Comments on Your Influence on Your Vital Animal

I agree Dr. Falconer. When I first became a pet owner I questioned everything I did and I think that reflected on my oldest dog's behaviour. Years later with the addition of my two other dogs, I learned to listen.
I remember brining the dogs to their first consultation with my homeopathic veterinarian Dr. Ed Beltran and him telling me " remember pets are very much like kids, you have to show them the way from day one", and like kids, they feel safer when they know they have boundaries.
I still find it curiously amazing when I tell my husband (who's had dogs all his life) what the dog is trying to tell him and then get the confirmation that I was right.
I feel blessed because I have 3 very caring and amazing dogs, even more blessed for allowing that communication to happen.

Regarding the dog that is urinating in inappropriate places. I just wanted to share that I had a mature dog that did this, turned out he had a UTI and bladder stones. Serious stuff.
I assume the poster has ruled out medical issues, but I thought it best to mention, just in case.

Hi Dr. Falconer,
I have a rescued intact male Standard that we have had for 3+ years now. He's a lovely boy my only gripe is that he still wizzes on things in the house (walls and daddy's chair :0) and in our garage like the doors, lawn mower and my bike and pilates table...not cool. Anywho, I just saw your Bach Flower: Chestnut Bud, Make That Shift, do you think this would help with his marking?
All my best,
Stacey

Btw: The psychological term for what a prior poster described would be projection, not transference.

Loved this article! I saw this effect many times when I was in practice as a midwife. The energy, whether positive or negative, of the people around - had a direct impact on the labor and birth process. The same has proved true in my life with parenting my child, and now I know it even more in "training" the new puppy. Thanks for the great reminder about these effects. I especially liked that point about "worry". So true!!

If you work in a pet supply store or whatever and you don't have empathy for what a customer is experiencing, if you don't feel you can help them or offer suggestions....please refer them to take their business elsewhere.

I think vets have to be careful not to blow off a pet owner's concerns, just because they think the owner is a "head case".
When I took my Corgi in to be examined for a cough, I was told I was overreacting and to relax.
At my insistence they ran a few tests (I declined the ones that weren't necessary).
She had terminal cancer. No prior symptoms, no lumps or bumps.
When you have a bond with an animal, you know when something isn't right.

Spot on Dr. Falconer! When I owned my holistic pet supply store we always seemed to deal with clients that were totally off the wall and it was indeed reflected in their pet's behavior, energy and general health. You really do need an understanding of the human mind to make it through a day "working with animals."

I agree, to an extent. I have had many dogs over the years. Every one of them has a unique personality regardless of my mood or behavior.
For example, I currently have one dog that is somewhat phobic, does not like to meet people or go places, despite efforts on my part, take her everywhere that allows dogs etc. She is somewhat of a homebody. She is an introvert, aloof with strangers.
At the same time I have a terrier that loves to go places and meet people, he is very curious about everything. Outgoing and friendly.
I do agree that they pick up on your moods though, if I don't feel well, they all quiet down and curl up with me on the couch :)

Excellent information and a reinforcement of what I know I SHOULD be doing. I lost my 9-yr-old to osteo three years ago (chemo led to his death, actually, not the cancer). It was a heartbreaking three-month battle when I cried alot. It got to the point that every time I looked into his eyes, I would crying, knowing I could lose him. He was a very perceptive dog and it quickly (thank goodness) occurred to me that he would see himself as the cause of this constant sadness. I changed my tune. I greeted him with glee, spent tender moments with him and constantly smiled an called his name. It made me feel better, too.
Today, when I have THREE fuzzy faces greet me at my bedside, I TRY to greet them with as much glee as they shed on me, except if it's before 7 am! I had a mother that never seemed pleased to see her three kids, so I know what it's like not to get a positive reception from someone who is supposed to care for you. I didn't have kids, but I try to make my dogs know that I chose them -- or maybe I didn't? :)

You are so bang on with this article.
When I worked at a pet supply store, I'd often get behaviour questions from pet parents. Some of these pet parents were all over the place - like they just had way too much coffee. Their anxiousness oozed out of them.
I would take their dogs to the other side of the store, sit down on the floor with them and in seconds those dogs went from jumping unmanageable balls of energy to calm and happy pooches enjoying a body massage.
And I'm not innocent of transferring my worry onto my pets. I have eight of them (two dogs, two cats, two rabbits and two chinchillas), and I monitor them closely when any one of them is a bit off, but some days I catch myself obsessing. I have to remind myself to just breathe. That worrying is very counter-productive.
Observing and taking action when needed is best for all.