I was asked to accompany a new family on their selection of a rescue dog today. They had made their decision on a previous visit and wanted me to confirm their choice. "Sheba has so much love to give," they told me emphasising the loving nature of the dog they'd chosen.
Within minutes it was obvious Sheba was an insecure dog with nervous issues. Sheba wasn't going to 'love' anyone until she learned to love herself.
Max is a 'lovely dog' another owner told me who 'gets over excited.' I watched as little Max shot around the garden barking and snapping at the garden fence as the postman passed by. Max wasn't a 'lovely dog' he was a stressed out little dog defending his territory in a pack he perceived to be weak.
Owners frequently describe stress as 'play' and unhealthy fixations as 'excitement'. Imagine living in a world where your worries and fears are dismissed as 'play.'
Learning to read your dog is absolutely vital if you want to influence his behaviour. Sheba had no chance to overcome her insecurity with an owner who didn't recognise it. Both her and her new family would live with the consequences for the rest of her anxious life.
Little Max bit me, not from aggression, but from stress. Had I made a big hullabaloo about it his owner would have panicked failing to see the true cause.
Lack of leadership and inability to accurately read their dog is the most common cause of behaviour problems. You can't rehabilitate an insecure dog if you don't recognise the problem. It's like giving physiotherapy to someone with a rash.
Analysing the dog is the first thing I do at every single class. There is no point training unless I know what sort of dog I'm working with.
If you want help assessing your dog go to my website or text me on :075-905-60012.
