Use Treats and Don’t Rush

A supporter recently told me she had been advised to get rid of her dog because he had bitten a child. I learned that this dog was much beloved, and they were grief-stricken at the thought of parting with him. Spot had done well in training classes, loved to ride in cars and enjoyed accompanying the family to outdoor cafes. He welcomed guests into their home and played with dogs and children in the neighborhood. Spot was a family member.

Someone had tried to hold Spot down so that a child Spot had never met could pet him. Spot had also attempted to bite one other time when someone tried to hold him down for an adult stranger to pet him.

Except when being held down and forced to let strangers pet him, Spot had been a wonderful dog.

If you are afraid of heights, you may become panicked climbing a tall ladder. Your reaction to heights will vary depending if you’re on the ladder looking down or with both feet firmly on the ground. The same is true for dogs and cats in situations that are fearful for them. This does not indicate that you have a mean animal, it indicates you may need to build his confidence.

To treat Spot’s fear of strangers, ask a person Spot does not know to stand with his back to you while silently offering a tasty treat on an open hand held behind them. Let Spot approach at his own pace and take the treat. Do this as often as it takes for Spot to look forward to a treat from the stranger’s hand. The second step is to have the stranger turn sideways with a treat in hand, and the final step is to have the stranger face Spot with treat in hand. You might do step one for days before progressing to step two, or Spot may progress through all three steps in one session.

Repeat these steps with other strangers until he decides that making new friends is good.

If your dog is very fearful of strangers and reacts by showing aggression, you may need to consult a professional behaviorist. Selecting a professional is a decision to be made very carefully. The old method of subduing an animal by popping and jerking the lead works only as long as the forceful person is holding the lead. Select someone who can effect long-term change that will last in most situations.

Sometimes we panic and jump to the conclusion that our companion animal is not suitable when in reality an issue with our dog or cat may actually be quite solvable. If you have difficulty finding professional help for your dog, email me at bbarnette@PetsInNeed.org, and I’ll be glad to direct you to professionals who can help you and your furry family member stay together.

 
Founded in 1965, Pets In Need receives no federal, state or local government support.

Published in the San Mateo County Times, August 24, 2002