Why is simply ignoring unwanted behaviour only a small part of the solution?
‘Good! That’s the behaviour we want!’.
Ignoring unwanted behaviour or actively disengaging when the dog does something we don’t like, is only half the story. Actually, it’s a lot less than half the story.
(more…)Why does a dog guard food more fiercely when people try to prove they’re “in charge”? “We must show the dog who’s boss”. Rex guards his food. Guarding food and resources can be a contentious issue where human response is concerned. Many conscientious dog owners, doing what they believe is Read more
Why would a normally friendly dog bite when someone comes near something she can eat? Telyn, the Sprolly, is a friendly and polite dog. She is a lucky dog also – living in a lovely family with three teenage girls who all play an active part in her life. However, Read more
Why would a previously friendly dog suddenly begin barking and lunging at approaching people and joggers? I met Theo today! Theo is a ten-month-old Cockapoo who lives with another Cockapoo, Otto, who is six years and much more sensible! Theo is a live wire, friendly, affectionate and funny. For some Read more
Why would a friendly, affectionate dog become tense and defensive the moment food appears? I wonder what started Reggie’s guarding behaviour as it’s hard to see how it fits in with the rest of his personality. The 4-year-old English Bull Terrier is only guarding food related items. He doesn’t guard Read more
How do you help an anxious rescue dog adjust to a completely new life? Jayden is a complicated, anxious little chap who is trying to adjust to huge changes in his life. He had been in rescue in Australia for two years and a young couple brought him over here Read more
Has your dog suddenly become aggressive around food, even though he never used to be? Three year old Black Labrador Alfie is in nearly every respect a good natured and biddable dog. However, in one respect, his behaviour has been worsening over the past year or so. They can’t pinpoint Read more
Over the months they have tried scolding, punishment, encouraging him, spraying him with a pet ‘Corrector’, taking his food away, not taking his food away – basically everything that well-meaning friends and family, the dog trainer they go to or the Internet tells them to do.