Dogs’ unique sensing ability extends to and from those close to them. They are the most social of all animals. Happy households, in general, enjoy happy dogs. Dogs do worry– a lot. Fear is maybe the most troublesome. A dog who only “uses” the car in a dead-end trip to the vet won’t go in the car without being dragged or carried, and then vomits and shakes.
This all can be cured by taking happy short trips with happy endings! Those fearful, worried dogs only show their concens in similar ways and by refusing to go into tight areas resembling a car. These dogs need to learn and achieve success with praise. Never end anything without a praise. Always have them do something for praise. They love it so.
Fear is bred from frustration. Avoid frustration! It makes dogs sickly, and probably the worst cause is being shut away from loved ones. That door that comes between dog and his/her human family becomes an object of exasperation. I have seen many dogs solve this barrier problem by working door knobs with both paws while standing on hind legs– but to magnify the situation, the dog is lured out with a tid bit and the door quickly shuts close, leaving the dog to blame him/herself for always falling for that old tidbit trick. Point is, everyday frustration builds up fear and anxiety, and can lead to illness.
It is not so much the vet or a shot but it’s the dog’s super-active senses soaking up all the doom and gloom in the waiting room. Many owners and pets there are fearful of the diagnosis, to say nothing of the amount of $$$ in charges. Watch their faces, both human and pet, and you’ll start feeling the same even if not before.
Once again I say, bring your dog in. Teach them things. Happy dog, happy household. Or vice versa! Bye again.
-DM
Posted on February 5th, 2008 by dogmaste
Filed under: Dog Psychology and Training