Things we can learn from a dog 

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride with the people you love and it can be nice just going somewhere that you dont know.

When a loved one comes home, always run to greet them. Take naps and stretch before rising. Always be loyal and it's better to be friendly, than unapproachable. Never pretend you're something you're not.

When somebody is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently. Avoid biting when a growl will do. When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body because it looks so much fun. Bond with your pack. Allow the experiences of fresh air and wind in your face to be pure ecstasy. Delight in the simple joy of a long walk. It's always better not to be fussy.

• Dogs communicate with one another all the time using scent, body language and energy. They are also communicating with you, although you may not be aware of the signals you are sending. You absolutely cannot lie to a dog about how you are feeling.

• Dogs have an ingrained pack mentality. If you're not asserting leadership over your dog, your dog will try to compensate by showing dominant or unstable behaviour.

• Dogs never think they are humans, as many pet owners would like to imagine. They are exceptionally happy just being dogs. If you are telling people your dog thinks he's a person, chances are that he's a dog who knows he's your leader.

Dos and Don'ts of Discipline

DO establish the house rules and boundaries between the human members of the pack before you bring a dog into your home.

DO begin enforcing rules from your dog's first day at home - your dog doesn't understand the concept of a "holiday" from rules.

DO remain clear and consistent with your dog about the rules.

DON'T enforce rules if you are frustrated, angry, emotional or tired. Wait until you can respond unemotionally to your dog's behaviour.

DON'T yell at or hit your dog out of anger - ever

DON'T reinforce or encourage a fearful or aggressive state of mind.

Normal Dog Traits

• Active, playful, responsive to commands and signals, eager to join in "pack" (family) activities, sometimes cautious, barks to announce newcomers, sociable with dogs and people, curious, happy-go-lucky, alert, exploratory, patient, responsive to food, affectionate

Dog Issues or Instability

• Hyperactive, jumps on people, disobedient - doesn't come when called, runs away, overly fearful - shies away from people, animals, or objects, obsessive barking, antisocial - "doesn't like" dogs or humans, aggressive or predatory, overly territorial, possessive of toys, food, furniture, compulsive retrieving, chewing or tail chasing, shrinks from touch

 

  

*A Dog's Diary*

5:30am: Started the day as a hero!  When the sound of the newspaper hitting the driveway roused me from my deep slumber -- the impact indicating the paper was much heavier than normal -- I realized that no one in the house was yet awake!  I roused my master by licking him in the face.  He appeared very angry with himself for having overslept, shouting and waving his arms.  His ill temper even seemed directed at me a bit, which is silly since it is I who saved him from being fired. Funny thing though: He didn't go into work, but spent the morning leafing through the large newspaper and drinking coffee.  He seems to do this once a week, and I don't know why.

7:30am: Invaders!  The people who live next door came out into their yard, obviously getting ready to lay siege to our house.  Snarling and barking, I let them know in no uncertain terms that I was prepared to tear them from limb to limb it they came any closer, and was able to repel the invasion.  This is an almost daily occurrence; you'd think they'd learn.  My master added his voice to the fray as well, yelling angrily.  I am sure the people couldn't hear him, but it was nice of him to lend his support.
 
10:00am: I was forced to move, as the patch of sun in which I was lying had, for some reason, slid over a few feet.  It's not easy being a dog.

1:00pm: I have the most thoughtful master in the world!  While it's true he left me alone in the house for several hours, he did set out a treat for me on the kitchen counter.  It was even gift-wrapped, a courtesy I wish he'd skipped, since it led to me having a lot of plastic in my teeth.  The roast was delicious, though frozen in the center.  I don't
want to seem ungrateful, but crunching through two inches of rock-hard beef is hardly my idea of a delicacy.

2:00pm: Most unpleasant experience when my master returned home and was furious that I had not eaten the plastic wrap which had been covering my present.  He kept pointing at the small pieces of Styrofoam and other debris and raving in a most irrational fashion.  I'm sorry, but he should know that I can't eat that stuff; it makes my stomach upset.
When he began rolling up a newspaper I realized he'd lost all reason and bolted for the front door, which was fortunately open just a crack.

4:00pm: Spent the afternoon with the girls.  A most productive day; I was able to mark territory for two blocks.  "Drip 'til you drop" is our motto.  We had a small snack at an outdoor cafe we like, with meat scraps and bread served out of circular containers with easily displaced lids.  Ran into that rogue Sebastian, who lifted his leg with irritating nonchalance -- does he think I don't know about his obsession with Muffy, that snotty schnauzer from down the road?  Last month there wasn't a male in the neighborhood who couldn't be found outside her fence, and Sebastian was at the head of the pack.  I let him know I want nothing more to do with him.

5:00pm: What a treat!  On the way home a flock of ravens drew my attention to a squirrel that had been flattened by a car.  After several days in the sun, the aroma was so delicious it made my nose quiver.  I rolled in the wondrous fragrance for several minutes, and when I stood up I positively radiated eau de roadkill.  Let Sebastian drool over Muffy -- he doesn't know what he's missing.

6:00pm: Of all the times to get a bath!  My master, still in a foul mood, made me stand outside in the chill air while he shampooed and rinsed me several times.  Every time I shook the water from my fur he, too, became drenched, and in the end he was shivering.  Why in the world does he do stuff like this?

9:00pm: Time to sleep, though I am not allowed on the bed whenever anyone's home.  Ah, the life of a dog.

WHAT I ASKED FOR, WHAT I NEEDED

When I got my new dog

I asked for strength that I might rear her perfectly;
I was given weakness that I might feed her more treats.

I asked for good health that I might rest easy;
I was given a "special needs" dog that I might know nurturing.

I asked for an obedient dog that I might feel proud;
I was given stubbornness that I might feel humble.

I asked for compliance that I might feel masterful;
I was given a clown that I might laugh

I asked for a companion that I might not feel lonely;
I was given a best friend that I would feel loved.

I got nothing I asked for,
But everything that I needed.
I got a dog
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The issues raised in the posting above are true with most dogs, but you could have a perfect dog with a little more understanding. Connors Legacy is here to help you to understand that if you are prepared to live with the things you feel your dog is doing wrong, then you maybe doing wrong by your dog. Throughout these pages, we hope to help you understand that the reason your dog acts the way it does. Is because you allow it to, by not sticking up for yourself and by not doing so you are giving your dog unnecessary stress, which is causing then to react this way..

By not giving in to your dog, they will repect and love you more. You will also be taking alot of the stress away from your dog, because they will be less likely to feel the need to look after themselves and give that pleasure to you.

But I Do Look After My Dog..... Please dont get me wrong, some of the most stressed dogs are the most loved and cared for dog alive. To understand the reason for this we need to look at the Psychology Of The Dog and the quickest way to help you would be to say... It's not what you do for your dog, it's what you dont allow your dog to do.

If someone knocks on your door... You dont allow your dog to be jumping and barking at the door (stress) as you try to open it. You make your dog go, sit and stay at the end of the hall (calm) until you have let the person in or sent them on their way...
By not allowing your dog on the bed or settie until you say that your dog can...
Making sure your dog is last in and out of the front door when you take your dog out and the most common problem of all is to keep your dog either behind or to the side of you on that walk. By allowing your dog out in front of you, you have given them the responsibility of making sure no harm comes to you. They will be on guard if you like....
These and other simple things can help you have a happy loving dog...