Family Dog Mediation is an innovative approach to understanding and resolving conflicts between dogs and their human companions. In this hectic era, our pooches can be confronted with predicaments resulting from unfulfilled innate needs and the effect of modern technology on their lives. This blog post will cover these issues, offering insights into the modern dog’s dilemma.
I’ll introduce you to the role of a Family Dog Mediator and explore how a L.E.G.S.® assessment benefits both dog guardians and their furry friends. By examining the four components of L.E.G.S., I’ll discuss learning, environmental factors, genetics, breed traits, personality assessments, as well as practical techniques for implementing Family Dog Mediation in your own home.
Finally, I’ll celebrate success stories showcasing the power of this unique approach in fostering better communication between dogs and their guardians while ensuring long-term happiness for all involved parties.
Table of Contents:
- Understanding the Modern Dog’s Dilemma
- Introducing Family Dog Mediation®
- Exploring the Four L.E.G.S.® Components
- Canine Genetics & Breed Traits
- Assessing Your Pet’s Personality & Individuality
- Implementing Family Dog Mediation® Techniques
- Conclusion
Understanding the Modern Dog’s Dilemma
As technology advances and lifestyles change, many dogs find themselves confused by modern living. Our domesticated dogs are captive animals with unmet instinctual needs and little autonomy over their own lives, which can lead to frustration and confusion about their reality.
Unmet Instinctual Needs in Domesticated Dogs
Dogs have evolved alongside humans for thousands of years, but domestication has left them with unfulfilled instincts that can lead to behavioral issues. For example, a dog bred for herding may feel compelled to herd family members or other pets; another dog bred for entering burrows and flush out critters may find the need to dig their way out the yard or dig numerous holes, if they don’t have an appropriate outlet for this natural behavior. It’s essential to recognize these innate drives in our canine companions and provide opportunities for them to express these behaviors safely.
The Impact of Technology on Our Pets’ Lives
In this modern era, with the prevalence of tech, we have less time to spend in companionship with our beloved pets. The lack of mental stimulation produced by our excessive use of gadgets like smartphones leaving our puppers staring at us with nothing to do can lead to boredom-related problems such as excessive barking or destructive chewing. Additionally, exposure to electronic devices emitting sounds beyond human hearing range might be distressing for some sensitive pups. Noise sensitivity may lead to behavioral changes in dogs. To help your dog cope with the side effects of our ever-evolving technology:
- Create tech-free zones where you engage in playtime or training sessions without distractions or aversive sounds.
- Maintain a consistent routine that includes regular exercise and socialization opportunities.
- Educate yourself about potential hazards posed by household electronics so you can minimize any negative impact on your pet’s well-being.
Introducing Family Dog Mediation®
Are you tired of feeling like a referee between your dog and the rest of the household? Or perhaps you feel angry at yourself and your dog because your expectations are not being met and you cannot understand why this fluff of energy will not do what you would like them to do. Maybe it’s time to get a new perspective on your pooch. They are not trying to irritate you or purposedly damage your possessions. This innovative approach introduces the concept of a Family Dog Mediator, an individual with special training beyond traditional training or behavior consulting who assesses each animal based on 4 dimensions: Learning, Environment, Genetics, and Self (L.E.G.S.®).
The Role of a Family Dog Mediator in Resolving Conflicts Between Pets and People
A Family Dog Mediator is not just another trainer; they are experts at identifying underlying issues causing tension within your home. By evaluating each pet through L.E.G.S.®, these professionals can pinpoint areas where improvements can be made to enhance harmony among all family members.
How L.E.G.S.® Assessment Benefits Both Dog Owners and Their Furry Friends
A L.E.G.S.® assessment consists of a detailed set of questions that address all 4 components of your dog’s life.
- Learning: Understanding how dogs learn helps identify effective ways to teach them new behaviors while addressing gaps. Dogs are continuously learning just like humans; learning is not just training sits and downs, but everything that happens to that dog is a learning experience (ex: that dog is not safe, fireworks are scary). Through learning all animals learn to adapt to new situations.
- Environment: Examining environmental factors allows for adjustments that promote positive interactions between pets and people. The environment is all an animal interacts with, and humans are the ones who can control it to promote a safe environment for our pooches.
- Genetics: Recognizing breed-specific traits enables guardians to understand their pet’s natural instincts better, which could contribute to conflicts if left unaddressed. DNA contains all the keys for all the specific traits we have bred for and against in a dog.
- Self: Acknowledging unique personality traits ensures tailored solutions catered specifically for each dog’s needs.
Adopting L.E.G.S.® into your connection with your pup can bring about a more satisfying and balanced relationship, which is advantageous for both you and your four-legged companion.
Exploring the Four L.E.G.S.® Components
To effectively address any issues arising from your relationship with your dog, it’s essential to understand how Learning, Environment, Genetics, and Self (L.E.G.S.®) play crucial roles in shaping your pet’s behaviors. Let’s get into each of the L.E.G.S elements to comprehend their importance.
Learning as a Key Component for Understanding Canine Behavior
Dogs are constantly learning from their experiences and interactions with humans. Using canine learning theory, we can better comprehend how our pets process information and adapt their behavior accordingly.
Environmental Factors Influencing Your Dog’s Actions
The environment plays a significant role in shaping our dogs’ actions. From the layout of your home to daily routines to all the gadgets you have in your home or even weather conditions – all these factors contribute to creating an optimal living space that caters to you and your furry friend.
The Role Genetics Plays in Determining Breed-Specific Traits
Genetics influence breed-specific traits, such as herding instincts or protective tendencies which may create challenges within households if not understood properly. Recognizing these predispositions is vital for effective mediation between you and your dog.
Acknowledging the Importance of Self When Assessing Personality Traits
- Age: As dogs age, they undergo physical changes that impact their behavior; understanding this will help us adjust training techniques or expectations.
- Sex and Reproductive Status: Hormones play a significant role in shaping canine behavior. Spaying or neutering your pet can help mitigate certain behaviors, but it’s essential to understand the impact of these procedures on their overall temperament.
At The Yin Yang Dog, we understand the importance of family dog mediation. As a licensed family dog mediator, I can help you build a better relationship with your dog by addressing any issues related to your floof’s behavior. I believe in building bridges between pet dogs and their guardians, and my behavior consulting services are designed to bring all 4 L.E.G.S.® to the table and create management plans and enrichment solutions in addition to new skill learning.
Canine Genetics & Breed Traits
Each breed has unique genetic instructions that influence behaviors such as herding instincts or protective tendencies which may create challenges within households if not understood properly. Let’s explore some common behavioral traits linked to specific breeds and how we can address potential conflicts arising from these genetic predispositions.
Common Behavioral Traits Linked to Specific Breeds
- Herding dogs: Known for their natural instinct to herd animals, they might try to “herd” children or other pets in the household. Examples include Border Collies and Australian Shepherds.
- Guardian breeds: Bred for protection, these dogs are often wary of strangers and require proper socialization. Common guardian breeds may include the Great Pyrenees and the Anatolian Shepherd Dog.
- Scent hounds: These dogs have a strong sense of smell, leading them to follow scents obsessively which could result in wandering off or ignoring commands. Beagles and Bloodhounds fall under this category.
Addressing Potential Conflicts Arising from Genetic Predispositions
Understanding your dog’s breed-specific traits is the first step in addressing potential conflicts. Here are some suggestions:
- Education: Research your dog’s breed to understand their natural instincts and tendencies.
- Training: Invest time in training that caters to your dog’s specific needs, such as herding classes for herding breeds or scent work activities for scent hounds.
- Socialization: Expose your pet to various environments, people, and other animals from a young age to ensure they develop proper social skills. This is especially important for guardian breeds.
Assessing Your Pet’s Personality & Individuality
Understanding your dog’s unique personality is crucial for successful mediation between you and your furry friend. Age, gender, nutrition, health status, and reproductive status all contribute to developing an animal’s distinct character.
Recognizing the Impact of Age on Canine Behavior
Puppies are adorable balls of energy with an insatiable curiosity about the world around them. As they grow older, their behavior changes to reflect maturity and life experiences. Senior dogs often display more patience but may also struggle with physical limitations or cognitive decline. Just as humans change as they grow, so do dogs. Your puppy’s personality will evolve as they mature and some traits you did not see while they were young may now be more prominent as your bundle of floof matures.
The Influence of Sex and Reproductive Status on Dogs’ Actions
A dog’s sex can influence certain behaviors like territorial marking or mounting objects (or other animals). Additionally, neutered males may exhibit aggression towards intact male dogs while females in heat might attract unwanted attention from potential suitors. It is essential to consult with a veterinarian before making any decisions regarding your pet’s reproductive health.
By recognizing the differences between males’ and females hormonal status and changes as they mature, we can establish a strong connection with our pooches to ensure peaceful coexistence. As responsible pet parents, it’s up to us to accept and provide the ideal atmosphere for our furry family members; each pup is unique.
Implementing Family Dog Mediation® Techniques
With the guidance of a trained Family Dog Mediator®, you can learn how to apply L.E.G.S.® and we will honestly assess our connections with our canine companions and inquire:
- What was the initial purpose of my dog (guardian, herding, scent, gun dog, terrier)?
- Am I providing adequate opportunities for my dog to fulfill their needs (my Australian Shepherd was bred to herd sheep but is now herding my dogs causing a ruckus in the household)?
- Are my expectations grounded in reality (my Huskie was bred to pull sleds in Alaska but is now stuck in an apartment in South Texas and the only exercise he gets is a 30-minute daily walk which is a nightmare because he pulls me all the way)?
- How can I assist my dog in navigating the complexities of the contemporary world they find themselves?
- Are these behaviors problem behaviors or an expression of natural behavior suppressed by modern life?
- Can we reconcile our needs with our dogs’ needs and provide support where both sides of the relationship will benefit from realistic and practical solutions?
Practical Steps Towards Resolving Common Behavioral Issues
To successfully implement Family Dog Mediation techniques, I understand and acknowledge each aspect of your dog’s L.E.G.S.® profile. This involves observing their learning history, environmental factors, genetic predispositions, and personality traits. Once I have a comprehensive understanding of these components:
- I Create an action plan tailored to address specific issues based on your pet’s needs.
- Incorporate positive reinforcement training methods such as clicker training or reward-based techniques to encourage desired behaviors.
- I recommend environmental modifications when necessary to set up both you and your furry friend for success (e.g., baby gates for separation during meal times).
- I recommend enrichment activities that you and your pooch may participate in and will cater to specific breed characteristics.
Enhancing Communication and Understanding Between Pets and Their Owners
Beyond resolving specific behavioral concerns, applying Family Dog Mediation principles fosters improved communication between dogs and their guardians. By actively listening to what our dogs are trying to tell us through body language or vocalizations, we can better understand their needs and emotions. This heightened awareness leads to a more empathetic approach, strengthening the bond between you and your beloved pet.
Family Dog Mediation® has helped countless dog owners and furry friends transform their relationships into harmonious partnerships built on mutual understanding. If you’re struggling with your pet’s behavior, consider seeking help from a Licensed Family Dog Mediator to build a stronger bond with your canine companion. The pet industry constantly evolves, and behavior consulting is becoming increasingly important for dog lovers everywhere. Let’s work together to build bridges and improve dogs’ behavior one mediation at a time.
Conclusion
This piece has highlighted the significance of recognizing our pets’ instincts and behavior to settle disputes between dogs and their owners. Family Dog Mediation® offers a unique approach to addressing these issues by utilizing L.E.G.S.® assessments to identify key components that influence canine behavior, including learning, environment, genetics, and self.
By implementing practical techniques and enhancing communication with our furry friends, we can celebrate success stories and create happy outcomes for pets and people. If you want to learn more about Family Dog Mediation®, schedule a session with me!
References:
Storengen, L.M., Lingaas, F., (2015). Noise sensitivity in 17 dog breeds: prevalence, breed risk and correlation with fear in other situations. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2015.08.020