Happy New Year!
I was digging through my files, cleaning out my computer, and I came across this letter. It’s been written from the dog’s perspective to his owner. This letter can be found online. When I read it years ago, I decided to share it with each new client who hired me as a way to convey the needs of their canine companion. Everyone finds it adorable and more or less gets the message of the letter. I am grateful to have clients who do the work to support their dog in becoming a successful canine good citizen. I also have clients call me because they have allowed their pups to grow into unruly adults by not providing the training and structure they needed. Fortunately I have been able to help these clients turn it around and in the end, everyone–including the dog–is happier.
I’ve worked with shelters and rescue groups for years. It literally pains me to see a dog surrendered to a shelter after being adopted as a puppy, and the dog is incredibly unruly and lacks the ability to be social with humans. This is often a result of the original owners NOT providing adequate attention and training for their dog. By NOT meeting the needs of their adopted dog, they have set their dog up to fail. Fortunately I currently work with a shelter with fantastic resources and we are able to train the dogs that come in. But sometimes they sit at the shelter for a long time because these dogs have more behavior challenges to overcome.
Please spread the message along that there is immense value in training. Even those folks who do not have the money to hire a dog trainer can find a complete library of training and behavior support through the ASPCA Web site: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist.
In the meantime, enjoy the letter below. 🙂
Clarity & Harmony…a better way of living with your dog.
A Letter From Your Dog
Dear Mom and Dad,
Sometimes it is hard for me to be good. I really try, but you humans can be really confusing. I made a list of what I need to be a good dog. Please read it and don't get mad at me. I'm not perfect but I love you.
A Dog's Needs:
I need consistent rules. I really don't mind rules, in fact, knowing the rules and that you will be consistent and fair makes me feel more secure.
I need to know what you want me to do. I get so discouraged when all I hear is "NO!" from you. Please train me so I know what to do to stay out of trouble.
I need lots of exercise. You might think I am exercising when you put me out in the yard, but sometimes I just lay there and get bored. Please take me for a walk or throw my ball for me. Sometimes I need to RUN and play with other dogs. I like to use my nose to find things too.
I need to be with you. Please let me be in the house with you. I get so lonely that I dig or bark or jump the fence when I am outside alone too long.
My ancestors had a job to do to keep them busy. Maybe it was herding, or bringing back ducks, or killing rats. What is my job now? Everyone says they want a smart dog, but us smart dogs get bored! When I find things to amuse me and keep me busy, sometimes it makes you mad. Please find something for me to do.
If I growl, please take the time to figure out why. I might be hurting somewhere, or maybe the kids are playing too rough with me and I have to warn them.
I need a quiet place that is mine. Sometimes I just want to rest.
I need a way to release tensions and amuse myself. Chewing is one of my favorite activities, even after I'm grown up. Please give me safe chewtoys so I don't make a mistake and make you mad.
Please take me places with you and let me meet different people. If I stay at home all the time, the world seems like a scary place. And when I'm scared I might have to growl to make people go away.
I need to know where I stand. I really want you to be the boss, so I don't have to make all the decisions. I am happy to follow your rules, but please don't yell at me. Just be consistent so I can learn what to do.
Pay attention to me when I am being good, and praise me. If you ignore me too much, I will find ways to get your attention, even if it means you get upset!
Love (and muddy pawprints),
Rover
dogcentrictraining 