To understand our dogs better, it’s important to start recognising their body language. It’s a skill that can be developed through observation.

Wouldn’t it be great to train your cat to come when called?

I want to cultivate compassion to all living creatures. I want to inspire others to do the same. It’s not easy to share my opinion but I’m done with going into silence. What I’m sharing here is just my opinion and everyone can have their own. I would like to encourage other people to share their opinions and create a healthy discussion.

When we start to see the environment as a cause of the behaviour instead of looking for the cause inside the animal, we give ourselves a chance to influence it. We can take responsibility and empower ourselves to influence our dogs’ behaviour. Avoid labelling him as fearful or angry and see how the change of the environment changes his behaviour.

We don’t always behave in the same way. Nor we, nor our dogs.

Changing behaviour changes your emotions around it. You can become more resilient with practice.

Many dogs need to wear a buster collar (a cone) at least once in their lifetime. It’s very common to see a dog not wanting to wear it. It doesn’t have to stay this way though! After training, you get a dog that as soon as you get the buster collar out, he runs towards it and puts his head through! Now that’s a party trick right there!

Behaviour principles can be applied across the species. From animal training to personal development. Changing my behaviour changed the way I talk to myself. It can be applied to any new skill you would like to learn, I applied it to changing my diet. I’ve done it, you can do it too.

Animals just as much as humans are individuals with their own set of preferences and biases. What works for one will have no effect on the other. We can influence a positive change in the behaviour of any individual but the approach needs to take the individuality into consideration.

Focus on what you can give, even if it seems small. It’s not small for the individual you gifted. Seeing the dogs happy makes all the difference! Think about the fabulous time you can give those dogs that you can take out. Focus on the value you can provide. You can be a highlight of their day, it’s worth a lot!

Stay safe and enjoy your interactions with your dog that will keep your spirits high in this difficult time for many. The benefits you’ll get by influencing your dog’s behaviour is just a bonus.