by Scotty Valadao - Canine Behaviour Consultant and TTouch Practitioner

I received an email from a reader the other day who asked what to do as she had a dog that went absolutely bonkers in the car – to the extent that it had partially destroyed the back seat of the car by biting and tearing out of  sheer excitement, the owner said.  In addition the dog spun around, lunged and barked while in the back seat. As she lived in a really out of the way place with no behaviorists anywhere near her, I attempted to assist by way of giving her some basic instructions to follow and thought these may be of interest to other people who have the same problem.
 
The owner had tried keeping the dog in a crate and also a car harness attached to the seat belts and neither of these worked - the dog became frantic at being restrained in any way. She was so worried about the dog landing on her while driving that she had a barrier installed in the car between the front and back seats to prevent this from happening.  The car was being systematically destroyed, however the dog loved its walks so much and once out the car was well behaved, that she really did not want to stop taking the dog out, but had run out of ideas as to what to try.
 
It transpired that the dog had always exhibited this behavior from the day it was adopted, received daily walks (taken there by car) and at other times the dog was quiet, well behaved and never exhibited the lunatic behavior, and on the way back the dog was quiet and well behaved in the car. 
 
On asking a few questions, it was established that the over exited behavior started the minute the owner took out the lead to take the dog out, so this was our starting point.
 
Here is a summary of the work that the owner undertook and the result was that within a two-week period (with plenty of practice on a daily basis) she had a dog that lay quietly in the car on the back seat or on occasion sat up and looked out the window.
 

• Owner changed the place where the lead was kept continually
• When lead was produced and the dog started getting over excited – the owner just dropped the lead on the floor and walked away. This was repeated over and over (and did I say over!)
• Eventually the dog just stood and looked at the owner. The owner then requested the dog to Sit and the lead was put on. The second owner tried to do this the dog resumed the excitable behavior and this time the lead was attached. Owner repeated as above and just walked away dropping the lead on the floor – owner only went back to resume the exercise when the dog was quiet.
• After a few times the dog sat quietly when the lead was attached. The owner was then instructed to keep the dog at her side (if the dog went in front pulling would occur) and step by step make the way to the door to go outside. If the dog pulled at any stage, owner to stand absolutely still until dog was quiet. This was repeated until the dog would walk calmly and quietly to the car.
• At the same time the owner was told her to achieve a Down and Wait.
• The dog was now entering the car quietly and lying down and owner sat with the dog with the door open – the time period was built up accordingly. To make this easier for both the dog and the owner we suggested that the owner use the Avalon Pure Travel Spray. This spray helps with carsickness, fear of the car, and also the stress associated with travel – I was pretty sure that it would assist in lowering any stress that may have been associated with the car and also the over excitement – just a case of bringing in an additional tool to help the owner and dog be successful.
• Next step was that owner went and sat in the front seat while the dog was in a Down/Wait in the back seat. The car was stationary the whole time. It is simply impossible (and dangerous) to train a dog in a moving car. The dog was rewarded with quiet praise “good settle” on a regular basis and owner was encouraged to keep up this work inside the home.
• What occurred next was that dog was supplied with a Kong, which had been stuffed with delicious smelling goodies to chew on in the back seat.
• Next step was owner went up and down the driveway and if the dog reacted, the car was stopped – dog told to Down.
• The owner now started making short trips around the block and each time she came back home, the delicious Kong was taken away – the dog was taken out the car and back into the home. The Kong was only used for car trips.
• Gradually the owner extended the distance and within two weeks the problem was a thing of the past and the dog started to Sit up and look out of the window in addition to chewing on the Kong. Owner repeatedly gave the cue ‘good settle’ to the dog – remembering to reward with praise the behaviour the owner did like.

 
It was recommended to the owner that the ‘Good Settle’ was practiced on a regular basis and that the dog was never allowed to enter the car when excited.
 
Time period this will take - how long is a piece of string! It depends totally on the work the owner puts in and how consistent they are. Under no circumstances is the dog allowed to perform the previous behaivour in th car, so daily walks are not an option while the above exercise is taking place. The owner needs to find other ways of working off excess energy. Additionally, the above may not work for every single dont and other aspects may need to be brought in. Good luck if you decide to try this yourself. 

(Scotty is founder of www.friendsofthedog.co.za, a canine behaviour consultant and TTouch practitioner and offers private consults, workshops, Canine Behaivour Foundation Course and Canine Behaviour Shelter Course. She can be contacted at admin@fods.co.za or 073 735 0469)
 
 
 
 

16 Things You Should Stop Doing in Order to Be Happy with Your Dog
Cover photo from the author’s book from 1986 “Hunden, vor ven” (The Dog, Our Friend) (photo by Ole Suszkievicz).
 
Here is a list of 16 things you should stop doing in order to make life with your dog happier and your relationship stronger. Difficult? Not at all. You just need to want to do it and then simply do it. You can begin as soon as you finish reading this.
1. Stop being fussy--don’t worry, be happy
Like most things in life, being a perfectionist has its advantages and disadvantages. When you own a dog, you tend to live by Murphy’s Law. Anything that can go wrong will go wrong. There are so many variables that things seldom go 100% the way you expect. You can and should plan and train, but be prepared to accept all kinds of variations, improvisations, and minor mishaps along the way as long as no one is injured, of course. In most situations, less than perfect is better than good. Why worry about perfection—a concept that only exists in your mind—and doesn’t make anyone happy, neither you nor your dog?
2. Stop being too serious--have a laugh
If you don’t have a good sense of humor, don’t live with a dog. Dog ownership gives rise to many mishaps where laughter is the best way out. Mishaps are only embarrassing in our minds. Your dog doesn’t even know what embarrassment is, and you should follow its example. As long as no one gets hurt, just laugh at your and your dog’s mistakes.
3. Stop your desire to control everything--take it as it comes
When life with a dog is often dictated by Murphy’s Law, if you attempt to control your dog’s every move, you’ll end up with an ulcer or fall into a depression. Give up your need to control. Of course, you should be able to manage your dog’s behavior reasonably well for safety’s sake, but you should let go of anything that is not a matter of life or death. Reasonable rules are necessary and serve a purpose, but total control is unnecessary and self-defeating. Take it as it comes and keep smiling!
4. Stop apportioning blame--move on
When things go wrong, and they will, I assure you, don’t waste your time apportioning blame. Was it your fault, the dog’s fault, or the neighbor’s cat’s fault? Who cares? Move on and, if you found the scenario all rather upsetting, try to foresee a similar situation in the future and avoid it. If it was no big deal, forget about it.
5. Stop believing in old wives’ tales--be critical
The world is full of irrational, unfounded old wives’ tales. These days, the Internet provides us with quick and easy access to a lot of valuable information—and a lot of junk as well: bad arguments, bad definitions, unsubstantiated claims, fallacies, emotional statements, pseudo-science, sales promotions, hidden political agendas, religious preaching, etc. Of course, in the name of freedom of expression, I believe everyone should be allowed to post whatever they like, even the purest and most refined crap—but both you and I also have the right to disregard it. Use your critical thinking. Don’t stop asking yourself, “How can that be?” and “How did he/she come to that conclusion?” Suspend judgment and action until you have had time to ponder on it and, if necessary, seek a second and third opinion. If the argument is sound and you like it, then do it. If the argument is sound, but you don’t like it, don’t do it and think more about it. If the argument is unsound, reject it and think no more about it. Make up your own mind and do what you think is right.
6. Stop caring about labels--be free
We are over-swamped by labels because labels sell, but they only sell if you buy them. Should you be a positive, ultra-positive, R+, R+P-, balanced, naturalistic, moralistic, conservative, realistic, progressive, clickerian or authoritarian dog owner? Stop caring about what label you should bear. When you enjoy a great moment with your dog, the label you bear is irrelevant. A label is a burden; it restricts you and takes away your freedom. Labels are for insecure people who need to hide behind an image. Believe in yourself, be the dog owner you want to be and you won’t need labels.
7. Stop caring about what others think--live your life
You spend very little time with most of the people you meet, significantly more with family and close friends, but you live your whole life with yourself. So, why care about what other people think about you as a dog owner or your dog’s behavior, when you probably won’t see them again or will only ever see them sporadically? If they like you and your dog, fine. If they don’t, it’s not your problem.
8. Stop complaining--don’t waste your time
You only have a problem when there is a discrepancy between the way things are and the way you expect them to be. If your expectations are realistic, try and do something about achieving them. If they’re not, stop complaining, it’s a waste of time and energy. If you can do something about it, do it. If you can’t, move on. Period.
9. Stop excusing yourself--be yourself
You don’t have to excuse yourself or your dog for the way you are. As long as you don’t bother anyone, you are both entitled to do what you like and be the way you are. You don’t need to be good at anything, whether it be Obedience, Agility, Musical Free Style, Heel Work to Music, Flyball, Frisbee Dog, Earth Dog, Ski-Joring, Bike-Joring, Earthdog, Rally-O, Weight Pulling, Carting, Schutzhund, Herding, Nose Work, Therapy, Field Trials, Dock Dogs, Dog Diving, Disc Dogs, Ultimate Air Dogs, Super Retriever, Splash Dogs, Hang Time, Lure Course Racing, Sled Dog Racing or Treibball; and you don’t need excuses as to why not. You don’t even need to excuse the fact that your dog can’t sit properly. Change what you want to change and can change; and don’t waste time and energy thinking about what you don’t want to, don’t need to or can’t change. Do whatever you and your dog enjoy, however you like, so that both you and your dog are happy. It’s as simple as that!
10. Stop feeling bad--act now
If you’re unhappy with any particular aspect of your life with your dog, do something to change it. Identify the problem, set a goal, make a plan and implement it. Feeling bad and guilty doesn’t help anyone—it doesn’t help you, your dog, or the cherished ones with whom you share your life.
11. Stop your urge to own--be a mate
The ownership of living beings is slavery; and, thankfully, slavery is abolished. Don’t regard yourself as the owner of your dog. Think of your dog as a younger and less experienced mate you are responsible for and needs your guidance. You don’t own your children, your partner or your friends either.
12. Stop dependency--untie your self
Love has nothing to do with dependency, obsession and craving, quite the contrary. Love your dog but don’t create mutual dependency. Have a life of your own and give your dog some space. You and your dog are two independent individuals. Enjoy living together as free agents, not being addicted each other. Stop projecting yourself onto your dog.
13. Stop turning your dog into a substitute--show respect
A dog is a dog, and it is indeed a remarkable living being. Love it, enjoy its company, but don’t make it a substitute for a human partner, a friend, a child or a spouse. To expect anyone to be a substitute is the greatest disrespect you can show to a human as well as non-human animal—and to yourself. Stop letting your dog play a role for you and begin to love your dog as a dog.
14. Stop rationalizing--be truthful
All relationships are trades: you give and you take. There’s nothing wrong with that as long as there is balance. Be honest with yourself: what does your dog give you and what do you give your dog? If you find that one of you is almost solely a giver or a taker, think about it and redress the balance. Your dog needs you, just as you need your dog and there’s nothing wrong with that, as long as you both are givers and takers. You didn’t get your dog just to save the poor, little creature. You got your dog so you could both enjoy a solid and fruitful partnership.
15. Stop wanting what you can’t have--be happy with what you’ve got
That is a very common human characteristic: you always want what you haven’t, and you are blind to all the good you do have. Your dog gives you a great deal, and the two of you can be perfectly happy together, even if your dog is not particularly good at anything. It’s amazing how dog owners say they love their dogs, and yet they spend most of the time trying to change their behavior. Focus on what you do have, not on what you don’t, appreciate it and be grateful for it.
16. Stop fighting yourself--follow your heart
There are many different ways of being a good dog owner, and yours is your own and different to everyone else’s. It’s your life. As long as you don’t harm anyone, live it the way that feels good for you. Listen to experts, ponder on their advice, but, at the end of the day, do what you feel is right for you, follow your heart. Be yourself.
Life is great!
 

We were sent these and cant resists sharing with you - no original source sorry, came on one of those multipl emails. We just love the Pippi /ChiChi cross and the mind boggles as to how this came about - would love one of the Pippi cross Husky as well - those eyes. Enjoy Guys.

(this video really is a tribute to all those involved in resuce, shelters, fostering etc, and we would like to share it with you today as our way of saying THANK YOU to you all – you really are appreciated!)
 
This video was created in gratitude to all the animals rescuers, no-kill shelters, sanctuaries and kind hearted souls who have given loving homes to animals in need. You are the guardian angels of the exploited, neglected and unwanted and your work to ease suffering and give life back to those who have lost hope is truly appreciated.

Unexplained Powers of Animals
I doubt that there is an animal lover out there that does not agree with at least some of the findings by Rupert Sheldrake on the unexplained power of animals (better known for his book Dogs That Know When Their Owners Are Coming Home) and I myself use aspects of a dog seeming to know what we are thinking and feeling in behaviour modification on a regular basis with great success.
I came across these writings from Rupert Sheldrake’s website and thought a lot of you would enjoy, especially the research below – for the pdf versions of the research you will have to access his website at http://www.sheldrake.org/research/animal-powers
Rupert Sheldrake
In the late 1980s and early 1990s I explored a variety of experimental approaches for the investigation of unexplained phenomena that might help to enlarge our scientific view of the world, summarised in my book Seven Experiments That Could Change the World: A Do-It-Yourself Guide to Revolutionary Science (1994).
One of the seven experiments concerned unexplained abilities of animals, and I published a series of papers on the unexplained powers of animals, (see papers below). I summarised much of this research in my book Dogs That Know When Their Owners Are Coming Home, And Other Unexplained Powers of Animals. A fully revised and updated edition of this book was published in the US in 2011 (Three Rivers Press, New York). You can see a video of an experiment with Jaytee, a dog who knew when his owner was coming home.
My research with Aimée Morgana into the telepathic powers of her African Grey Parrot, Nkisi, led to the celebrated debate at the London RSA with Prof Lewis Wolpert, which is featured on this website: The Telepathy Debate. More information is available on Nkisi, including a tape of one of his conversations with Aimée in The Nkisi project .
http://www.sheldrake.org/research/animal-powers
Scientific Papers on Animal Powers
 
(view pdf’s via his website as above)
Show All Details Hide All Details
Testing a Language - Using a Parrot for Telepathy
A Dog That Seems To Know When His Owner is Coming Home
Videotaped Experiments and Observations
Testing a Return-Anticipating Dog, Kane
Commentary on a Paper by Wiseman, Smith and Milton
on the 'Psychic Pet' Phenomenon
The 'Psychic Pet' Phenomenon: Correspondence
A Dog That Seems To Know When His Owner is Returning:
Preliminary Investigations
Perceptive Pets: A Survey in London
Perceptive Pets: A Survey of North-West California
Psychic Pets: A Survey in North-West England
Listen to the Animals: Why did so many animals escape December's tsunami?
Perceptive Pets with Puzzling Powers: Three Surveys

What this means is that your dog tends to be more active at dawn and dusk - hence the mad half hour that often happens at these times. Thank heavens they are prone to be quieter during the day - we are often at work!
 This is common in predators because prey species are more abundant-although more difficult to see- at dawn and dusk and as our dogs evolved from their predatory ancestors, this applies to them (well most of them anyway!)