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Holy Bark-Ola!! Dogs at the Door…
Yesterday, I was speaking with another pro dog trainer and (ahem) boasting that I don’t allow my dogs to be at the front door when guests come over, because it’s just too exciting for everyone. She agreed, and we chatted a bit about how pet owners sometimes have big expectations for their dogs, often leaving them loose when workers enter the house and then wonder why the dog bites…
Today, my cleaning person slipped in the back door without texting first. The dogs have only met her a few times and she surprised all of us. Oops.
Bliss, my 16mo old, 50lb Aussie went into full DEFENDER mode. ???? Barking, lunging, all hackles up, very defensive/conflicted aggression and pretty scary! Wowza. I didn’t know she had it in her. Good to know, really, that she’s not going to just let strangers walk into the house. I mean, it’s one of the reasons I have big dogs! ????
Thankfully, my cleaner is dog savvy. She held still while I calmly got Bliss, then after Joy led the way to a proper greeting, Bliss was able to relax. ????
Just goes to show ya… surprises happen! And, you can bet I’ll not have that door unlocked next time she comes to clean. We clearly need a little prep and management! Photo of my darling Bliss who is normally VERY, VERY social with people. 😉
How do you set your dogs up for success when guests come over?
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4 Replies
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Oh wow! That must have been quite a surprise for everyone! ????
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Great story to share, @catherine !
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You know I greatly appreciated this story because of how it shows that dogs will be and act like dogs no matter where or who they are with. I think so many people have inaccurate ideas that pro dog trainers some how have dogs that dont do anything wrong and behave 100% of the time. Because you train dogs right? Personlly I think its less that we train dogs but rather are able to speak dog and thats what makes us different.
My dog Pirate who is a total brut of a husky and has been since was a wee little one ( he is 12 now). He has a tendency to be very dog agressive, which I can only attribute to his broken upbringing as he has been that way since I rescued him. No amount of rigorous training will change the fact that he must be carfully monitored around other dogs. How I set him up for success? I don’t bring him into places with a bunch of dogs like breweries or parks. We go for walks early in the morning and late at night when he there are fewer dogs around. When we go for hikes we go to less populated trails. If its a busy weekend in town, he stays home and we play yard games and brain teasers. Unfortunately because he is 75lbs of unpredictable behavior he is a homebody most days. Not in the sense he sits in the kennel all day twiddling his paws, but that he is in a safe secure environment where very little suprises will trigger him. Is it a strict life of management? Yes. But that is what keeps him from getting hurt and hurting others. Its a lot of work but Its the contract I signed on to when I took him in.
Side note: I think pet owners will get a dog have crazy expectations and then freak if the dog doesnt act in the way they thought they would. Training aside I wonder what the world would be like if dogs could openly communicate what they were feeling? I know so many people who act nutty in situations they are overwhelmed with. Why should dogs be any different?
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@mtnwolfpup – I’m marking this quote because I want to revisit it… I don’t have time for a proper response, but I really appreciate your reflections!
I wonder what the world would be like if dogs could openly communicate what they were feeling? – Sofia K.
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