The Loved Dog

I read a book recently called 'The Loved Dog' by Tamar Geller. Her approach to dog training is through rewards and love and I have found this approach most effective for my dogs.

Spottie is half Dobermann and Bully is a Bull Terrier, and they're about the same age. Spottie has a more aggressive trait in him compared to Bully, and Bully just wants to play all the time.

When Bully came, they fought once. I suspect that Bully jumped on Spottie playfully while Spottie was trying to retrieve a bone near him and Spottie attacked. Bully sustained a head injury but recovered quick and Spottie was unharmed. It was shocking because Bully held on to Spottie's neck and didn't let go. One trait of the bull terrier is that they bite and don't let go.

So I began my search of effective dog training to make them friends. One thing the family did was to assure both of them that they were very loved. We played with them, took them on frequent walks together and gave them a lot of treats together. I'd sit both Bully and Spottie together (Bully is always leashed when Spottie is running loose for safety purposes), and give them treats. Now they would naturally sit whenever I'm out with them, anticipating their favourite treats!

Of course the family maintains the safety measures like not allowing both to run free together because we don't want another fight. Nevertheless, things are pretty good at home now as they can sleep close together as long as they're kept at arm's length from each other. And they don't provoke each other.

I think its very important for the dogs to feel secure and loved, they sense it from us and will be much calmer and loving in return. Both Spottie and Bully are like babies at home. However, we respect the fact that they are dogs and must do what dogs like to do - go on walks, get their physical exercise, respect their hierarchies and understand their canine instincts.

Also, dogs need to be socialised with each other from young. Both Spottie and Bully have friends around the neighbourhood and we allow them to play and sniff one another while on their walks. However, we have to be very alert when dogs are socialising because its not always that they get along.

Dogs are a joy to have around. When I get home, they always put a smile on my face. I have learnt a lot from my dogs over the years and I thank God for what He's taught me through them.