Sometimes seeing how another person responds to situations is the most enlighting. Earlier today I saw a lady walking her dog when her dog spotted another dog. The lady’s dog seem to freak out and began lunging and barking toward the other dog. The barking became quite intense and for what seemed like forever I just watched the dog bark and lunge. Then somehow my focus became centered onto the woman at the other end of the leash. She was filled with drama! Yelling and pulling on the dogs leash, well maybe it was more embarrassment or fear instead of drama, but I bet to her dog it appeared she was participating in the verbal and lunging motion attack on the other dog, I mean after all he was barking and she was yelling, he was lunging and she was moving her arms all over the place. Finally dog number two is on down the path and out of site and the story ends.
I wonder what the lady felt as she then regained some composure and continued on her way. I wonder how often this happens or if this will limit the walking schedule in the future. I know she was probably thinking all this and more, I use to have a dog like hers and it was so humiliating being that “one” with the uncontrollable dog. But, I have learned a thing or two since those days, you see I didn’t want to be that “one.” Dogs can do a variety of embarrassing things in public, but we as responsible owners should recognize that being filled with drama yourself, read that as: equally reactive, probably adds more fuel to the fire than anything. A proper way to handle your dog when he is barking and lunging at another dog is to just pull him back and say nothing. Try to remain calm and remove him from the situation that triggered the reactive event. Yelling at your dog for reacting simply creates more drama.
We as pet owners need to set the example. Dogs watch and learn from us, if our body language says “oh my!” then your dog is going to wonder just what are we are “oh-my-ing” about and become alerted to the potential situation. If you are stressed, they might not understand why, but they very well may see it as a reason for themselves to be on high alert. So be aware of yourself and the signals you are sending out. This lady was unknowingly copying her dog’s behavior which he read and continued his bad behavior because mom was joining in! So be aware of your personal reactions, better yet try to limit your reactions in such situations and relay a calm tone to your dog and see if they read that. Sorry no pictures to go with this one, like any great photographer my camera was at home!
by Amy
1 comment