Dear Mom,

     We are having trouble with our dog growling at us when we get near the food dish. We have no other issues with this dog, she just seems to be constantly hungry and is very defensive around her goodies.

Thanks, Bowl-be-gone-athon

 

Dear Bowlers,

     Mom would start with a near empty dish, with a small amount of low value (in the dog’s eyes) food. Then, as the dog eats, drop small amounts of a more desirable food (cheese versus kibble sort of idea), finish by adding a high value treat (chicken or hot dog, etc.) You can repeat this exercise several times a day until the dog understands that having your near his bowl is actually a good thing.

     Dogs can be especially difficult with children and their food dishes. They often do not place children on a higher plateau and do not see them as someone that must be obeyed. If you are having trouble with a food dish issue and your dog and have children in the home have them perform this exercise too, if they are old enough.

 

Dear Mom,

     We are having trouble with our dog when we walk. He hates other dogs and acts very aggressive when we go out. This is taking the fun out of walks for us all. What gives with this behavior?

Thanks, Wanna Walk

 

Dear Walkers.

     This is one of the reasons we say sometimes terriers are not easy to love. Here are six quick tips for you to try when you walk your terrorist.

     ● Do not use a flexi leash (retractable) when you walk. You don’t have enough control over the dog and they can get too far ahead of you to maintain proper control over them.

     ● Use a head halter or no-pull harness when out. This maintains control and they cannot go after another dog as easily. When wearing this type of harness you have greater control on the dog’s direction when walking and they can’t knock you over either as easily.

     ● If you have a dog-aggressive dog in a multiple dog household it’s best to walk this dog alone.

     ● Walk during low-traffic times or in a secluded area. If you have an aggressive dog, walking near the off-leash park section of your park doesn’t make much sense.

     ● If you encounter another dog and the dog gets overstimulated either move the dog our of the situation or have the dog sit and focus on you.

     ● Stay calm. Yelling, scolding, and leash corrections can only increase the dog’s arousal. Remember you are in control. Safety comes

first.