Saturday, April 19, 2014

Q is for Quintessential Dogs

Q is for QUINTESSENTIAL DOGS. You have a quintessential dog when they represent the most perfect companion FOR YOU. The nice thing about dog training is that it's not one-size-fits-all. You get to pick what you want your dog to be able to do and you get to decide what 'annoying' behaviors you are willing to live with.

It constantly amazes me how well our dogs adapt themselves to living in our 'normal' world (which is totally crazy for them!). But dogs are one of the most intelligent and adaptable creatures that we share our lives with. So they are more than ready to play whatever training 'game' we have devised and learn whatever behavior we think appropriate. Many people get stuck on what they don't want their dog to do, instead of focusing on what behaviors they would like to see. Saying no doesn't give the dog any information about what you would like instead, so try to be proactive and set your dog up for success. The more they are successful they more they will continue that behavior :).

River says he's trying to be a
quintessential companion.
But it all comes down to a simple question: how badly do you want to change your dog's behavior? Only those with true commitment and dedicated motivation will succeed in creating their quintessential dog. Your full commitment is required to get over whatever behavioral hump is in your way and don't forget to visualize your ultimate goal. Seeing it is the first step to believing it :).

So motivate yourself to practice with your dog every day. Remember to keep it FUN! Dogs aren't robots :), but with commitment, patience, practice, and positive reinforcement, you'll start seeing results within a short time span.

If you already have your quintessential dog I'd love to hear more about them in the comments below. If you are still working towards your definition of perfection :), how is it coming along?








5 comments:

  1. Quintessential is a beautiful word.

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    1. I agree. I thought Q would be hard but nope :).

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  2. I have three quintessential dogs. They each have such different personalities and quirks. Our most recent addition has been here a year now and finally settling in. Quite an adjustment for everyone. I just love your blog and can hardly wait to have some time to go back thru your archives. ~ susan

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    1. Thanks! :) It's so funny how each dog has their own quirks and how all those come into play throughout group interactions between themselves and also us. Some days I dream of the days when I only had 3 ;), but then I think the house would be too quiet LOL.

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  3. All of our dogs are perfect for me. Sydney is my doggy doppleganger - she's a coach potato, loves exercise, but loves chillin' more. Sydney and Zoey are both home bodies like me. They love going places but if given a choice, they're happy hanging at home. Rodrigo has anxiety like I do; it takes him some time to get used to change and he's super affectionate. And then there's Scout. He's the happiest dog on the planet and he and Zoey bring a little bit (a lot of bit) of Blue back into our family.

    I love dogs.

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