A recent visit to the vet illustrated that many people can’t talk dog.
A large breed dog left the consult room (let’s call it Fred) and appeared to be happy – waggy tail and soft attitude, then it changed – it became still – the tail was high and he stared at another large dog, who objected at being ‘sworn at’ by giving a bark.
Fred looked at my dog, but as I was aware I coaxed my dog to look at me before it reacted.
But the next dog that was ‘sworn at’ (stared at) objected verbally.
Shouldn’t we be able to talk dog if we have a dog?
Many dogs are stressed at the vet, a circumstance such as this can make the visit more distressing.
A similar incident occurred when two dogs were tied up, one began staring (swearing) at the other who objected, the owner immediately pounced on the dog and told it off. Was this fair?
Some breeds are more inclined to use a hard eye (stare) – know your breed and your individual dog. Don’t let your dog provoke others.
The problem here is that the reactivity was seen coming from the victims and they were chastised. Please be aware of your dog’s reactions to other dogs, also try to understand what may have caused your dog to become reactive.
Let’s not tell our dogs off for their behaviour – we might have missed a trigger.
If a dog becomes reactive, we need to redirect its attention back to us so we can reward calm behaviour, preferably redirect before the dog reacts.
Want to learn more about how dogs communicate visit Bairnsdale and District Dog Obedience Club Inc.
Written by Bairnsdale and District Dog Obedience Club Inc. member, Lorna Piper.
