Do not let your dog advance on someone barking-unless that person is trying to murder you and your dog is keeping you safe. And for the love of GOD don't say, "Oh, he won't bite!" Because, I'm sorry, that behavior is just one inch away from the next step: BITING...or worse. It depends on the dog what would push them over the edge, but it's NOT SAFE. You are the pack leader, do not allow it. Don't know how? That's what trainers are for.
Goodness...Kasey (foster turned keeper) did this when I first rescued her. It was terrifying. Her bark is SO big..and a large dog coming at you..bad combo. Did I think she would bite anyone, probably not-but I do know she would have done serious damage to another animal. It was just too scary to let it go unfixed. She learned very quickly this was not allowed with a sharp "HEY"...then the treats would come out. She then learned that seeing new people and animals meant..she got TREATS! So when new people/animals come around, she comes and sits by me, patiently waiting for a treat. This is an abused, neglected Pit mix we are talking about. Who is now the most docile lover bunny in the world.
Do not use one of those *%$*$#*$ retractable leashes, allowing your dog to be 10 feet in front of you. It's not safe for YOUR DOG or OTHER DOGS. They are hands down the WORST leash on the planet (ask ANY trainer). Maybe you have the best dog ever? Great! Now, in using a retractable leash, you just stuck your awesome dog way out of arms reach, so if a bigger NOT so nice dog comes out of some bushes you can't get there in time. Or whatever..insert TERRIBLE SCARY THING HERE..you are too far away from your dog. You don't know what could happen..car..anything. If your dog is way the heck out in front of you, how can you keep him safe?!?!?! Not to mention your dog should NEVER walk in front of you anyway. They should be beside or behind you. YOU are the leader, not the follower. So many behavior issues come from little things like this. The only time to use a retractable leash, is when you are in the middle of a field, all alone, and don't feel like moving-but want your dog to roam a bit. Other than that, throw the dang thing away and get a real leash! (Ok, I'll admit, the retractable leash is a mega pet peeve of mine!!)
Kasey would have been your dogs worst nightmare before I rescued and rehabilitated her. She came to me with severe dog/cat aggression issues..that didn't always show right away...they would sometimes happen once the animal was in reach. Can you IMAGINE if I had her on a retractable leash?! She could have killed a dog/cat or injured someone. OR, can you imagine if we had come around the corner to a tiny dog on a retractable leash..and suddenly they were WAY too close?! Thankfully we worked very hard-and she no longer has those issues in anyway. BUT, not everyone fixes aggression/fear/dominance issues.
When you walk your dogs...allowing them to meander...sniff...take their time...stop constantly...they are NOT getting the beneficial mental and physical effects of a walk! They should be in a trot, tail low, head low, ears relaxed, looking straight forward. In the ZONE. If you do not accomplish this peaceful zen during your walk, you are wasting your time and the dogs time. Do it right to see the many many MANY awesome things it does for behavior and energy issues! And, again..your dog should be beside you or behind you-and not pulling or tugging in anyway. If your dog is yanking you around the block, you are doing it all wrong. If I can walk two 50+ lb Pit Bulls and a 23lb Eskimo in a perfect heel...at the same time (I weigh only 120lb), then I think you can get your dog to walk next to you also! It's about how you do it, NOT YOUR SIZE. It's so easy to do! Walks should be enjoyable!
Mariah (previous foster) was a "WORST OFFENDER" for dragging humans down the sidewalk. It took her about 30 minutes to learn NOT to pull me (I teach this WITHOUT me tugging at her leash/neck.) I must say, I was pretty tough looking walking her, Kasey and my Eskimo dog, all in a perfect heel. I'm big on respect-I promise you, it is the ONLY secret. Well, that and patience.
Kipper (foster turned keeper) started pooping EVERYWHERE suddenly...turns out he had a rare form of bacteria in his stools. One that was hard to trace...and took lots and lots of meds to cure. He couldn't help his messes! Once his treatment was over, he never pottied outside of the box again.
When your dog does something you do not like, do not SCREAM at it or HIT it. REALLY, terrifying the living crap out of your dog makes them FEAR YOU. You want your dog to RESPECT YOU. Yes, you do sometimes need to use a short, stern "HEY" or "STOP". (I save "NO" for life saving situations only..like a car or a big dog etc). But respect goes a long way. You want a dog to be your best friend, not a terrified servant..right? And dogs DO NOT UNDERSTAND HITTING. They do not whack each other over the head, so they just don't get what you are doing. They just know it's scary and it hurts. There are so many other methods to get your point across. Of course the BEST is positive rewards for doing good things. You get more flies with honey, love. I know your mama told you that.
Ladybug (previous foster) was one of the most vicious dogs I've worked with..honestly! Look how peaceful she is now! She was physically abused..definitely yelled at a lot. It took a lot of patience and time for her to come around. Even though she came at me many times with intent to harm-I never screamed at her or hit/kicked her..simply remained calm, and rewarded her when she was being sweet and social. She learned not ALL humans will hurt her. Without that trust, she wouldn't be in the stellar home she is in today.
Don't skip heartworm medication. Your dog is indoors only huh? Don't they go potty outside? They get heartworms from mosquito bites. How quick can YOU get bitten? I dunno about you, but I am a very tasty human, and in a matter of 2 minutes I will get 4 bites. It only takes ONE BITE to infect your dog. Heartworms are very expensive to treat once your dog is infected. Not to mention the treatment is PAINFUL. You will have to watch the pain in your dogs eyes..watch them in agony. Have to keep them from moving much during the long treatment, because movement could kill them. The pills are very inexpensive. It's so easy. Some brands even have it in combination with flea/tick stuff...so many great options. But you really must take this seriously. Seeing a dog receiving heartworm treatment is one of the hardest things you'll see. Don't make your dog be the one to suffer when it's so easy to prevent.
Please don't think I'm a know-it-all. I'm not. We all can do things better. That is why I wrote this tonight, in the hopes that just ONE PERSON will read this..and make a change. My #1 priority is a happy healthy pet...both MINE....and yours. I just see things that make me cringe...and maybe, just maybe I can make a difference!
~Stephanie
Kitties & Kritters
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