NATURAL DOGMANSHIP®

the philosophy of Jan Nijboer

A HOLISTIC CONSIDERATION

To see our dogs holistically, to accept their personality, to live up to their speci(es)al talents – that’s what the philosophy of Jan Nijboer wants to achive. The predisposition of the dog is seen as a capital for his education and is therefore an asset to the human-dog relationship. Our view of the species dog is crucial to how we deal with dogs. It demands respect for the dog and the willingness of people to rethink.

RELATIONSHIP AND EDUCATION INSTEAD OF TRAINING AND TRICKS

Submission only for the sake of submission – that does not exist for the family member dog. Being guided by one’s caregiver should always make sense to dogs. A harmonious coexistence of man and dog is only possible if the needs of both are satisfied. Therefore, there is no instructions for your dog: Here, unwanted behaviors are not simply «turned off». Instead, the causes of your dog’s behavior are explored together with you.

NEW THINKING FOR PEOPLE WITH DOG

The human approach is influenced by culture, when it comes to the animal dog. Getting involved with the nature of the dog often conflicts with this image. Thus, species-specific forms of behavior are often interpreted as a problem, even mistakenly as a behavioral disorder. Breaking away from cultural thinking and conventional manners is the biggest challenge for the dog owner. However, it greatly facilitates the coexistence of humans and dogs, and instead of the cherished dream concepts a completely different dimension in the relationship with your dog comes into its own.

ACCEPTANCE – LOVE – CARE

Love your dog. By that is meant that you should accept his personality. And of course not that you have to endorse all his behaviors. As an educator, you have the opportunity to help shape his personality. Providing safety and security to your dog is just as much a part of the educational duties of human beings as caring behavior.

ENVIRONMENT AND BEHAVIOR

«Environmental and Behavioral Enrichment» (EBE for short) is an important principle within the philosophy of Jan Nijboer. It means environmental and behavioral enrichment, has been known and used in zoo and livestock farming for over 40 years. Zoologists assume that the natural food-seeking and employment behavior of a single living organism can not be completely removed. Our dog is no exception. Instead of going for a walk, he would rather be on the way in a biological way – e.g. Search «EBEn» food.

DISCOVER YOUR DOG!

Discover the personal preferences of your dog and give him the opportunity to develop them further. Do you have a dog that tends to stick its nose to the floor and soak up all the odors with its nose, tracking work might be an appropriate occupation. Do you have a dog that has a herding dog-like predisposition and therefore reacts strongly to movement stimuli? He might have fun with Treibball. If your dog is a typical sight hunter (eg greyhound) or pointer dog, he can be well utilized with a hunt game. If your dog likes to rummage, then «searching for space» in the form of «districts» might be his weakness. Of course, this list can be extended as desired. Offer your dog a range of variations and find out where his talents lie.

Sincerely yours,

Jan Nijboer