Why does Mackie lose control when family arrive at the door? It’s all about the build-up. Cocker Spaniel Mackie is three years old. He is lively, excitable and friendly. The couple have their two adult daughters living nearby. One has a toddler and the other a baby. Their problem is Read more
When Bo erupts into barking as soon as the bell rings, is he being territorial — or overwhelmed by a chain of sounds that signal something worrying is about to happen? Bo reacts with fearful barking when a guest visits their flat. Bo has lived with the couple since he Read more
The dog thought I was leaving. She changed in a flash into a snarling, barking, biting dervish.
Socialisation of the right kind
They did carry him about to meet people but he shook with fear. It’s common to think that the puppy simply needs more exposure but the opposite is often the case. The experiences were negative for him.
Why would a well-socialised Chow Chow puppy suddenly become fearful of people? Stunning seven month old Chow Chow Chai is fearful of people. Sometimes the best laid plans simply go wrong. Very carefully socialised. I can’t fault her young owners. From the start they have done everything by the book. Read more
But their home is their castle. Their campervan is their mini-castle, also to be guarded. Constantly proving at home that aggressive barking drives people away, Ruby does the same from the campervan, now joined by Mia.
How do dogs cope when their lives suddenly change from freedom and space to a quieter, more restricted environment? So much change. The four dogs of interesting mixed breeds were flown over here from South Africa only two weeks ago and everything is different. They have generally settled in really Read more
What happens when a dog is adored by everyone — but has no boundaries? A care home dog? Pip is just that. He doesn’t have an ‘owner’ as such but he belongs to the home. His own care is shared by several members of staff. Little dog takes the lift Read more
Does your dog rush at people barking the moment they come into your home? Oh, Gus, please stop your angry barking at me! The French Bulldog burst out of the utility room and charged at me where I was sitting at the kitchen table, sending his water bowl flying. There Read more
Does your dog get anxious or unsettled when you stop to talk to people? Trevor, an absolute sweetie, was extremely agitated by my being there. He is a small, very young-looking black Staffie age ten. He never stopped pacing, chewing and panting all the time I was there. Two-and-a-half hours. Read more