Dog Training: No Dogs In The Kitchen

Dogs recognize food as a reward. We don't have to tell them that food is a reward, because it's in their instincts. Because of this fact, they seek to work in order to earn their food, so when they don't have to work in order to receive it, they become confused and complacent. Just as people appreciate what they earn, so do dogs. 

If you set a kitchen boundary for your dog and don't allow them to cross that line, you're letting them know that you're in control of the space and that you set the rules. While setting household boundaries in any room is a good idea, as it specifically relates to not allowing your dog in the kitchen, I simply can't argue with the results. I've seen dog owner after dog owner have a drastic improvement in their relationship with their dog due to setting this boundary. 

Dogs who respect boundaries set by their owners are far more likely to respect boundaries reinforced by acquaintances and friends. Another reason why allowing your dog to hover the kitchen space does not help their overall health is that they can easily and many times unintentionally get in your way. You may be unconsciously catering to their boundaries that you don't even know they've set by moving around or tripping over them when you're in your kitchen.

The main idea I'm communicating here is this: your dog wants clear boundaries to follow, and they're looking to you to provide them. The only thing that's lacking in your dogs understanding of your boundaries is clarity. When you are clear with the boundaries and consistent in reinforcing them, your dog is set at ease because they don't have to be responsible to be the pack leader. 

So, why is the kitchen a better fit for people and food than it is for dogs? Because your dog respects the fact that you have exclusive rights to specific areas in the house, and they see you as the leader when you set and reinforce those boundaries.

Photography: Splashes of Personality

It doesn't matter the day or time, I always have a blast when I'm photographing dogs. When they're having fun, I'm having fun, and the best images can be made. I love using natural elements such as dirt, drool and water to show what the dog world looks like. This week, I was asked by a friend, "do dogs have personalities?" and I believe that they do! There are so many elements that play in to the degree of personality they express as compared to the complexity of people's personalities. That being said, I believe they do!

Both of these pups are high energy personalities who seem to be in constant motion whenever possible. These are the kinds of elements that I like to capture in a dog's personality. How much energy do they have? How do they express that energy? Do they get along well with other dogs? When I photograph for clients, they know that I am going to capture what they love about their dog, because they have expressed to me what those characteristics and qualities are.

Splashing around in a pond with a couple of puppies and a tennis ball is all I need in order to have a fabulous time. Check out the action shots I captured of these two passing the tennis ball back and forth!

Breed Of The Week: Australian Cattle Dog

Australian Cattle Dogs truly have a beautiful history. From a diverse genetic line including Dalmatians, Dingos, Blue Merle Highland Collies and the Black and Tan Kelpie, Australian Cattle Dogs were bred to control the number of free ranging cattle in Australia during its early colonization. 

Today, they are a very common family dog in various countries around the world, such as The United States of America, European countries and Australia. Their nature is very calm and collected, yet protective with a stamina that lasts from sunup until sundown (which comes from the Dingo). So while they make great family pets, many Australian Cattle Dog owners try to squeeze this big job focused dog into a smaller and quieter lifestyle than it needs. 

This is where I see things go awry. This dog can literally (and should) work all day at a focused job such as herding cattle. If not given the proper job on a daily basis, you may notice that your Australian Cattle Dog has suddenly resorted to herding your kids or anything else that moves. They are one of the most intelligent dogs, and this is why brain games can go a long way for the off hours that they aren't able to be outdoors. 

The Australian Cattle Dog is not a good couch potato or "stay at home" dog, because they have such a high working drive. They make fabulous farming companions, but are not an ideal house pet for the family that doesn't do much outdoor activity or is unable to commit to giving this dog a proper daily job.