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Understanding dog psychology E-Book

Nadja Kalinowski

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Herausgeber: BoD - Books on Demand
Kategorie: Lebensstil
Sprache: Englisch
Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Beschreibung

In this book I share my experiences in dog psychology with you and how they ultimately led us to success. I have been working professionally with dogs and their people since 2013. I was able to learn a lot from them and thought it was time to write down the knowledge I had gathered. The basics that throw the dog off balance are often overlooked. We humans tend to approach things in a complicated manner and think things through too much. Even if the cases are individual, I would like to give you incentives, inspiration and, in the best case, even motivation with this book. You will find my experiences and my personal opinion here. My goal with this book is for you to better understand your dog, his and your behavior.

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Leseprobe

Table of contents

about this book

about me

self-assessment

multi-dog household

the birth

the senses

human-dog encounters

energy I

(

puppy)- tips!

final boss puberty

energy II

communication

reaction intensities

rest & sleep

safe resting place

bed and sofa

attention

expectations in dogs

decisions

training vs. psychology

stimulation

rituals & boundaries

leadership

suggestions

working with the pack

inclusion in the pack

respect

joy vs. excitement

bringing the dog home

territorial behavior in dogs

the structured walk

Daily routine with the pack

dog contacts on the leash?

dog encounters off leash

play behavior of dogs

play human and dog

dog park

here & now

shit happens- don't be so hard on yourself!

problem behavior

10 common mistakes

stress in dogs

hunting

recall

multiple dog ownership

traveling with a dog

office dog

dog walking

to stay alone

new partner

child & dog

veterinarian

New Year's Eve with a dog

tools

getting older

Goodbye

end

appendix

about this book

Welcome! I am very happy that this book has found you. My name is Nadja Kalinowski (www.trustandlead.de).

I have been working professionally with dogs and their humans for over 10 years now. I have learned a lot from them and felt that it was time to put my accumulated knowledge into writing.

Often the basics that disrupt a dog's balance are overlooked. We humans tend to overthink and complicate things. Although individual cases are unique, I hope to provide you with incentives, inspiration, and even motivation with this book.

Here you will find my experiences and my personal opinion. My goal with this book is for you to better understand your dog and his behavior, as well as your own. The focus will be less on technique. I am convinced that the best techniques are of little use if the person does not believe in what they are doing.

Please observe your thoughts while reading. Listen to your gut feeling. Do some words trigger something in you? Why? Question your inner attitude and maybe try something new.

If some chapters do not speak to you or concern you, then skip them. At the end of this book, you will find the appendix with various training tables and the section "Notes". Feel free to use it to write down your ideas and thoughts and sort them out later.

I am not a professional writer, but rather "just" a dog behavior consultant who has written down her experiences here. Please forgive me if any errors have crept in. This book is completely "self-made".

I also ask you to consider the impact that public reviews can have and whether they truly reflect respectful feedback or rather a personal opinion. It is impossible to please everyone, and I do not intend to meet those expectations. My aim is simply to share my own path with you and thereby provide you with impulses for your own path.

Thank you for taking the time to read my book. I wish you much joy in doing so.

The ideas, suggestions, and procedures provided in this book are not intended as a substitute for seeking in-person professional guidance from a qualified dog trainer. Neither the publisher nor the author shall be held liable or responsible for any loss or damage allegedly arising from any suggestion or information contained in this book.

Please use the comment or note function of your e-reader or a separate sheet of paper to complete the tasks.

about me

My journey as a professional dog psychologist began in 2013. At that time, my male dog Milo was 3 years old, and my female dog Lefi was 1 year old. Both dogs are completely different and challenged me in different areas.

In parallel to my studies in dog behavior consulting, I started dog walking in Hamburg, Germany at that time. Dog walking arose out of necessity, as Lefi could not be left alone. Before having to look for a dog care service, I thought to myself “why not offer it myself?”. Additionally, it helped Lefi a lot in overcoming her fear of other dogs by providing controlled social contacts. Through dog walking, I was able to work with various dogs and also build a small dog group and learn from them.

After successfully completing my final exams, I was granted permission to train dogs and their owners. I expanded my scope of work to include dog training, including individual sessions at home and group offerings. In my career as a dog behavior consultant, I have already had the opportunity to work in many different locations in Germany and even across Europe.

In addition to building a dog hotel, supporting sponsor families for assistance dogs, and training assistance dogs, I have had the opportunity to work closely with various packs and groups of dogs. I also had the privilege of accompanying breeders and being present for both the birth and raising of puppies. You can find more about my experiences in this book.

In addition to dog psychology, over the years I have built up my second profession: coaching.

It quickly became clear to me that not only the dog needs to change, but above all the human. In order to learn more about human psychology, I furthered my education and eventually successfully passed the exam in the city of Hamburg to become an alternative practitioner for psychotherapy.

However, most of my experiences have been gained on my individual path with various personal challenges, and I enjoy sharing these life lessons with others. My main focus in coaching is on the themes of change and transformation in life.

But now back to dog psychology and my dogs, as they are mainly responsible for me choosing this path.

Milo (born 2010) is more of a loner and very self-assured in many situations.

When he is barked at by other dogs while on a leash, he does not react.

As a terrier, he needs to be challenged and requires clear rules and structure. His personal space - the distance he needs from unfamiliar dogs to feel comfortable - is very high. If this is not respected, he may demand space from the other dog. However, this often causes him stress.

There are moments when Milo shows insecurity. For example, he quickly gets stressed if he is crowded or stuck in a confined space. Instead of leaving the situation, he often stays until I help him.

Over time, I have learned to understand Milo and his behavior. I am now able to alleviate his stress and guide him through uncomfortable social situations.

Additionally, it is nice to see how his trust in me has grown. Milo is my great example when it comes to clear communication through body language. I use his videos in my dog behavior consultation to emphasize what is important.

Lefi (born 2012) was a hyperactive bundle of energy in her early years. She could not stay alone or walk calmly on the leash. Her initial fear of other dogs made our walks even more difficult. We used to live in the middle of Hamburg, with constantly new stimuli at our door. This often confronted us with situations that were difficult to plan or control, setting us back in her training process.

Lefi's behavior posed enormous challenges for me and drove me to the brink of despair several times. There were times when I hardly had any hope that we would ever manage. But after two years of hard work, successes began to emerge.

Today, I am incredibly grateful that I did not give up, even though many people shared their unsolicited doubt with me during the process. With a lot of patience and dedication, I was able to successfully address her issues and improve my pet’s behavioral issues.

Despite her "problems", Lefi's loving nature and kindness have already helped many children overcome their fear of dogs. In educational sessions at preschools or schools, she playfully showcased how to interact with dogs. Coupled with my professional knowledge on canine behavior and human-dog relationships, together Lefi and I helped students learn how to safely interact with dogs and even befriend them.

Lefi and I have a very special and strong bond; she is my "soul dog".

Lefi motivated me to try out different approaches and ultimately develop my own way. I strongly orient myself towards dog psychology, but also incorporate elements of classical dog training.

Through my own experiences with my dogs, I have gained an understanding of how my clients feel and how challenging the journey can be at times.

My dogs have taught me so much, and I am grateful for the invaluable lessons, especially in the areas of trust and leadership.

I can learn something from every dog I work with. I now mainly work online and share my accumulated knowledge in the field of dog psychology through individual online sessions with my clients.

Two books have already emerged from my previous experiences:

Baby & Dog: How do I best prepare my dog for the baby?

Finally relaxing alone... The step-by-step guide to reduce your dog's separation anxiety

On my Instagram channel @trustandlead, you will find many tips and videos on the subject of dog behavior.

More info: www.trustandlead.de

self-assessment

Before we begin, I recommend you to fill out the self-assessment on the following pages.

Why should you do that?

So that you know what the current situation is with your dog. Take the time to answer the questions honestly. Observe yourself and your feelings.

Throughout the rest of the book, you can always refer back to your self-assessment, review it, and possibly adjust it. If the space provided is not enough, you will find additional space for notes at the back of the book.

Important questions in advance for you:

How would you assess the nature of your dog? Is he or she confident and relaxed? Sensibly anxious or rather bold and demanding?

……………………………………………………………………………………

With which words would you describe yourself and your behavior? Especially when dealing with your dog?

……………………………………………………………………………………

Does your dog pay a lot of attention to your mood? If yes, in which situations?

……………………………………………………………………………………

How much physical exercise does your dog get?

……………………………………………………………………………………

How much mental stimulation does your dog get?

……………………………………………………………………………………

Where is the main sleeping place of your dog? How much resting time does he or she have each day?

……………………………………………………………………………………

Do you have problems with your dog (jumping, barking, eating or stealing objects, separation anxiety, territorial behavior...)?

……………………………………………………………………………………

Have you already worked on the topics? How do you assess the change and the current status?

……………………………………………………………………………………

How does your dog react to changes (e.g. in daily routine)?

……………………………………………………………………………………

What role has your dog played in your life so far?

……………………………………………………………………………………

What are currently your topics and questions regarding your dog?

……………………………………………………………………………………

What are your wishes?

……………………………………………………………………………………

General information:

Is your dog healthy? Physical problems should be clarified with a veterinarian. Pain or discomfort can greatly affect a dog’s mood and behavior.

multi-dog household

If you have more than one dog at home, please answer these questions honestly:

How do your dog’s get along with each other?

……………………………………………………………………………………

Are there any disputes between the dogs? If so, what are the triggers (food, toys, you)?

……………………………………………………………………………………

Have there been injuries? If so, why?

……………………………………………………………………………………

Do the dogs encourage each other, especially in regard to problematic behavior?

……………………………………………………………………………………

Do you think that you can lead your pack?

……………………………………………………………………………………

Are the dogs vying for your attention? If so, in what situations?

……………………………………………………………………………………

Note: In principle, you belong to no one, except yourself!

You can take very good care of yourself alone. You provide your pack with food, shelter, exercise, and affection, and hopefully meet the needs of your dogs.

It is very important that you pay attention to your energy. Be calm, but assertive. As a role model for your dogs, you should not be uncertain, nervous, angry, frustrated, or anxious. These emotions convey weakness, but your dog needs your inner strength.

Of course, these are human emotions, and they will occur, but the first step is awareness. Then you have the opportunity to change these emotions. You will learn more about this in the course of the book.

the birth

We embark on our journey into dog psychology from the very beginning of a dog's life: birth.

I have been fortunate to witness several dog births live. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the breeders who allowed me to observe their puppies and share their experiences with me.

Births in humans and dogs are very different from each other. Let's first consider the birth of a human.

In many cases, a woman goes to the hospital for the birth. There are doctors, nurses, midwives, other expecting parents, her partner, etc. It can be hectic. The baby is born under the care of medical staff and immediately examined. In the following days, family and friends come to visit, congratulate, and see the baby.

In contrast, how is it for dogs without human influence? A pregnant dog separates herself from the pack and makes herself a nest in the ground or seeks out a den.

There, she takes care of the puppies alone. The pack stays away in the first few days. Gradually, the mother dog decides which members of the pack are allowed to help with raising the puppies.

The pack respects this and gives the mother dog and her puppies space and peace.

A big difference compared to us, right?

When you get a puppy, the breeder usually doesn't allow contact in the first few weeks in order to protect the puppies and the mother dog. This should be respected. The mother dog should be able to decide when her puppies can be visited.

Like humans, dogs are individuals. One mother dog may have no problem with strangers approaching her puppies, while another may find it extremely stressful. Good breeders know their dogs and know when visitors can be allowed.

There are several key factors to consider when selecting a good dog breeder:

Health testing: A reputable breeder will conduct health testing on their breeding dogs to ensure they are free from genetic health issues that could be passed on to their puppies.

Socialization: Good breeders will provide early socialization and exposure to various environments for their puppies to ensure they grow up to be well-adjusted adults.

References and reviews: Look for breeders who have positive reviews and testimonials from previous puppy buyers.

You can also ask for references from past customers to get a better idea of the breeder's reputation.

Transparency: A good breeder will be open and transparent about their breeding practices, the health of their dogs, and the conditions in which their puppies are raised.

Contract and guarantees: Reputable breeders will provide a written contract that outlines the responsibilities of both the buyer and the breeder, as well as any health guarantees or return policies.

Breed-specific knowledge: A good breeder will have in-depth knowledge of the breed they are working with, including breed standards, temperament traits, and potential health issues. They also know the individual personalities of their dogs and puppies very well.

On the other hand, here are some red flags to watch out for when selecting a breeder:

Limited information or refusal to answer questions about their breeding practices or the health of their dogs.

Lack of health testing on their breeding dogs or unwillingness to provide health clearances.

Poor living conditions for the dogs and puppies, such as dirty or overcrowded kennels.

High numbers of available litters or puppies at one time, which may indicate that the breeder is prioritizing quantity over quality.

Lack of a written contract or health guarantee for the puppies.

Pressure to make a quick decision or purchase a puppy without being able to visit the breeder's facilities.

You should carefully evaluate these factors and be aware of potential red flags. It is also an option to adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue. There, you also need to be careful about where you are getting the dog from. Sadly, I have worked with some clients who have had negative experiences when adopting a rescue dog. If you are unsure, seek help from a dog trainer.

You need to know that not all female dogs are fit to be mothers. Unfortunately, I am aware of a case where a female dog gave birth to puppies but was not fit to be a mother. She was overwhelmed and stressed with the puppies. She mostly tried to run away from them and could not provide the necessary care. In this case, it is important for other dogs in the pack and, of course, humans to help with raising the puppies.

The behavior of the mother and her interaction with the puppies, as well as her stress level, can quickly have an impact on the puppies and their behavior. Some behaviors can be difficult to change. What happens in the first few weeks of a puppy's life shapes the dog, and genetics also play a role in their behavior. This is an important realization when dealing with issues with your dog and not being able to explain where they come from.

The mother dogs that I was able to observe intensively were mainly confident and strict mother dogs. They primarily prohibited younger and more excited dogs in the pack from even approaching the puppies in the first few weeks.

If the mother dog had the respect of the other dogs, she would gradually allow contact if the dogs behaved calmly and politely. Some dogs took on roles like playmates for the puppies, while others helped with their upbringing. By the way, this started as soon as the puppies had fully developed senses and could walk.

Yes, you should start training your puppy or dog from the first day and not tolerate things that you later do not want. It is stressful and confusing for the dog.

the senses

Let's go back to the birth. Now you can guess which of these three senses – sight, hearing, smell – are already present in puppies from birth?

On the next page you will find the solution. Don't cheat.

What do you think opens first, the ears, the eyes, or is the nose already in use?

I think the dogs can first:

_____________________________________________

Then I go with:

_____________________________________________

Lastly, I take:

_____________________________________________

Have you decided? Then turn the page and check if your answers are correct.

From birth, dogs can...

1. Smell: Their sense of smell is well developed at birth and will be further refined throughout their lives. Puppies use their sense of smell to find their mother or to explore their surroundings. It is their most important sense. You will soon find out why this is interesting for us to know.

Now you have a 50% chance that either the ears or the eyes of the puppy will be opened next.

2. Seeing: The eyes of puppies usually open within the first two weeks after birth. However, there may be individual differences, so some puppies may take a bit longer to fully open their eyes.

3. Hearing: In most breeds, the ears open between the second and fourth week of life. It is important to note that this is just a general timeframe, and individual puppies may have different rates of development.

Why is it important for you to know this now?

Because as humans, we should definitely pay attention to the order of senses in order to treat dogs respectfully from their perspective.

human-dog encounters

A typical example is that many people, when they first encounter a dog, immediately speak to or touch him. However, there are dogs who become overwhelmed or fearful by this type of interaction. These dogs want to first smell the other person and then decide if they want further contact. This should be respected. If this is not respected, the dog may go into a defensive stance and even attack. In addition to barking and growling, it can also lead to the use of the mouth, which can end very painfully for the person.

Please note: Just like humans, dogs also have a personal space. The personal space is the distance your dog needs to feel comfortable when near another dog or person. Would you like to be hugged or touched on the head by strangers?!

Working with assistance dogs often poses a big problem. The dogs already wear vests that say: "Please do not touch! Dog in service", yet this is often ignored. People mean well, but uninformed and negligent attitudes risk disrespecting both the dog and the handler. Sometimes pedestrians really want to touch or speak to a dog, and in some cases, they even try to secretly lure them. The problem with service dogs or service dogs in training is that this can distract them from their life-saving duties.

What does this mean? At that moment, the dog may not notice their handler is about to have an epileptic seizure or that their handler, who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, may have a panic attack due to close contact with strangers. Here respect and consideration are required. In some jurisdictions, it is illegal to interfere with a service dog, which could result in you being penalized with a misdemeanor.

The order of the senses should be considered not only in human encounters, but also in new situations or, for example, objects. Let your dog smell first.

Dogs that have forgotten how to use their most important sense (smell) often react strongly excited or fearful in unfamiliar situations.

To illustrate this, let me tell you of a situation that often arises: in my training sessions, there was often a beautiful moment when working with a dog that would normally go crazy at the sight of another dog (eyes) or upon hearing the jingle of the leash tag (ears). In those moments, it is great to see the dog finally using his nose in peace to start sniffing in order to figure out who is in front of him. This way, the dog can evaluate the situation much better than if he relied on his eyes or ears first.

Please consider your dog's senses and let him discover the world in his own way.

Especially if you have a dog who reacts insecurely or too boisterously in situations, please ask other people

not to touch,

talk to,

or stare at your dog when greeting him.

From my experience, people often try to do something anyway, even when we tell them not to. Not because they want to annoy us, but because their curiosity is too great, or because they have always done so.

Imagine I ask you not to look in the right corner. Your curiosity will grow until you are likely drawn to it and eventually look. So, give your fellow humans a task instead of issuing bans. One possibility would be: when visitors come to your home, ask them to help you and your dog by focusing on you, instead of your dog.

Ask your visitors to hand you your jacket, put their shoes in a specific place, or follow you into the kitchen, etc. ... It could also be helpful to give them a card to read, explaining the situation with your dog. This breaks the "typical" visitor situation. Your dog now has the opportunity to recognize that you are in charge of the situation, and he is not the center of attention.

If your dog does not show any problems in such situations, you can rejoice and continue as before.

By the way, the order of the senses in us humans is quite different from that in dogs.

A little reminder that dogs are not humans, and that's a good thing. However, we must always remember this and treat them appropriately; they deserve it.

In addition to the order of the senses, it is also important to know how a mother dog behaves with her puppies: Being CALM and again, a lot of CALMNESS. The puppies already sense the mood of their mother.

Excited pack members are forbidden to approach the puppies and play wildly near them. A confident mother makes clear statements and then calmly returns to caring for her puppies, as I have observed several times.

So, when you get to know your puppy, another important point is calmness. We humans tend to overwhelm dogs with excitement and attention. However, since we want your dog to perceive you as a secure source, you should greet him calmly. This is very difficult for many people, as the puppy is so cute, and we would love to squeal with joy. However, the reason why this is so important will be explained further in the book.

By the way, just like you most likely differ from your siblings, the puppies in a litter are also different. Through puppy tests, one can get a glimpse of the nature of the puppies. We used these tests when working with future assistance dogs.

Puppy tests for service dogs may vary slightly depending on the organization or program, but they typically evaluate a puppy's temperament, drive, and potential for success as a service dog. Some common tests and evaluations that service dog organizations may use include:

Temperament testing: This may involve exposing the puppy to different stimuli to see how they react. For example, how do they respond to loud noises, strangers, other animals, or unusual environments?

Socialization: Puppies are often evaluated on how well they interact with other dogs, people, and new experiences. They may be tested on their obedience and ability to focus in distractions.

Play and drive assessment: Service dogs need to possess a certain level of playfulness and drive to work. Evaluators may assess a puppy's willingness to engage in play, retrieve toys, or perform certain tasks.

Problem-solving skills: Puppies may be evaluated on their problem-solving abilities and how well they adapt to new situations or challenges.

Overall, puppy tests for service dogs aim to identify dogs with the potential to excel in their roles as service animals. These evaluations help trainers and organizations match puppies with the appropriate training and ensure they have the necessary qualities to succeed as service dogs.

This allowed us to find out which dog could be suitable for which tasks, who is quite fearless and who is too fearful or too confident.

However, this test is a snapshot and other factors also play a role in the dog's life. There is never a guarantee. The dog's behavior also depends on the experiences the puppy makes in its life.

Good breeders know their puppies very well. Therefore, I personally find it more beautiful when the dog's personality plays a larger role in the selection than appearance. After all, it is important that the dog and the human match. Unfortunately, in my work, I have also experienced cases where the dog's nature and the owner simply did not match.

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