Living with Small Dogs

August 31, 2015

I see all kinds of issues in my practice, but one that comes up again and again is behavior issues in small dogs. I know that some of these are specific to the type of dog and what they were bred to do, but often they are simple mistakes that their person is making.

Housetraining – Any dog can be trained where to do his business if you are diligent and consistent and make it a good experience for the dog. Since they are small, it’s hard to keep an eye on them, so use a leash when you are training. So often with little dogs they are allowed to use pads or even the floor. Because it’s easier to wipe up that little bit of pee than do a lot of training, small dogs get away with this. You don’t have this issue with a Malamute or St. Bernard – we wouldn’t allow it.

Socialization – Many people are overly protective of toy or small dogs and don’t allow them to be socialized with other dogs when they are puppies. This is a big mistake. Dogs need this interaction to become confident and well adjusted. Socialize your little dog carefully, but don’t coddle him. Protecting a dog all the time makes him fearful and sometimes aggressive because they don’t know how to act with dogs. They can also pick up the person’s fear.

The same is true for socialization with people. Put your dog on the ground and let him approach people on his own. If you are always holding your dog, he can feel trapped and defensive when people approach. Let your dog spend time with children while you supervise the interaction. Ask people to sit on the ground or floor to meet your dog so they are less threatening.

Obedience Training – It’s just as important that you train a small dog as a large one. Many small dog behavior issues can be effectively managed, reduced or prevented altogether through reward-based training that focuses on fun and motivation. Most small dogs are eager to learn simple obedience and tricks for tasty treats. Remember, a well-trained dog gets to do more things than an untrained one. To assure a happy life for you little dog, find a positive, reward based trainer that works with little dogs. It’s the best investment you can make in your dogs psychological health.

Too much information?

August 19, 2015

I have been teaching How to Communicate with Animals workshops for 16 years now. I’m happy and proud to say that some of my former students have gone on to become professional communicators. It’s always wonderful to see these women in publications or on-line.

Anyone can expand their telepathic skills to communicate with animals – really!  I mean it. You just have to make the commitment and do it! There really is no excuse. If you want to do this you can – it just takes a little instruction and a lot of practice.

I’ve heard many excuses or fears from potential students and one that always makes me laugh is the fear that they will be inundated with information from animals all the time. If this is something you worry about – let it go.

Communicating with animals is a deliberate act. I have to sit down and get quiet and close my eyes to really hear an animal. It is not like that Eddie Murphy Dr. Doolittle movie, but sometimes I wish it was! Wouldn’t that be fun to hear what all the animals in the neighborhood are saying?

If you want to deepen your connection to your pet or wild animals or any species for that matter, learn how to communicate with them telepathically. There are lots of great “how to” books and many teachers available. I love teaching and am constantly amazed at how much information people get in their very first class.

Join me to learn soon. I have a workshop in Los Angeles, Sept 26 & 27, then another in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on Oct. 31 & Nov 1. I am also teaching teleclasses now. You don’t even have to leave home to learn about Animal Death and Spirituality with two classes on August 22^nd. You’ll find all the information on my website, www.marygetten.com

It’s time to drop the excuses and get busy expanding your animal communication skills. You know you want to – just do it!

Coyotes - Good or Bad?

August 13, 2015

In the past thirty years, coyote populations have been on the rise. You can now find them in every state, except Hawaii, and in all major cities in the US where several researchers are studying them.

I have heard many stories from dog owners who have had encounters with coyotes on their walks. One dog was actually grabbed by a coyote while on leash and taken away! Just a few weeks ago, there was a local news story here in Florida about a woman who lost her dog in her driveway in the middle of the day, but these stories are uncommon.

For years I’ve found that many “lost” cats were actually taken by coyotes. This winter, my neighbor saw a coyote running down our street in the middle of the night with a cat in his mouth. I find coyote poo in my fenced backyard regularly. They are definitely around.

Is this a real danger? Probably not. Urban coyotes avoid humans and reports of attacks on humans are rare. It may be an issue for your pets, but it depends on where you live and the amount of food that your local coyote population has available.

Cats and dogs are not natural prey of coyotes. Coyotes are scavengers as well as predators and do a lot for the environment. Studies of urban coyotes find that most of their diet consists of rats, fruit, deer, birds and rabbits. In some areas they are actually decreasing the problematic Canada geese and rat populations.

Check with your local Fish and Wildlife office to find out if there are any coyote issues in your area. Be aware of your surrounds when out walking your dog especially at dawn, dusk and at night. That’s when coyotes are most active. Do not leave food or garbage where they can get it, and never intentionally feed one.

If you do encounter a coyote, make yourself large, yell and throw rocks or sticks, keep your dog on leash, back away slowly, and if you have it, use pepper or bear spray, air horns or anything else that will scare them off.

Most coyotes want to avoid people, so let’s enjoy it if we are lucky enough to see one, and remember to keep your pets safe when they are out and about.