First Things First!
Meeting your dog’s needs
Understanding dog psychology is fundamental if you want to build a healthy relationship with your pup. Dog Psychology is something that most people, including many “dog trainers,” don’t take into account when trying to modify a behavior.
This is why I believe behavioral/socialization issues are on the rise.
According to the ASPCA’s National Rehoming Survey, pet problems (including problematic behaviors) account for 47% of rehomed dogs.
Shelter Animals Count reports that in 2023, more than 359,000 dogs were euthanized in the US, marking a five-year peak.
The ASPCA’s National Rehoming Survey also states that 10.1% of animals surrendered to shelters are due to owner’s death, and 7.8% are due to aggressive behavior.
Behavior challenges are not always the reason for rehoming or euthanasia but we can conclude based on the statistics above that a significant number of these cases contribute to these overall numbers.
Many dog training methodologies address the human’s needs vs. considering the dog’s needs.
Through this book I hope to take the reader beyond basic command training and educate on dog psychology which will serve to lay a strong foundation on which to create a balanced relationship between pet owners and their dog(s).
Fostering a healthy relationship between human and canine
We have all had healthy and unhealthy relationships in our lives. Healthy relationships were those whereby you were able to communicate with one another without having to scream, yell or threaten. Boundaries were established and adhered to. Both parties chose consent vs coercion tactics such as pressuring you to do something, use of physical force, bargaining, or one holding power over the other to get what they wanted. Trust, honesty and independence were unspoken tenants. Each party felt safe knowing the other was watching out for the other and lastly it was FUN.
It was fun because all the critical components of a healthy relationship were honored and respected. All that was left to do was enjoy each-other!
If you apply the same logic to the relationship you are building with your dog then you are on your way to having one of the most fulfilling and rewarding relationships on the planet.
Lets look at things from your dogs perspective
Furthermore, by educating yourself on dog psychology you will be working alongside their nature and instincts vs, against them making things much more difficult than they have to be.
Dog Psychology is the practice of trying to understand and be considerate of how the mind of a dog works. What is my dog thinking? Why does my dog behave this way?
Through studying dog psychology, you are learning about the mind along with the behaviors that are impacted or shaped by the function of the mind.
In my opinion dog psychology should be studied and logic applied prior to beginning any training or modification program. Approaching behavior issues through the lens of the pup’s mind will save you a lot of frustration, money and heartache.
Laying the foundation for success – what do dogs need and why?
All the training in the world will not be successful if one or more of these essential components are neglected or compromised.
Exercise
o What is the dogs exercise routine?
o Is the exercise provided tailored to the breed, age, health
o Energy matching – are human and dog’s energy level matched accordingly
Humanizing – how much is too much?
o How is the dog treated?
o How does the dog interact with other dogs, other people in/out of the household
Leadership
o Does the dog see Is the owner viewed as the leader?
o Is the owner calm, patient, firm, consistent
Healthcare - Vaccines/Food/ flea tick/medication
o How many vaccines has the dog received?
o What food/treats are you feeding?
o What is being used for flea/tick prevention
o What medications is the dog taking?
Socialization
o Has the dog been adequately socialized?
o How does the dog behave around other dogs/humans/children/loud noises/car rides
In Conclusion
Understanding and addressing these fundamental aspects will set the stage for a fulfilling relationship with your dog. As we move through this book, we’ll explore how applying dog psychology can help overcome behavioral challenges and create a strong, lasting bond with your furry companion.
The bond between humans and dogs is an unspoken, ancient connection—woven through trust, loyalty, and an intuitive understanding that transcends words. It’s a relationship built on mutual care, where a dog's unwavering presence can heal wounds that even time struggles to mend, and where a simple glance carries volumes of emotion, echoing a love that asks for nothing in return yet offers everything.
