In this special lock down series, I would like to help you think like your dog. The essence of seeing to your dog’s needs is understanding what he thinks: So over this lock down period I will help you to think like your dog. Today: Let’s go walkies!!.... An expression that will make every dog jump through the ceiling! “Yes, out, smells, seeing friends, running around, having fun with my boss.” All good associations So what do we need to understand about your dog’s thinking? A human goes to walk Fido the dog thinking: “I could walk out this street and around this corner and then go around that block that way Fido has had a maximum of activity, even in these lock down times…..Frustrated thought: Oh, come on Fido, stop sniffing, we need to keep moving to pack in a maximum of exercise” But how does Fido interpret this “Let’s go walkies” ? Fido is dying to catch up on his social media that he has been deprived of whilst being inside. Checking his Facebook page, rechecking his Instagram and sending his WhatsApp messages to his closest friends….. I can hear you thinking: “What is Pawsible talking about ? We were talking about going walkies…” Let me explain: Your dog is not in the slightest bit interested in a circuit to complete or an extra kilometer to walk. For him going outside is….: “Wow, sniffing that corner. Yes, of course I checked that corner yesterday, but I have not had time to get to the bottom of the smell” (Seen the instagram post yesterday, but not yet had the time to click on the link and watch the video, shall we say....). “Oh, and there is a new smell on this lamp post that needs to be added to the repertoire of dogs in this area.” (New friend request on Facebook, did you know your dog had Facebook?..) “Need to have a pee here, so Florence, the French bulldog, knows I am still thinking about her” (let a friend know via WhatsApp that you are still there for her..Yes, your dog has WhatsApp too!!.) “Yes!! this little park, this is where I need to sniff endlessly and pee in a few particular spots” (this is my group of mates on messenger….what did Loulou the Labrador do yesterday...any news from Joe, the Jack Russel? He has not posted for a few days….and how is Adam the Australian Shepherd doing? He seemed a bit fed up with the cat at his place...Right, I had better tell everyone my latest news too! And the latest news that Fido will be posting to everyone: “You know what...my boss seems to understand me a lot better nowadays… I get sooo much time to sniff around these days, it’s amazing!!!”) Activity is good for us, but connecting socially is essential for our well being. Exactly the same applies to your dog. Give your dog time to socialise, he is better equipped than we realise for this confinement: Dogs leave messages that last for days, weeks, just out there on the street corner. Dogs can meet each other and catch up without seeing each other for weeks! Give your dog the time to catch up on the local gossip! More episodes soon!!! In the meanwhile, stay safe, stay close to your home!
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Orna de VriesPsychologist, Canine behaviour counselor. I love teaching you about your dog and help you train it using dog friendly techniques. Archives
May 2020
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Photos used under Creative Commons from @bastique, mhester, marneejill, andreboeni, blumenbiene