Trying to describe the love bond between a human and their dog is often difficult to put into words for those who do not like animals. 聽
Yes, there really are those humans in the world who are not fond of the fur babies we love. Bringing a dog into your family is a huge decision, a life-long commitment for the dog. There are many factors that determine the level of commitment and care required for adding a dog to your family. Do you live on an acreage or in a town? Do you want a large breed or a small breed? Do you work out of the home or from home? Do you have young children at home? Do you know the needs of the breed you are looking at?聽
Raising a secure, loving, well-behaved member of your family takes time, patience and consistency. Raising a dog is similar to raising a child in many aspects. As they grow physically and cognitively, a safe and secure family is the best environment for a long, happy life. The greatest barrier can be language and overall communication. 聽
Human language and dog language often create a confusing barrier for both sides of the relationship. As the cognitive superior, it is our responsibility to learn how and what our dogs are trying to communicate to us and train them to understand what we are trying to communicate to them. 聽
This is hard work, but the rewards are enormous. Don鈥檛 give up.聽
One resident of Carlyle agreed to detail her experience with rescuing a mature, male mix of border collie, husky and pitbull as far as the rescue could tell the family. Norah Hengen began this journey with Kai in January after bringing him home, continuing his veterinary and training care as well as providing for his needs. 聽
Their new relationship was growing and yet Hengen realized a few behaviours in Kai that she could not seem to get a handle on. After consultation and much training with Carlyle鈥檚 local trainers and encouragement that she needed for her and Kai, Norah made the difficult decision to contact Bright Eyes Rescue with thoughts to give him back. 聽
Hengen said, 鈥淚 just felt hopeless. I was trying to do what all the local trainers were saying but I was overwhelmed and felt like I was not the right fit for Kai. I sent him to A Second Family Dog Lodge to be cared for and play and get much needed socialization while waiting for placement with Bright Eyes, but I just couldn鈥檛 give up on him (and us).鈥澛�
Just like when a child misbehaves and everyone judges, dog owners can feel that same shame when their dogs are not completely calm and don鈥檛 have perfect manners.聽聽聽
While Kai was at the dog lodge, Hengen found behavioural specialist Billy Groom in Regina. May and June has had Groom, from Upward Dogology, training both humans and dog on how to think differently. 聽
鈥淜ai hasn鈥檛 been using his brain because of fear issues, trust issues, failed teaching techniques and tools. He was 19 months old where we recued him. He was an anxious dog with a lot of naughty behaviours and then tantrums on leash. He wanted to play but when he couldn鈥檛, he would get frustrated, bark and then growl. That scared other dogs and then set them off at times,鈥� Hengen explained.聽
Hengen credits the local trainers for giving her the basic tools every dog can learn with and then for them suggesting she needed more help as something was not connecting. She wants everyone to know about Groom, who is so close and is such a great resource for those dogs and families who are struggling with the regular reward system of operant conditioning.聽
Hengen laughed as she said, 鈥淏illy calls me the stalker-walker because I am always walking and looking for people I can practice our techniques and cues with because it works so well. I am still learning and Kai is still working on making the right choices but I finally have hope. It feels so amazing to be able to walk up to someone and ask if I can walk with them, explain to them why and they agree to allow that with their dog.鈥澛�
Groom can be found on all social media channels at Upward Dogology and you can read the past issue of the Observer for the interview in the May 28th Issue. 聽
鈥淐heck out her podcasts as they are free and full of tons of useful information. You decide鈥f you are struggling, I can empathize. I hope this information helps others, who like me, find that the struggle comes and goes,鈥� said Hengen.聽
For those of you who see her and Kai out walking and are being a huge help to them by letting them walk beside or just even giving an encouraging word, Norah says, 鈥淭hank you so much.鈥� 聽
