I was walking the Pack along a quiet hillside path yesterday when a large dog appeared trotting slowly in the opposite direction. I watched carefully as it passed by. Once behind us it swung around behind my dogs and charged. I immediately dived in front of the dog and used my voice and waving arms to chase it off. Meanwhile the owner had appeared with another large dog on a lead jumping around in wild excitement. To my utter amazement he uttered not one word to correct the behaviour of either dog.
How will they ever learn this behaviour is wrong? Sadly I know where this is heading and some innocent dog or sheep will eventually pay the price.
If your dog displays predatory behaviour without actually making contact do not wait until he does.
Aggressive behaviour is long in the making. Barking, stalking and lunging all come beforehand. Do not dismiss this behaviour as 'play' in the world of pack animals there is no such thing. Dogs who bark, lunge and or chase other dogs are simply working their way up the aggression ladder.
I was called recently to assess a Terrier following a serious attack on another dog.
"I don't understand it," said his shocked owner. "He's never attacked a dog before."
Well, that may be true but you can bet your life he's had a lot of practice leading up to it. He didn't just wake up that morning and say, "I think I'll bite another dog today." He'd been signalling his intent for months to an owner who refused to listen.
"He just wants to play/say hello", is the standard excuse used by owners in denial. When the inevitable attack occurs and some poor injured animal pays the price owners go into shock.
Don't let this happen to you. This aggression is clearly preventable providing you listen, learn and take appropriate action.
If you don't know how join one of our classes and we will show you. Just go to my website or text me on 07590-560012.
