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April - May, 2007

Q:  I have a question regarding our well-intentioned adopted mutt.  He is a very loving and totally inoffensive neutered male who would never hurt anyone he knows, but we cannot take him to the dog park because he gets protective of us and tries to "intervene" if others get too close to us, like humans greeting me with a hug and kiss on the cheek or when other dogs jump on me.  Additionally, he loves to wrestle with other dogs and his play fighting games look intimidating and other owners worry, so we don't take him to the dog park anymore.  Is this behavior correctable or are we stuck with our own personal high-strung bodyguard?  Please help!

Yari

A:  Because dogs live in a domesticated world they are in essence a product of their owner’s actions toward them.   So answering your question isn’t about teaching your dog, it’s about teaching and assisting you, the owner.  Dogs are excellent students as long as the owners are excellent teachers.  Being a teacher is understanding the importance of non-verbal communication.  Because dogs can’t communicate in sentences they rely heavily on our body language, which leads me to my first point.

A huge factor why dogs become protective of their owners is how the owners choice to spend their time with them.  Be aware not to cater too much to your dog.  Don’t find yourself showering your dog with undeserved reinforcements daily. Some good examples are hours of petting, feeding from your plate, sleeping in bed with you, hanging out on the couch or chair with you, etc.  Instead, instill independence in your dog and you will soon find your dog being comfortable and eased in multiple situations.  Therefore, each day find yourself spending time with your dog but independent of each other.  Also, each day spend time apart from each other.  If you find your dog out back and crying to come in to be with you be sure to ignore him.  Only respond, acknowledge and/or let him in after he calms down and relaxes. Exercising and interacting with your dog daily brings me to my next point.

When it comes to teaching your dog independence it is just as important to spend time separate of your dog, as it equally is to spend constructive time with your dog.  Spending quality time with your dog such as playing fetch, jogging, and walking (heeling) not only burns pent up energy but also enables him to earn his praise and interaction with you.  Along with exercising your dog is working your dog, which brings me to my last point.

Another great way to burn pent up energy and release anxiety is through obedience training.  In doing so you will teach your dog loyalty, confidence and respect.  Respect not only toward yourself and him but for others as well.

If you follow these tips you and others will soon refer to your dog as everyone’s BEST FRIEND instead of your personal high-strung bodyguard.  Good Luck!!!

Don’t try and make up lost time with your dog.  In doing so, your time spent with your dog will become so intense that your dog will realize the difference between the two and will create a strong dependency toward you.  It is the dependency that builds anxiety which creates the protection which results in aggression.