07/27/2022
Teaching a dog to overcome "scary" situations is something I feel strongly about. Obviously this goes hand in hand with being wise and responsible about what we chose to conquer...(I wouldn't advise teaching dogs to get near a running lawnmower...) but all too often the common mantra of "no stress" is being advocated for in the dog training world.
This is a disservice to dogs. Stress is a part of their world as much as it is a part of ours. Learning to deal with it, follow through and overcome is what creates resilience. If we aren't helping our dogs develop the capacity to recover quickly from encountered difficulties how can we possibly enrich their lives by making them a real part of our everyday adventures?
On today's hike we encountered a suspended bridge. It had no support other than the two ends it was attached to. It had a fair amount of sway in addition to the vertical movement. The Griffon (not Tootsie, but another I'm currently working with) had a moment of panic and tried to bail. Rather than choosing another route to cross the stream, (or heaven forbid, carrying him!!) we walked over the bridge. Together. Multiple times.
After that, it was no longer scary. Simple follow through on my part. No drama. No negotiation. Just did it.
Dogs that are sheltered to the point of seclusion, and over parented to the point of remaining infantile are not living their best life.
It's selfish human behavior that would want to keep them that way. Not only is it sad, it simply doesn't respect the dog for being the remarkable species that he/she is.
Go Train. Be Your Dog's Hero.
