How to Love Your Dog

How to LOVE Youwr Dog Love is more than a feeling. Love is also the actions we do and the consideration. Here are just some of the ways we can think about loving our dog. The Gift of Understanding ♥ One of the greatest gifts any of us can receive is that of understanding. Not only can you understand that sometimes your dog just needs to be a dog. But also understand that your dog gets stressed. Help remove or reduce the unexpected and overwhelming stress. Here are common signs of stress to look for: •Licking lips •Turning head or body away •Panting •Pulled back ears •Stiff body posture •Growling, showing teeth, barking •Dilated pupils •Legs and tail are held in tight •Resisting "doing what they're told" •Whites of the eyes showing The Gift of Joy Your dog LOVES walks. Research shows that dogs become attached most to those that walk them. If your dog is nerv in the distance, use your excited voice and do a jolly, joyful dance away. Not only will it help them expend their nervous energy, but they may eventually become convinced that seeing a person or dog might mean fun. when he or she a person or dog The Gift of Communicātion Your dog might sense what you don't want, but do they know what you DO want? Teach your dog how to come to you, rather than scold them for getting on the couch or bed. Teach them to go to a mat and relax rather than be a pest. Give your dog a task when you get home rather than jump up. Clicker training makes this fun! The Gift of Novelty We all like a little excitement in our lives. Novelty that is not overwhelming can actually produce dopamine in the brain. Dopamine stimulates our pleasure centre. But did you also know that novelty can kickstart the brain's process to rethink and learn? Novel things could be new locations, new smells, new toys, or anything that provides a new experience. The Gift of Aeeomplishment While stress is not good, neither is boredom! If your dog gets a little bratty from time to time, he or she may be trying to tell you something! Mental stimulation and accomplishment can satisfy a dog in ways exercise can't. But did you know that mental exercise can also help to ward off cognitive deterioration due to aging? Encourage your dog to think and solve puzzles, from clicker training games to working with novel food puzzles and toys. The Gift of Love We love to pet dogs and some dogs love it! Petting dogs that like it increases oxytocin in both you and the dog. Oxytocin can foster trust and reduce aggression. But a surprising number of dogs don't like being petted (or don't all the time). They may only just tolerate it. Instead of producing oxytocin, the dog might just be irritated. If they are only tolerating it, how can you tell? Do the Consent Test. Pet the dog for a few moments and then stop and wait. What does the dog do? If the dog turns his or her head away, or they move away, then they are not enjoying the contact. But they may be content to sit nearby. Show your love for them by giving them space if and when they need it. Giving the Gift of Peace of Mind When we love, we care. There are many things we can do to help our dogs become more happy and content. We can help by: • Creating a predictable schedule. • Teaching an anxious dog how to relax. • Ensuring they get enough aerobic exercise. • Learning the signs of stress and acting on them. Creating a consistent communication system. • Keeping them mentally stimulated. • Spending time with them. K9aggression.com Committed to making a positive differ- ence in the lives of aggressive dogs and those around them.