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

The first days of an adopted dog in a new home

Avatar for Natalia MatusiakNatalia Matusiak
Taking a dog under your roof is always a bigger or smaller challenge. Adopting an adult dog we know little about is also a great unknown. You have to be patient. The first goal should be to get to know the dog and build a relationship based on mutual understanding and trust. Without knowing the dog's past, we do not know what he went through or what his life looked like so far, what he went through. One thing is sure: it was not rosy. The loss of a home, a family, a safe place, and staying in a shelter certainly left some marks. ... Read More