Loving your Heeler like a child, racing home after work to let her out, leaving a party, planning trips, arranging play dates or trips to the park, scheduling daycare drop-offs, birthday parties, Gotcha days, etc.: heeler lovers just get it. I get it. Dogs aren’t just pets. They are a part of the family.
A decade ago dogs were considered domesticated wolves—some people felt it was necessary to pin, poke, and shake them to get them to behave. But that was yesterday’s news. Today’s science has shown us that dogs have more in common with toddlers than wolves. International research is confirming what dog lovers everywhere have always known: that dogs think, reason, communicate and feel.
Here are 9 ways dogs and children are similar.
1-They Crave Attention
Heelers and kids (and a lot of grown-ups) will do anything for attention. And they don’t care if the attention is negative or positive.
Stop mid-sentence when your kid screams “F—k” and you’re guaranteed a repeat performance. Leap up from the couch when your dog grabs your napkin or steals a sock—same deal.
2-It’s Not What You Say It’s How You Say
ItResearchers discovered that dogs respond to what you say and how you say it! Sound familiar?
Try asking a child to “do your homework” or “clean your room” in a whispery or whiny tone. Or don’t bother, as it won’t work.
Dogs distinguish several tones too, such as:
The Bark & Scream Loud and distressing, these tones create a jolt of fear and rush of adrenaline. If the goal is to quiet or calm a dog, yelling won’t work!
A Calm & Directional Tone This voice will direct a dog. It conveys confidence and authority. Think of a “pass the ketchup” tone. You wouldn’t shout or sing this, nor would you say “pass the ketchup, ketch, ketchup.”
Excitement & Praising Sounds Happy and friendly tones will make a dog feel playful and happy.
Heelers or kids the same rules apply!
3-Tell Them What to Do
Heelers, like kids, don’t know how to handle everyday situations. Both depend on us to tell them where they should go, and what they should do, in all situations.
Children learn to associate words and routines; think tech or mealtime. Dogs can learn the same, but since English is their second language, they need a little more coaching.
Take time to teach your dog 10-20 words, then use those words to direct him where to go and what to do throughout the day.
4-Everybody Goes Potty
Heelers, like kids, have five basic needs: to eat, drink, sleep, play, and go potty.
Remember what you felt as a kid, stuck in traffic? How did you act when you were hungry, tired or hyper? Imagine if you teeth!
5- Face Time!
What do Heelers and kids (and many spouses and employees) want the most? Face time: a warm smile, heartfelt appreciation, some of your time.
If you want to stop a dog from jumping or a kid from shouting at you, ignore them. Walk away, or block direct access to your face (I block my whole head with a pillow, magazine or my folded arm) until they calm down and act politely.
6-Cause and Effect
One easy way to shape anyone’s behavior, according to BF Skinner, is to reward what you like and ignore the rest. Test it out: I guarantee this one works on all species (kids, dogs, partners, co-worker, etc).
7-Tell Them What To Do Versus What Not to Do
Words draw mental images for both dogs and kids! Try losing the don’ts and focusing on the what to dos instead!
When your kids are straddling the dog say “off the dog,” instead of “don’t sit on the dog.” Encourage them to “breathe” when tempers are raging.
Now try it on your dog: Instead of “No, Down, Get Off” when you’re dog’s jumpy, say “Get Your Toy” as you toss one; use “Kisses” when your dog’s nippy, or “Potty Place” when your dog’s circling. Tell them what to do, not what not to do.
8-Backtalk & Blow Offs
Kids backtalk and ignore their parents all the time, especially as they enter the tween years.
Dogs have their own version of the teenage eye roll. Has your dog ever thought twice when you called to him? Is he blowing you off? Probably Has you ever feel like your dog is giving you the finger, or just tuning you out
9-The Snow Globe Effect
Ever notice how behavior deteriorates when life gets wonky? It doesn’t matter how many legs you walk on, stress shakes the metaphorical snow globe. Home renovations, parties, even arguments cause everyone to lose their grip.
