Badger is a beautiful 17-month old blue merle Border Collie.
He bites his male owner.
Everyone else is safe.
It was interesting to see just how much of Badger’s day was ruled by Badger’s wishes. Like most of us, because we are living in the situation, we just can’t see how much our dogs are controlling us and it’s not fair on the dog.
Children who do what they want when they want and who always get what they want if they pester for long enough aren’t always happy. Those who are shouted at one moment and cuddled the next may well be confused.
Commands and control
There is mixture of strong harsh-sounding commands and confrontational control from the lady and the son, and quiet indecision from the husband. Badger had bitten him quite badly bitten a couple of days ago.
The people feared Badger may have to be put to sleep.
On analysing the biting occasions, they seem to be around the gentleman putting his hand in or towards Badger’s personal space – particularly anywhere the dog chooses to sleep. Badger is clearly confused.
Early weeks
Badger left is mother and siblings too young, at five weeks of age, so he started life without learning valuable lessons from the others in bite-inhibition and sharing.
Things escalated a few weeks ago, and this seems to coincide with their changing his diet to a well-known brand that is full of colourings and additives. Would we feed a hyperactive child with food containing additives and colourings? I think not.
Changes
Straight away they are changing his diet to the best quality. They are going to try to cut down on commands, to talk quietly and gently to Badger. Through their actions rather than words, to allow Badger’s clever brain to work out for himself what is and is not acceptable to them.
The man is understandably on edge, so initially he is going to have little to do with Badger until he is able to send out more confident vibes. Badger’s personal space will be respected. T
he play with the son is going to be toned right down – why encourage Badger to do the very things we don’t want – grabbing and biting. Everything possible will be done to reduce Badger’s stress levels. The calmer he is, the less touchy he will be.
Three months later: ‘hi haven’t spoken for ages. just thought would share this as a proof of how far things have gone: Simon (name changed) was just putting on his shoes to go out and bent to tie his laces. Unprompted, Badger walked up and licked his nose! He also allows Simon to fix on his lead and comes to him when called! (and to all!) He likes Simon to fuss him but Simon keeps those to a minimum.
We have a lot of activity at the moment as we have builders in and one forgot where the dogs were and walked in there without warning. Badger was silent and sat to wait to be allowed to greet him! When I said ok, he went up, sat and was fussed for his good behaviour. Progress! As I write this he is asleep at my feet, his favourite spot.
If you live in my area and have a dog that bites family members, please contact me. There is no magic wand or quick fix, but in nearly every case if the owners change their own behaviour, then the dog’s behaviour will gradually change also.
