Dog education

I am a huge fan of Dr Karen Becker who is an integrated vet.
Integrative Veterinary Medicine is a broad discipline that includes and combines several different aspects of whole-pet care. Techniques blend western medicine with holistic approaches to treatment, and can include spinal manipulation, acupuncture, Chinese & western herbs, physio and rehabilitation, and nutrition.

Dr Karen Becker and Rodney Habib have written an essential, fabulous book called ‘The Forever Dog’. Surprising new science to help your canine companion live younger, healthier and longer. https://foreverdog.com/

The Forever Dog is a pathbreaking guide to teach us how to delay aging and provide a long, happy, healthy life for our beloved canine companions.

Dogs have been getting sicker and dying prematurely over the past few decades from the same chronic diseases that afflict humans. Because our pets can’t make health and lifestyle decisions for themselves, it’s up to pet parents to make smart, science-backed choices for lasting vitality and health.


KAREN SHAW BECKER, DVM

Her deliberate, common sense approach to creating vibrant health for companion animals has been embraced by millions of pet lovers around the world, making her the most followed vet on social media.

She has spent her career as a small animal clinician, empowering animal guardians to make intentional lifestyle decisions to enhance the wellbeing of their animals. Dr. Becker also writes and lectures extensively and serves as a wellness consultant for a variety of health-oriented organizations. She is the first veterinarian to give a TEDx talk on species appropriate nutrition, which has been a lifelong passion of hers.

Rodney Habib is a digital artist, filmmaker, multiple award-winning content creator, and founder of Planet Paws – the world’s largest pet health page on Facebook – and most importantly, a pet parent.

Rodney established the non-profit organization Paws for Change Foundation to further education and research in the area of animal nutrition and lifestyle as it relates to longevity and healthspan. Rodney’s first TEDx talk on pet health stands as the highest viewed TED talk in history pertaining to dogs. He was recently honored by the Canadian government as having one of the most influential platforms in Canada.

Have you ever thought that eating dried biscuits twice a day may be boring and tasteless? You are right! The Forever Dog will show you what real foods we should and shouldn’t be feeding your dog, and which foods will see your dog live younger, happier and longer.

The book is also available as an audio book on Amazons Audible.

Please consider…the dog park is for walking your dog…..not talking your dog.
Everyday I walk my pack, I witness a very disappointing and dangerous situation, in the off leash social areas of local dog parks.
Dog owners walk their dog, from the carpark to the off leash social area, sit on a park bench, or pace endlessly along the fence line of the dog park….Talking on the phone!!! and rarely watching their dog!!!
I wont go into the obvious dangers of doing this, or the fact that the owners on the phone usually miss their dogs poop. It’s simply not fun for your dog to hang out with you talking on the phone.

Why do we get a dog?
Dog loving kids, dream that when they grow up they will have their own “Lassie”
Best of friends, throwing a stick, walks and talks on the beach, swimming in the sunset, companionship, connection and unconditional love!
The same scenario, is what dogs dream of having with their owners.

In this fast modern world , your dog is lucky to have an 1hr walk each day in nature.
As the human, we have full control as to what will happen on a walk. Dogs have no control, and a huge desire to investigate, socialise, play, roam, sniff, swim, learn, and bond with his/her owner through activities and adventures. Experiencing and creating amazing memories for both human and dog, is pure joy.

Owners must also remember their responsibility around The Five Freedoms, “Freedom to express normal behavior“ by providing sufficient space, proper facilities, and company of the animal’s own kind. Animals need to be able to interact with — or avoid — others of their own kind as desired. They must be able to stretch every part of their body (from nose to tail), and run, jump, and play.”

Can I please invite you, to wholeheartedly commit an hour a day, where your attention and energy is completely focused on your dog? This is a guarantee that your dog will live their best life, your bond will be strong, and you will be happy!!

When our dog’s on a lead, politics will always occur when meeting other dogs. Why?

When your dog’s on a lead, he is technically not free to fight or flight, which makes him vulnerable when meeting other dogs (whether they are on or off lead).
Dogs have a specific “dance” or ritual they undertake when meeting each other, this initially involves sniffing the others face, then walking round to their backside. If this meeting opportunity is limited, or directed by a human holding a lead, it can often create anxiety, confusion or fear, which can turn to aggression.

If a human is nervous or fearful while their dog’s on a lead, these feelings will be transmitted through the lead to the dog. The dog will often want to protect a nervous or fearful human, meaning the dog may try and dominate other dogs, this can be shown in various behaviors.

As a pack walker I often have dogs off lead at a dog park, and will meet an owner with their dog on lead. A common reaction in humans is to be nervous at what may happen. As the owner of the dog on lead you want to set your dog up to succeed when meeting other dogs. If you can drop the lead, please do so (unless your pup is a runner). This allows your dog to be free, enabling him/her to show and read doggy body language while approaching other dogs, and be able to do the meeting dance with whom they choose.

Recommended read How Should a Dog Behave When Meeting Other Dogs? Published by The Nest

Recommended read How to Introduce Your Dog to a New Dog. Published by American Kennel Club

Return to the Dear Humans website

The face is a very expressive part of the body, both human and dog. Have you ever noticed that your dog has reacted adversely to black faced dogs?

The face, the tail, and body posture are how dogs mostly read each other when on approach. Unfortunately, black faced dogs, or those wearing a muzzle or nose harness, are at a disadvantage. Subtle facial movements such as eyebrows and eyes are not distinguished so well. Not being able to read the whole face may make other dogs wary or even reactive.

Also, think about the dogs who have their tails docked by humans. This is also a disadvantage because the tail is very expressive in showing a dog’s state and its emotion.

Interesting reading: How to read dog body language and Through the eyes of your dog.

Being a dog walker and pet educator, I spend a lot of my day in dog parks walking and talking with dog owners. Every dog provides a new conversation. Its my passion to observe as many dogs as possible, and listen to their owners conversations about what does and doesn’t work for their dog. Whether it be about their dogs behavior, breed, personality, tricks, problems, health issues, …..everything.
All conversations are an exchange of vital information that all dog owners will benefit from knowing.