Kennel Dog Training – Crushing

Puppy crush, also called a crush, is a term for feelings of mild or romantic love, normally felt during early adolescence and childhood, usually toward dogs. It is derived from the similarity to the loving, worshipful fondness that can be felt in an puppy for his master. Although most dog owners express mild sexual attraction towards their puppies, the idea of having a crush on a dog is a completely different thing. This crush is more akin to admiration, or an emotional bonding with a companion.

Crushes are usually not dangerous but can be emotionally painful. Many times this crush develops because the owner has had no sexual experience with the puppy and therefore, the puppy has not been introduced to the “sex things” that dogs do. These sexual feelings may develop if a crush is fostered upon a dog that is shy or otherwise lacks the social skills to initiate contact with the opposite sex. Social interaction, particularly in groups, allows crushes to begin to develop and may result in the dog displaying unwanted behaviour towards other dogs. If this is the case, it is advisable that crushes be treated with caution since crushes can turn into sexual thoughts, especially if the puppy is introduced to sex toys.

Although most crushes are harmless, in some cases they can become harmful. Crushes developed by unknown individuals who come from a different culture can be problematic, as some cultures do not welcome the crush. Kederian, which is a form of crush where the puppy is introduced to members of the same culture, can help to resolve these types of crushes.

A crush is generally based upon physical attraction and can develop quite quickly. However, just because the puppy shows an extreme degree of physical attraction to another dog does not mean that the owner should take the crush seriously. Some crushes are completely harmless but can lead to intense emotional pain for the owners, especially if they choose to ignore the crush. Some dogs are even forced to crush a perceived competitor, in which case the competitive nature of the canine leads to excessive stimulation that can be harmful.

Some crushes, though, are less benign and have more malicious intent. Some dogs crush other dogs simply for the fun of it and do so with physical aggression, whereas other crushes have been shown to have been caused by jealousy-driven owners who show a strong display of dominance. In some cases, an owner may develop a crush on another pet in order to manipulate or abuse that animal. In other cases, the crush develops because the owner has a deep, nurturing need for a particular breed and will pursue that breed aggressively, causing undue harm to that animal.

Kederian therapy can help crushes by providing constructive outlets for the destructive feelings that exist. Therapy can also help owners understand the potential physiological, emotional, and developmental reasons for their crush. As well, therapy can equip an owner with valuable information about how to deal with their crush. This valuable information can then be used in ways to deal with the crush and to promote healthy, mutually respectful relationships with all pets, whether they are kennel dogs or crush victims.