Why are dogs MANS BEST FRIEND?

Matt Covey — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:59:40 +0000

Do you know the only two creatures on the entire planet that have been proven to understand the gesture of pointing? The answer is humans and dogs. Growing up around dogs and working as a professional trainer and behaviorist, I have long known that most dogs understand the gesture, but I recently read an article in TIME magazine that really surprised me. It showed research that had proven that even chimpanzees with their incredibly advanced brain and almost human like behaviors didn’t understand when humans pointed at something. This is pretty surprising considering one chimp has mastered 240 words with sign language. What explains this phenomenon? The answer is not that dogs are smarter, it lies in how they apply their brain. Dogs are naturally social creatures that crave interaction with other dogs and especially with humans. As they evolved, the most social dog was the most likely to reproduce since he would get favorable treatment from humans. This has given us a species that from birth can understand human gestures that even other primates don’t comprehend. I hope that this shows you the importance of using body language when training your dog. Weak body language shows the dog that he can push you around and strong body language shows the opposite. I also frequently see situations where a humans body language confuses a dog and makes the situation worse. One example is when someone tells a dog to come as they walk towards the dog. This is a clear indicator to the dog to stay where he is (when the alpha approaches they typically stay in position or lower themselves to the ground). So the next time you are having issues with your dog ask yourself, is my body saying the same thing that my mouth is?

Matt Covey

Suburban K-9

Bark Avenue Daycamp

Bartlett, Il

SIT….DOWN….STAY….COME……

Bark Avenue — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 00:20:19 +0000

By: Michelle Sarwas
Do these commands sound familiar? They are 4 of the basic commands every dog needs to learn to be his/her best and to demonstrate good manners. If you dog has not learned these commands than our Obedience Training Class is for you. Participants in this class will meet 1 night a week for 6 weeks for a 1 hour group training session. During these classes, we will teach you how to properly teach your dogs and your dogs will learn that when they listen to you, they are rewarded with your love, praise, and attention – which is all they really want.

SIT? STAY? IN JUST A MINUTE…..MAYBE…

Ever experience this fun little challenge from your lovable pooch? You know how it goes. You and your pal go outside for a walk or to play and all of a sudden your usually obedient dog is interested in everything and anything, except you that is! You could shout commands all day long but your pup has an agenda all his/her own. If this sounds all too familiar you and your pooch are likely candidates for our Distraction Class. These group classes also meet weekly for a 1 hour training session. During this 5 week class we will help you teach your dog to obey your commands in any situation, regardless of the surrounding distractions. Sign Up Now

If you would like to reserve your spot or get additional information please call us at 630-289-8470.

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Why are dogs MANS BEST FRIEND?

SIT….DOWN….STAY….COME……