Good Dog Workshop

Better Business Bureau

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Dog World Rescue

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American Kennel Club

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Homeward Trails

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Fauquier SPCA

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The Leashed Walk

Brian — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 15:57:34 +0000

Walking the pack

Leash walking your dog is the most important thing you can do for your dog. It provides an outlet for his physical energy, it reinforces the natural Leader-Follower relationship between handler and dog, it helps strengthen your bond with your dog, and it provides endless opportunities to train him—think of it as a mobile classroom.

When you’re out walking with your dog, he’s looking to you (the Leader) for guidance: how fast to walk, when to stop, whether he may greet another dog, etc. By giving him that guidance, you’re teaching him what choices he may make as a Follower in your pack. You’re teaching him the self control which will keep him out of trouble and bolster the trust and respect between you. And with enough practice you can train your dog to be trustworthy off-leash—an enjoyable and practical demonstration of your leadership!

“But I have a big backyard for my dog to run around in!”

Structured Walk

It’s not the same as a walk because it provides no structure. Your dog can just do whatever he wants: dig in the flower bed, bark at the neighbors’ dogs, try to jump the fence, or scratch at the door trying to get back inside. Yes, he will burn off some of his physical energy by racing around the yard etc., but the complete lack of structure means he’s not getting the mental challenge that the leashed walk provides. And don’t kid yourself: being in the backyard for hours alone is exactly as boring as it sounds. Separating a dog from his pack (you) is the opposite of providing for him. So put your shoes on, grab the leash and get out there WITH your dog!

Communication

Brian — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 18:13:10 +0000

Aston & Huntleigh

Successful communication is vital in any relationship whether it’s between two people, a person and a dog, and even between a dog and a horse.

Here, the horse is clearly communicating that he wants Aston the dog to keep his distance. Aston understands and accepts the boundary set by the horse. It’s important that we communicate to our dogs to respect our boundaries, too.

Below, both horses are comfortable having Aston right next to them. Again, the dog understands and responds accordingly, this time joining the entire pack.

Aston & Horses

Peaceful Co-Existence

Brian — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:52:52 +0000

In a stable pack, all the pack members get along peacefully. The stability of the pack comes from a calm and confident leader who provides for the needs of the pack: food and safety of course, but also structure, guidance and—for domesticated dogs—proper exercise. Once you learn how to provide these for your pack, you too will have a pack where everyone gets along no matter what the activity. Eating, resting, playing, and experiencing new situations as a pack are all important rituals for dogs and all help reinforce the unity of the pack.

Meet Morgan

Brian — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:29:32 +0000

Morgan

Yes, our own Morgan was originally a foster dog. In June 2008, Virginia German Shepherd Rescue contacted me to evaluate a dog who was returned to a local animal shelter. I then relayed the story to Carlos, thinking it would make a nice addition to his student film, so he joined me at the shelter, camera in hand. Carlos began filming while I evaluated this male German Shepherd and spoke with his handler there at the shelter. The dog (Morgan) had been adopted out once already but after only four days with his adoptive family, they returned him because he was supposedly fighting with their other dog. This alleged fighting meant that he was put at the top of the shelter’s euthanasia list. But he was a really nice dog: friendly, easy-going and secure…I knew he wasn’t a troublemaker. And although I had just adopted out my last foster dog and was looking forward to taking a break from fostering, I couldn’t let this good dog be euthanized. I knew I had to take him right then and there.

Fostering Morgan was a piece of cake! He was happy, friendly, a great follower, and quickly became a wonderful companion for me. The only hard part for me was trying not to impulsively adopt him myself because he reminded me so much of my first German Shepherd who had passed away 8 months earlier. But after three months of careful deliberation making sure I was adopting him for the right reasons, I signed his adoption papers. And for almost four years now, Morgan has been my work assistant and my faithful companion.

Pack of Two

Brian — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 19:48:15 +0000

by Caroline Knapp

A heart-warming story of the strong bond that develops between a woman and her dog, and how that relationship gave her incredible insight into her own true self. Very enjoyable read filled with the humor and sadness that comes with loving a dog.