Why Did I Learn To Dog Whisper?

Obviously, I've always been passionate about dogs and learning all I could. But the real reason that I wanted to learn this - how to really communicate with a dog in its own dog body language, to dog whisper - was because some members of my family had some really out-of-control dogs that were simply not respectful of people.

My grandfather's Border Collie and Australian Shepherd were totally balanced, awesome dogs. They were workers. But after both of them had died, my grandparents got a little spoiled wretch of a Cocker Spaniel, Candy.

Candy hated everyone except my grandfather. She owned him! She made it clear by bearing her teeth, especially at my grandmother, and blocking her access to him.

Then the highlight struck. She peed on me!

I took a deep breath, then removed her by the scruff of her neck, and forced her into a sitting position on the floor. I planted that little butt down firmly! (Not hurting her, of course, but I meant business.)

Then I sent her away, not fully recognizing that my body language was perfect to do so. Candy's head and ears went down. She had crossed the boundary, and she knew it.

My grandfather was stunned. He had never seen Candy submit to anything. "You have a way with her," he told me later in private.

"Granddaddy, Candy's not very nice. She's really going to bite someone. And if that someone ends up being Granny. . ."

Granddaddy chuckled, nodding.

A child of nine, I did not know that day that my decision of how to direct my life had been set in stone. I wanted to stop dogs from controlling people in a way that the dogs understood, and that did not harm them. My dream was to become a true pack leader.

I saw so many dogs who had basic dog obedience down, but who were still nasty little wretches. That's when I realized that dog obedience training was not enough. I saw the expressions of disdain in dogs' eyes as owners exclaimed over them. And I saw how other dogs would handle the situation, cleanly and finally.

The years of exposure to the horse whisper, wolf pack ways, and myriad dogs. . . It all came together with the Dog Whisper.

Rena Murray
Dog Whisper Woman

New Bad Dog Behavior - Is Something Wrong?

If your dog does a bad dog behavior that he has never done before, you should check the situation carefully to be sure nothing is wrong. Sometimes a bad dog behavior is an intentional act designed to get your attention.

For example, my Border Collie NEVER mounts anyone... but he walked over to one of my clients and did that to his leg!

I was livid. But somehow I managed to ask the client, "Let me see your leg." Sure enough, it was infected and needed attention ASAP.

Gatsby has never before nor since repeated this bad dog behavior. He was telling me about the health problem in a way that he knew I would listen!

Exercising Your Dog - How Much Is Enough?

What's the truth about dog exercise?

Exercising your dog is critical to keep him both mentally and physically balanced.

It extends dog life, stimulates his appetite, and expends excess energy to calm him down.

But how do you know when your dog has had enough?

My Border Collie runs six miles per day with me on a bike - four miles in the morning, and two in the evening. He loves his runs. So if he indicates to me that he doesn't want to go on, I know for sure and respect the fact that he is not up to it that day.

Any dog who throws a temper tantrum you should make keep going. But if the dog has clearly had enough, then stop.

Some days we humans also have times when we are not fully up to snuff. Why would you expect it to be any different with your dog?

It is also important to remember that not every dog can run the same distance, or at the same speed. In dog training or caring for multiple dogs, it is sometimes tempting to take a group of dogs with you at once rather than making multiple runs yourself. But that is not always wise.

It is a dog health risk for some dogs if you take a pack comprised of different dog breeds and different ages out together and run them a significant distance. Not all are at the same level of physical conditioning and stamina.

For example, Hounds can run 40 hours when on a significant trail. That would kill my Border Collie and many other dogs, who are not built for that.

Use common sense, people!
dog health
dog training