Aggressive Dogs

Leash Laws – They Aren’t Just About YOU!

Posted on April 12, 2018 by discoverydog1

This one is going to step on some toes – sorry folks!

I often hear people explain their choice to have their dogs unleashed in public/leash-required areas by saying, “My dog is super friendly – he won’t hurt anyone!” I’ve also heard, “He doesn’t go too far, and he almost always comes when I call.”

These individuals assume that the leash law is just for them – and that because their dog is friendly or usually comes when called that the law is irrelevant to them. Friends, this simply isn’t the case. Nearly every week, I hear my clients complain about off leash dogs who run up on their leashed dogs. And here’s the thing – most of these client dogs ARE REACTIVE. Dogs who are aggressive or fearful do not need your happy-go-lucky pup running up into their faces – no matter how much of a social butterfly your pup may be!

I have clients who have worked extremely hard to improve their dog’s behavior, but they are still nervous about going to our local Greenway because of the large number of off leash dogs who show no obvious training or manners. That is simply unacceptable.

Listen folks, I get it. Most of you don’t have large yards to let your dogs run and we only have one dog park (which I hear negative reviews on regularly) in the area. Regardless, it doesn’t give you the right to ignore a law or rule that has been put in place not only to protect other dogs and people, but your dog as well! If you need to practice obedience at a distance, or even play a small game of fetch, why not use a lightweight long line to make sure you remain in control?

Please, respect your fellow dog lovers and keep your dog leashed where required – especially when that area is a high traffic area. Remember that some of the dogs you see at the Greenway have been attacked by off leash dogs – and they are still affected by that fear and anxiety!

Fall 2017 – I needed to work on off leash obedience with Beau, but since we were at the Greenway, I used a green parachute cord as my long line to make sure we were still being respectful of other patrons. Choosing a material that blends in and isn’t heavy helps simulate an off leash environment.

Categories: Aggressive Dogs, Behavior, dog health, Dog Parks, dog training, Fearful dogs, freedom, leash laws, training tips | Tags: Aggressive Dogs, boone nc, Dog Parks, dog training, dogs, parks, training tips | 1 Comment

You Matter!

Posted on January 31, 2018 by discoverydog1

Yes, you!

You matter. You are important. And, dare I say it, you are more valuable than your pet.

I know this concept is taboo in today’s society, but I believe it to be true. Our society has taught us to believe that our dog’s happiness far exceeds the value of our own. I simply do not agree. Yes, we should care for our animals and ensure that they have proper food, water, shelter, medical attention, and socialization (and training!). That does not, however, mean that they get to rule the home and do whatever they please at your expense.

I have several clients who start to look anxious at the very mention of going to the park. They’ve had so many horrible experiences because of their dogs’ behavior that they experience a stress trigger just thinking about it. Even the ones who aren’t experiencing that level of stress usually say, longingly, “I just want to be able to go to the park again.”

While there are always exceptions to the rule, I have found that these dogs can typically make vast improvements with a little boundary setting and self-control. In the image below, you will see my Labrador, Tucker, and a client’s dog, Archer, walking side by side at the Greenway. We did a few lessons at my shop and then ventured to the park. Archer’s owner had become very wary of taking him out as he had become very dog reactive and somewhat aggressive. While at the park, Archer not only walked happily with his new buddy, Tucker, but was able to pass by other client dogs we ran into with much more composure. It was the first time in a long time that his owner had felt in control enough to walk him around other dogs.

Tucker and Archer walk side by side at the park.

Interestingly enough, while checking out kennels in my area this month, I saw Archer and his brother at a boarding facility. Upon telling the kennel owner that I knew him and why, she said, “I just told his owner yesterday that he’d been so much better behaved this time. Now I know why!” Boundary setting and teaching self-control can have an effect on so many areas of your dog’s life – and can reduce the anxiety that is often the root of the poor behavior.

So, don’t disregard your own happiness and quality of life. If your dog is making you miserable – do something about it! Don’t let our society tell you that setting boundaries and rules makes you a bad owner. We always want to treat our dogs humanely and with respect, but that doesn’t mean letting them run the show at your expense. Yes, your dog matters – but YOU matter, too!

Our dogs are going to have bad days and they’re going to do ridiculous things at times, but that doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t still be enriching your life. If you’re stressing more than laughing, find a trainer and make a change. [Picture – me laughing after one of puppy Tucker’s “oops” moments – 2012 – photo credit Beth Anne Ho.]

Categories: Aggressive Dogs, Behavior, dog training, owner encouragement, training tips | Tags: boone nc, dog training, dogs, owner encouragement, parks, stress management | Leave a comment

Protecting Your Dog

Posted on August 9, 2017 by discoverydog1

You are your dog’s only true advocate. If you won’t protect him, who will? He will, that’s who.

Most aggression comes from a place of fear and insecurity. Sure, there are some dogs who are just plain aggressive – but they are in the minority.

Even if your dog doesn’t show aggressive and/or fearful tendencies as a general rule, all dogs have teeth, all dogs can bite, and all dogs have a breaking point.

Part of your job, your responsibility, as a dog owner is keep your dog out of compromising positions. Today, I’m going to address that thought by harping on dogs and alcohol.

I have spoken with multiple clients whose dogs have had poor experiences involving intoxicated humans. In each case, the owner had chosen to take the dog to an event or place where large amounts of alcohol were present, and in each case, the owners neglected to remove the dog from the situation once things started getting tense.

In one scenario, a drunk man grabbed a dog by its head and pulled it up into his own face. The dog tried to back away, but the man persisted in holding his head right up to his own. The dog bit the man on the nose. While some dogs may have been able to keep holding on to hope of rescue, this dog had clearly reached the point where he believed his only option was to try to rescue himself. Who is at fault in this scenario? The owner – who stood by and watched the whole thing happen.

Don’t let your dog become another bite statistic because you made the poor choice to put him in a bad situation. Be responsible – if you take your dog to a party and things get a little more “exciting” than you anticipated, be the adult and take your dog back home.*

Show your dog you are worthy of his trust, will do your best to protect him, and really do have his best interest at heart.

*Do not drive your dog home if you have been drinking.

Note: I may live in a college town, and colleges may be notorious for alcohol related incidents, but the example given above did not involve a college student.

Categories: Aggressive Dogs, Behavior, Blog, Fearful dogs | Tags: Aggressive Dogs, alcohol, boone nc, dog bites, dog trainer, dog training, dogs, dogs and alcohol, Fearful dogs | Leave a comment