I have written on this subject before but, I think it is worth revisiting. We hear a lot of talk about reactive dogs. Something I disapprove of strongly, the labelling of our dogs. However, what about ‘reactive’ dog owners?
Social media is awash with the indignant dog owner, constantly bleating about the inconsideration of others. A couple of examples presented themselves on my walk with Clint today. One positive, the other, not.
Let me explain how I recommend meetings dogs’ and their owners. If I see a dog and an owner that I have not met before, I will put Clint (a large rescued Lurcher) on the lead, regardless of whether the approaching dog is on the lead or not. On meeting, I will assess the situation and, if all agree and it seems appropriate, Clint will be let of lead to socialise with the dog and owner. This is the responsible way of doing things, in my opinion.
There are always going to be exceptions. The first example, today, is one of those. I was walking in an open field and entered a wooded area. Clint was off lead. We immediately, bumped into another owner and her spaniel, also of lead. The spaniel stopped and waited for Clint to approach. Clint misread the situation and thought the spaniel was up for a game, which he tried to initiate. The spaniel yelped and rolled over in the grass; Clint had not touched him. The owner went from flash to bang in an instant, demanding I get my dog under control. By the time she had uttered her, very, angry words, Clint was already calm and back on his lead. Her dog, of course, remained of lead.
The point here is that this was a normal dog interaction with two of lead dogs. the smaller dog was a little taken aback by Clints’ enthusiasm, dealt with, swiftly by me. it did not need the poor response from the owner who, went on to cuddle her ‘poor’ dog, making the experience many times worse for the dog. Now, I could have spent a little time here helping her dog to relax (not that difficult), but the owner preferred the angry response and the strengthening of her dogs nervous response.
The second encounter was similar. A little later in our walk we were approached by a family; two dogs, a small child and three adults. One of the dogs was on lead. I, of course, put Clint on his lead. We met and had a little chat. One of their dogs was let of lead and allowed to meet Clint. The other dog, they explained, had recently been rehomed by them and could, they thought, be a little snappy and aggressive. This dog was calm and happy to meet Clint (who, is always relaxed and calm at my side whilst on his lead).
The owners, at my suggestion, let the second, smaller dog of lead. He then behaved in a relaxed, social manner with Clint and initiated a bit of play. Clint, of coursee, was happy to oblige. However, after a short time the smaller dog snapped, a little, at Clint. He was, simply, a bit overwhelmed by the larger dog. I, immediately, stepped in, and put Clint back on his lead (technically, punishment), who relaxed again very quickly, as did the, supposedly aggressive dog. The two where then allowed of lead again to socialise, happily together.
The difference between the first and second encounter is that, nobody got annoyed or agitated. Instead, any situation was dealt with, calmly and appropriately.
My point is, that we need to learn to adopt a more relaxed and appropriate response when we encounter others. Immediately going to an angry response is far from helpful to the humans and, certainly, not the dogs.
behaviour assistance and training
sometimes mans’ best friend
needs a little help
needs a little help
Does your dog find it hard to mix with other dogs? Is it scared? Aggressive? Or destructive?
www.thecaninebehaviourist.co.uk
www.calmconfidencecanines.com