What dogs and elephants have in common

My family and I were lucky enough to spend a week on safari enjoying the peace and quiet of nature and being surrounded by wild animals. My time spent in the bush really got me thinking about just how whizzed up my brain gets and how has a culture we are running around busy a lot of the time. In many ways I love it, I like taking actioning and getting things done, however, I can see how I miss a lot and I can see how our dogs reflect our behaviour. The more whizzed up we are in our heads the more high energy, reactive, and over excited our dogs will be. 

Animals living in their natural environment away from the influence of humans are so much more relaxed, in tune with life and each other. The bond between the herd of the 9 elephants that live on the reserve we visit is obvious to see. They move together, they protect each other, they play together and they feed together. It's so beautiful to observe.  When out driving on the reserve if you see 1 elephant you will see all 9 and if you don't, look behind you!! it can be quite unnerving when you can't see the 9th one.... 

I think it's really helpful to acknowledge that our dogs do not live in their natural environment, tho what that actually is for our domestic dogs is unknown.

We do know;

• They are not responsible for finding their own food and water 
• They are not responsible for finding their own shelter
• They are not responsible for staying safe

All of that is confusing in itself and once you add in our crazy world of cars, bikes, skateboards, buggies  scooters, lots of other dogs in way too small an area etc etc. It's no wonder they are so confused. 

Our domestic dogs live in a world they do not understand.

Because of this they cannot take on the role of decision-maker and be the leader of your pack. However, and this is really really important to know if they don't see a suitable leader in their eyes they will take on the role themselves. It's instinctive, it's for their survival, it's for the same reason the elephants move as a herd. 

It's this confusion that is the source of about 99.9% of dog behavioural issues we see today. 

The more you can do to help your dog see you making all the decisions, the more they will relax and the more any reactive behaviours will subside, seemingly all by themselves. 

In Peaceful Paws we spend lots of time looking at the world through the dog's eyes, it's fascinating and immediately improves the bond with dog and owner through understanding and compassion for why they do what they do.  

Just imagine if we tried to bring an elephant or a rhino or a giraffe into our world........

Peaceful paws always, 

Julie x