Giving a dog a home is not enough...
Anyone that reads my meanderings knows that I, strongly, support the rehomng of dogs. However, simply providing a roof, a bed and care in a home is not, for me enough.
On my daily walks with Clint (our rescued Lurcher who shares our home), I see many examples of dogs being short-changed. There are, of course, many reasons why dogs are not having a fulfilling life. Rescuing dogs often poses challenges that require a lot of efforts from the humans who have brought these dogs into their homes.
Take Clint as an example. He was rescued by Police from a site with over 90 other dogs. He had, I believe, been used for breeding. Being a Lurcher, his DNA is hard wired to chasing small animals ( e.g. Hare coursing). Many rescued dogs like Clint, Lurchers, Greyhounds and Whippets are often (not always) doomed to an existence of never, or very rarely being allowed to run of lead. In fact, at Clint’s first visit to the vet with me, I was told that Clint should never be let of the lead because of his prey drive.
For me, not allowing athletes, like Clint, the joy of running of lead is, tantamount to cruelty. Clint, of course, is off lead for the majority of his walks and has fantastic recall for a Lurcher. This has been achieved through a lot of work and practise of basic commands, particularly recall. It also requires me to be vigilant on walks - deers are still things to chase. This doesn’t happen because I keep and eye on Clint’s state of alertness through watching his body language and, I get him back on his lead until the temptation is past.
Through this vigilance and daily practice, Clint is able to experience, every day, the joy of stretching his legs in the way his DNA demands.
In contrast, a local individual walks two rescued Greyhounds; they are both muzzled and permanently on the lead, and fairly aggressive towards any other dog they meet. The main reason for this, is the failure of their human to take any positive steps to help them. With effort from their human, they could be socialised, trained and ultimately, get to where Clint is now. Simply keeping them away from everyone and every dog, only reinforces their current behaviour, adding to the absence of a life they deserve.
So, before taking a dog into your home, consider carefully what the dog needs. Not the barest minimum but, the things that will allow the dog to enjoy a full life that their breed, or mix, demands.
behaviour assistance and training
sometimes mans’ best friend
needs a little help
needs a little help
Does your dog find it hard to mix with other dogs? Is it scared? Aggressive? Or destructive?
www.thecaninebehaviourist.co.uk
www.calmconfidencecanines.com