My dogs often get permission - even though some might shake their heads and think that we two-legged ones should always be in charge. Here's why we've chosen a different path...
Do you know that? On your evening walk, your dog only wants to go one way. Maybe he sits down stubbornly and waits until he has convinced you to go the "right way"? Or does the dog have his own opinion about when it's time to eat, when he wants to be cuddled, etc.?
Here at home we certainly know that. And yes: Now someone will probably say that "we are in charge of that"! - Because if the dog is not allowed, then it will not become "stubborn" and will decide for itself. That is probably correct, but our dogs must be allowed to be "stubborn", and they must also decide from time to time. Of course, within reasonable limits. There are of course lots of situations where a dog has to do as we have decided. Yes, in fact, this applies to the vast majority of situations in a dog's life: Again and again it must conform to our habits, everyday life, and what we have time for. Very rarely can the dog do what it wants most. And that is precisely why my dogs must be allowed to have a little say in the situations where it is possible.
Fortunately, I know that the old adage that humans must constantly show "who's in charge" is easy to put on the shelf - even though I unfortunately still meet both dog trainers and owners who believe them. On the other hand, I have been pleased that researchers have actually found out (don't ask me how) that dogs who have a certain degree of co-determination and influence over their lives are happier dogs. And it is precisely situations, such as occasionally being allowed to decide which way - and at what pace - the walk should go, that can give a dog a better quality of life. Make them happier, less stressed and filled with more initiative.
So I am happy about my "stubborn" and independent dogs - even if it is sometimes a little annoying when they have too many opinions. But is your dog also "stubborn"? - so congratulations on your happy dog.
About the blogger:
Karoline lives in Birkerød with her boyfriend and their two golden retrievers, Frida and Vilde. Karoline is a trained veterinarian and dog trainer and is co-founder of the dog running club Dirty Paws, where she is also a trainer/rope keeper in the local club in North Zealand. Frida and Line love running canicross together and have participated in many competitions at home and abroad, including the European Championships and the World Championships. Their most important motto, however, is "Better together" - that the trips are about teamwork and understanding for each other. And that everyone can join in. In addition to canicross, they also participate in K9 biathlons (obstacle races with dogs) and do dog fitness. And hiking both in Denmark and around Europe is also a hit.
Frida is a super fast runner when it comes to it. And can hike for hours in the Alps. But she also just loves to be petted on the stomach and sleep for a long time. She can be stubborn as a donkey if there is something she doesn't like. On evening walks, for example, she is the one who decides the route. And she "talks" a lot by purring, including when she thinks she has earned an extra treat.
Vilde is from the spring of 2023 - and in many ways Frida's opposite. She is full of mischief and always happy and cheeky. She can howl like a wolf or jump like a kangaroo when she gets impatient - and otherwise she is a smart and brave girl who loves wild play and training. She will do pretty much anything for a treat.
Frida, Vilde and Karoline can be found on Instagram with the profile @teamgoldenpower
Is your dog allowed to be "stubborn" and decisive?
My dogs often get permission - even though some might shake their heads and think that we two-legged ones should always be in charge. Here's why we've chosen a different path...
Do you know that? On your evening walk, your dog only wants to go one way. Maybe he sits down stubbornly and waits until he has convinced you to go the "right way"? Or does the dog have his own opinion about when it's time to eat, when he wants to be cuddled, etc.?
Here at home we certainly know that. And yes: Now someone will probably say that "we are in charge of that"! - Because if the dog is not allowed, then it will not become "stubborn" and will decide for itself. That is probably correct, but our dogs must be allowed to be "stubborn", and they must also decide from time to time. Of course, within reasonable limits. There are of course lots of situations where a dog has to do as we have decided. Yes, in fact, this applies to the vast majority of situations in a dog's life: Again and again it must conform to our habits, everyday life, and what we have time for. Very rarely can the dog do what it wants most. And that is precisely why my dogs must be allowed to have a little say in the situations where it is possible.
Fortunately, I know that the old adage that humans must constantly show "who's in charge" is easy to put on the shelf - even though I unfortunately still meet both dog trainers and owners who believe them. On the other hand, I have been pleased that researchers have actually found out (don't ask me how) that dogs who have a certain degree of co-determination and influence over their lives are happier dogs. And it is precisely situations, such as occasionally being allowed to decide which way - and at what pace - the walk should go, that can give a dog a better quality of life. Make them happier, less stressed and filled with more initiative.
So I am happy about my "stubborn" and independent dogs - even if it is sometimes a little annoying when they have too many opinions. But is your dog also "stubborn"? - so congratulations on your happy dog.
About the blogger:
Karoline lives in Birkerød with her boyfriend and their two golden retrievers, Frida and Vilde. Karoline is a trained veterinarian and dog trainer and is co-founder of the dog running club Dirty Paws, where she is also a trainer/rope keeper in the local club in North Zealand. Frida and Line love running canicross together and have participated in many competitions at home and abroad, including the European Championships and the World Championships. Their most important motto, however, is "Better together" - that the trips are about teamwork and understanding for each other. And that everyone can join in. In addition to canicross, they also participate in K9 biathlons (obstacle races with dogs) and do dog fitness. And hiking both in Denmark and around Europe is also a hit.
Frida is a super fast runner when it comes to it. And can hike for hours in the Alps. But she also just loves to be petted on the stomach and sleep for a long time. She can be stubborn as a donkey if there is something she doesn't like. On evening walks, for example, she is the one who decides the route. And she "talks" a lot by purring, including when she thinks she has earned an extra treat.
Vilde is from the spring of 2023 - and in many ways Frida's opposite. She is full of mischief and always happy and cheeky. She can howl like a wolf or jump like a kangaroo when she gets impatient - and otherwise she is a smart and brave girl who loves wild play and training. She will do pretty much anything for a treat.
Frida, Vilde and Karoline can be found on Instagram with the profile @teamgoldenpower