GOOD DOGS, BAD DOGS

I will have anchors to make this page easier to navigate. For now, scroll down to find comments on Submissive Dogs, Aggressive Dogs, and Good Dogs.

Submissive Dogs
As I touched on in the previous page, extremely submissive dogs can be frustrating. Keep in mind through it all the reason you got a dog. For most people this is companionship. There are a number of rescue leagues, Humane Societies, and people who just want the companionship a dog has to offer. If the dog does not meet your satisfaction, remember, there are options available.

My sister-in-law, Steph', used to work for a veterinary doctor in Maryland. One day Henry, a beagle/doberman mix, was brought in by someone who had found him in a field totally immatiated to the point that he couldn't stand on his own. The vet dedcided to try and rehabilitate him instead of "putting him down".

Over the next few weeks Henry got stronger and was eventually able to stand on his own. He was still very scittish around people but was obviously getting more comfortable around the vet. hospital staff. One weekend Steph' had the job of going into the hospital and walking the dogs boarded there. Since Henry was the only dog there that weekend and it was snowing, Steph' decided to bring Henry home for the weekend. The biggest concern was if Henry and Josette (a Catahula Leopard Hound bitch) would get along.

They got along so well that Scott and Steph' never took him back to the vet. except for checkups. When they first got him home Henry would not let himself be backed into a corner, if he smelled beer on anyone's breath he would slink away in fear and exhibited all the signs of submission (see 6 & 7 on the previous page). Even playing with Josette or Scott or Steph' was almost out of the question. It took about 2 years for Henry to be totally comfortable in his new life. The biggest key obviously was patience.

The first thing would probably be territory. I would recommend giving the overly submissive dog an area all his own. Go out and buy a dog bed or kennel and keep everyone away from it. This should be the submissive dogs sanctuary, his safe haven. If things get to be too much for him he needs a safe place to go and feel secure.

Secondly is routine. The dog needs to feel comfortable and experience as little out of the ordinary for a period of time to know how things should be. Once he is comfortable in his new environment you can begin to acclimate the dog to new situations. At first start with petting him when you get home from work or school. Take him for a walk at the same time everyday so he recognizes the sound of the leash. Feed him at the same time so he knows he'll be able to eat and when.

Some dogs may be submissive because they were beaten with belts among other things. Since the jingling of the belt and leash sound similar, the sound may send the dog into a panic attack. Be gentle during these attacks, show him the leash or offending object but talk to him with soothing, gentle tones. Don't force the object on him. You may want to start with setting it on the coffee table while sitting on the couch and slowly over days move it closer. And pet the dog. Dogs, like people, are tactile creatures and this will help as long as you're not forcing yourself on the dog.

When Scott and Steph first got Henry and they'd been drinking, Henry would go hide in the kitchen. When I got up to get another beer when I was over there, Henry would jump up and try to get away from the person (I used to hang out with them quite a bit). When Henry would go by we would reach down and just give him a little scratch or pat and let him keep going. This let him see that we weren't going to hit him while drinking or drunk which he obviously had been. Eventually it didn't bother him and he just walked up trying to get pets.

Thirdly is acclimation. Once the dog is comfortable with you and knows you will protect and care for him take him for walks in the neighborhood or parks where there will be other people, dogs, and strange sounds. Kids will love it if you ask them to pet your dog. Or you may want to start with just asking them to make noise near you. This will help the dog realize that nothing will happen to him even though there are strange noises around. You may want to check with the parents first so they don't think you're some pervert. Don't let them hug him at first, this is a sign of dominance and may set you back some. Or you might ask that cute guy or girl you've had your eye on for help. It will help your dog and might get you a date. We've all heard stories of people getting together because of a dog, it was the greatest thing my wife ever did for me.

If you explain what you're doing, other people with dogs will most likly be more than willing to help. Keep a close eye on the dogs for bristling of hair, snarling and baring of teeth. This is normal to decide the hierarcy but could turn ugly very quickly. One of the best ways to get the dog acclimated to other dogs is an obedience class. It will get him used to other dogs being around but still listening to you, but it will also help him get used to being around dogs and people without being fearful. Most county or city park systems offer obedience classes for very reasonable prices by trained professionals who want to get business by word of mouth. I did this with Talbot and have recommended the instructor to anyone who asked. I would take the class after the dog is comfortable with you and your family.

Aggressive Dogs
The biggest reason in my experience for aggressive dogs is lack of training. Like any organization, dogs work instinctivly in a structured society. In my home there is the alpha dog, me, the beta dog, Dukkie, and Talbot and Puck are at the bottom. If I say, Talbot does. Right now we have snow on the ground and ice on the streets. Our house is on a corner. If I have Talbot out and I say "sit", he sits. If I say "stay in the yard", he comes back into the front yard. If I see a car coming, I have to be able to tell him what to do so he won't get hit.

The argument of "I don't want to change my dogs personality" is the most irresponsible thing a dog owner can say. The last dog my family had was run over 3 times. Fortunatly he had the sense to lay down and was not hit by the car or tires, but he did get hit once. All for the lack of training and structure. (Incidentally, the hit didn't kill him. The driver saw him in time to slow down and hit him enough to cause a few bumps and scrapes. Smoke lived to a ripe old 18 years old.)

Usually when a dog is aggressive it's because he's been aloud to assume the roll of alpha dog. How many times have you heard someone say "he never listens" while slipping the dog a scrap of food from the table? The aggressive dog is that way because he feels it is his job to protect the pack and the den. It is neccessary to acclimate the dog to strangers and strange dogs at an early age. If he's an older dog, get a strong leash and take him to an obedience class. Or talk with the instructor, he may need private lessons at first. This may seem too expensive, but it's cheaper than going to court, possibly being court ordered to have the dog destroyed, and paying damages.

Again, the key is training.

Good Dogs
Training, Training, Training. I can't stress it enough. The key to a good dog is training for you and your dog. Discipline is one of the most contreversial issues concerning dogs. I have never hit my dog to discipline him and everyone comments on how well behaved he is. The trick is teaching the dog what you expect of him and enforcing in ways he will understand. Do you want a dog that cowers when you tell him to do something or does it because he wants to please you?

The new trend (or not so new anymore) with repremanding children is "time out". Similarly, dogs crave contact and group or pack association. The way dogs punish dogs is to ostercise them, or give them a time out. I put Talbot in the bedroom, tell him in a stern voice to "Go Lay Down!", tell him the command I was was expecting and then leave him there for a set amount of time. If he leaves the time out area we start all over again adding time for disobeying.

If a dog is playing too rough or doing something he shouldn't, make the dog lay down, grab the loose skin under his neck, and talk to him in a stern voice making it sound almost like a growl. Use words he knows like "bad", "no" or whatever words you use to tell your dog he's done wrong. Don't grab the dog's wind pipe. You could do damage to the dog's throat.

Keep in mind that dogs are more intelligent than thought. Read The Intelligence of Dogs by Stanley Coren for more on the subject. Dogs who get into the garbage for instance, may not be doing it because of what they smell, that's the icing, but because it stimulates them mentally to figure out how to get into this huge canister bigger than they are. With training, dogs are mentally stimulated so they won't redirect their boredom to inappropriate behavior.

Common Sense
The best advice I can give is use your common sense. Vet.s and scientist are finding that dogs are more intelligent than origianlly thought. Read as much as possible. This is a life you are taking care of and he will return your kindness in kind. Talk to your vet and get a trainer and talk to her. If you're here you are probably into the internet. Use it too. There obviously is a lot of good information here. If you come across good rescource sites let me know. I have strong opinions, but mine are not as learned as others and I would welcome other rescources I could share.

Remember, your pet is not just an animal you haved around, he's a life that wants to please and is capable of helping you (with training) and enriching your life.