Read the signs and find help for dogs
SHOULD you be out walking and encounter an owner with a barking dog pulling frantically towards your dog, the last words you want to hear are ‘he just wants to play’.
In my long and varied experience, that is the call of an owner who is looking at a completely different dog than you are
hen his dog eventually attacks (as it will), the owner will blame you, your dog, or both.
If you have your dog on a lead, this owner will claim all would have been fine had you had it running loose.
If your dog is loose, he will insist his dog would have been unperturbed had your dog been on a lead.
Dogs are by nature sociable animals (they have to be to be part of a pack).
Lunging and threatening others is not the behaviour of a calm balanced dog.
It’s the mark of a nervous, insecure dog that needs help.
Dogs know that antisocial behaviour is wrong, it’s against their natural instinct.
They just don’t know how to correct it.
That’s our job as owners and leaders.
It’s not difficult, it just requires determination and commitment.
I received a wonderful photograph today of a dog playing in the sea with his owner.
Twelve months ago Toby was totally unmanageable.
His owners didn’t make excuses though – they sought help and worked through his issues.
Had they gone into denial and excused his anti social behaviour as ‘play’, I doubt Toby would be alive today.
No calm balanced dog wakes up one morning and decides to attack another.
He’ll have flagged up his problem for some time.
He will certainly pull or lunge towards other dogs, chasing and barking.
He may even be nipping or mouthing.
These are the early signs of aggression and demand urgent attention.
It’s a call for help all owners should heed.
You can get that help on my website.
Alternatively, join one of my training classes by visitingvicbarlow.com or texting me on 07590 560012.