Identifying Your Dog's Social Availability

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

AllThingsDogBlog.com
Relaxed Mouth, Ears and Body

Just like you and me dogs have differing needs of social interaction, both with humans and with their fellow canines. Our 'Ask the Dog Trainer' columnist, Michael Baugh, and I have had a number of inquiries about various aspects of the social lives of our dogs lately. Not all of these emails make their way to the blog, but today I'd like to share some thoughts on how I see the state of socialization of our Fido family members these days. Much of this is taken from the dozens and dozens of letters I get from you. Your questions and comments are very telling with regard to the big picture. So here goes...

One of the biggest underlying problems I see with the anti-dog folks is a basic lack of understanding of dogs' body language. My diminutive little Papillon, Oliver, is the most affectionate and sweet little boy ever. Yet I frequently receive questions like "Does he bite?", "Is he friendly?" (Said while his tail is wagging at the speed of light!) and "Is he a nipper?"

I'm no expert, so I'm not here to tell you a lot about how to read my dog, or any other. However there are a few things that go across breeds in general that are good for everyone to know when determining if a dog's behavior is generally safe and friendly:

• Tail position: A horizontal, wagging tail is a common sign of friendliness. Vertical tail positions, whether pointing up or down, do not necessarily reflect friendliness or aggression, but can be seen associated with a variety of social issues. Approaching such a dog may not be a good idea.
• Ear position: When both the ears and the tail are pointed upward, paired with a forward leaning stance, a dog is on high alert. You can't ask him why, so be safe and keep your distance while avoiding eye contact. A friendly, relaxed dog will rarely display these body language signs in conjunction.
• Barking: Barking can only be assessed in terms of its association with aggression when visibly paired with other body language signs that indicate aggression. Barking alone does not mean a dog will bite. It is merely a form of communication. 
• Mouth/lips/eyes:  An open, relaxed mouth and jaw as you see in Oliver's photo above is generally a reflection of the same attitude toward those he is looking at. Conversely, a tightly-closed mouth, fixed eyes, and particularly curled lips can be a sign that you should keep your distance.

Tonight when Oliver accompanied me to a outdoor cafe the server showed his comfort with Toy dogs (he owns two himself) by reaching forward to offer Oliver some affection. Some dogs do not appreciate a hand coming toward their face; however Oliver sees this as a social opportunity and was eager to receive the attention. When doing this, always ask first and rub gently UNDER the chin or on the neck, not at the back of the head where the dog cannot see your hand. While Oliver would trust you entirely, another dog of any size may take offense at this human assertion. 

When allowing your dog to socialize with other humans, make sure you've got his back. Let interested greeters know how best to approach your pup, helping Fido learn to receive friendly human greetings with ease. As his owner, your dog will gain social skills with humans faster if you assist by offering tips to those who want to get acquainted. More experiences of a positive nature will equate to better socialization and acceptance of an occasional human faux pas. Often we need the training and support as much as the dogs.

Just as all Pit Bulls are not mean, all little dogs are not nippers and all Retrievers are not water lovers. Protect yourself and younger loved ones by learning more about dog body language and don't ever make assumptions based on breed or size. This will inevitably get you into trouble. Questions? AllThingsDogBlog@gmail.com

Join us each week for the Weekly Wag bonding series, held during the Saturday Pet Blogger Hop. The hop is hosted by Life with Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers, and Confessions of the Plume. You are welcome to link up here, or check any of their sites for their rules of participation. Happy hopping! 

Be Your Dog's Best Friend: Living Life to the Fullest

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Training Your Dog

Provides a Lifetime of Good Behavior

Think about your own daily routine for a minute. You rise early and eat breakfast. After a few preparations, you head off to work where you get mental stimulation, a chance to solve problems, and an opportunity to socialize--most of us anyway. Even if you work from home like I do, you probably have ample opportunities to get out for errands, meetings and appointments. You meet friends at Starbucks or have dinner out. You shuttle kids to dance and baseball, visit the library, the mall, and your friends.


Now contrast that to the life of the average dog. Most dogs get a few short walks a week, and generally are left to fend for themselves while their owners head off to work. My pack is lucky to have a work-at-home leader. But what about others? 


Can you imagine the boredom of being left behind 2 walls for the entire day, with only a chew bone and a few toys. Think about this from the dog's viewpoint. He wants to play, but with who? He wants to chew, but knows he'll be reprimanded when his owner arrives home, if he does.After an hour of pacing the house, checking all windows and doors for possible escape, Fido drops for a nap, mostly out of pure boredom. No wonder he is so happy to see you when you arrive home!


Have I described your dog? There is something you can do about it. New Years is coming and along with it that Resolution you always consider. How successful have you been with achieving those goals? Maybe this year's resolution could revolve around your Rover. Try one or more of these on for size:

• I will walk my dog for a total of 1 hour or more every day, so he will get to see the sights and smell the smells of the world's smorgasbord.
• I will create some Busy Bones to freeze, and leave one with my dog each time I depart for more than a couple of hours.
• I will shop for some safe, mentally stimulating toys to help my dog enjoy problem-solving activities to work his brain and tire him out.
• I will rotate toys so that each time I offer one, it will seem like a long lost friend.
• Knowing that many dogs will not eat or drink while their owner is away, I will assure Fido is fed and given an opportunity to eliminate before I leave. I will always leave an adequate amount of fresh water available.
• I will evaluate my home's dangers to my dog and block access to these or remove them, if possible.
• If my dog is in the house-training phase, I will arrange sufficient bathroom breaks and walks with a neighborhood friend or petsitter, to help my puppy learn good house manners.
• I will provide training to assure that my dog is well-behaved and not a danger to others.
• I will socialize my dogs with both humans and other dogs from an early age to assist him in learning good manners and having healthy relationships.
• When I leave for a long outing, I will assure that my Fido is fed, tired from activity, and ready for a long nap to pass the time.
• When I return after a long day, I will reserve time to exercise and practice training or have playtime with my dog, to continue the bond and expend his pent-up energy.

© Carrie Boyko
Mentally and Physically Stimulating
Activities will Bring Out the Best in Fido

Which Resolutions would suit your dog the best? Think about him when planning your New Year's Resolutions. Remember that this relationship is one that will give back more than you put into it, for many years to come. Build the bond!