Miss Mango has shown me just how magnificent a dog can really be. Though IQ (in a general sense) could vary between breeds and individuals, they have the ability to become something greater than what we give them. Viewing the dog like a child, as they are, they are there to be raised. Somewhat guided by instinct and genetic code, we still have the ability to culture their personality.
If we observe them and communicate with them, listen to them and help them, we will find that our dogs have no behavior issues but the ones we have given them.
One day, sometime after I soon adopted Miss Mango, I would be grooming her often since her hair grew so quickly. This is a dog who listens to reason (opposed to reward and punishment), and I know and strongly believe all dogs can do the same.
What puppy that you know of would voluntarily submit to you so that you could trim their hind fur? I did not believe what I saw. I talked to her like a person, in long sentences, with a soothing voice. I said, “trust me, trust me, lay for mama,” and with my eyes wide open, I expressed to her that she must lay down and not move (this is since I was close to her genital region).
There were many moments she moved to get comfortable, or to ease herself away from the scissors and close to the door, but I continued to say nicely, “no no, sorry baby dog, you have to have a hair cut. Don’t move now, please. Thaaaank you.”
At one point, I did not realize it at first, but she turned her head and opened her mouth, and gently placed her teeth against the flesh of my hand (the hand that was holding the scissors). She looked up at me stoically, and I said, “Okay, okay. We can take a break.” I did not force her to continue, as this sweet dog was doing her best to tell me how uncomfortable she was. She looked at me with her jaw so gently around my hand (and I doubt she would have bitten me, as she wouldn’t even snarl at a child slapping her across the back), but she said right then, “I am protesting.”
Now days, when we go to the vet, I look at her and tell her “Be a good girl, mama be back” when they take her off for blood work. The vet tells me, “she just sat there. I cannot believe it.” Which is quite different from the times I had forgotten to tell Miss Mango I would be back again if she is a “good girl.”
Reason listener
When I was visiting my parents, my mother (for some odd reason) wanted to see if Miss Mango would jump through a hula hoop. It went on for about 5 or 10 minutes where she would “order” Miss Mango to “JUMP!” “COME!” Miss Mango would bark and complain and not go near the contraption. Of course, my mother was taught through a Petsmart dog training program, so she was a bit out-of-date. (Yes, I am criticizing Petsmart).
We even had a treat that she loved waiting for her at the end of the line. My mother even tried to force the hoop onto her. I ended up a bit irritated, just as Mango was. So I finally decided to get it over with, and I looked at Mango and I told her as if I would tell a child, “Now Mango, if you want this treat, you have to come through this hoop.” And without another thought, she jumped through.
As the months went by, I would work a lot of the time on my laptop, and Mango would be there laying at my side more than she would like. Now, she jumps at the opportunity to get her teeth brushed, her hair trimmed, her nails cut, or to be given a bath (if experiencing a boring day, she would often jump into the tub on her own free will).
I would never yell “COME!” But instead, “come to mama now, let me get them teefies.” Though she doesn’t like our hygiene practices, she enjoys that moment we share where she offers her trust to the human who smothers her with kisses.
Other dogs can take more work to build that bond with their human, which in this age is impossible while humans go to work most hours of the day. It is a sad fate for many, but it is always possible to make the life of your dog better and more enjoyable with a little extra kindness and toleration on your part.
Show your dog some love today.
Dogs of Atlanta 