However, bubbling under the surface has also been the discussion of a dog’s mental health, the stress levels they encounter whilst showing, or taking part in competitive obedience, flyball, agility etc. On two separate occasions in the past few days, I heard dog professionals discuss the body language of certain dogs during Crufts, once in relation to the show ring, and again in relation to competitive obedience. In both cases, it was pointed out that certain dogs clearly showed high levels of stress and in some extreme cases, fear.

Anyone watching the Best in Show event last Sunday night can’t help but have noticed that the Pomeranian dog who qualified loved the limelight. This dog screamed ‘Look at me, I’m adorable!’, and he was. He was happy, excited and strutted his stuff around the ring, as indeed did all of the final line up. A pity then that the same can’t be said for the rest of the event. Several times during both the live and extended tv footage of Crufts 2012, I witnessed show dogs with tails so far between their legs it almost touched their stomachs. I saw dogs who’s body language quite clearly stated ‘Get me out of here’. I watched competition obedience dogs who frankly looked depressed, fed up and on the verge of committing canine hari kari if anyone had offered them a sharp enough stick.

Dog shows and competitive dog sports should portray dogs at their best. This should mean not just their physical best, but at the peak of mental health also. They should ‘love’ what they do and this should come through in their body language, demeanor and stature. Truly happy dogs will be easy to spot. Have a look at the joy of this Pomeranian 9.23 seconds in & at Tyler, who seems to glow as he smiles and wags his way around the ring. Perhaps as well as focusing on a dog’s physical health and wellbeing, we should also be looking at their mental health and consider this equally as important when choosing our winners.

When it comes to taking on the commitment of a new dog, the simple answer this question is ‘Yes’.  Settling your new addition into the family and succeeding to raise a well adjusted family dog can be influenced directly by what’s happening in your life and that of the people around you.  In addition, seasonal changes can have a huge bearing on the dog’s development both mentally and physically and should also be factored into any decision to take on the commitment of a new pet.  There is no denying that if you are determined, nothing will stop you succeeding.  However in reality, life often takes over and it will make things easier on you, your family and the dog of course, if you take into account several factors when making the all important decision of timing.

From experience it takes approximately 2 years to get the family dog to the stage where everyone is happy.  Assuming you’ve done your homework, selected a breed that suits your lifestyle and a breeder or rescue who knows what he or she is actually doing, during those two years, you’ll be dealing with initial puppy socialisation and training, the dreaded teens and the maturing of your dog into a well adjusted family pet.  This takes hard work, it doesn’t come naturally to many people or many dogs.

Lifestyle Changes.

There are certain times in one’s life, when getting a dog is simply not a good idea.  From experience of working in rescue and as a professional dog trainer and behaviourist, major life changes take up far too much time and energy and cause so much stress that most people have little or no time to concentrate on the family pet, let alone work on training and development.  If any of the following are in any way likely to happen within two years of getting your new dog, please think twice about whether the time is right or not.  New job or career change; pregnancy or planning a baby; house move; another dog under 2 years old in the household. It’s unlikely your dog will reach his full potential as a well adjusted, content and properly trained family pet.

Seasonal changes.

Again, the simple answer is that certain times of the year have a bearing on the training and development of your dog.  Dogs born around January, February or March for example, are more likely to have fireworks phobias in my experience.  I put this down to the fact that they will be entering their fear period in conjunction with Halloween.  This is a time when they will first hear fireworks, unless they have had careful early socialisation and desensitsation to loud noises and bangs.  In addition, certain breeds will be more likely to bark or react to strangers while out and about, if they are entering their fear period when the dark nights are creeping in around October time.  This is especially true of the guarding breeds, or those of naturally aloof temperaments such as some of the Janpanese breeds.  Unless you are a very experience handler, I would avoid getting such breeds during the first quarter of the year.

Christmas is a time for extra stress, family disputes, domestic strife and if nothing else, an incredibly busy time.  The first few weeks your dog spends with you has a direct impact on bonding, training and good habits.  If you are out at Christmas parties, have a full time table with people visiting, or a full house, this is rarely a good time to bring in a new addition to the family.  It almost always has problematic results.  I find it strange that for many years now reputable rescues will not re-home for the entire month of December and early January for the very reasons listed above.  Yet some breeders will still plan and sell puppies during this time.  This would make me question whether they have the puppy’s best interest at heart.

The bonding issue again comes into play if you have holidays planned, which mean your dog will be separated from you soon after you take him home.  There is so very little time to make an impression on your new addition, the first few weeks are crucial.  I would avoid taking a dog home if you have any holidays planned within 6 weeks of the new arrival.

House training problems are more likely to occur with puppies or dogs brought home over the winter months.  For understandable reasons, both the dog and human in question are less likely to want to take the regular trips outdoors, to instill good toilet training habits so vital during those first few months at home.

Finally my passion, socialisation, is crucial for a well adjusted puppy.  Dark evenings and foul weather bring certain restrictions, which mean it will be hard work to give a winter-born-puppy the same level of life experience which a summer-born-puppy would enjoy.  Summer fetes, late night football games, outdoor parties, bar-b-ques, trips to the beach or forest with the family, camping, walking amongst livestock, picnics.  All are wonderful opportunities where your puppy is likely to meet and greet people and dogs, smells, noises and excitement.  All are more likely to occur during the late spring and summer months.

Thankfully, more and more people now do their homework when it comes to choosing a suitable breed for their family and a breeder or rescue who are experienced and knowledgeable.  Fewer people consider the timing of bringing their new dog home.  Let’s hope through spreading the word, more people realise that there is in fact, a right time to make such a commitment.

Mental Exercise For Your Dog. Peace & Quiet For You!

As dogs enter their teen stage of development (from 6 months onwards), they can develop fear issues over things which previously, they would have been happy to be around.  It’s important to continue careful socialisation during the first 2 years of their life, as they can become de-socialised with strangers, other dogs & new situations.  Spooky reactions by the dog during this stage, often result in the owner avoiding certain situations, which only makes things worse.  Coupling new or worrying events with tasty treats, at a safe distance, can help build the dog’s confidence & work on continuing  socialisation as experienced during puppyhood.

I read it in The Dog Tricks and Training Workbook by Kyra Sundance & I liked it so much, I thought I’d reproduce it here.

You owe this to your dog….

• Adequate food and medical care
• A life that is beyond mere survival
• Grooming, ear and teeth cleaning, nail trimming, skin and coat conditioning
• Exercise-not only the option for exercise, but also the encouragement
• Twenty minutes each day of your undivided attention
• Three enrichment activities per day (a walk, a game of fetch, a training session, a car ride)
• Exposure to a world beyond your backyard
• Socialisation with people and dogs outside of your family
• The right to give and receive unconditional love
• Training, so your dog does not become a prisoner of his own misbehaviour
• Fresh air and green grass
• Respect for your dog’s needs needs and wants
• Responsible breeding, or none at all
• Time and space all his own
• The freedom to be foolish and silly, and to make you laugh
• The right to earn your trust and to be trusted in return
• Forgiveness
• The right to die with dignity
• The honor of being remembered well