Dogs Archives | Hanging with Hounds

Feb 28

Separation anxiety in dogs, Hanging With Hounds, Relaxed bassett hound sleeping on the sofa.

My ah-ha moment: There are no quick fixes. Separation anxiety will take time to resolve.

By Sharon Separation Anxiety, Dogs, Puppies No Comments

There I said it. Helping a dog with separation anxiety is not easy. It takes time, effort, patience and perseverance. But I was recently reminded that this is true for most things. While we would all like to master a new skill rapidly, quickly become proficient at a new sport or recover from an injury, none of it happens overnight. I recently had some major surgery. Despite knowing that the whole process would take time, I thought I would be different. I was prepared, and I had done my homework. What I didn't allow for was that my body would take as long as it needed to recover fully. Much longer than I had hoped for. So while my brain was convinced that I would be up and about in a few weeks, my body is telling me it will take as long as it takes and possibly much longer than I had hoped. Should I be surprised? Nope! If I am honest, everyone along the way has said much the same thing. The surgeon told me that recovery would take months. The nurses and hospital staff said to me that I had just had complex surgery and my body would need time to recover. The physiotherapist and massage therapist said the same thing and that it would be accompanied by some difficult phases, as the recovery process is not linear. There would be setbacks. Pretty much everyone I have crossed paths with has said the same thing, either from first-hand experience or because a family member has gone through the same process. So why did I think I was going to be different? Honestly, I think it is human nature. We tend to oversimplify and overestimate our abilities. We believe we will be different. We will be the exception to the rule. And sometimes we are, but often we are not. So while this process has been humbling and required that I slow down and work at the pace my body needs, it has given me time to reflect. It meant that I had to stop and listen to my body. It has meant I needed to ask for help and rely on others, which is not easy for me. To eat nutritious food. To rest and sleep when my body is telling me to stop. To do the work. Even when it is uncomfortable, and I don't see much for my effort. Turning up every day and doing what is asked of me will mean that one day soon, I will turn the corner. To have the belief and faith that the effort will be worth it. To quiet my mind. To stop googling shortcuts and listen to those who are the experts and trust their guidance. In some ways, let it all go and trust the process. It was at some point during one of my low spells when I finally realized that it would take as long as it takes that this all seemed very familiar.…

Nov 17

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Man comforting an old dog, Separation anxiety, Hanging With Hounds

Doggie dementia: An overview of canine cognitive dysfunction

By Sharon Separation Anxiety, Dogs No Comments

What is Canine Cognitive Dysfunction? Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) is a disease related to the aging of a dog's brain, leading to changes in awareness, affecting the dog's learning and memory, and decreasing their responsiveness to their surrounding. This condition in dogs has been compared to human patients with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Although the initial symptoms are mild, they gradually get worse over time at a rate which can not be considered normal aging. At what age does cognitive decline start to occur? CCD is common in older dogs, generally occurring after nine years of age. By the age of 16, it is estimated that 68% of dogs will be affected by CCD. In other words, nearly two-thirds of dogs over 15 years of age have some form of doggie dementia. Clinical signs of mild cognitive decline are found in nearly one-third of dogs over the age of 11 years. Equally important is the number of cases of cognitive decline in dogs that go undiagnosed. It is anticipated that approximately 14% of the dog population over eight years old will demonstrate some form of CCD. Less than 2% have been formally diagnosed with this medical condition. Many dog parents may assume that changes in the dog's cognitive abilities are a normal part of aging. This isn't true. The symptoms of CCD far exceed what can be considered normal aging. CCD is a progressive condition and will worsen as your dog ages. Disclaimer: I am writing this article after researching the topic. However, I am not a veterinarian. I have provided some resources at the end of this article that you can use, but please, if you suspect your dog may be affected by canine cognitive dysfunction, consult with your veterinarian. What causes cognitive dysfunction in dogs? The exact causes of CCD are unknown, but the same changes that cause problems for aging people are likely to also cause problems for our aging dogs. Scientists are studying CCD and its similarities to Alzheimer's in people. New developments are constantly coming to light. We know that as our dog's age, the cells die as the brain atrophies. This especially affects the area of the brain responsible for memory and learning (the cerebral cortex) and coordination (the cerebellum). Research has also found an abnormal protein (beta-amyloid) building up in the dog's brain. This protein buildup has been shown to cause decreased nerve signalling in the brain. Dogs with a sedentary lifestyle or underlying conditions such as epilepsy seem to be at a higher risk of developing CCD. What are the clinical signs of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction? Often, mild cognitive impairment is first noted by owners as unusual behavioural changes. For example, an owner may notice that their dog is less responsive, less engaged with them, or appears confused or disoriented. A common behaviour change reported is increased activity at night. Dogs will not necessarily display all of these signs. The clinical signs of cognitive dysfunction an owner may recognize include: Wandering…

Nov 17

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Old brown dog with a white muzzle, separation anxiety, Hanging With Hounds

Treating separation anxiety in older dogs.

By Sharon Separation Anxiety, Dogs No Comments

Treating Separation Anxiety in Older Dogs. The root cause of behavioural issues in older dogs is often anxiety, which can increase as they enter their golden years. And just like puppies, senior dogs with anxiety need patience, understanding, and a few lifestyle adjustments to navigate their world more happily and healthily. Why is separation anxiety common in older dogs? Anxiety, in general, can start to occur as your dog ages, even when the dog has shown no signs of anxiety previously. While it can be heartbreaking when we start to notice signs of aging in our pets, there is much we can do to help our dogs through this period. Anything we can do to reduce the dog's anxiety is a good thing. What Are The Signs Of Anxiety In Older Dogs? There are several signs to look for when determining whether your older dog is suffering from anxiety. Changes and new behaviour problems in your dog are often the first signs of something wrong. A veterinarian evaluation is warranted if your dog has suddenly developed separation anxiety. It is important to note that not all dogs will display all signs, and some dogs may only demonstrate a few symptoms. Separation-related behaviours may be more subtle in the older dog than what we typically see in a younger animal. You may notice that your dog is becoming increasingly clingy. In a younger dog, we can often push through some of these behaviours, but in a senior dog, we have less leeway. The dog's threshold may be lower and less obvious when observing their body language. A good camera is essential to observe the more subtle body postures and language. The most common symptoms of anxiety in an older dog are: Panting or rapid breathing Drooling or excessive licking Pacing or restless behaviour Whimpering, whining or crying Hiding or cowering Shaking or trembling/shivering Freezing or no movement Attempting to escape/running away Increase in anxiety at night Separation anxiety or the inability to be left at home alone What are the causes of anxiety in senior dogs? There are many potential causes of anxiety in aging dogs, including changes in their physical health, changes in their environment, and changes in their routine. Increased anxiety can sometimes result from getting older and being less confident, but it is often correlated to health changes. A dog's physical health changes can be due to medical conditions, injuries, and aging. Pain can trigger anxiety and is common in all animals as they age. Pain can come from many sources, but some of the most common are: Joint pain, i.e. arthritis Dental and teeth Gastro-intestinal issues Injuries Ear pain Chronic health conditions, i.e. cancer Other factors contributing to anxiety are changes due to hearing and vision loss. Changes to living arrangements. Changes in cognitive abilities can also contribute to generalized anxiety. How do veterinarians diagnose and treat anxiety in senior dogs? The first thing to do if you notice changes in your dog is to consult with…

Nov 13

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Dog following its owner around the house, separation anxiety training, Hanging With Hounds

Following does not mean your dog has separation anxiety.

By Sharon Separation Anxiety, Dogs, Puppies No Comments

It is the prevailing opinion that dogs with separation anxiety have an over-attachment to their people, but evidence indicates otherwise. If you talk to your friends, colleagues and neighbours with dogs that don’t have separation anxiety, you will discover that many of their dogs also follow them from room to room. In fact, if we really look into it, this 'following thing' is more of a dog thing than a separation anxiety thing. Does your dog cling to you everywhere you go? I tell my clients that I have not been to the bathroom alone in years. If I stand up and walk away from my desk, my three dogs, who are usually sleeping nearby, get up and follow. As soon as I stop, one will come up right beside me, one will plop down on the floor outside, and the other will find the nearest comfy spot and settle in. This is how it is every time I move. None of my dogs have separation anxiety (SA). What does the research say? Research conducted supports the fact that non-SA dogs and SA dogs alike have similar behaviour when it comes to an attachment test. The research showed that dogs with separation anxiety spent no more time in contact with or in proximity to their owners than dogs without separation anxiety . In the same study, it was shown that 65% of the dogs without separation anxiety were reported to follow their people from room to room. Why on earth does this matter? First of all, it is important to realize that over-attachment is not a reliable assessment criterion for separation anxiety — other indicators must be present to confirm that separation anxiety is the issue. Secondly, since over-attachment is not a singular factor in separation anxiety, we don't focus on that aspect for training. The only time I worry about following is when it is an indicator of increasing anxiety. If a dog who is inclined to follow then begins to show other signs that they are becoming anxious, then the following may be a predictor of separation anxiety. But for many for my clients who do display separation anxiety symptoms, following is not in their repertoire. Why the bond between the human and the dog matters? One of the most difficult cases I had was with a dog who had extreme separation anxiety. This dog couldn't be left. However when at home, the dog didn't hang around the family at all. The dog would routinely settle in another completely separate part of the house seemingly unbothered by the fact that its family was elsewhere. This was extremely hard on the family. It seemed to them that the dog could not be left alone without panicking but when at home the dog didn't want to be around them. The lack of attachment between the dog and the family made the resolution of the dog's separation anxiety extremely challenging. In most of my cases, it is the strong attachment…

Oct 27

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Fear vs Anxiety. What is the difference?

What is fear, and how is it different from anxiety?

By Sharon Separation Anxiety, Dogs, Puppies No Comments

Fear is defined as a response to a near and present danger. Whereas anxiety is defined as the response to a situation that is not real but is perceived as such. What is Fear? Let me give you an example. You are visiting a new city. You have spent the afternoon sightseeing. The weather has been beautiful, and you have strolled far from your hotel. You have spent the last few hours visiting a museum that has been on your bucket list for ages. The bell goes in the museum, telling you that they are about to close. It is now 6 pm....where did the time go? You have been so engrossed in viewing the exhibits that you completely lost track of time. You hurry towards the exit and come outside to darkness. The sun has set. The streets that were bustling with people a few hours ago are now empty, and to make matters worse, it has started to rain. You look for a taxi, but the streets are empty. You look at your phone and realize the nearest uber is about 30 minutes away. You could wait, but it is cold and wet now, and you just realized that you are hungry. You haven't eaten since breakfast. You decide to walk back to your hotel. Your phone's map tells you that it will take about 20 minutes, and you think that maybe you will find a nice restaurant where you can stop for dinner. So you begin to walk. Sounds good, right? Except, you are not familiar with the city. The bustling streets that were full of people shopping earlier are now empty. The shops are closed. You can hear your footsteps on the empty streets. The wind is now blowing some rubbish and an empty can down the street. You feel less comfortable. Your pace quickens. You become more alert. You seem more sensitive to every sound. Your heart rate starts to quicken. You become more vigilant. You start to think about what you will do if something happens. You hear a noise and turn to see the dark shadow of someone behind you. They are about 20 feet behind you. They are wearing a hoodie, and you can't see their face. They are moving quickly towards you. You think you see something in their hand. You start to quicken your pace. Your body has triggered you to flee from what could be a dangerous situation. You think about what you can do to defend yourself. You reach into your pocket for your keys, the only thing that you have to defend yourself if attacked. You search for something to be open - anything that you can run to for safety. This is a real and present danger, and your response is one of fear. Just like a gazelle on the savannah, this is not the time that you should hesitate. The fear response is a life-saving response. The cortisol, adrenaline and other hormones that flood our…

Oct 19

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Rhodesian Ridgeback sniffing the ground, canine enrichment for anxious dogs

Enrichment Activities For The Anxious Dog

By Sharon Separation Anxiety, Dogs, Puppies No Comments

Enrichment Activities for the Anxious Dog I am sure I don’t have to convince you that dogs are sophisticated beings with complex emotional and social structures, serious problem-solving capabilities, and mental/physical needs. They are captive in our homes. And the hard truth of it is most of them are not getting what they need in terms of enrichment in their daily lives. I am sure some of you live with a dog that will steal tissues and shred them. How about a dog sniffing so intensely that you are using all your body strength to get them to extract their face from a bush and move forward? How about excessive foot licking? These things feel good. Like actually make them feel good, like how I feel after a glass (or two) of wine. Canine enrichment is a hot topic, and you can find many items on the market these days that make it easy to get your dog’s food out of a conventional bowl and into a problem-solving puzzle, but I am going to ask you to take it a step further. I will ask you to find activities that promote and enhance your dog's relaxation. That puzzle toy with trap doors, a kong wobbler or a treat ball that sends kibble flying across your kitchen floor may not be the best way to enrich your anxious dog’s day. Take up their time? Yes. Get them interested? Yes. Promote serotonin production in their bodies? Maybe not. Give your dog at least two opportunities to decompress with daily coping activities. And more importantly, I want you to observe what happens when you provide these things to them before, during, and after a stressful situation, such as a neighbourhood walk or a training exercise for separation anxiety. Things to look for include: Does your dog calm down after the activity, or do they get frustrated? Do they enjoy the activity, or do they walk away and leave it unfinished? Observing your dog will give you great information about their preferences and valuable insight into what they find most relaxing. Dogs tend to soothe themselves in four major ways: licking, chewing, sniffing, and shredding. Licking Examples include Kongs/Toppl/Licking Mats. The easiest soothing enrichment to prepare and serve is licking items. Classic Kongs and West Paws Toppls are two staples in my household. There are many other options too, but you want something made of rubber that can be stuffed, frozen, and put in the dishwasher. These are great options for meal delivery. If you feed raw, it is easy to stuff a kong with the meal. If you feed kibble, mix the dry kibble with a little wet food, canned pure pumpkin, yogurt or stew that allows the kibble to bind together and freeze, should you want to do that. It does take a little organization to ensure meals are prepared in advance and frozen, but on the plus side, dinner is just a matter of reaching into your freezer. If you have dogs like mine, who find licking extremely pleasurable, you will want to explore licking mats and slow bowls.…

Sep 18

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Dog barking, Separation Anxiety training, Hanging With Hounds

Barking Mad! Everything you need to know about dog barking.

By Sharon Separation Anxiety, Dogs, Puppies No Comments

If there is one canine behaviour that drives people nuts, it is barking. Nothing is more likely to get neighbours upset or drive you around the bend than the sound of incessant barking. So why do dogs bark? The obvious answer is that it is one of our dog's primary communication methods. But there is more to this story. To get to the bottom of what motivates our dogs to bark, we need to do some detective work. The first step in addressing barking is to understand why your dog barks. Once you have this information, you can address the underlying reason. There are five main reasons dogs bark - we need to understand the 'why' in order to change the behaviour. 1. Social Isolation/Frustration/Boredom Your dog may be barking out of boredom and loneliness if: They are left alone for long periods of time without opportunities to interact with you. Their environment is relatively barren, without companions or toys. They are a puppy or adolescents (under three years old) and don't have other outlets for their energy. They are a particularly active breed of dog (like the herding or sporting breeds) who need productive outlets for their energy. Recommendations: Expand your dog's world and increase his "people time" in the following ways: Walk your dog at least twice daily—it's good exercise, both mental and physical. Walks should not only be considered "potty breaks." Teach your dog to fetch a ball or flying disc and practice with him as often as possible. Teach your dog a few commands and/or tricks and practice them daily for five to ten minutes. Take a dog training class with your dog. This allows you and your dog to work together toward a common goal. To help fill the hours you're not home, provide safe, interesting toys to keep your dog busy, such as Kong®-type toys filled with treats or treat balls. Rotating the toys will make them seem new and interesting. Keep your dog inside when you're unable to supervise him. Let your neighbours know that you are actively working on the problem. If your dog is well socialized and you have your employer's permission, take your dog to work with you. When you have to leave your dog for extended periods, take him to a "doggie daycare," hire a pet sitter or dog walker, or have a trusted friend or neighbour walk and play with him. 2. Territorial/Protective Behaviour Your dog may be barking to guard his territory if: The barking occurs in the presence of "intruders," which may include the mail carrier, children walking to school, and other dogs or neighbours in adjacent yards. Your dog barks at people and other dogs when left in the car. Your dog's posture while he's barking appears threatening—tail held high and ears up and forward. You've encouraged your dog to be responsive to people and noises outside. Recommendations: Teach your dog a "quiet" command. When he begins to bark at a passer-by, allow…

Jun 02

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Dog sleeping on pillow Dog Training Canada Hanging with Hounds

The Perfect Dog: The impact of unrealistic expectations

By GoogleGirl Dogs No Comments

There are some perfect dogs out there. You may have seen them. They walk politely on leash, check-in with their handler, stop what they are doing, and immediately come when called. In some cases, genetics may play a role. Lucky owner if that is the case. For the most part, that perfect dog results from an incredible investment in time, effort and dedication in building the relationship and investing in the training to make the perfect seem effortless, just like the smoothness of a duck gliding across the water belies the effort happening below the surface. So many things go into the 'Perfect Dog.' There are no shortcuts. Hard work, training and practice. So much practice in lots of different places. Persistence to work through those inevitable plateaus. Consistency so that the dog understands that not being allowed to jump on a guest means all the time, not just some of the time. Patience to know that training is not a linear process. There will be ups and downs, and sometimes you will go backward. Understanding that some days are just not good days. It may be too hot, or you have had a bad day at work, or your dog is too distracted. There will be setbacks and failures, and that is all part of the process. The 'Perfect Dog' is not born, but they are nurtured and created through your devotion to them. Investing in them and investing in your own knowledge. Creating the 'Perfect Dog' means taking the time and putting in the time. So when you next see a 'Perfect Dog,' think about what it took to get there. It was no accident, nor was the person lucky. Think about what is happening below the water line and congratulate the handler on a job well done.

Jun 15

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Dog's face closeup Canada AB Hanging with Hounds

Do you have your dog’s mind? The key to the dog/human bond.

By GoogleGirl Dogs No Comments

Suzanne Clothier has this great quote, “If you are hanging on to your dog’s body, it’s because you’ve lost his mind.” I love this quote because it is transferrable to so many aspects of dog training. Can you say that your dog is well-trained if they only listen to you when they are attached to you? If they sit when you tug on their leash or put pressure on their hind end or get them to stop pulling because you give them a leash correction. Are they trained, or are they complying because they want to avoid the pain of punishment? You might argue that they are trained because they are doing what you ask of them, and you may be right. The real test is when there is no leash or when your dog is too far away to physically correct. Then what? Are they still trained? It is more difficult to argue that they are in this scenario. For me, the sign of a well-trained dog is a dog that listens to me. They don’t have to be engaged with me all the time, but when I say their name, they look to me, seeking further instructions. This can only come through training that builds a relationship. I don’t want or need my dogs to be perfect. I love my dogs for who they are and want them to be dogs. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t rules and boundaries. Instead of being a dictator, I prefer to be a benevolent leader, coaching and guiding them. If my dogs aren’t responding to me, it is not their fault. The fault resides with me. People have very high expectations of their dogs, way higher than they have of themselves. They give themselves a pass on all sorts of behaviours and yet are so harsh on their dogs for doing the same thing. They expect a dog to know the rules, speak English or whatever language they speak, don’t do behaviours that are entirely normal for dogs to do. They expect dogs not to counter surf even though we have left something delicious up there in their reach or jump on the furniture even though it is a wonderfully soft place to nap. We label them as ‘dominant,’ and we need to do more to be the ‘pack leader.’ All of this is rubbish. We dictate every aspect of our dog’s life. We set their feeding schedule. We choose what to feed them. We tell them when they can go out for a walk and where they can go for a walk. For heaven’s sake, we even tell them when and where to go to the bathroom. And we have the audacity to label them as being dominant. The concept is so ridiculous, and yet, how often do we hear it. When I reach for my dog, I don’t want them to cringe because they fear my touch. I want them to listen to me and do what I ask…

Jun 02

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Dog sleeping on bed Dog Training BC Hanging with Hounds

Lessons from my dogs. Slow down and listen to your dog.

By GoogleGirl Dogs No Comments

Have you ever had one of those days? Or maybe one of those weeks? It seems that we all go through these times when nothing seems to fall into place. It’s hard to keep smiling when there isn’t much to show for a day’s work. I was thinking about it this morning and perhaps feeling a bit sorry for myself when Pippa came by and nudged me to take her for a walk. Pippa is not subtle, nor is she easily ignored. So off we went for a walk. The morning air was crisp, and no wind yet. It is a nice change from the last few days. Gracie carried her ball, and Pippa was sniffing the ground, probably in search of bunny nuggets. Gracie dropped her ball, and Pippa dashes to pick it up, so it goes on for the rest of the walk. Drop the ball, pick it up. Sniff interesting scents. Rummage in the dry leaves for who knows what. Roll in the grass. Get up. Shake it off. Repeat. As for me, I enjoyed a lovely walk with my dogs where my mind wandered. I listened to the chickadees and robins. I watched my dogs do their dog thing. I gazed down the Bow River valley out across Springbank to the mountains in the distance still capped with snow. I scanned the ground for the first crocus (I didn’t see any yet). The buds on the trees are ready to burst open. It won’t be long, everything will be green, and the neighbourhood will be filled with blossom as the maydays and apple trees bloom. Once home, the girls seek out a sunbeam and catch up on a morning nap. I made a cup of coffee and sat nearby and watched them as they happily snoozed. I think I might leave my problems in the office for a bit longer. There is a sunbeam with my name on it.

May 26

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Dog and woman on grass Dog Trainer Canada Hanging with Hounds

How do dogs know when we need their help?

By GoogleGirl Dogs No Comments

I read an article this week about therapy dogs and the difference they make in patients' lives. I was reminded of a PALS (Pet Access League) visit I had with Amber years ago. Amber and I used to volunteer with PALS, where every couple of weeks, we would go to a nearby extended care facility and visit the Alzheimer's ward. Amber was a gentle soul who loved just sitting next to people and letting them stroke her. She was the perfect PALS dog. She would sit quietly and didn't show concern or fear of she was handled a bit roughly or bothered by strange noises or smells. She was the stereotypical golden retriever. Not so much into dogs, but she loved people. Over time we got to know the residents, and they would tell us the stories of their lives growing up and the many dogs in their lives. Even though their short-term memories failed them, their long-term memories were rich in detail, as they recounted their childhood stories and the love of their pets. Some of the residents loved seeing the dogs arrive and would come to greet us as our little troupe of canines made our way down the hallway. Others would be less pleased and would scatter off into their room to wait it out until we left. Every week as we made our way down the hallway. The residents whose disease had progressed remained in their beds in their rooms. We left these people alone unless one of the nursing staff asked us to stop in. On this one visit, as Amber and I made our way down the hallway, Amber began to strain on her leash to go into this one room. She had never done this before. The lady lying in bed was frail and appeared to be sleeping. Her family, who were all sitting around the bed and talking in subdued voices, surrounded her. I felt very uncomfortable and tried to get Amber to leave, but she wanted nothing to do with it. The nurse in the room waved us in, and the family looked up. Amber went around and visited each of the family members, and I had assumed that this was what she wanted after all of her insistence. But no, after greeting everyone, Amber immediately went to the bedside, where she popped her front feet up on the bed and began to nudge the woman's arm with her nose. Amber wasn't being gentle. She was pushing her nose under the woman's hand and trying to flip her hand up onto her head. This was not the Amber I knew. Amber wouldn't put her feet on the bed without being invited. I was stunned and embarrassed by her behaviour. She wasn't relenting. After what seemed like an eternity, the woman raised her hand and grumbled and told us to go away. I was so embarrassed. Amber was oblivious. She was pleased with herself with that goofy grin on her face –…

Jun 15

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Dog and woman on grass Trainer SK Hanging with Hounds

Advocate for your dog: We all do better if we feel safe.

By GoogleGirl Dogs No Comments

Recently I have been thinking a lot about why dogs are such an essential part of many people's lives. I know in my case, I can't imagine a life without a dog or two (or maybe three if my husband would allow it). Is it because they seem to know what we are thinking? How do they know that we have had a good day or a bad day? Being a dog trainer, I know better than attributing my dog's ability to know these details to human traits. The reality is that dogs are masters of reading body language. They pick up on the subtle and not-so-subtle signs that we send out. This is how dogs communicate with other dogs and, if we are willing, with us. Investing time to train our dogs does not just benefit us with an obedient dog. It provides us with a way that we can communicate with each other. If we can communicate well, then our relationship with each other will grow stronger as a result. Learning the subtle signs of canine communication allows us to be an advocate for our dogs. It provides us with the information we need to manage their environment. Is that scary person too close?…. Let's move further away. Are the children draping themselves over me too much?.... Time for a time out for the kids. Watching your dog, being an advocate for your dog, will set them up for success. Investing the time to train your dog will result in an enhanced relationship with them. My dogs know that I have their back. I do keep them out of trouble. I am their protector. I make sure they are well fed, groomed and healthy. I spend time training them. In return, I revel in the joy of having well-mannered dogs as my companions.