The Perfect Space

I've been listening to some newer music lately and have been struck by the song by The Avett Brothers called "The Perfect Space".  It talks about the need to be accepted as who we've become and not who we were. Looking for that Perfect Space to fit in and become the wonderful being we were meant to become. This got me thinking about our performance dogs.

So many times we spend our lives with dogs (and other animals) and often don't contemplate their most basic needs. So what are their basic needs?  Well, food is very high on the list.  For dogs that live with people, they want to be sure there is enough food.  Seems kind of like "duh, I'll always feed them," but is a primal concern for dogs. Sometimes when we add a new animal to our household, a dog that never guarded her food will start that behavior. Other dogs will stop eating when another dog is introduced. That dog may want to be sure the new dog understands the food is being controlled by them. Hence knowing the food source is a very important component in everyday life of animals.  The point of food does not go without saying that a good, quality diet including fresh meats and veggies is part of their healthy diet. For those who feed only a high quality grain-free kibble – please visit my FaceBook page to view the video by a holistic veterinarian on the dangers of feeding only this diet.

Next big concern is, where can I safely rest. If you observe animals in the wild, it is very important for them to find a place for rest and recover that is free of predators and stressors. This is the same at our domestic home.  For those of us who share our lives with several dogs, we need to be sure that each of them has a place that they feel safe in and can rest without worry. Spend time watching your dogs. If they fall asleep but are not in a deep sleep, they can often be worried that another dog will come an disturb them. This plays on their primal nature to always be alert and therefore they cannot get the much needed peaceful sleep. When introducing a new dog or animal into the household, be sure the new animal can identify "their place" quickly and that you give them time away from the group.  Not necessarily for them to rest (but many times that is needed) but to give the existing group time to rest without worry the new kid will pounce on their head.  In the wild, higher members of the pack are allowed to eat when they want and sleep where they want – all without major interruptions. Again, a very primal need for our canine friends.

Lastly, each member of society, no matter their species, wants to contribute to that society.  They want to find their place in their family/group where they can make a difference. For those of us who are blessed with rescue dogs, many times (if not most) the root of the problem behavior that landed them in the rescue situation is the lack of a job. I always think of that funny saying "If you don't give a dog a job, they become self employed."  So, so true with the strong drive dogs.  But that job is perhaps better described as "contributing to their society." This contribution can be in form of bringing you joy and relaxation after a stressful day, fetching you the paper, handling your livestock, working the agility course and assisting with hunting chores. But we as the "employer" need to recognize these things as the dogs contribution to the society (your family). Failure to do so can often result in the human finding some of these behaviors annoying.  Common "symptoms" of a dog that loves their job can look like: repeatedly throwing toys on our lap when we're trying to do something else, "bringing" us all manner of things that look like a newspaper, slipping through gates, fencing and all sorts of barriers to reach stock, barking wildly when we turn into the parking lot of the agility building, and my personal favorite, waking everyone up at the first sliver of sunlight peaking through the window.  All of these "annoying" behaviors are indicative of someone LOVING their job. 

Think if you woke up each day with so much excitement to do your job that you bubbled with laughter and couldn't actually contain yourself.  You started yipping and dancing around the door to leave for work.  After you are at work for a while, someone comes along and says "hey, why don't you come away from your job and sit on the couch a while and relax." Your response is "What, are you nuts, I LOVE my job. They NEED me.  I'll just stay here a bit longer in case anyone needs something else."  When we look at our dog's behavior, particularly our high-energy performance dogs, as how they feel about their "job" it provides us a whole new perspective.

So the next time you find yourself getting frustrated at your pup's behavior and think "grrr, I wish they'd just leave me alone." Realize that they feel it is their JOB to help you. So the thought for today is just to take another look at providing The Perfect Space for our canine companions to blossom and enjoy the life we share with them.

For further thought, here is the song that has me really thinking of providing this "space" for my canine friends.

The Perfect Space, by The Avett Brothers