http://letstalkdogs.findeight.com/Home/tabid/40/blogid/1/Default.aspx 60 en-US SunBlogNuke RSS Generator Version 4.1.0.0 Fri, 18 May 2012 01:07:54 GMT Fri, 18 May 2012 01:07:54 GMT Court Updates General http://letstalkdogs.info/Home/tabid/40/entryid/21/My-Dog-Has-Me-So-Well-Trained.aspx
Here is a little of what my day looks like with Chloe. I wake up with my 90 lb girl sprawled across the bed, from end to end. I feel the krink in my back from sleeping in fetal position because of not having any room to stretch out. Chloe has Cushings disease. This disease is an imbalance of hormones and cortisol production. It is very important that Chloe have a calm lifestyle. When she is sleeping, it is like music to my ears. Over the years, I have become accustomed to her very loud nasaly snore. I don't think I can sleep without it. When she is snoring and resting soundly, I know all is well and I can close my eyes and get some sleep myself. So back to the krink in my back. I find it hard to move her or disturb her deep sleep (one) because she is so cute and the other because to see her peacefully sleeping means the Cushings is not winning the battle. So, I suffer mildly and she sleeps soundly.

Sometime half way through the night, she moves to her bed in the closet and all is well.

When I wake up and see her squishy, crinkled, sleeping face, I can't help but stop and kiss her. She knows when I wake, it is time to get the day started.

What Chloe wants, Chloe seems to get. She has these subtle (yeh right) ways of communicating with me that tell me exactly what she wants me to do for her. When she wants to go out, she goes to the door and may sometimes paw at it. Here I come running to take her. When she wants something to eat, she goes to the fridgerator and paws at it. Here I come running to get her a snack. When she wants a drink, she goes to the bathroom bathtub faucet and paws at it. Here I come running to turn the water on. The funny thing is, she loves me so much that when Mike and I are sitting on the couch watching TV, she loving looks at him and looks at me and looks at him and looks at me, and she is basically saying, "Daddy, get up please, I want to sit next to my mommy." Mike having the same heart as mine for our girl Chloe, says, "Alright, I see how this is going to be." He moves over so Chloe can do what she loves best, spend her time and life with us. (Well, more particularly, with me lol). Chloe has such a personality and distinct way of communicating, that you can't help but love her.

As her pack leader, I am not doing a very good job by letting her dictate to me when her needs will be met, but she has such a polite, yet persistent way of doing things, that I just can't resist. Chloe is a good dog. She hardly ever does anything wrong (ha ha). She is the queen of our house and the leader of her pack, as long as we say so. I am sure, both our Pitt and our Rott would gladly take this position, but not as long as Mike and I are still breathing. It simply won't happen. One day, as Chloe gets closer to getting her call home to the heavens, she will quietly relinquish her rights to her position in the home. We will continue to protect her, love her, and honor her for the joy and healing she brought to our lives when we lost our beloved Rott, Sasha. See, every dog in our lives has a divine purpose. Sometimes they are an answer to healing and sometimes they are to teach us important life lessons, like patience, compassion, devotion and committment. All I know is that my girl Chloe loves me unconditionally, she is always by my side and I am always within her sight. During the times, I am away, she can be found faithly peering out the window or laying below it to patiently await the sounding of our truck. As soon as I enter the house, all is well and all is right in Chloe's world again. Do I really care that my dog has me so well trained? Not really, because there will always be that one dog that steals your heart in which you find you would do just about anything for each other.

Please let me know if you can relate to the love for your dog by leaving a comment in the comment section. Have a great day with your dogs and enjoy every moment life has to offer. ]]> rebecca http://letstalkdogs.findeight.comhttp://letstalkdogs.info/Home/tabid/40/entryid/21/My-Dog-Has-Me-So-Well-Trained.aspx#Comments http://letstalkdogs.findeight.comhttp//letstalkdogs.info/Home/tabid/40/entryid/21/My-Dog-Has-Me-So-Well-Trained.aspx Wed, 05 Oct 2011 18:19:00 GMT 0 http://letstalkdogs.findeight.com/DesktopModules/SunBlog/Handlers/Trackback.aspx?id=21 Court Updates http://letstalkdogs.info/Home/tabid/40/entryid/20/What-have-we-learned-from-our-Rott-rescue.aspx
Nala and Diamond were not hard dogs to work with and they were very much loved. People who own dominant breed dogs simply need to take their responsibility one step further and work toward prevention. Our minds must always be alerted to safety. This includes such concepts as checking training equiptment such as leashes and collars to make sure dogs cannot slip out of collars or break leashes. This also includes educating our children about leaving doors or fence gates open to where dogs could escape from the house or yard and roam the community. Owners should be cautious about letting their children or teens walk dominant breed dogs because the chance of another dog or squirrel entering the picture, could be disastrous. You have to ask yourself, would my child or teen know how to safely handle this situation. If we are not always thinking ahead of what could happen, we are not working toward prevention. For us, safety is as much about keeping our dogs safe as it is about keeping the community safe.

The best approach to raising a good dog is to incorporate three simple components: Establish a strong pack structure and incorporate positive socialization practices, provide a good healthy diet that consists of whole foods, and be sound in your practices of safety and prevention. This component includes having a good vet on speed dial for any medical issues along the way. If you are uncertain of how to incorporate any of these components into your pet rearing practices, please contact us at 765-413-5270.

]]> rebecca http://letstalkdogs.findeight.comhttp://letstalkdogs.info/Home/tabid/40/entryid/20/What-have-we-learned-from-our-Rott-rescue.aspx#Comments http://letstalkdogs.findeight.comhttp//letstalkdogs.info/Home/tabid/40/entryid/20/What-have-we-learned-from-our-Rott-rescue.aspx Sat, 01 Oct 2011 23:48:00 GMT 0 http://letstalkdogs.findeight.com/DesktopModules/SunBlog/Handlers/Trackback.aspx?id=20 Court Updates http://letstalkdogs.info/Home/tabid/40/entryid/19/What-is-the-Value-of-a-dogs-life.aspx
If we are trying to teach our dogs to not get up on the furniture, but sometimes we think they are oh so cute that they should be allowed to remain on the furniture, we have just reinforced what we deem an undesirable behavior. (In our house however, our dogs are allowed on furniture and beds so this is a non-issue). If in the same week, the dog is on the furniture and gets pulled off the furniture and told "No", gets a scolding and maybe a spanking, the dog is now very confused. One minute it was allowed on the furniture and the next minute it wasn't. The dog is left thinking, "Ok, human make up your mind. I want to do what is pleasing to you, but I am confused about what you are expecting from me. Can you please me more consistent (See prior blog post about consistency)." In a lot of ways, this is the same problem that causes confusion in our homes with our children. Can you tell I am social worker by nature. There are so many similiarities in raising dogs and children that it is scary, but very sensible. We cannot expect our children to have clean mouths, if we don't have clean mouths. Case in point, right? Owners sometimes do not even realize they are confusing their pets into bad behaviors. These pets act out because they cannot figure out what is expected of them in the home. When the acting out behavior begins and the owner does not have the proper tools or education to help correct the behaviors, it's off to the shelter they go. The odds of these typs of dogs getting adopted are slim because people are looking for the perfect family pet. These dogs are not showing themselves as perfect, but then again who is. Why do we place such high standards on pets that have never had a permanent home or a solid foundation for learning? Are we too lazy and uncaring to take the time necessary to begin to understand the very pets that we CHOSE to adopt from the shelter in the first place? Here is a question, If you have ever felt rejected, you will be able to relate to this, "When starting a new relationship, during the get-to-know-you phase, have you ever experienced miscommunication or misunderstanding, and you found yourself dumped?" What if one of the two of you took the time to put aside hurt feelings and attempted to clear up the miscommunication or misunderstanding? I don't know about you, but for every instance in which this has happened to me, the relationship has actually become enriched and the bond has grown stronger. What if it was this easy with our dogs as well? Let's Talk Dogs can help you understand your dog's behavior and why they do the things they do. We can help you see the error of your ways and apply new ways to bridge the communication gap between you and your pooch. Please don't give up on your pet. Give us a chance. You cannot even imagine the stress your animal will feel living in a shelter. By giving up on your pet, you ruin the opportunity to explore a wonderful relationship that you may never get the chance to experience. Dogs are unconditional lovers. You cannot even get this type of love from your spouse 50 % of the time because unconditional love is perfect and we as humans are not. The same behaviors of selfishness, lack of patience, lack of understanding, and lack of communication are the very same characteristics that not only bring human and pet relationships to an end, but also human to human relationships to an end. Let's become a more compassionate people and make every attempt to put someone or something (our pets) above our selves. You won't regret the return you will see in the end! Call 765-413-5270 today. We are here to meet your canine needs!]]> rebecca http://letstalkdogs.findeight.comhttp://letstalkdogs.info/Home/tabid/40/entryid/19/What-is-the-Value-of-a-dogs-life.aspx#Comments http://letstalkdogs.findeight.comhttp//letstalkdogs.info/Home/tabid/40/entryid/19/What-is-the-Value-of-a-dogs-life.aspx Wed, 28 Sep 2011 20:38:00 GMT 0 http://letstalkdogs.findeight.com/DesktopModules/SunBlog/Handlers/Trackback.aspx?id=19 Court Updates http://letstalkdogs.info/Home/tabid/40/entryid/18/Consistency-is-Key.aspx
Dogs learn through repetition, doing the same thing over and over again and getting some type of reward. Most of our clients don't have an issue with doing the same thing over and over again. However, they do have an issue with doing it the same way over and over again. For example, in teaching a simple command such as the sit, the ideal technique is to keep things as simple as possible. Use one hand gesture and one word "sit." It is amazing how during the process of teaching a dog to sit, one will incorporate all different kinds of new movements and new language as the poor pooch is simply getting confused as to what to do for which word. Most people tend to treat their pets like little humans, best friends, or even confidants. When we do this we start talking to them like they understand every thing we say, when in fact they may only pick up on key commands. It is typical for owners to say "sit Fido" and get no response. Then they say, "Now Fido what did I ask you to do?" When no response still occurs, they find themselves getting frustrated and walking away or raising their voice saying, "Now I said Sit!" By this time if the dog knows the command, the change in voice and frustration sparks the dog to move into action because Fido senses he is in trouble. At the same time all the verbal conversation is occuring, the dog owner may use a hand signal, may forget to use a hand signal, or may use a signal different from what they would typically use for the sit command. We find the lack of consistency in using the same verbal command and same hand signal each time they direct their dog to do something, to be the primary issue in seeing positive results from their dog learning. Basically, we the people, are confusing our dogs and preventing them from excelling due to our own lack of consistency in the training techniques we use.

Dogs are extremely accomplished at recognizing the slighest variations in our movements, tone of voice, and type of language we use to teach them. Once they get rewarded for a specific behavior, they are going to attempt that same behavior for the reward again. The problem occurs when we slightly alter our sequence of events regarding words and actions. The dog is looking for the same actions from us but becomes confused when they don't see things in exactly the same way. If you really want to help your dog succeed throughout their training experience, be very specific about your actions and words and do things the same way to optimize learning. If more than one person in your family is helping to train your pooch, they also must use the same words and gestures to get good results. Many times we see one person in the family using the word "Stay" and the other person is using "Wait" and they cannot understand why the dog starts to ignore both. The dog is confused and is waiting for his humans to make up their minds. If you want to greatly enhance the relationship between you and your pooch, start with consistency. Evaluate your technique before correcting the dog for not living up to your expectations. Nine times out of ten, it is usually something we as the owners are doing that is confusing him and keeping him from doing the right thing. If you have questions or comments about your experiences with consistency or lack of, please feel free to use the comment link. We would love to hear from you.

By the way, reasons why we are usually not consistent with our dog training boils down to lack of time and lack of patience. With this being said, make sure you set aside enough time to work with your pooch and that you are in a pleasant mood when attempting a new exercise.]]> rebecca http://letstalkdogs.findeight.comhttp://letstalkdogs.info/Home/tabid/40/entryid/18/Consistency-is-Key.aspx#Comments http://letstalkdogs.findeight.comhttp//letstalkdogs.info/Home/tabid/40/entryid/18/Consistency-is-Key.aspx Sun, 25 Sep 2011 02:15:00 GMT 0 http://letstalkdogs.findeight.com/DesktopModules/SunBlog/Handlers/Trackback.aspx?id=18 Court Updates http://www.letstalkdogs.info/Home/tabid/40/entryid/17/How-much-does-a-lack-of-socialization-play-in-the-problems-our-dogs-exhibit.aspx
First, we have to address socialization as not being the only component of primary importance in raising our dogs. Consider how dogs would be in the wild, prior to domestication. Dogs are raised in packs like their ancestors, the wolf. They INHERENTLY understand a language that we typically exclude from our training practices. If we are going to communicate with our pets, we have to learn, understand, and use their language. We would not go to France and expect our trip to go smoothly if we could not find a way to communicate in French or hopefully the French would know some English (as is the case). This is the same concept in raising our dogs. We need to learn their language to bridge the gap in the communication between dog and owner. Typically they are speaking one language and we are speaking another.

Becoming a pack leader for your dog is a fundamental and extremely important practice to learn in order for your dog to live a stress free life. Obviously, we cannot eliminate all of the stress in our dog's life, but the goal is to raise a dog that is calm and submissive. Without calm and submissive, typically we see stressed, afraid, aggressive, controlling dogs that don't know their place in the family pack structure. Lack of pack leadership in the home is easily identified when your dog does not respect you or listen to your commands. Common complaints are, "My dog won't come, stay, sit, heel or down. My dog growls when I take his food bowl or toy. My dog jumps on me and my visitors. My dog gets aggressive when I attempt to remove him from the furniture. My dog pulls on the leash and chases other dogs. My dog is aggressive toward other people and other dogs. I can't take my dog anywhere because he is so afraid of everything and he acts crazy. "Well, you get the jist. This list of complaints can go on and on. Dogs that behave like this are not simply dealing with a lack of socialization. They are dealing with a lack of pack leadership.

So how do pack leadership and socialization work hand in hand? As your dog begins to accept you as a pack leader, he is giving up the idea of having to be in control and he is giving you the power and authority to make healthy decisions in his life that will keep him safe. Our dogs need to know that in every situation, they will be taking their cues from us as to how to behave during that time. If you are not the pack leader in your home, your dog believes that he must exhibit whatever behavior necessary in order to get through stressful situations without getting hurt. Let's give an example here:

Imagine you have a new puppy and are getting ready to wheel your big noisy garbage can to the curb. As you role the garbage can, your puppy begins to growl, bark and pull to either get away from the trash can or aggress the trash can. This behavior is telling you that the dog has risen to a stressed state due to an unknown moving object threatening his safety. The pack leader now has two options. Stop moving the trash can, allow the dog to approach it on his terms when he feels more comfortable to approach, and you as the pack leader reward the calm, well-behaved approach with praise or treats. This demonstrates to your dog that you like the way he is behaving toward the trash can when he is calm. As your dog becomes more comfortable with the trash can, slowly you can start to move it. If the dog gets in an aggitated state, then you need to stop and continue to reward only calm behavior around the trash can until you can work through, step by step, the dog getting more comfortable with the trash can moving. Eventually, you will work toward moving the can up and down the driveway without the dog even being phased by the experience. This is an example of a good. strong, fair pack leader socializing his pup to a new situation that will have positive results for both dog and owner. The owner is building confidence in his dog that he does not have to be afraid during this situation because his pack leader is going to keep him safe and show him what is expected of him during this time.

Now the second option a pack leader has at this time, which is the least favorable option, is to pull the stressed dog along side the moving garbage can, ignoring his stressed state and pleas for help. This is creating a negative stressed state for the dog. Therefore a problematic behavior of fear or aggression toward the garbage can will most naturally be the end result. The pack leader in this scenario has also socialized his dog to the garbage can, but has done so in a negative manner leaving a negative mark for the dog to resort to each time he accompanies his owner in taking the trash to the curb. The owner may not even be aware that he himself created his dog's negative response simply by his own reaction to the situation. This same concept carries over to every aspect of socialization in regard to introducing our dogs to other people and other dogs.

Typically, when we first begin to socialize our dogs to other people and other dogs, if we have not established ourselves as the pack leader, our dogs will behave in such a manner to either control the situation or flee the situation. They do this because they have no one calling the shots. Just like kids, our dogs need to have CLEAR expecations and boundaries placed on their behavior in order to understand what is acceptable and what is not. Let's go through another example here:

Pretend you are walking down the road with your pup and see another dog. How you as the pack leader behave in this situation right now will mark how your dog behaves in the future around other dogs he approaches on his walks. If your dog begins to growl, bark, pull and aggress the other dog, this behavior is showing first and foremost that your dog does not acknowledge you as it's pack leader; second the dog is stressed and is believing that you are not going to protect him from this other dog (this behavior is also typical for dogs that have been attacked by another dog). By exhibiting this behavior, your dog is trying to either send a message to stay away from me or he is sending a message that "I am going to get to you before you have an opportunity to get to me!" If you as the pack leader are not successful in redirecting your dogs attention back on to you, in order to get control of this type of stressed behavior, you have no choice but to provide a correction to let your dog know that his behavior will not be tolerated. This is the same philosophy we use with our children. If they become defiant, mouthy or aggressive, typically parents will institute a type of correction to match the inappropriate behavior. We are not saying to hit, spank, punch, kick, or smack your dog, or your child for that matter. These type of corrections on the dog will only make the behavior worse. We are talking about utilizing your dog training tools, your collar and leash, to apply a correction that would closely mimic how a pup would be corrected by it's mother in the wild. Remember dogs understand this pack language of corrections by their pack leader, so we need to come as close to incorporating this language as possible. Once we realize our pets have a problem with other dogs, now is the time to back up and begin to desensitize them to further situations involving other dogs. The way we do this at Let's Talk Dogs is to first train you to become the pack leader, then we start making the introduction to other dogs a positive experience. We start by introducing one dog at a time only progressing when your dog has become calm and submissive. You cannot train your dog faster than what your dog is capable of learning! Eventually, your dog comes to depend on your leadership skills to get him through stessfull unfamiliar situations.

These examples have been provided to give you a clear understanding that socialization alone does not guarentee a well-behaved pooch. Pack leadership during the socialization process is what ties the two components together to give you a happy, healthy pup that knows his place and loves and respects his pack. If you are in need of help to curb bad behaviors in your pooch, such as aggression, we are now offering a new desensitization package to help manage these types of behaviors. Call today to schedule your initial evaluation for a professional recommendation of services. 765-413-5270 ]]> rebecca http://letstalkdogs.findeight.comhttp://www.letstalkdogs.info/Home/tabid/40/entryid/17/How-much-does-a-lack-of-socialization-play-in-the-problems-our-dogs-exhibit.aspx#Comments http://letstalkdogs.findeight.comhttp//www.letstalkdogs.info/Home/tabid/40/entryid/17/How-much-does-a-lack-of-socialization-play-in-the-problems-our-dogs-exhibit.aspx Wed, 21 Sep 2011 18:53:00 GMT 0 http://letstalkdogs.findeight.com/DesktopModules/SunBlog/Handlers/Trackback.aspx?id=17 Court Updates http://letstalkdogs.findeight.com/Home/tabid/40/entryid/16/Lets-Talk-Dogs-New-Training-Location.aspx rebecca http://letstalkdogs.findeight.com/Home/tabid/40/entryid/16/Lets-Talk-Dogs-New-Training-Location.aspx#Comments http://letstalkdogs.findeight.com/Home/tabid/40/entryid/16/Lets-Talk-Dogs-New-Training-Location.aspx Wed, 21 Sep 2011 18:27:00 GMT 0 http://letstalkdogs.findeight.com/DesktopModules/SunBlog/Handlers/Trackback.aspx?id=16 General http://letstalkdogs.findeight.com/Home/tabid/40/entryid/14/The-Dogs-are-not-at-fault.aspx
Can't wait to see you there! For more information or to register, please contact: 765-413-5270]]> Mike Bryant http://letstalkdogs.findeight.com/Home/tabid/40/entryid/14/The-Dogs-are-not-at-fault.aspx#Comments http://letstalkdogs.findeight.com/Home/tabid/40/entryid/14/The-Dogs-are-not-at-fault.aspx Sat, 12 Feb 2011 06:00:00 GMT 1 http://letstalkdogs.findeight.com/DesktopModules/SunBlog/Handlers/Trackback.aspx?id=14 General http://letstalkdogs.findeight.com/Home/tabid/40/entryid/12/Nico-Dainjer-Update.aspx
In Tippecanoe County there is an ordinance that only allows for three dogs in a home environment.  If this rule was amended to allow more dogs, maybe our shelters wouldn't be so over crowded. The number of dogs euthanized due to over crowding each year is staggering. Why do we spend so much time killing instead of preventing?  My concern is this, if we continue blaming the dogs and cats for their owners ignorance, what reason do the owners have to do the right thing? I say give them house arrest and community service at the Humane Society. The only time they can leave while on house arrest, is to go to work and pay for the damage they've done.

In my opinion, people who rescue and foster dogs and cats should be considered heroes.  They do it without fan fair or reward, and I tell them all, I am applauding you now!  I started this rescue effort with Nico and Dainjer just to save their lives and now the education I've received is priceless.  I truly love dogs and cats because of their unconditional love.  Now it's my turn to give them what they've never had (PEACE)! 
Lets Talk DogsLLC
Mike Bryant]]> Mike Bryant http://letstalkdogs.findeight.com/Home/tabid/40/entryid/12/Nico-Dainjer-Update.aspx#Comments http://letstalkdogs.findeight.com/Home/tabid/40/entryid/12/Nico-Dainjer-Update.aspx Sat, 02 Oct 2010 18:24:00 GMT 0 http://letstalkdogs.findeight.com/DesktopModules/SunBlog/Handlers/Trackback.aspx?id=12 Court Updates http://letstalkdogs.findeight.com/Home/tabid/40/entryid/11/Things-to-know-about-Pack-Structure.aspx not complete by four weeks.  Eight weeks is a much more beneficial time frame for pups to remain with mama dog unless pups have been abandoned or are in danger.  Even better results can be achieved by allowing the pup to remain until 10 to 12 weeks.  This allows mama dog to socialize her pups to many pack behaviors. These behaviors will later be better understood when a new owner takes over implementing similar rules within the new home environment. Mama dog often easily corrects her pups with a raised lip, a subtle growl, a quick nip, or the carrying away by the scruff.  These are all behaviors she uses to teach her pups about danger or that some behaviors are unacceptable.  Pups learn very quickly in this environment how far they can push buttons before a correction is warranted.  As responsible owners we need to allow this learning of our puppies to take place.  Mom knows best and taking pups too soon can lead to behavior problems down the road.  Be responsible dog owners and make your job easier by allowing mama dog to finish what she has started. 

As a new puppy owner, contact Let's Talk Dogs to begin initiating a clear pack structure within your home.  In the beginning, pups are cute and playful.  However, just like children, they need to have clear defined limits established immediately to curb any unwanted behaviors.  Often owners wait until it is too late and behavior problems such as pulling, biting and barking have already set in.  More severe behaviors usually result as very weak pack leadership in which the dog begins to exhibit control over every aspect of the home owner's life.  Examples would be biting when attempting to lay down or pick up food, biting at an owner's feet when walking through the house, growling or nipping when being removed from the owner's bed, growling or biting when put into a crate or removed from a crate, excessive barking, aggression on the leash toward other people or dogs.  These behaviors are no fun to deal with, especially when your cute puppy is now an adult dog with adult teeth.  The unpredictability of a pet can bring great stress to owner's.  The stress on your dog, as well as yourself, can be greatly reduced by presenting your pet with the confidence of a leader, willing to praise good behaviors and correct undesirable behaviors.  (CORRECTIONS ARE NOT HITTING, BEATING, SMACKING, POKING, PULLING, SCREAMING, THROWING, JERKING or SMEARING NOSES IN FECES OR URINE)  THESE ARE NOT METHODS CONDONED OR USED BY LET'S TALK DOGS).

To Learn More About Effective Methods In Raising Your Dog To Respond To You In A Positive Manner - Call Let's Talk Dogs, LLC at 765-413-5270.]]> rebecca http://letstalkdogs.findeight.com/Home/tabid/40/entryid/11/Things-to-know-about-Pack-Structure.aspx#Comments http://letstalkdogs.findeight.com/Home/tabid/40/entryid/11/Things-to-know-about-Pack-Structure.aspx Mon, 23 Aug 2010 19:12:00 GMT 0 http://letstalkdogs.findeight.com/DesktopModules/SunBlog/Handlers/Trackback.aspx?id=11 Court Updates General http://letstalkdogs.findeight.com/Home/tabid/40/entryid/10/What-Makes-Lets-Talk-Dogs-Unique.aspx
Following the evaluation, the next step will be to determine what service will best meet your needs.  Let's Talk Dogs offers in home consults, private sessions, group training sessions, problem solving sessions, seminars on a variety of topics, in home puppy parties - your home of course, and occasional pet sitting!  During all of these services we will be asking questions about your dog's lifestyle to help us determine where problems are coming from.  Believe it or not, medical issues can contribute to bad behavior and so can boredom, lack of exercise, lack of attention, stress and being tied up outside for long periods of time.  Last but not least, poor nutrition can also result in behavioral issues because sometimes our pets just don't feel good based on not having their nutritional needs met.  Can you honestly reach maximum health by eating the same food every day?  Well, neither can they!  How do you behave when you don't feel good?  I'm sure most of us can be pretty grouchy when we don't feel good.  Our pets can be grouchy too, only they don't have a way to tell us what hurts.  They can only act more sedate or more hyper, be more irritable or snappy, or maybe even scratch, jump or bite.  Some of this will be the result of poor pack structure, some will be the result of confusion, and some may be the result of the pet not feeling good.  Now you can see why Let's Talk Dogs considers a holistic perspective in considering your pet's many needs in buildling a quality relationship with the person they love the most - YOU!  To schedule an evaluation or to learn more about our individual services please contact me at woof@letstalkdogs.info or 765-413-5270   ]]> rebecca http://letstalkdogs.findeight.com/Home/tabid/40/entryid/10/What-Makes-Lets-Talk-Dogs-Unique.aspx#Comments http://letstalkdogs.findeight.com/Home/tabid/40/entryid/10/What-Makes-Lets-Talk-Dogs-Unique.aspx Thu, 12 Aug 2010 03:03:00 GMT 0 http://letstalkdogs.findeight.com/DesktopModules/SunBlog/Handlers/Trackback.aspx?id=10