The conversation went like this…
New Client: The behaviorist told me that there are behavioral trends among dogs from Alabama that are different from Texan dogs.
Me: Next time just call Miss Cleo if you want to throw away your money.
New Client: Really?
Me: uh-huh. What medication did she recommend?
New Client: Zoloft
Me: Fuck that
New Client: Okay, so cognitive behavior therapy?
Me: Yeah, let’s lay the smack down and if he really needs something I’ll just give him a pot cookie.
Friends, there is a time and a place for a good behaviorist. It is NOT before you’ve tried real, balanced training. The trend toward positive-only and force-free training and the medical community so quick to medicate dogs instead of correcting behavior is a disaster.
Yes, some dogs need meds just like some people need meds. However, MOST dogs do not. ALL dogs need manners, boundaries and purpose. If you commit to being your dog’s leader and providing those things chances are better than not that you will not need to use drugs to bring peace into your home.
Willie was fitted with a muzzle and a prong collar. He went for a walk with my dogs, Pony & Gigi, and pack graduate, Ozzie. He resisted at first since the collar was new and the concept of being held accountable was new. Don’t get me wrong, his family is doing their best. They didn’t know that their choices- made out of compassion and in an effort to be helpful- were the opposite of what he needed. But now that they know better they are going to do better. Within the first half-mile he was walking calmly and posing for pictures with the pack. Another quarter-mile and he sat still as strange dogs passed us. Before the last quarter-mile the muzzle was off and he was obeying his dad, looking up to him for guidance and sitting on command.
All this in the first hour. Without drugs.
Please, don’t reach for the pill bottle before you reach for the can of whoop ass. Respect your dog enough to give him boundaries, structure, consequences and discipline. Willie’s dad headed back to New Jersey shortly thereafter and the little dog settled down in his crate for a snooze. Look for an update in a week or so. I predict it’s going to be amazing.
Love & Belly Rubs,
Zia
I can’t love everything about this enough. Oakley was not through all the struggles of poor Willie, but we were at our wits end. We were not even able to walk her because of her behavior, which through your training it was identified as insecurity . Now that she is able to focus on just being a dog her self confidence has sky rocketed! It’s only been about 8 weeks, we are so excited to see how she excels as she keeps gaining confidence. Looking forward to seeing you bloom Willie, you are in the best hands. 🐾❤️🐾
<3 Oakley will continue to bloom!
Build that confidence up in the dog — and the owner!!! I didn’t want to do meds for Ellie but we were close!!! Love it can of whoop ass!!!!!