Canine Philosophy

Our K-9 Philosophy

Editor's Note:  My philosophy notes may sound a bit technical or regimental form time-to-time, but that's only because it is written down.  Believe me, we're raising Buster with a very fluid philosophy.  Ranae and I discuss and come to a consensus on many of the ways we interact with him.  Please feel free to comment about them at the end of the post.

We've owned dogs most of our adult lives.  They have all had, of course, their own unique personalities.  A dog is a bigger commitment than most folks consider.  If you are lucky, you'll have the dog for a decade or longer.  The habits and tendencies they develop will be something YOU have to live with for a long time.

The partners I've had over the years have taught me much - both in what to do and what NOT to do.  Firstly, they've demonstrated the ability to learn at a very young age.  That doesn't mean you can't let them be a puppy and do their crazy puppy shit, but you can also teach them far more than where to pee and poop at nine weeks of age.

I think Buster is going to be quite a headstrong dog.  He has a tenacity to him.  That's one of the characteristics of his breed.  My challenge is how to channel that tenacity.  Catahoulas will try and exert their dominance in the pack.  I'm hoping to develop a confident dog that does not always have to exert his influence.

Our first week has been really just been working on our bond.  Buster has had a lot to learn about the household: how to interact with our other dog, Rusty, and the five other cats; about the crate and his sleeping arrangements; about feeding protocols; and, of course, elimination schedules.  That's quite a curriculum for an 8 week old in a new environment.  He's done fairly well with everything.  He's shown a lot of love and affection.  He has a great sense of humor and is also a bit of a clown.