Genetics or Learning

So what happens when someone acquires a dog that is not a puppy anymore? Since socialization has such a short window, a lot of people will not have the opportunity to socialize their new dog. While this is true, the good news is that dogs never stop learning. Yes, indeed, it is not the same to be able to take advantages of the first 12 weeks of the puppy’s life when puppies are fearless - and this is why their learning is enormously boundless.

When we are trying to right a wrong now that the dog is not a puppy anymore we will find ourselves with a tremendous investment of time for a smaller return. However, it is still well- advised to do the work if this means that the life of the pup will be better as the dog learns to be more resilient to novelty and learns to feel comfortable in a multitude of circumstances.

This brings me to the topic of genetics and learned experience. Which one of the two has more “weight” when it comes to making a difference in any dog’s behavior?

The answer is that they both do. There are behaviors that are deeply ingrained in the nature of the animal - still this does not mean that they are forever sealed without any possibility of change.
Others, are much more malleable and as such less resistant to change. I would also say that genetics and learning are much too complex to try and pinpoint with exact certitude as to the turn of events when it comes to making permanent changes in our dogs. One thing is for sure: If we capitulate to the lack of early experience or genetics, instead of giving the dog an opportunity for learning new behaviors, new ways to cope and relate, then we must agree that a puppy’s impoverished first weeks and genetics will always win.

The challenges that come with change are very often enormous and it is unfortunate that we (dog owners, trainers, breeders and shelters) find ourselves pressed for resources many a times. It seems that there is never enough money, time, trust, energy, etc. etc. It is also accurate to say, “that not all can be saved”. There are times where I feel this is the best option -especially when the well-being of the dog or someone's safety is at stake. However, positive changes in the behavior of our dogs do take place on a regular basis and each one of them serves as a spotlight for hope.

Collecting Dogs

While speaking to a potential client over the phone, she mentioned to me that her third dog had “fallen on their laps” as they had rescued this young pup from a really bad situation. For me there is no need in repeating the details of animal abuse… I know it happens, but repeating them with gory details makes me sick to my stomach and sends me into a Buddhist refrain: It is (life, circumstances) what it is. Truth be said that this mantra is about the only thing that can give me some consolation when I hear the sad state of affairs, especially when it involves the innocent - such as animals. So please excuse me if I stop you on your tracks should you begin to tell me about stories of abuse… la, la, la, I don’t want to hear them as I put my hands to my ears, la, la, la, I sing to avoid hearing.

I have some theories about why we feel the need to repeat these stories but I will not get into them in this post, instead I want to talk about what hearing about other people’s dogs can sometimes do to me - this is regardless if they have been abused or not.

As my client is describing the dog, which is a young rowdy pup - oh I love rowdy because I see so much potential! I begin to feel, well… jealous? In truth I begin to covet her pup. I want this pup for me! And this has  happened on more than one occasion. So it brings me to the next line of thought: How many dogs is one too many to share your life with? Notice I did not use the verb “own”.

How does one know (trainers: this question is specifically directed to you…) when adding one more dog is really not such a great idea because you already have “x” number of dogs? Or you do not have the time to train and properly care for them? Or the money to take care of all the medical needs that sure enough will arise at some point in the life of the pup?

It is, of course, a personal question that merits an individual response; this I get. I am not trying to sound moralistic. Then again, we do need to be aware of what dogs need in order to make their lives not just a bunch of days one followed by another, but truly great.

I have some trainer friends (I love you all) that have been collecting dogs. They told me that what happened was that they got dog number “x” as an agility dog and their dog either was not as good as they thought – no one's fault, this happens, or their dog got old, injured etc. So instead of getting rid of their dog, which is completely fantastic, the dog continues to be a part of their family. And, they decide to get another dog in hopes that they can continue with agility, nose work, herding or whatever their passion in dog sports might be.

I have other friends who have adopted a dog that they met when volunteering at a shelter. One particular dog had some “issues” that a trainer friend of mine wanted to address. Big kudos from me to my friend because living and working with dogs that have severe “issues” is no picnic.

Now, let’s pause for a moment. Can anyone agree on what the right number of pets night be? I think not. Every household is different, pet parents are all different, with different goals, lifestyles and bank accounts. In addition, one might argue, dogs are social beings so having an always-there pal is kind of doggie-heaven for most of them, so bring them on!

On a personal note, I am as big a sucker just as anyone of my friends that I'm writing about. I honestly feel warmth in the belly when I see photos of super cute puppies from the local shelter… which one do I want, which one do I want, can’t decided… as if selecting a pastry or chocolate at the bakery.

My compulsion is not only because pups are super cute (there is a reason for this too you know) but also because as a trainer I see potential - a challenge. I want to see this dog transformed into a very happy and well-behaved companion. Someone I want to spend a lot of time with. It is kind of crazy isn't it? Now, having [only] two dogs - super cool both of them: Deuce and Rioja, I am coveting a very small dog. Think Chihuahua - a very different kind of dog for me. What is keeping me from adding this small creature to our family are simple practical things that only a Virgo of the worst kind (yes, I am a Virgo… kind of a drag) would consider. Where would he stay when the other two larger dogs are playing outside in the fenced-in-yard that has big enough holes that my (imaginary) Chihuahua could easily fit through? What about this little guy getting injured by a client’s dog that has ill manners? Or if I am walking with Rioja (mid-size) and Deuce (a bit more than mid-size) will my small Chihuahua keep up? And how about if we come across coyotes?

Besides my tedious ruminations, adding a third/ additional dog to a household unleashes a change in the dynamic already established by the resident dogs. With dogs there is without a doubt also a preference for friends and playmates and a real period of adjusting. Having to share toys, attention, resting places all take a toll on dogs. I guess the point of this “conversation” is not so much, at least at this point in the conversation, if should I get a third dog but experiencing my desire for yet another dog.

Thinking about the logistics of everyday living has given me a mirror to my soul. Don't you believe that if we pay attention to our relationship with our animals, they have the capability to mirror back to us? For me at least, (would LOVE to hear what you folks out there experience…) dogs are a perfect vehicle for reflection. My relationship with dogs (and specifically my dogs) ties me down in obligation but it also liberates me because I experience lots of joy. Our relationships also give me an opportunity to address my fears and aspirations, which in my book, is the hallmark of true friendship.

Here Is A Riddle For You:

What does a foot brace and dogs have in common? The answer: They both teach you to slow the heck down!

I will not comment any further on my foot injury because it is getting tiresome, but I will tell you what I keep experiencing and learning over and over again. After I came back from Mexico and my dad’s 80th birthday (lovely celebration in spite of a nasty cold… achoo!) I went to pick up Louie once again at the shelter where he had to stay while I was away. When I came to pick him up, while happy to see me, his ticket to freedom- he was not so “needy.” Instead, he had grown more confident. By this I mean that he did not need my constant reassurance and physical interaction as he had in the past. Now, as shelter staffer Suzanne held is leash, he was clearly happy to leave the confinement of the shelter and began to engage with his environment as if taking the whole thing in in one-big swoop.

We proceed to put Louie in the car. He has done this same maneuver almost a dozen times. We take it slow. While I hold him on the leash with the door open wide, Suzanne calls Louie from the other side of the car as a chicken rests on the back seat and the floor. Come on Louie, let’s go, I tell him and he looks at me as if incredulous that he gets to leave the shelter or that we are trying this thing one more time.

I suddenly see myself taking a deep breath aware that I am getting a bit frustrated and remind myself that I will still feel kind of bad from this persistent cold a few minutes later, that perhaps the best policy is to just slow the heck down. I allow Louie to take his time -- however long his time might be. Who knows, perhaps this dog is psychic…just as I am done thinking this, he makes his big move by placing his big front paw inside the car. Ahhh, here we go, and the rest of the body follows.
Now with Louie laying comfortably in the back seat I can’t help but feeling “proud” of myself for honoring his wishes, for not pushing my agenda and taking in this valuable lesson: slooow the heck down!

We say our goodbyes to shelter staff and off we go. As I am driving home I think about life, dogs and transitions. Transitions can be difficult for dogs, especially when it involves new experiences, novel experiences one after the other or if the dog is on the “shy” side. Transitions are a big part of life, perhaps life is indeed infinite, yet long (super long if you are lucky :)) string of discreet transitions: one after the other. The choice is still ours: How will we allow ourselves and those that depend upon us for their well being to make those transitions? Are we going to just get the job done or instead allow for a gentle systematic and conscious approach so that the change adds to their quality of life?

I am super happy that today I chose for slow and respectful. I realized Louie needed more time – which as I said and is often the case, it was just a little more time to be able to shift gears. We are home and I get out of the car kind of victorious, nice goin’ and I make another smart choice and I walk slowly. Mindfully. Allowing myself the transition of steps – funky steps that one makes when walking with a leg brace. Inside Laika and Deuce are waiting. They spot Louie through the front window: mouths open, tails wagging two seconds later I am surrounded by these three good friends and we transition into play.