Selina McIntyre - Big Dog Small Dog: Make Your Dog Happier By Being Understood

For my family, whether you walk on two legs or four.

And for the dogs my teachers.

Sitting back in the evening, stargazing,
and stroking your dog, is an infallible remedy.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Dogs have been domesticated for at least 10,000 years, maybe more, so it is little wonder we are fascinated by how dogs communicate, how we can communicate with them and how we can speak their language. More than that, I believe that learning to communicate with your dog is vital for a balanced and harmonious existence between the two of you.

Owning a dog is a huge responsibility and the more we prepare for such a major life decision (as with all major life decisions), the more we empower ourselves to help our dogs knowledge is power, after all. So, with a bit of helpful knowledge, I hope to take you on a journey towards long-term happiness and contentment for your canine companion. Who knows, your family might calm down a bit too as the stress of your mate barking or chewing up the carpet when you leave them at home does not help maintain family harmony! With this book you can make your dog happier by being understood.

Ill start with my story, to let you in on how I came to understanding the canine vernacular. Then well look at not only understanding your dog, from them being a rambunctious pup through to their more sedate senior years, but also making them happy in the process which includes both their mental and physical wellbeing.

Within these pages, Ill share the knowledge Ive learned throughout my life with animals, my studies in both preliminary zoology as well as applied animal technology, my volunteering with the SPCA, Blind Low Vision NZ Guide Dogs and various animal shelters, and through my career as a dog behavioural consultant. Ive been working with animals for my whole life and I started my consultancy business when I was in the second year of my degree in Applied Animal Technology. Since then, Ive worked with hundreds of dogs and their owners.

Whats a dog behavioural consultant? I hear you ask. Were people who help dogs in a very holistic way. We look at the environment, the people and other animals that dogs are interacting with, as well as any particular circumstances they are facing within their home. By doing this, we are able to get to the root cause of any issues they might be experiencing.

We also work like teachers, mentors and support people for our clients while theyre working to modify their dogs behaviour. By getting to know the whole pack human and dog were able to provide support when things get rough and cheer you on when things are going well.

Ive included a number of case studies here, which will give you some idea about how I work and help you to understand the process dog owners and I go through together.

When I work with a client, I usually have three consultations with them. During the first one, I come in with fresh eyes and observe them with their dogs. I do this in their home and in any other environments where they feel they need my help. This gives me a good chance to get to the root of the issues theyre facing. From this visit, Ill make notes and come up with a personalised behaviour modification plan for them.

On the second visit, I look to address the issues the client is having. Ill run through the plan with them, show them whatever commands they need to know and go through any other training exercises that I believe will be helpful.

The third visit is really a follow-up appointment, during which we can assess the progress being made, suggest any possible changes to the plan and look to the future.

My focus, first and foremost with this book, is for you to cement the foundations of a positive relationship with your dog. Because of this, my approach throughout is that animals should volunteer to respect and trust you.

Having children, I completely understand that life is sometimes a juggling act. I have the challenge of juggling family life and work commitments, and all the while Im wanting to do the best for our dogs as well.

Funnily enough, I realise neither you nor your dog are robots, so you cannot be push-button trained. Neither are either of you perfect all of us have failings and good and bad days, but being open to learning about the whats and whys of a situation will enable us to move forward.

Often, a lack of understanding as a result of inadequate non-verbal communication between dog and owner can lead to undesirable behaviour. Most of these behaviours that are labelled as behavioural issues are ones that are regular and normal behaviours in a dog pack.

For example, holes are dug to store surplus food and an indent in the land can provide a snug sleeping spot. Digging is also enjoyable and is known to relieve stress (as does chewing). Chasing small animals is both stimulating and can provide a meal.

What we need to do when we see these behaviours is think about things from our dogs perspective. Its rare for behavioural issues to have a single cause, so its important to consider a whole lot of possible elements that might be affecting your dog. Once were able to do this, were well on the way to being able to speak dog.

My approach is natural and direct, based on canine behavioural communication. I work with communication tools that your dog already knows and understands. I do not advocate the use of choker chains, shock, vibration or any form of spray collar. I do not condone the use of alpha rolling methods and I do not feel there is any need to use physical manipulation in my behavioural modification and training.

I look to read a dog and their guardian/owner through their body language and combine this with an understanding of how this relates to the dogs innate behaviour. A large part of what I do is around encouraging you to look at your situation with a fresh set of eyes and teaching you the language of your dog.

Through the pages of this book, I will look at the most common behavioural concepts and issues I encounter in my work. While the first chapter deals largely with puppies, the ideas in the book apply to all dogs. Even though you might have an older dog, their life will have been shaped by their earliest experiences in puppyhood, so this is an important time for you to understand. I will also walk you through case studies related to these and provide you with strategies to tackle the associated problems.

My goal is to help both you and your dog. With this, if you learn the right signals, youll soon be able to understand and speak your dogs language, which will make both of you much happier.

Wherever you go, go with all your heart.

Confucius

Funnily enough, it wasnt working with dogs that set me on my career path. Instead, it was my early encounters with big cats that got me hooked on working with animals.

When I was 12, I wrote a rather detailed and very impassioned letter to the owners of Paradise Valley Springs Wildlife Park near where I lived in Rotorua. Then I waited for a response for what seemed like an eternity but was probably a couple of months in reality. When that response came it was in the form of a ridiculously excited phone call from my end. Theyd read my letter and they were phoning to offer me a job. I couldnt believe it!

That summer, I started work as a lion cub attendant at the park. It was a job I would retain eventually graduating to being a tour guide until I was 19. Paradise became my second home, and I could usually be found there after school, on weekends and during school holidays.