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| Dogs learn how to behave around each other through training |
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| Using the collar and leash is important for control |
What fun! Summer is here and it is holiday time. You cannot
wait to be off to visit your best friend who has invited you to stay for two
weeks at her fantastic lake house. Even your dog is welcome to come along for
two weeks at the lake. There is one small problem; the last time you visited, your
friend`s dogs seemed to hate your dog. Fights broke out several times over toys,
and everyone was growling over everything.
Maybe you should
leave your dog behind, but that thought does not go far; you have no option but
to bring him along. What to do? What to do?
Well, here’s the thing. Dogs do not “get” the concept of
visiting like humans do. Dogs, do not see visitors as individuals who will
eventually leave, they see INTERLOPERS who will eat the packs food and who will
eventually have to be fought for position in the pack. That is just how it is;
and you can`t change Nature, but, a good dog handler will control the situation
i.e. “The pack”.
We know your friend is not a good handler, or else her dogs
would not be such little jerks. Unless she took her dogs to school since you
last met, it is likely the problems will have amplified since then. Her dogs
will see your dog as “the interloper “who was driven away last time he was past
here. And your dog will be ready for “those troublesome cousins” at the lake.
You must keep your dog on leash at all times, just like back in novice training
with the ribbon lead. Keep your dog attached to you and he will not get hurt. In
order to have a securable place for your dog to stay when you are not with him,
take a crate with you on holiday. Let him loose only when your bedroom door is
securely closed. The other dogs will look for a way to drive your dog away so
keep on your toes and wait for your opportunity.
Ideally all the dogs should be on leash but that probably
won`t happen. Just keep your dog on leash.
If and when the other dogs make a move towards your dog
aggressively, use an enormous foot stamp surprise, threaten to give them a
sharp poke and tell them to PSHST!OFF! in no uncertain terms. If and when your dog growls or barks, reprimand
him firmly, using the collar and leash. Keep the peace and let all the dogs
know that you are intervening over and above all aggression.
Do not bother explaining any of the above to your friend as she probably will not listen. Just do it, and
she will be as surprised as her dogs are.
Happy Summertime,
Love the Dog Nana
