How to help your dog when stressed – cz.3

Avatar for Natalia MatusiakNatalia Matusiak
Today, I will write about what to do in a chronic stress situation. Identifying and removing the source of stress is the crucial first step in dealing with chronic stress in your dog. The source of chronic stress can be, m.in, staying in a shelter, homelessness or living in terrible conditions (on a chain at a kennel or in a pen). It can also be a lack of social skills caused by being taken away from the mother too quickly and/or a lack of socialization. A dog can also be stressed by the arrival of a new household member, arguments, or a tense atmosphere at home. Some dogs don't mind staying home alone, but it's a very stressful experience for others. Failure to meet basic needs is also a source of chronic stress. ... Read More

How to help your dog when stressed – part 1

Avatar for Natalia MatusiakNatalia Matusiak
Today, we will discuss how you can help your friend shortly after something has stressed them out, e.g. what to do when something scares them (clash with another dog / some unexpected, loud noise, etc.). Walking on a short leash next to another dog can be stressful for many dogs: passing by strangers, walking past a tram, etc. It all depends on previous experience. To know what is stressful for your four-pawed friend, learn the secrets of dog body language, which is a fascinating and significant topic. Exploring the secrets of this language will be very useful for you 😊 ... Read More
Dog needs and dog anxiety

Dog needs and dog anxiety

Avatar for Natalia MatusiakNatalia Matusiak
We actually have a lot more in common with dogs than we realize. There's so much that brings us together rather than pulls us apart. Our desires and needs regarding existence and social interaction are similar. We all desire a place to call home and connections with those we care about. We want to love and be loved, to have our thoughts, needs, and wishes considered, to enjoy being near the people we care about, and to share time with them. There's a distinction here: while people often love hugs and embraces, dogs find that overwhelming. They'd rather have a belly rub or lie next to someone so they can feel their presence. We should aim to be valuable members of our community. Most dogs do their best to meet their responsibilities, but these can vary based on the breed. For instance, some dogs are all about alerting us to any potential danger, while others might take on the role of guarding the home. Then there are sheepdogs, who are great at keeping the family together during walks. ... Read More
Why punishing a dog for growling is a colossal mistake

Why punishing a dog for growling is a colossal mistake

Avatar for Natalia MatusiakNatalia Matusiak
Nobody likes it when a dog growls at him. Unfortunately, we rarely consider where the unsuitable (in our opinion) behaviour comes from. Instead, we immediately take action: we use punishment to teach the dog not to growl at us. Have you ever wondered why a dog growls and what he wants to achieve by that? Unfortunately, most of my clients stopped at statements like "the dog won't growl at me" or "I don't want / I don't agree to him growling at me!" I understand that it's not cool. Nobody likes to be growled at him. We feel uncomfortable then, regardless of whether a dog, an official, a parent or a neighbour growls at us. I strongly encourage you to think about a few points: Why does the dog growl at you? What does the dog want to achieve by growling at you? What do you want your relationship with your dog to look like? Is the dog your subordinate/robot or friend? Do you focus on absolute obedience, or are your dog's feelings important to you? What will be the consequences of our actions? ... Read More