Judging by the massive amount of doggie clothing sold this Christmas one has to ask whose needs these owners are fulfilling?
This thought was triggered by a Chihuahua I saw earlier today being carried around the park in a pink and white check coat. The poor little dog was clearly stressed growling and yapping at everyone who passed by. Whilst her owner was having fun her dog certainly wasn't.
Had the dog been trotting by her owner's side able to experience the world as a dog should that stress would have eventually subsided but then her owner would not have felt she had a 'special' dog.
That expensive pink coat and needy behaviour fulfilled the needs of the owner.
My friend acquired a dog to help her recover from a shattering divorce. It shared her food, sofa, and slept on her bed slowly morphing from a balanced dog into a insecure, aggressive, unruly dog.
My friend whilst fulfilling her own need for affection and company omitted to fulfil her dog's need for leadership, discipline and constructive exercise. Of course the dog had the most expensive food and the warmest bed but it wasn't what he craved. All dogs like to belong a strong pack and his pack could not have been weaker.
Once I pointed this out my friend made amends by moving her dog downstairs and occasionally sitting on the floor with him rather than allowing him to jump on the furniture.
It's taken some time but with consistent house rules and regular constructive exercise the relationship has come good.
Don't convince yourself that your dog has the same needs as you. It's convenient but it's also very destabilising for the dog who wants to see you as the strong leader he so desperately requires for his own stability.
If you need help enrol in one of my classes or just text me at 07590-560012.
