeting scenario you may encounter with your dog. If your dog tends to display inappropriate or hyperactive behaviors (jumping, barking, running around, hyperactivity, biting, etc.) upon welcoming someone or something new into their lives, then it means they are trying figure out a situation that is too much for them to handle. The “bad” behaviors we see are just symptoms of their mental discontentment from having more responsibility than they can deal with even though they do not know any better. It is our jobs as their pack leaders to take the high road and take over these types of situations (especially greetings) so they no longer feel the burden which in turn fuels the fire of the problem behaviors we see in dogs.

An example would be giving our dogs a “Place” or “Sit” “Stay” commands at those times when they are trying to figure out what to do. This takes the multitude of thoughts going through their minds and puts them all into one simple task for them to accomplish, the command you give them, focusing everything into one single-pointed mindset. This also “places us in charge” of the new event that just occurred in our dog’s lives. So by instinct, the dog will relax because of they sense we now are taking over a situation for them that they couldn’t handle on their own. Now, we must be consistent with this approach, because of the fact that if our dogs feel this way in the first place, they have a strong disposition to be in charge of new situations which arise in their environment. If we are not consistent, then the dog will gravitate towards what they feel is most comfortable for them. Even though the result is stressful. They don’t know any other way until we make it a standard for us to be one step ahead of our dogs when it comes to the flow of energy in life. 9 out of 10 doesn’t cut it with a strong willed dog. 10 out of 10 consistency is the only way to go for the re-establishment period it takes to make the more positive and healthy behaviors the norm, placing us in charge of new situations and alleviating the burden of our dogs running the show. For them and us! Although some dogs can be quite stubborn in giving up their top dog status, with some persistence, we can out-lead them and once they are used to it and forget the old ways, we don’t even have to think about it anymore, they just know we are in charge without us having to go through the motions associated with proving it to them. They know we are in tune with the flow of energy as well as any leader they would respect could.