How We See Our Dogs

"Don't make the mistake of treating your dogs like humans, or they'll treat you like dogs.."-- Martha Scott

One thing we must remember being dog owners. They are not humans.

Some people spoil their dogs in many ways. What is spoiling for some is normal treatment for others. For example, some people believe that allowing a dog to sleep on your bed or sitting at the dinner table is spoiling them, while others believe it is normal or even good for their dogs.

None of these thing are necessarily good for your dogs. In fact this type of treatment can be detrimental as you run the risk of humanizing your dog.

Humanization is in the hands of the owner. Meaning, it is usually the need or the owner, not the dog, that decides what privileges the dog will and will not have.

Dogs may desire to be on the bed, or sit at the dinner table, but they do not need to do so to live a happy and fulfilled life.

Humanization ususally occurs innocently. When your dog firsts sleeps on the bed with you or begs an the dinner table it may look quite cute, especially if your dog is still a puppy.

As your relationship with your dog developes the owners expectations and the dog's perception usually begining to change. Many times the owner begins to feel an emotional need to have the dog on the bed or at the table. This is Especially seen in owners who do not have children or spouse.

Dogs have a very high sense of perception. I truly believe they are able to sense emotions in their owners beyond the capacity of most humans. It is the perception of the dog that then indicates that the dog is being called upon to fulfill an emotional need of the owner. Dogs have a desire to please thier owner, will attempt to fulfill thes emotional need in human terms, yet they can not, they are dogs. Instead the dog will associate the physical placement of himself (being higher thean the ground) on the bed or chair with pleasing his owner.

Significance of this perception.

In a dogs world, a dog that is physically higher then another dog indicates they are dominant over the other dog. This is why dogs who act in a dominant manner stands tall and erect. Even small dogs will stand tall and erect over a much larger dog. They are attempting to create the percepetion of being higher. This is why a game called "King of the Hill" is popular among dogs and wolves who have access to a mound of earth. The state of being physically higher is, in the dog world, a state of being dominant.

Strengthening the problem is that not only is the dog physically higher, but is also in close emotional contact with the owner when the dog is on the bed or in a chair. Bonding emotionally at this time may compound the effects and lead to a dog begins to preceive himself above "Dog Status"in the pack hierarchy and on equal ground with his owner.

This does not mean you can not consider your dog your friend. This does not mean you can not have a close and emotional bond with our dog. It means you need to develope a proper relationship with your dog, for your dog's psychologial well being and for the safety of others ( an improper relationship usually result in dogs that display aggressiveness towards others or ever their owners.)

Depending on the dog's WILL TO POWER (WTP) and WILL TO SERVE (WTS), the dog may react differently to the affects of humanization. A dog with a high WTP and a low WTS will most likely not only display dominance to others, but to the owner as well. Dominance is usually displayed with agressive behavior, and although they are appropriate in the wild, they are very inappropriate in a human household. Does your dog growl when you try to move him? You are seeing humanization in action.

If the dog has a low WTP and a high WTS, the dog may or may not display dominance to the owner, but will most likely display dominance to others when in the owners presence. The dog may also begin displaying symptoms of anxiety. A dog with a low WTP would not choose to be a leader in the wild, however under the circumstances where there is no strong leader figure, even a normally non-dominant dog will attempt to fill the roll of being leader. This can create a lot of stress and anxiety in a dog not up for the task. In either situtation, the owner must recognize the humanization that has occured and resolve to become a leader to the dog, not a social equal.

Putting the hierarchy back in its proper place

You need to stop praticing the behaviors and actions that allowed the humanization to occur. That means, your dog is no longer allowed on the bed, or at the dinner table or whatever is relevant to your situation.

You need to establish a means of communication with your dog other then emotional attachment. The best way to accomplish this is through basic obedience. Do not scoff at or skip this essential step. Even if your dog is obedience trained, even if it has obedience titles, go back to the basic obedience command in your dogs daily activities.

1. Three long down stays per day
2. Sit before being petted
3. Wait before going through a doorway
4. Stay before being feed

This will enable your dog to associate you as his leader, not an equal or subordinate.

If your dog has not had obedience training, then enroll him in a class as soon a possible. Use positive reinforcement techniques and praise, not force or physical punishment.

Over the time, your dog may earn the right to get on your bed again, however it is not essential. I do not believe that your dog should ever be allowed to sit on a chair at the dinner table as I do not believe there is any other way for your dog to perceive the situation other that he is on equal status with humans, especially when food is involved.

When Dogs Fight

I have had many questions over the 20 years as a breeder about dog fighting. In my own personal expeirience, it is not wise to have two of the same sex dogs play together without supervision.

Depending on the breed they might play together for years, then one day they wake up and decide not to play nice anymore. Some bitches will fight to kill, while the males with fight for dominance.... in other words "who will be the top dog".

Anytime you get more then two dogs together they will form a pack, and if dogs are left on their own they will make their own rules. This is why dogs need to know you are the alpha leader, teaching obedience and respect.

Let me clarify that all breeds will fight for domainance among themselves if they are allowed to do so. This is why its so important to show that you are the alpha leader.


Things to remember if you have a dog fight:

• Do not panick

• Do not get in the middle of it

• Water hoses work in separating a dog fight if you get to them early

• Most importantly: Keep children away. they should walk away, NOT RUN. Dogs will be engrossed in their own battle, but if they see a child run they will look at the child as prey.
  

Here are my suggestions on how to avoid a dog fight:

• Early puppy socialization with other dogs and people

• Obedience training

• Spay or neuter your dog at an early age

• Crate train

• Supervise play time if you own more than one dog

• Avoid off leash dog parks

• Make sure your dog has a secure fenced yard

• As a general rule, large dogs and small dogs don't mix well

And remember.....

always love your dog daily!

*I hope this information has been a helpful tool for you, if you have any of your own suggestions or tips, please leave a comment!

In Tribute of September 11, 2001

Let's not forget September 11, 2001. Many of you might remember where you were that horrible morning. I was in bed and my husband came in and told me the news. We were glued to the Tv for the rest of the day.

For the lives that were lost the families that lost loved ones. You will be forever in our hearts and mind. GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU.

Lets take a moment of prayer on September 11, 2009

'MEET ME IN THE STAIRWELL'

You say you will never forget where you were when
you heard the news On September 11, 2001.
Neither will I.

I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room
with a man who called his wife to say 'Good-Bye.' I
held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the
peace to say, 'Honey, I am not going to make it, but it
is OK..I am ready to go.'

I was with his wife when he called as she fed
breakfast to their children. I held her up as she
tried to understand his words and as she realized
he wasn't coming home that night.

I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a
woman cried out to Me for help. 'I have been
knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!' I said.
'Of course I will show you the way home - only
believe in Me now.'

I was at the base of the building with the Priest
ministering to the injured and devastated souls.
I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He
heard my voice and answered.

I was on all four of those planes, in every seat,
with every prayer. I was with the crew as they
were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the
believers there, comforting and assuring them that their
faith has saved them.

I was in Texas , Virginia , California , Michigan , Afghanistan .
I was standing next to yo u when you heard the terrible news.
Di d you sense Me ?

I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew
every name - though not all know Me . Some met Me
for the first time on the 86th floor.

Some sought Me with their last breath.
Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the
smoke and flames; 'Come to Me ... this way... take
my hand.' Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me .
But, I was there.

I did not place you in the Tower that day. You
may not know why, but I do.. However, if you were
there in that explosive moment in time, would you have
reached for Me ?

Sept. 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey
for you . But someday your journey will end. And I
will be there for you as well. Seek Me now while I may
be found. Then, at any moment, you know you are
'ready to go.'

I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.

God

www.deblyns.com

Obedience Training For Dogs

Obedience Training for Dogs

One thing about dogs -- they WANT to please their masters. Now, cats don't feel the same way. Cats pretty much do as they please, but dogs want to make the people they love happy. And because dogs want to please you, obedience training is simply done by helping the dog to understand what you want him to do. If he understands, he will do what you tell him to do.


It's important to understand that dogs, ALL DOGS, are pack animals. And it's really important to understand that a pack has only one alpha dog -- one leader. When you get a puppy, you and your family become his pack. From the puppy's point of view, every pack must have a leader. If you aren't the alpha dog, the boss, the pack leader, your puppy WILL assume that role.

There are only two choices, the way the puppy sees it: either YOU'RE the boss, or HE'S the boss. It'll be better for both of you if you are the boss. You'll both be happier. One way to establish yourself as the alpha dog in your puppy's world is to initiate obedience training as early as possible.

Deblyns German Shepherds

Can Dogs Talk?

Can Dogs Talk?

Can dogs talk? The answer depends on how you define "talking." If you consider only the spoken word as "talking," then the answer is no. On the other hand, if you think sign language is "talking," then maybe the answer is yes.

If by talking, you mean communicating, there's no doubt that dogs talk. Humans sometimes have a problem understanding "dog," but that doesn't mean that other dogs don't understand "dog." Verbal communication in the dog language is done with barks, growls, whimpers, yips, and moans. But unlike humans, dogs communicate in many other ways. They communicate through smell and body language.

Have you ever seen a dog bow to another dog? He puts both of his front feet forward and rests on them up to the elbow. His behind is up higher, and his tail is wagging. This is an invitation to play. The dog that's bowing is inviting another dog to join him in a game of chase or tug of war or some other doggy game. Have you ever watched one dog touch noses with another dog and then immediately lay down and roll over on his back? That's doggy language for "I'm not trying to make you mad. I accept that you are the alpha dog." If neither dog accedes, a dogfight happens.

Have you seen a dog send a warning signal that means "if you come any closer, I'm gonna take your leg off"! The dog is standing erect. He's raised his hackles. His tail is not wagging. His ears are swept back. He's showing his teeth, and he's also giving a verbal warning with a deep growl that sounds like he means business. He does mean business. Is that talking? You decide, but I'd say he's making his intentions known. Dogs can talk. You just have to
learn to understand the language.

Happy Forth of July from Deblyns German Shepherds

I am the flag of the United States of America.
My name is Old Glory.
I fly atop the world's tallest buildings.
I stand watch in America's halls of justice.
I fly majestically over institutions of learning.
I stand guard with power in the world.
Look up and see me.

I stand for peace, honor, truth and justice.
I stand for freedom.
I am confident.
I am arrogant.
I am proud.
When I am flown with my fellow banners,
My head is a little higher,
My colors a little truer.
I bow to no one!
I am recognized all over the world.
I am worshipped - I am saluted.
I am loved - I am revered.
I am respected - and I am feared.
I have fought in every battle of every war for more then 200 years. I was flown at Valley Forge, Gettysburg, Shiloh and Appomattox.
I was there at San Juan Hill, the trenches of France,
in the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome and the beaches of Normandy.
Guam, Okinawa, Korea and KheSan, Saigon, Vietnam know me.
I'm presently in the mountains of Afganistan and the hot and dusty deserts of Iraq and wherever freedom is needed.

I led my troops, I was dirty, battleworn and tired,
But my soldiers cheered me and I was proud.
I have been burned, torn and trampled on the streets of countries I have helped set free.

It does not hurt for I am invincible.
I have been soiled upon, burned, torn and trampled in the streets of my country.
And when it's done by those Whom I've served in battle - it hurts.
But I shall overcome - for I am strong.
I have slipped the bonds of Earth and stood watch over the uncharted frontiers of space from my vantage point on the moon.
I have borne silent witness to all of America's finest hours.
But my finest hours are yet to come.
When I am torn into strips and used as bandages for my wounded comrades on the battlefield,
When I am flown at half-mast to honor my soldier,
Or when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving parent
at the grave of their fallen son or daughter,

I am proud.

Crate Training Your German Shepherd Puppy

Somewhere deep inside that absolutely adorable German Shepherd puppy that you've just adopted lie genes that tell him that he needs a den. Dogs have always wanted a den -- a place that they consider safe and comfortable. So the first thing to get into your head when you begin crate training that puppy is that you're not mistreating him. You are actually providing a safe and comfortable "den" for him.

Crate training is an essential part of creating peace and harmony when humans and dogs live together. Crate training will make the dog happy and satisfied, and crate training will also aid in housebreaking because it takes advantage of the dog's natural reluctance to soil its sleeping place, or den.

Crate training can also help to reduce separation anxiety, prevent destructive behavior like chewing furniture, keep a puppy away from potentially dangerous household items like poisons and electrical cords, and to serve as a portable indoor doghouse that can be moved from room to room whenever necessary.

First, you need to let your German Shepherd puppy come and go into and out of the crate as he wants to until he figures out that the crate isn't a trap. Make a game of it. Place the puppy's toys at the very back of the crate so that the puppy recognizes the crate as a "happy" place rather than as a place of confinement. Add bedding to the crate. German Shepherd dogs like a soft towel or pillow to curl up on. If the puppy will be left for more than two hours in the crate, be sure to add a water bowl that attaches to the side of the crate. During the early days of crate training, the crate should be placed close to YOU when you are home. This will help to relieve any separation anxiety the puppy may be feeling.

Crate training is simple, and it's an effective way to make living together pleasant for both of you.

www.deblyns.com