Doggone Etiquette—

‘Our’ Dog

By Bardi McLennan

A Word to the Dog:           

What don’t you like about the two men in your house? You are at the window when one goes to work, and when the other goes off to school, which is nice, but are you only watching to make sure they leave? Then, of course, you spend most of the day happily looking after the Lady of your Life and her baby girl. That could be why you get into so much trouble when the men in the family come home and you carry on as if they are intruders on your turf. Not so! They are your family. Wise up, little dog, and learn who your friends really are.

A Word to the Dog’s Owner:

This was a complaint that came originally from a woman who kept referring to “my dog” in describing the problem. Apparently “her” dog barks and growls at her husband when he walks in the door after work and her son gets similar treatment when he comes home from school. Whenever the boy brings friends home and they play in the house, the dog goes for the kids’ legs. Now she’s afraid that “her” dog will also go for her baby when the little girl reaches the toddler stage.

If truth be known, the dog has been allowed to become overly bonded to the two “ladies” in its life. I doubt that the baby girl will actually be bitten at some point, but could certainly be unintentionally nipped if that dog isn’t straightened out. Those boys are in jeopardy now, playing indoors or out. Left unchecked, the aggressive behavior of a dog like this will extend to male friends, to the repairman, deliveryman — you name it!

As far as a dog is concerned, barking and growling are just normal use of its vocal chords. It’s the attitude that can go with the noise that is not acceptable social behavior. It must be halted at the start. Once again we are back to that basic need to socialize dogs. It is not easy to get a dog to change its tried-and-true behavior, but that is what needs to be done in a case like this. It will take work and understanding on the part of the whole family to turn things around with “her” Rufus.  

First of all, the V.I. Lady in question needs to step back and cease being everything to Rufus. Ignoring an adoring dog is not easy, but things like more outings with the baby, leaving the dog at home alone, would help. Until the dog’s behavior is much improved, the boys can play outdoors and the dog put where he can’t see or hear them. Young Johnny could spend some time playing one-on-one with the dog, such as a game of fetch with a new toy. However, first things, first.

There are the all-important things both those males in the family can do to speed up winning the dog over. When the boy and the husband each return home, they need to immediately do two things: “Greet” and “Treat.” First, squat down (ignoring any dog noises) and greet the dog in a calm, pleasant voice and with a big smile. And, at the same time offer a treat held out in the palm of an extended hand. Such a surprisingly happy greeting may throw Rufus off balance at first, but any grumbling or barking that does occur should be ignored rather than corrected. Make Rufus “our” dog.              

In addition, the husband and/or son could take the dog for fun walks. These can be short walks wherever Rufus might enjoy the sights and smells. They could also take the dog to obedience classes, or to any fun classes that are given in your area. Treats handed out now and then for no reason other than just because Rufus is quiet (and thus a “good dog”) will help to win him over. This all takes time — and patience, and praise — but all that is needed to wean the dog away from one person, so he can be the family’s dog.

Until next time — BE GOOD!

—Bardi

Bardi McLennan bred, trained and showed Welsh terriers for 30 years, during which time she wrote a monthly column on canine behavior in Dog Fancy Magazine. In addition to contributing to numerous dog publications, she has written 15 books on dogs, the latest being Rescue Me!, which received the ASPCA Humane Issues Award in 2008.