06/10/2026
Today I was working at my desk when someone came to the door.
Before I could even look up, my dogs had already notified me that we had a visitor.
A few barks, a quick investigation, and apparently the door-to-door salesperson decided to continue their journey elsewhere. 😂
Once they left, the dogs settled down and went right back to their day.
Moments like this are a great reminder that many of the behaviors people find frustrating in their dogs are often the exact behaviors they were bred for.
I share my home with two German Shepherds. Shepherds were developed as working dogs and are known for being alert, observant, vocal when necessary, and highly aware of changes in their environment. They're supposed to notice things.
The goal isn't to eliminate those natural instincts—it's to teach dogs when and how to use them appropriately.
A dog that alerts to someone approaching your home isn't necessarily being "bad." They're often doing exactly what generations of selective breeding programmed them to do.
When we understand why our dogs behave the way they do, we can stop fighting their instincts and start giving them productive outlets for those behaviors. That's where training, enrichment, structure, and clear communication come in.
The result?
A dog that can say: "Hey, someone's here!"
Without feeling the need to host a 20-minute neighborhood announcement afterward.
Understanding the dog in front of you starts with understanding the breed behind the dog.
Now booking video consultations! If you're struggling with barking, reactivity, anxiety, breed-specific behaviors, or just want a better understanding of your dog, virtual consultations offer a flexible and affordable way to get professional guidance from the comfort of your home. Send me a message to learn more!
— Home & Herd Animal Care Services
