by Ceasar Milan
Why does your dog bury her treats or toys?
By Cheri Lucas
Does your dog often bury her bones, treats or even her toys in your backyard? Ever find a bone under the pillow on your bed or behind the sofa cushions? Or does she attempt to “faux bury” her cookies in the corner of the carpet like my dog Natasha, to the point of creating a raw spot on the top her nose?
Most behaviors dogs practice today are rooted in their ancient, developmental history. In the early days of canines, food wasn’t always plentiful. After a successful hunt, a dog would bury whatever he didn’t consume to keep it from scavengers and even other members of her pack. When she became hungry again or prey was sparse, she would return to her “stash” to consume the leftovers.
Sometimes the problem was that the hunt was so successful there was too much food to be consumed at one meal. An ancestral urge led the dogs to bury their food for leaner times. The dirt also helped keep the food fresher by keeping it from direct sunlight.
You might wonder why your dog still practices this behavior when you deliver her kibble to her food bowl every day! Old habits die hard and even our domesticated canines still experience the natural instinct to hoard. In fact, many species in the animal kingdom regularly practice hoarding behaviors. Squirrels hide acorns, leopards hang their kill from trees for later consumption, and even humans stock their pantry with canned goods and non-perishables.
Your dog’s modified hoarding instinct is normal. But if her burying urge becomes obsessive, try to limit her toys and treats to one or two items. After all, she can only play with one toy and chew one bone at a time. Make sure she’s getting plenty of daily exercise and structured activities throughout the day to keep him healthy, happy, stimulated, and balanced!
Summer Storm Sensitivity
In many parts of the world, summer storms are frequent this time of year. Many dogs react to the thunderous booms, vivid lighting, howling winds, and even the dropping barometric pressures that are part of a storm. So what do we do as pack leaders to make the experience less traumatic?
First, before we begin with a technique, sit down and reflect how you’ve reacted or felt before during a storm. If you’re not aware of your own energy, ask someone who knows you to describe how you are during a particularly violent storm. With that said, you have to be mindfully aware, and emotionally in tune – dogs pick up on your anticipation, so your energy will directly affect their behavior.
Let’s back up for a second. Thunder is an outcome of nature. Human is the source. The dog is the outcome of the environment and the human. Environment has natural power over a dog – it triggers survival – this means “flight or fight.” But, the human is so powerful that through our awareness, we can overpower nature and influence Mother Nature, which is the dog. The source of balance, then, has to be mindfully aware and emotionally in tune. This is calm assertive and love. With me? Dogs react on nature and environment and whoever is with him. If you stay calm and assertive, then you can learn a technique to deal with dogs that are fearful; in this case, redirecting.
If we think of flight, redirection comes to mind first. If we think fight, or aggression, we need to stop or block it. With flight, this is where the treadmill, activities, and the walk come in. If the weatherman is precise, time your walk for the storms arrival, so that you can go on a longer walk than normal. Have the dog carry a backpack to make it more draining. You want him to be tired! Then, I suggest giving them drops of the homeopathic Rescue Remedy, which combined with the walk or treadmill, will put him to sleep for the storms arrival. The formula then is exercise, which is a natural sedative, combined with a natural remedy for relaxation.
Some people have used cotton in dogs’ ears to lessen the shock of sudden storm sounds. Also, aromatherapy, using scents like lavender can be soothing to fearful dogs.
However, if the dog is already at a level of fear of 5 or above, remember not to feel sorry for him. Take what I call a “paramedic” state of mind. This means calm and assertive and in control. If the dog is afraid and you’re afraid you can’t help him, can you see a positive outcome?
Other ways to help soothe your dog include bathing the dog in warm water, if you have a bathtub and giving him a deep tissue massage, which relieves tension in the body like it does for humans. Stay away from talking to the dog with sensitive words like, “It’s ok. Mommy’s here….” – that’s nurturing the fear. Remember, dogs don’t rationalize. This is when they need us the most. You must remain calm, and if you can, assertive, which helps make dogs feel protected and triggers the DNA concept of direction.
Master the Walk
I often walk about ten dogs at a time, sometimes even off-leash if I'm in a safe area. People are amazed by this, but it's simple: the dogs see me as their pack leader. This is why they follow me wherever I go.
Position matters. Walking in front allows you to be seen as the pack leader. Conversely, if your dog controls you on the walk, he’s the pack leader. You should be the first one out the door and the first one in. Your dog should be beside or behind you during the walk.
Use a short leash. This allows you to have more control. Attaching the leash to the very top of the neck can help you more easily communicate, guide, and correct your dog. If you need additional help, consider the Illusion collar. Always keep your dog's safety in mind when giving corrections.
Set aside time. Dogs, like humans, are diurnal, so taking walks in the morning is ideal. I recommend setting aside thirty minutes to a full hour. The specific needs of each dog differ. Consult your vet and keep an eye on your dog's behavior to see if his needs are being met.
Define exploration time. After your dog has maintained the proper state of mind, reward him by allowing him to relieve himself and sniff around. Then you need to decide when reward time is over. It should always be less than the time spent focused on the walk.
Don't punch out. When you get home, don't stop leading. Have your dog wait patiently while you put away his leash or take off your shoes.
Share food and water.By providing a meal after the walk, you have allowed your dog to "work" for food and water.
Pick up after your dog! Set an example: be a responsible dog guardian.
Insight for Dog Lovers
The more you learn about dog psychology, the better you will be able to connect with your canine companion!
Dogs are not humans. Before they receive love and affection, they need exercise, clear direction, and leadership. Giving them love alone doesn't create balance in their lives. Be a pack leader!
Rehabilitating a dog is not about "fixing" it. It's about you, the owner, creating the intention for what you want, not what you’re feeling. Dogs pick up on feelings of fear, doubt, or worry – and they will move to fill them by attempting to become dominant.
Practice unwavering leadership every day, especially on your walk. The energy you're projecting internally is the message you're sending to your dog.
Dedicate at least 45 minutes of time to the dog’s walk in the morning. Let the dog know you have a consistent pattern that you expect it to follow. Utilize your dog's energy in a positive manner.
Don't expect more from your dog(s) than your own children. Dogs need discipline, too. Give them rules, boundaries, and limitations as well as love.
Avoid nurturing your dog's fears or unstable mind. Imagine a successful scenario and hold it in your mind when dealing with your dog.
You are the source of your dog’s energy. You are the role model.
Challenge the dog's mind - dogs want to know what to do with their lives. Let the dog work for your affection. Once in a calm-submissive state, your love will intensify those qualities in your dog.
Dogs need"on" and "off" time. Engage them fully in structured times together; then they can relax and avoid impatient or destructive behaviors.
Dogs show us how much we can learn - they live in the moment. Try it!
brought to you by: Sylvia Einwechter
http://www.petstoreusa.net/
