By Darcy Keehn and Colleen Akkerman

Article #6 of our series “Visions of Freedom through a Dog’s Eyes!” discusses the fifth and last freedom, Freedom from Fear and Distress. It is vital to provide care and conditions that promote a sense of security and well-being for your dog. A dog’s mental health is just as important as it’s physical health.

A daily routine tailored to a dog’s age and physical traits is paramount. Predictable times for feeding, potty breaks, exercise, sleep, training, grooming, and playtime are beneficial in reducing stress, improving behaviors, and promoting a greater trust with their owner.

Reward based training is the Aquarian way! What does your dog consider a reward? Does it like treats, a tummy rub, it’s ears ruffled, or does it like the excitement of you clapping and cheering? Each dog is unique, and discovering what your dog wants for its reward can be just as rewarding for you. Dogs, like humans, can get bored…they thrive on variety.

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Rio: You should see how the dogs get paid in Darcy’s dog training class.

Liberty: You mean besides treats?

Rio: When I go through the tunnel she jumps up and down and squeals like crazy and it makes me happy. I go through the tunnels just to see her cheer for me.

Liberty: What else do you get paid?

Rio: I really like it when she rubs my shoulders when I find the rat tube hidden in the straw. She tells me what a good dog I am.

Liberty: I get treats at dog shows when I pose for the judge. What you get paid sounds way more exciting.

Rio: I like to train with Darcy because she comes up with creative ways to pay us, and it’s always rewarding.

Liberty: What can I do to get her to clap and cheer for me?

Rio: Use your imagination and go for it…give it a try!

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A fear free approach to training means not resorting to prong collars, electric shock collars, no bark collars, or physical violence of any kind towards the dog. Physical intimidation, such as yelling, yanking, hitting, kicking, scruffing (grabbing them anywhere by the skin) are all negative methods which leads to stress and mistrust.

Signs that your dog is feeling stressed and intimidated:

They avoid eye contact

They stop sleeping near you

They don’t greet you with enthusiasm

They stop following you around

They ignore commands

They display destructive behaviors

It has been scientifically proven that dogs trained with electric shock collars release more cortisol (stress hormones) than dogs trained with positive reinforcement. These dogs are more likely to engage in aggressive behavior, and often relate the pain of shock with the person or place where they received it. The collars are often misused, and while they may suppress unwanted behaviors, they don’t teach a dog what you would like them to do instead. Showing the dog what you want them to do, and rewarding that behavior is key! These kinds of collars can intimidate the dogs and cause them extreme fear of pain…and wouldn’t you feel and react the same way?

Shock collars are considered inhumane and are illegal to use in many countries and regions.

Unfortunately, they are still legal here in the United States. The decision to ban or restrict e-collars is left up to individual states and municipalities.

Susan Garrett, a world-renowned dog trainer, multi-time champion of dog agility, and leading educator on all things canine shares everything related to dogs! She has a “Shaped by Dog Podcast” that offers a wealth of information that we suggest for any dog, or pet, owner.

The American Kennel Club website is another valuable source of information.

Note: the latest estimate is that 99% of shelter dogs have never had any formal obedience training.

As always, Woof Woof and Bye Bye!!!