We cannot command those we cannot care for. There is a husbandry aspect to dog training that I really like. It’s another topic that fits under “ways to strengthen your bond with your dog” in my mind. Also who doesn’t love to be told that your dog is good looking?
Here are some questions to ask yourself whether you CAN do them- does your dog allow you and DO you do them- do you prioritize them:
- Can/do I brush my dog?
- Can/do I brush their teeth?
- Can/do I trim their nails?
- Can/do I clean their ears?
- Can/do I feel all over their body for things like ticks, wounds, etc.?
- Can/do I turn my dog on his side during a pat down?
- Can/do I pick my dog up?
Maybe you were reading along fine until number 3 and then your heart rate spiked. Nails, the dreaded nails. Whether your clipping them or using a dremel, I would say less than 50% of my pet owning clients tend to their dogs nails. There is a knowledge gap for sure but usually people are uncomfortable because they know their dog doesn’t like it. Maybe you’ve seen all the videos about wrapping your head in Seran wrap and lathering it with loads of peanut butter so you can trim your dog’s nails. Working towards a place where you can trim your dog’s nails is a great goal and one that a reputable trainer can help with.
And that goes for all of these numbers. You might think “why would I need to pick my dog up?” Well you don’t know until you’re in a situation that is probably an emergency and let me the first to say that in a panicked situation where your dog has never been held, you aren’t going to walk away unscratched. Everyone in Colorado (where I used to live) hiked with their dogs, so it was imperative people practiced in case their dog got wounded on a trail. It’s another form of trust and a stress inducing situation where you and your dog work through it together and come out on the other side even stronger. Your dog should allow you to pick them up without pushback.
You know who does animal husbandry really well? Horse owners. If you’ve ever ridden a horse than you know there is a lengthy setup process that involves brushing, looking at the hooves, and the same is said after a training or horse ride. It’s part of the relationship with the horse and it helps form a connection to this giant animal where you get onto their back. Why should the same not be true with animals who live in our house and are maybe even sleeping in our beds?