Canine Reboot

I’ve done this dozens of times… talked to owners who are frustrated with their dogs. Wanting their dogs to be balanced, and happy. Sometimes it’s the wife that hates the dog, sometimes it’s the husband. Sometimes the dog doesn’t like the kids, or the grandparents. Dog fights, cat fights… you name it.

One of the questions I HAVE TO ask when someone is trying to surrender their dog to me is, “if I can fix your dog, can you… would you… could you… keep your dog?” sometimes the answer is yes, sometimes it’s no.

With the launch of Canine Connect, a service that I can offer to dog owners who truly care about the dogs, truly want the best for the dogs, but can no longer keep them, I’m asking that question more often. “What if I can fix it?”

Over the past few weeks, the dogs I’ve fostered have really amazed me. WiiGo transformed into the best little dog I’ve ever known.

McSteamy and McDreamy, terrified of everything, quickly became accustomed to home life and family living. No longer afraid to walk through doorways, or put their paws on ceramic tile floors. With their heads hung low all of the time, they were unsure, slow to trust, and not sure if I was friend of foe. Just a few days later, I introduced them to the pack, one at a time. Once they got to meet Lady Di… everything changed. It was as if a light switch had been turned on, and they felt “safe”. They exchanged play bows, and the heads were held high, tails were relaxed, and the playing began! After that day they walked with pride, there was a bounce in their step, they greeted me with affection, and their adjustment period was about 48 hours. Dogs do live in the moment.

And recently, Little Grace. She was adopted yesterday, but before she left I had the pleasure of snapping a photo of her playing with the pack… and loving it! It may not seem like a big deal to you, but it sure was a big deal to me! It’s called joy! If a dog can relax enough, be happy enough, have enough self-esteem, and know that it’s not going to be hurt, there’s absolutely no danger whatsoever, and it’s welcomed… they can play! Way to go Little Grace… you made my day!

So if what if we could simply Reboot our dogs? If I gave you a list of questions about your dog, would you know how to answer?

Is your dog shy, fearful, nervous, or anxious?
Is your dog aggressive, dominant or alpha?
Is your dog guarding you or protecting you?
Do you know why your dog acts like he wants to attack other dogs?
Does your dog have separation anxiety, or is he insecure? Do you think the two are one in the same?
Do you think your dog is neurotic or bored?

What would you think the main reason why people surrender or give away their dogs?

The Dog Liberator has rescued dogs that will otherwise be euthanized, OR at risk of being surrendered to a shelter or pound.

The Dog Liberator will help you rehome your dog through Canine Connect, thus preventing the dog from being adopted to the wrong family, which may ultimately lead to euthanasia.

Remember, owner-surrendered dogs are not protected under stray-hold policy.

Owner-surrendered dogs can and are sometimes put to sleep before their owners have left the parking lot.

While I have spent over three years inviting strange new dogs into my home I:

introduced them to my family, friends, and neighbors
introduce them to new experiences like visiting the vet
going on walks
teaching them not to be afraid of the crate
teaching them to be quiet
starting them on housebreaking
show them how to properly greet strangers
teaching them not to bolt out of doorways
correcting them when they try to climb a fence.

My personal dogs have also spent three years inviting strange new dogs into their home, and they:

have showed them how to share a space
showed them that being rewarded has benefits
showed them how to interact with humans
showed them how to play properly
showed them how to come when called
but more importantly, my pack have taught dogs, how to be a good dog.

Deaf China takes Baby GaGa under her care

Dogs can teach another dog what a person can’t:

I can not teach a dog that greeting face to face is rude
I can not explain to a dog that sniffing the rear is polite
I can not approach a dog and correct their attempt to dominate… that’s Lady Di’s job
I can not initiate play with a dog who doesn’t know how to play… that’s China’s job
I can not show a dog that another dog is not a threat, that is Ozzie’s job

My home is what I used to call Border Collie Boot Camp. Every fostered dog has had to find their way to survive and cohabitate here, eat side by side, enjoy bones without being growled at, and play ball without being attacked. The result is probably the best gift I receive in rescue. Watching a pack of dogs run together, play together, wrestle gently, and have a blast!

There is no reason for the dogs to be nervous, fearful or anxious. My pack clearly shows them that I am the pack leader, they can relax, and enjoy being a dog! The true challenge is teaching the dog owners that their dog truly wants to be… just a great dog!

Maybe all your dog needs is a Canine Reboot! Email me if you would like information on how we can Reboot Your Dog! TheDogLiberator@gmail.com