Thanks to Gustavo for suggesting the blog topic: “If My Owner Only Knew.” He wanted to know “why dogs act the way they do and why they act out.” It’s perfect timing for his question…
Because last Wednesday I received an emergency message from a client, Clare*, about a dogfight. Normally her two young dogs are best friends, but last week there was a big-time dogfight.
Concerned that this was not going to be an isolated incident, Clare called me for advice. She was totally mystified about what caused the dogfight.
In Clare’s mind the problem “came out of nowhere!”
But in reality there were definite reasons why her dogs lost control, and dog behavior signs that indicated the dogs were getting edgy with each other. (For example, one of her dogs started growling when the other dog came in the room.)
When we talked I reminded Clare that she was in the process of remodeling her house. Even when everything goes perfect, having strangers in your house ripping things apart creates chaos.
Unfortunately for Clare things were not going smoothly during the remodeling. Normally quiet and relaxed at home, instead Clare was tense and upset and had unhappy discussions with the subcontractor. And this situation had gone on for weeks!
Why Did Clare’s Dogs Act Out?
Clare said, “But my dogs like each other! They play together and sleep together.”
The plain truth is… dogs do not live in a vacuum. They pick up on what is happening in their environment and what their people are thinking, feeling, and experiencing. Clare’s dogs:
1. Watched Clare (who is usually calm) verbally confront a subcontractor many times,
2. Felt her unhappiness, anxiety, and anger,
3. Lived in remodeling chaos,
4. Missed dog classes, and
5. Lacked regular exercise. (Because it’s been 108 degrees in the shade for the past month, Clare did not take them for walks but just let them run in the backyard.)
Any of those reasons alone probably would not have triggered a fight, but when stacked on top of each other, the increasing level of stress broke down the relationship between two formerly friendly dogs.
Is This A Permanent Rift In The Dogs’ Relationship?
No. The remodeling is now finished. Peace has been restored in the house. Dog lessons and dog walks have restarted. It will take a little time, but things between the two dogs will go smoothly again.
Ask Yourself What Emotional Messages Are You Sending To Your Dog?
If you want to see how your emotions affect your dogs try this exercise from my book, Catch Your Dog Doing Something Right.” (First published by Plume, a division of Penguin Putnam Inc. Second printing by The Lyons Press.)
Ask the dog to join you in a room. Close the door. Sit on the floor. Do not talk, move, or gesture but think angry and unhappy thoughts for the first minute.
Then add words, sounds, and body language to your feelings.
However, do not direct them at the dog! During the next 30 seconds… feel the emotion pouring out.
· Does the dog come up to you, avoid you, get nervous, or ignore you?
· Does the dog’s reaction change? Does the dog react more when you add words, feelings, and body language?
Now change and think happy and excited thoughts for one minute. Then add words, sounds, and body language to your feelings. However, do not direct them at the dog! During the next 30 seconds use a happy voice… feel the emotion pouring out.
· Does the dog come up to you, avoid you, get nervous, or ignore you?
· Does the dog’s reaction change? Does the dog react more when you add words, feelings, and body language?
This is an easy exercise to show the effect your attitude and voice has on a dog. When you are stressed or upset due to a bad day at work, a fight with a neighbor or son, or an accident where you trip and hit your shin against the table, your dog feels it. Dogs absorb tension.
If you ever see dominant behaviors such as – one dog placing his chin on the other dog’s shoulders, growling or snarling if the other dog comes into the room, toy or food bowl guarding, super erect ears or tail – these are behavior signs that demand immediate action. Search out the reasons behind this assertion of dominance and bring the relationships back into balance with training, food changes, regular exercise, increasing your presence as leader of the pack, and calling a professional when you just can’t figure it out.
*The name has been changed.
{ 1 trackback }