Max is four years old and for the first two years of his life he was the most important thing in his owners’ lives.
He had three long walks a day and they took him everywhere with them.
Big changes
Then they had their little girl and now a four-month-old baby. They have also moved house.
Max now is not the happy little dog as he used to be, This he demonstrates by his change in behaviour. Because of this, his owners are not enjoying him any more, to the point where he’s almost too much trouble.
Consequently there has been a big change in their own behaviour. It’s Catch 22.
Barking and snapping
Max barks excessively. He has become touchy. He snaps at the little girl and he snaps when he’s disturbed. His walks are no longer so enjoyable and he is unpredictable with other dogs.
In response and in order to try to do something about the situation, they have watched Cesar Millan. Oh dear. Cesar makes things look so quick and easy on TV. Copying some of the dominance techniques on our own dogs can cause much more harm than good.
Humans trying to act like ‘Alphas’ cause defiance and an escalation in aggression. I would ask people – is this the way you would treat your child if he was frightened, misunderstood and unhappy?
Max with me
In no time at all, this little dog quickly became eager to cooperate with me. He came alive. He looked joyful and attentive. And all because I showed him just what I wanted of him – in ways that he understood; I encouraged him and I rewarded him. What a change!
I hope Max’ people can now see that if they treat him with understanding, patience and encouragement they will see a huge difference.
At the same time they must play safe. I suggested a small dog pen for their big sitting room with his bed in it, a child-free area where he can come and go freely but shut in when necessary, so that children are always safe but at the same time Max can remain part of the family.
