Many times I am completely stunned when people will describe behaviors of their dogs and then follow it up by saying something like: “. . . .but it was because . . . ” and tell me what they believe to be a completely plausible excuse for why a dog does something inappropriate.
It might go something like this:
“My dog was growling at my husband when he tried to get in bed with us . . . but it was because . . . he was feeling protective”
“My dog nipped at our neighbor . . but it was because . . . he put his hand through the fence.”
“My dog lunged at you . . . but it was because . . . you were the second person to come to the door in the last half an hour.”
And on and on it goes . . .
The reality is this. People love their pets. Just like anyone important in someone’s life, people want to defend that person (or furry person), even as they realize that there is a problem, maybe even a big problem. So a problem that may start off seemingly insignificant with a small indiscretion from the dog, becomes bigger and bigger, and the excuses get lamer and lamer.
So if your dog does something that causes others to gasp, or if you find yourself wanting to add that phrase, “it was because” you should probably seek some professional guidance from a dog trainer. Here are some situations of which to be very wary:
- Growling when eating, playing with toys, or chewing on a bone if a person approaches
- Growling or becoming possessive of people when others approach (such as on a bed or couch)
- Tucking tail, crouching with ears back, or raising hackles when people approach
- Baring teeth when people or other animals approach
- Of course, actually snapping or nipping, even if no real injury occurs.
- Any bite, of person or animal, is a sign your dog needs some new boundaries and guidance in their life.
All of these behaviors hold the propensity to become a very bad situation, both for the owner of the dog and the dog. Many cities and towns have rules regarding dangerous dogs. Don’t let your dog become one.
“Fur babies” is probably my least favorite word, and it’s something that crops up a lot with owners of Jack Russells. I guess it’s because people think they’re small and cute, not realizing they’re actually hunting dogs and can be prone to developing aggression problems without the proper training.
Agreed. There is a fine line between having a dog as a family member while still respecting them for who they are, which is, at the end of the day, a dog.
Excellent posting and I agree wholeheartedly.
My dog has some behavior issues and I’m quick to lay them on the table for exactly what they are — behavior issues. Sugar coating and making excuses does absolutely no good and can even become a dangerous practice. (Think: growling turns into a bite).
Too many people believe and defend half-truths and myths when it comes to what makes dogs tick. It’s a shame, because nothing good ever comes from thinking that way.
(Karen Workman, Reporter for The Oakland Press and author of The Dog Blog)
Concerned about behavior issues. He barks at my husband when he gets out of his chair to leave the room and when he returns. He does this when I am in the room.
My husband won’t acknowledge him at all.
When I walk him he won’t let a stranger aproach us. He will bark at children. Does not attach them; but backs away.
Franklin will be two years old in October and is a collie/lab mix.
Does well with most of his commands.