I realised Alfie was scared, not aggressive
I WENT to see a large dog today whose owner told me he could not be walked where there were other dogs as he would go crazy.
Not just go ‘mad’, he would pull me over and run away.
Having once been dragged down the centre of Alderley Edge in a snow storm I took heed.
A gentle assessment of Alfie (not a very ferocious name for such a crazy dog) told me he was scared more than aggressive.
His tail was underneath him and he glanced constantly at the horizon looking for trouble.
Armed with that information, I took Alfie for a short walk where I advised him of my leadership credentials by asking him to do a few simple things like sit on command and walk without pulling. It took a few minutes but he was a bright dog and got the idea pretty quickly.
Using only lead pressure, I showed him exactly how I wanted him to react to other dogs. I didn’t anticipate trouble, I just pictured in my mind an easy walk past any dog we encountered and that is exactly what I got.
Alfie’s owner thought it was ‘magic’ but it really wasn’t.
For a start this was OUTSIDE the park where all dogs are on lead, not inside the park where they are not.
Just as I anticipated, Alfie took it in his stride, looking to me for guidance. As long as Alfie saw me as a strong leader he would trust me to deal with any situation, but there could be no room for slip-ups.
Fortunately, all went well and I had him over the first hurdle. From hereon Alfie will need more calm, controlled exposure to other dogs and there must be no mistakes.
Dogs don’t do ‘couldhave, ‘should have’, you either protect and lead them or you don’t; there are no excuses in the dog world.
During Alfie’s rehabilitation there will be very little petting and stroking, Alfie’s needs are much greater than that. He is desperate for knowledge on how to defend himself against things he considers to be a threat. That’s his owner’s job and Alfie must not be let down or his trust will be zero.
With some help and consistency I think Alfie will lose his fear, BUT there is no easy fix and his owner must be prepared to devote a good deal of time to his rehabilitation.
Petting and fussing can come later on when he feels more secure.
If you need help with your dog text Vic direct on 07590-560012 or visit our website www.vicbarlow.com