New book hopes for happier and better understood dogs

HELPING people better understand their dogs is the inspiration behind a new book written by Leopold’s Rebeca Mas.

The Canine Behaviour and Enrichment Consultant, and now author of Sniff Play Bark – Your Essential Guide to a Happier Dog, said she felt writing a book that would help people to truly understand and communicate with their dogs would help strengthen their bond, and help them live in harmony with their dogs instead of feeling frustrating by completely normal behaviours.

“I work with so many dogs, and their guardians often ask for advice for behavioural issues or problems they are struggling with and I realised that most of the “problems” people encounter come from not really understanding dogs,” Rebeca said.

“Many people think their dogs are being naughty or spiteful when really they are just displaying completely normal dog behaviours, which are instinctive and were inherited from their wild ancestors because those particular behaviours increased their chance of survival in the wild.”

Rebeca said she hoped better understanding would lead to dogs not being punished for being dogs, and instead guardians would provide their dogs with opportunities to fulfil their innate needs in a safe and appropriate manner.

“My hope is that this will lead to less dogs being surrendered and ending up in shelters because their owners don’t know how to manage their behaviours, and ensuring that most dogs live happier lives where they are loved and cherished for the unique and amazing animals they are,” she said.

The book covers The History of Dogs, Breed Specific Traits, Raising a Happy & Confident Puppy, Caring for your Senior Dog, Strengthening the Canine Human Bond, Canine Play Techniques, using Canine Enrichment to fulfil your dog’s innate needs, and more.

“One example is that many people feel impatient when they are on walks and their dog keeps stopping to sniff everything,” she said.

“But sniffing is also an innate need for dogs, and it is so beneficial to a dog’s mental health to be allowed to sniff.

“Dogs learn about their world and environment by scent and sniffing also lowers the heart rate and helps reduce cortisol build up from stressful events.

“So I encourage Sniffaris (sniffing safaris) and helping people to understand that a 10 minute sniffy walk is much more beneficial to a dog than an hour long power walk.”

Rebeca said enrichment activities such as scatter feeding, treat puzzles and other games that mimic a dog’s innate behavioural needs also helped to build confidence and resilience in fearful and anxious dogs, and make all dogs feel happier in general.

With more than 25 years of experience in the Animal Care Industry, Rebeca started her career as a veterinary nurse straight after high school, then worked as a wildlife officer and koala keeper and researcher, before commencing her studies in canine psychology and behaviour in 2015.

For more information on the book, google Books2Read and Sniff Play Bark.