Can Dogs Heal Dogs?

If you watch TV enough, and you've had a chance to catch a few of the Dog Whisperer episodes, you will mostly have heard the phrase "power of the pack". The main meaning behind this phrase is that dogs can help heal other dogs with issues, but is this really the case? On the surface, it looks great, dogs helping dogs, who wouldn't want a world like that? But underneath, there are some real concerns when average folk decide that they need another dog to help heal their own.

The problem behind this theory is that not all dogs are going to project the correct energy in order to be of assistance to the pooch with behavioural issues. Some dogs do not and will not "bend" to the energy of others, meaning, that even though the dog or dogs you chose to help do the healing are balanced in your eyes, their balance may not be strong enough to influence poor rover who needs help with his issues.

I often hear of advice being given willy nilly from trainers and other well-meaning dog people alike, that recommend the addition of a new dog (adopting a new friend for fido) will solve most issues. Sadly, this is not case, and is usually just an easy way out for some. If the temperament and energy of the dog in need of professional help, is not matched perfectly to the potential new addition, it can have disastrous results; double the trouble if you know what I'm saying.

I am not down playing the power of dogs influencing other dogs, because it can work, and when it does, it is truly amazing to see. But, for the average owner, there is no one helping them pick the perfect rehab dog, there is no one guiding them step by step on how to help the rehab dog influence the troubled soul, and there is no one their to take responsibility when something goes wrong.

I have witnessed dogs who have influenced their needy counterparts for the better, creating a harmonious family life once again. However, I have also witnessed dogs, who though strong and with fairly good energy, succumb to an unstable dogs reactions. This is the result that you do not want, but can be hard to avoid for an untrained owner.

The best option for everyone (including the potential new life-mate) is to train and rehabilitate the troubled pooch as much as possible before attempting to add a friend into the mix. It is easier to control one dog with a behaivour issue, rather than two or three. This way, you avoid the possible chaos of a multi-dog house hold, and it gives your companion what she really needs.

That being said, if you find a trainer out there, with a pack who has the correct energy for rehabilitation, by all means sign up with that trainer and get your dog out there. It can do both you and your buddy a world of good, just remember "don't attempt these techniques at home or without professional supervision" ... usually good words to live by.

Julie Deans ©2011