In a world of ‘Adopt, Don’t Shop’, we often become highly impulsive and extremely emotional and most of us out of sympathetic feelings, adopt an Indie having no clue as to what we are going to deal with. It is absolutely true that they are intelligent, are more structured, are more primal and highly adaptive although more reason making them challenging to pet parents who have no idea on how to fulfil them or deal with their temperament. One most important point is their sensitivity (a trait many indies show because of their living conditions especially in urban areas) that makes them unsure of things and if we don’t build confidence, they can become nervous and fearful. Even after doing everything right, the sensitivity being a trait (an innate nature) can make them triggered in the future to new things and sounds but at least when you have done the upbringing right and build your relationship of trust and respect very well it’s easier to guide, direct and motivate the dog in that new situation. So, it’s not about the training but the lifestyle that we need to create to do things the “dog psychology” way especially with our Indies.
Here are the 3 things to consider before adopting an Indie-
- ENERGY LEVELS: Not all indies have low energy. Most of them are high or medium and rarely some have low energy if you find any and if you have a low energy Indie, then I’m sure you’re a lucky one! But if you have a sedentary lifestyle where you mostly do not go out and are basically chilling at home and a couch potato, you definitely cannot have a high energy/very high energy dog in the house. So, do not pick up the most active or jumpy puppy/dog in the pack.
- SENSITIVITY: Now a lot of us don’t take this part into consideration while getting an Indie or any other dog at home. This trait is passed on from the genetical aspects of the parents and also the birth conditions and because Indies have to survive on the urban streets with so much commotion, they become extremely sensitive in their surroundings and towards other living beings and without the sensitivity part, they cannot survive on the streets as they have to struggle throughout their lives. This sensitivity makes them very unsure about certain things such as big or small objects, loud noises, people, other animals etc., and if we do not build confidence in them and are not able to bring down the sensitivity, then that leads them to being more unsure, insecure, nervous and fearful and that gets them into the “fight-flight” mode.
- FULFILMENT: Now after considering all these points, we need to understand the fulfilment formula whether we are able to provide the structured exercises properly, structured walks where you lead your dog, and your dog follows you (not the other way around) with the balance of explore and play and the discipline that is required for the dog. Discipline basically consists of boundaries, limitations and mental engagement.
So, are you able to fulfil your dog physically and mentally and challenge your dog through that? If not, then don’t get an Indie but if you can, then definitely go for it. The dog would love you like no other and will look up to you for guidance and directions, but first, build your trust and respect with your dog and see the amazing results once you follow all these points.
Written by – Khushi Bhatt.
