Doggone Etiquette —

My Space

By Bardi McLennan

A Word to the Dogs:          

Every one of you dogs loves to be able to stretch out full length, no matter how long you are, on the rug, sofa, or anywhere in the sun. So what do you do when some pushy dog (or person) wants you to move? Don’t you hate it when you’re eating dinner or just having a drink of water, and another dog (or cat, or person) tries to butt in? I’m pretty sure you growl to warn these intruders they’d better stay out of your space. And I’ll bet that dog or cat understands exactly what you’re saying.

A Word to the Dog’s Owner:

Dogs are really like us in lots of ways. One of the ways is the fact that we both have a need for space. It extends from a physical need – the “move over, buddy” when you’re being crowded on the sofa – to the mental. How many times have you felt the need to say, “Let me think” when someone is pushing you hard for a reply? Shake paws with your doggy partner!

Dogs have similar reactions, but it is generally more noticeable when there is more than one dog in the household and they are confined to the house. Inclement weather or the family going off to work can then trigger one dog to become more territorial. The pets may curl up together much of the time, and be the perfect companions you want them to be, but there are times when that precious space is threatened. The normal way for the dog being pushed to handle it is with a low growl.

We need our space and dogs need theirs. We grumble, or even shout, so don’t be too upset when Rufus signals anyone in the house, be it kids, cats or other dogs, to get out of his way.

You may notice the same dog that growls occasionally when his space or concentration is intruded upon indoors is quite calm about it outdoors. The open space puts the dog in a more open frame of mind. Even on the patio or around the pool, there’s usually more space for Rufus, so whenever he feels push coming to shove, he can quietly move over.

Outdoors also puts the somewhat territorial dog in a friendly frame of mind to when meeting other dogs and people. Again, it’s the same with us. We all know how some people will stand almost on top of you to have a casual conversation, while others need a safe distance of about an arm’s length, more easily done outdoors than in an elevator. In the open air you and I move accordingly, and so will Rufus, in a perfectly friendly fashion.

Any dog that aggressively demands his space (or violates another dog’s space) with ears back, head lowered, and snarling teeth will cause a nasty fight. That’s aggression, and is not the same as the low-key territorial canine warning signal we’re talking about that’s coming from a perfectly friendly dog.

This business of a need for its own space often occurs in a dog getting on in years, possibly due in part to encroaching deafness or diminishing eyesight. Be sure to bring up with your veterinarian. Of course, it could also just be the “don’t bother me” stage of old age!

If these are signs from your dog, be patient and understanding.

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.