Why is Phoebe barking and nipping at callers, and how can she learn to feel safe? As time goes by 9-year-old Cockerpoo’s barking at passing people and at the front door gets worse. Now when they open the door for a delivery, she may even nip the person’s ankles. To Read more
What happens when a newly rehomed dog is introduced to too many people, dogs and places too quickly? The family rehomed two-year-old Puggle Zadie two weeks ago as company for their older Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and their little daughter. As so many people do, they felt they should immediately Read more
Moving forward involves a ‘jigsaw’ of stress-reducing pieces which also include better diet and working on both dogs’ reaction to a knock on the door. When she has put the various bits in place, greatly lowering Jock’s arousal levels will also reduce his need to bark.
Does distraction help a dog cope with other dogs — or does he need something different?
Distraction is helpful if the dog is taken by surprise. Distraction however doesn’t help him to cope with the appearance of another dog.
Oaky is a sensitive little Border Terrier. He has lived with the lady for a couple of years and not too much is known about his past. A perfect dog in his loving home, the lady isn’t enjoying her walks with him due to his barking and pulling towards any other dog he sees.
Oaky wears a half-check collar. The lady pulls him to the side and holds onto him tightly as the dog passes. She may say ‘Watch Me’ as a distraction. She admits to feeling both anxious and embarrassed; he will doubtless feel this down the lead to his sensitive neck. (more…)
Does your dog seem uneasy or fearful moving through certain areas of your home? Poor Boris looked uneasy all the time. His family, unable to read his subtle signals just hadn’t realised how his uneasiness went a lot further than the problem I was there for – his fear of going near Read more
Why does a rescued street dog still feel unsafe, even after living in a home for a long time? Neo is still a street dog – still a street dog despite living in a house. The fact he is living so well in a house is tribute to the hard Read more
Why was little Daisy reacting to dogs that came too close to her? Most people who choose little dogs treat them very differently to how people usually treat bigger dogs, carrying them everywhere and keeping them closely on lead – but not so the couple I went to last night. Read more
The cornerstone to their success will be to give their little dogs choice and a way out – an escape. If the dog doesn’t want to move, then the walk should be abandoned.