Sometimes There's Side Eye

This week we are talking about unexpected consequences of desired dog behaviors.  We often have certain behaviors we are looking for when purchasing or adopting a dog, however many desired behaviors have an unforeseen flip side to them.  Something as simple as dog sociability can lead to reactivity if socialization needs are not being met.  Of course, there is nothing wrong with wanting an athletic dog who can keep up on hikes and runs, as long as you realize that most athletic dogs need daily exercise, not just weekend adventures.  While a lot of people say they want a smart dog, smart dogs tend to be curious, and curious dogs tend to be curious all the time, not just when it is convenient or appropriate.  So, when you see a behavior that appears in an unexpected way it's important to remember the upside of that behavior, and why that was important to you in the first place. Don't forget to review, subscribe, and share!

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We are talking about a recent study that says 99% of dogs have behavioral problems.  While we disagree with that number, we do agree that behavior problems are increasing.  We also agree with a recent post Heather found stating that training has become more about educating people and less about hands on dog training.  There are likely too many factors contributing to an increase in behavioral issues to name them all, but we are talking about a few of them that we believe are contributing to the rise in behavior issues.  One major factor is that there have been a lot of changes over the years in how we as Americans live with dogs.  We talk through how some of these changes are for the betterment of dogs and how some are to the detriment of the dogs we live with.   Modern dog training focuses a lot on supporting humans through education so they can support the unique needs of the dogs they love.

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*It is our 50th episode!!!! *

This week we are talking about our recent experience ata dog show cluster from both a newbie's point of view and a more experiencedpoint of view.  We talk through how much is expected of the dogs in thissituation, and how much we appreciate our dogs being able to perform and behavedespite endless distractions in a new/strange environment.  We arerecapping our highs and lows from the weekend including things like community,solid dog temperaments, and having fun with our dogs.

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What happens when an experienced foster falls in love with an "easy dog"?  Typically they give the dog up to another home so that they can take on a more difficult dog. In this episode we are pushing back on the idea that experienced dog people should take on more difficult dogs just because they can. We also know that everyone defines "difficult" differently, so a difficult dog for one person could be the perfect match for someone else. We believe dogs should be enjoyed and loved and that the people adopting them also matter.  So if you are an experienced dog handler and fall for a dog who could thrive in any home, we are here to say it's okay for that dog to thrive in your home. 

In this episode, we are talking all about dog balls. Unneutered males have a reputation of being aggressive, marking, humping and overall having a variety of behavioral issues.  Because of this it is often thought that neutering a dog will solve any unwanted behavior in male dogs, however we are challenging that thought process.  Recent studies show health benefits for later spay and neuter surgeries and/or keeping dogs intact.  We are in no way saying that rescues should allow unaltered adult animals to be adopted out, but we do want to challenge the overarching trend of blaming all behavioral issues on male dogs having their balls.  We know that this can be a sensitive topic, and a very individualized decision but we want to help listeners hear both sides of the topic so they can make an informed decision that works best for them and their dog.  

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In this episode, we wrap up our sports series.  We talk through what we've learned from our guests, some common themes we saw, and our own outlook on sports. Dog sports provide such a unique way to bond with your dog; in addition to providing positive outlets for physical and mental stimulation.   Sports can be great for the average pet owner just looking to have fun with their dog, as well as for the high drive "difficult to live with" type of dog, or even the person who loves earning all the ribbons.  Our guests and their dogs came from a variety of backgrounds including both dogs with impressive pedigrees and rescue dogs.  We've had so much fun over the past several months learning and talking about such a wide variety of sports, and we hope this series inspired you to try something new with your dog.   

This week we are talking with Amanda McGavin who shares her home with a pack of Brittanys. She currently trains and competes with her three Brittanys; Glory, Lyra, and Cherry Bomb, in agility. She also has experience in conformation, hunt tests, and field trials. Amanda started training agility in 2010 with her foster Brittany, Cooper who needed a positive outlet for his energy. We talk about some of the unexpected struggles and how mental management has been an important key to her success. We also touch on preventing injuries through warm ups, cool downs, and cross training for other sports. Because we pre-recorded our sports series interviews you will hear a reference to Jaxon being Kristi's foster dog, but he has since become a permanent member of Kristi's family.

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More information about this episode:

https://www.akc.org/sports/agility/

In this episode we talk with Eve Hoehle of Von Major Sheds Kennel about shed hunting.  Eve lives with, competes with, and breeds German Short Haired Pointers.  Shed hunting gets its name from the antlers animals such as deer, elk and moose "shed" each year.  Shed hunting is scent work, but out in the open, off leash, and specifically for medium white tail deer antlers (if you are competing).  The sport is less than 10 years old and was developed from wild shed hunting.  Eve explains that for competition it can be any terrain which can make the sport physically demanding.  For championship trials it is set in a course the size of a football field with 5 antlers that are partially or fully hidden.  The dog needs to deliver all 5 antlers to the human competitor's hand within 10 minutes.  This sport naturally attracts more retrieving breeds, but is welcoming to every breed of dog.  Eve talks to us about how she got started in this sport as well as how she starts training dogs for the sport.  Although she starts exposing her puppies to sheds at an early age, she promises that dogs of all ages can be successfully introduced to the sport and gives some great resources to get started.

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More information about this episode:

Elite Shed Dogs | United Kennel Club (UKC) (ukcdogs.com)

In this episode we are talking about dog parkour.  Parkour combines elements of human parkour and dog obedience to create a fun and unique sport.  Parkour, just like any sport, has different levels starting with Novice and going to Expert.  They even have a Training level for dogs under 18 months since it's important to protect those growing pups' bodies.  There are also specialty divisions that dive into mastering specific behaviors in creative ways.  Parkour can be done on your own or through classes that are available online and in person.  We really believe this is one of the most low pressure dog sports owners will find. Since the behaviors are designed to be done in a variety of locations, the submission video is expected to be pieced together instead of done all at once.  This means that tricks can be done over several hours or even several months. Of course, there are ribbons and certificates available, but it's also very possible to simply follow the check list from the International Dog Parkour Association's website and complete tricks on your own.  We believe parkour gives dog owners a fun and creative way to interact with their dog while training or refining tricks for new and unique environments.

More information about this episode:

What is Dog Parkour? | International Dog Parkour Association