Insight for Dog Lovers

The more you learn about dog psychology, the better you will be able to connect with your canine companion!

Dogs are not humans. Before they receive love and affection, they need exercise, clear direction, and leadership, according to Cesar Millan, the dog whisper. Giving them love alone doesn't create balance in their lives. You must be a pack leader!

Rehabilitating a dog is not about "fixing" it. It's about you, the owner, creating the intention for what you want, not what you’re feeling. Dogs pick up on feelings of fear, doubt, or worry – and they will move to fill them by attempting to become dominant.

Practice unwavering leadership every day, especially on your walk. The energy you're projecting internally is the message you're sending to your dog.

Dedicate at least 45 minutes of time to the dog’s walk in the morning. Let the dog know you have a consistent pattern that you expect it to follow. Utilize your dog's energy in a positive manner.

Don't expect more from your dog(s) than your own children. Dogs need discipline, too. Give them rules, boundaries, and limitations as well as love.

Avoid nurturing your dog's fears or unstable mind. Imagine a successful scenario and hold it in your mind when dealing with your dog.

You are the source of your dog’s energy. You are the role model.

Challenge the dog's mind - dogs want to know what to do with their lives. Let the dog work for your affection. Once in a calm-submissive state, your love will intensify those qualities in your dog.

Dogs need"on" and "off" time. Engage them fully in structured times together; then they can relax and avoid impatient or destructive behaviors.

Tips From Cesar Millan

I enjoy watching Cesar Millan, the dog whisperer, interact with dogs. Have you watched him?

The more you learn about dog psychology, the better you will be able to connect with your canine companion. Here are some basic tips from Cesar Millan:

Dogs are not humans. Before they receive love and affection, they need exercise, clear direction, and leadership. Giving them love alone does not create balance in their lives. Be a pack leader!

Rehabilitating a dog is not about “fixing” it. It’s about you, the owner, creating the intention for what you want, not what you’re feeling. Dogs pick up on feelings of fear, doubt, or worry – and they will move to fill them by attempting to become dominant.

Practice unwavering leadership every day, especially on your walk. The energy you’re projecting internally is the message you’re sending to your dog.

Dedicate at least 45 minutes of time to the dog’s walk in the morning. Let the dog know you have a consistent pattern that you expect it to follow. Utilize your dog’s energy in a positive manner.

Don’t expect more from your dog(s) than your own children. Dogs need discipline, too. Give them rules, boundaries, and limitations as well as love.

Avoid nurturing your dog’s fears or unstable mind. Imagine a successful scenario and hold it in your mind when dealing with your dog.

You are the source of your dog’s energy. You are the role model.

Challenge the dog’s mind – dogs want to know what to do with their lives. Let the dog work for your affection. Once in a calm-submissive state, your love will intensify those qualities in your dog.

Dogs need “on” and “off” time. Engage them fully in structured times together; then they can relax and avoid impatient or destructive behaviors.

Dogs show us how much we can learn – they live in the moment. Try it!

Dogs in the Classroom

Rylee's Kids

Members of Rylee's Kids at Crestview Heights School in Waldport, Oregon, know how much fun animals can be. That's because one of the members of their class is furry and four-legged!

The kids' teacher, Mr. Bodle, feels that having a classroom canine companion is good for his students. "When Rylee is around kids, he's so polite. Everyone loves him," says Mr. Bodle. "And, after spending time with Rylee, the kids have a more caring attitude."

We'd have to agree. Getting to know Rylee has definitely made the kids want to help other animals!

One Penny At a Time

For the past five years, Rylee's Kids have held multiple fundraisers—including a penny collection to help animals left homeless by Hurricane Katrina.

Recently, they focused their efforts on helping an organization called Helping Animals Live On (HALO). To collect donations from the community, the students created papier-mache piggy banks. After painting and decorating the banks, the kids placed them in area stores and businesses.

"Businesses love having the piggy banks," says Mr. Bodle. And their customers must love them too because the fundraiser was a big success! The kids raised $538 to help pay for food and veterinary care for rescued animals.

Rylee's Kids are really awesome!

Find more KIND Kids here!