I'm thinking a lot about Ella versus other dogs right now. I suspect that will be the case, because Ella is no longer with me, which gives me the opportunity to meet other dogs. Normal dogs. With that comes a lot of new ones, quite interesting thoughts.
I know that I rambling on about this, but after living with a military bred dog for ten years I'm feeling a bit fussy about what kind of dog I want from now on. Throughout her life, Ella has been characterized by extremely high energy and intensity, total lack of fear of new things or people, as well as an extreme desire to move forward all the time, to preferably experience everything at once. She has not stopped for a single second, but has lived as much as she could (which was quite a lot, to say the least) at one and the same time.
When you have one such a dog you have to relate to it in a special way. The treatment and handling must be in a certain way, because otherwise it won't work. It is a constant challenge to handle such a dog, precisely because everything is so extremely exaggerated.
To face what I call “normal” dogs (Want to say; dogs not bred by the Armed Forces) is something completely different. From my perspective and from my experience is one “usual” dog the other way instead. Kind, calm and composed bordering on boring.
I feel myself a bit horrible to say so, but I can't afford it. Compared to Ella, most dogs seem quite boring, actually. And I realize that I really appreciate dogs that require clear leadership from their human.
Of course there is the exception. I have known dogs that could at least measure up to Ella to a certain degree. One of my best friends had a Giant Schnauzer who was also extremely moody and unruly in many ways.
Now that I met Karma who is so extremely unlike Ella in energy, intensity and their own approach to the world and life, can I understand in another way why so many people think that my way of relating to dogs is harsh. But then I have to – again, point out the fact that there is a difference between dog and dog. Ella had a psyche and an inner core of steel. She was a tough and fierce dog that required strong leadership to not freak out and become a monster. The does not work to compare such a dog with one “usual”, “normal” dog.
And this is the strongest reason why I don't want a what I call “kind” breed of dog. I am convinced that I would be incredibly bored with a dog that gives me no resistance at all. Ella was very compliant and willing to obey – but in her case it was the energy level and intensity that needed to be controlled so that she wouldn't become unbearable to spend time with.
I don't want to necessarily have a dog with the same energy level and intensity as Ella again, but I want a dog that demands that I take control. I need a dog that dares to take care of himself, who take their place and have their own idea of how things should work.
There is, of course row by row with reasons for this, but those reasons don't necessarily belong on this blog. At least not in this particular post. But I can very briefly say that it is about boredom and my great need for mental, intellectual and emotional stimulation and that that need is greater and more demanding than what is matched by having a completely ordinary, kind dog.