Beneath the Surface: Cracking the Code of Canine Behavior Through Physical Awareness
In the horse world, there's a widespread understanding that one should always check for pain, saddle discomfort, or any other source of unease before correcting undesirable behavior. However, I've noticed that this isn't always the case in the dog world. This is a crucial discussion we need to initiate and shed light on.
Many of our canine companions have physical triggers for reactivity, often related to hidden pains or stomach issues that may be challenging to detect. My own experience with discovering Spondylosis in one of my dogs (picture) opened my eyes to how dogs may mask their pain with adrenaline, making it imperative to address the root cause.
This is a significant issue that deserves our attention. While we might not see anything visibly wrong, we may observe signs of stress, disobedience, leash pulling, escaping, or discomfort around other dogs – all indicators that something may be amiss. We often attribute these behaviors to leadership roles, lack of training, genetics, and more. Numerous dog trainers claim to have a one-size-fits-all solution, some even advocating for prong collars.
Consider this scenario: if your dog is reactive due to stomach pain and you use a prong collar, known for its discomfort, you're merely masking the issue. The dog becomes restricted, shutting down emotionally, and is prevented from expressing pain. This parallels how horses behave, and many animals may respond similarly. The danger lies in misinterpreting this as a successful training outcome when, in reality, you've only suppressed the symptom, not addressed the cause.
On horses, ulcers are a common hidden cause missed by many. While opinions may differ on the primary cause in dogs, pain is a prevalent concern. Simply observing the dog's gait isn't enough; comprehensive examinations, such as X-rays, may be necessary to identify the root problem. Neck injuries from collars, back problems from jumping in and out of cars, or insufficient exercise can all contribute to canine discomfort.
In conclusion, it's crucial to rule out all physical causes before resorting to training methods that merely "shut down" behaviors instead of teaching the dog desirable alternatives. Prioritizing a dog's overall well-being ensures a harmonious and understanding relationship between you and your furry companion.
/Mirabelle Wesden
Comments