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Just recently in the dog park, I met a beautiful, playful young Great Dane. All was well for nearly an hour, when she suddenly turned on my Dexter and viciously attacked him in a sustained manner suggesting that she meant business. Luckily, Dexter managed to slip out of her reach, but he was extremely frightened (as was I). Seconds later, I was at his side with every panicky primate instinct inside me screaming, “Hug him! Hold him! Reassure him!” But instead, I just clapped him gently on the side a few times and said softly, “You’re OK, sweetie. You’re OK,” … and he was!
We quickly took the opportunity to make our exit while the Great Dane was still being kept in a “time-out” by her guardian, and Dexter trotted jauntily over to the gate as if nothing at all had happened. But what would have happened if I had followed my primate instincts with my canine companion? The emotional outpouring would have made a big impression on him—but not a good one. His fear would have been validated and magnified into a memorable and traumatic experience.
This is how many dogs develop phobias. A minor traumatic event that they would normally just shake off (literally) becomes a terrifying experience that affects the dogs’ future emotional state because we opted to indulge our primate penchant for drama. This is a difficult habit to break, but it’s well worth it to try.
The next time Fifi takes a tumble, see if you can calmly exclaim, “Hey, baby, are you OK?” in an upbeat, positive manner. Chances are, she will be. Of course, if there is any bodily harm done, do rush her to the vet immediately. But even then, the more positive, calm, and confident your demeanor, the less traumatized your dog will be.
Remember, dogs are extremely sensitive and will pick up on and absorb the energy that you put out. That’s why it’s so important for us to maintain a calm, healthy mental state while in the presence of our dogs. Of course, later on, you can go out with your friends and have a total meltdown—that’s fine. Just not in front of the dog. ;-)
Comments ( 5 )
Thanks for these tips. I'll be more careful when I'm around my dog. And I'll try not to make a drama out of things. Specially when there are fireworks "Pupe" gets all stressed out and I tend to make a big deal about it. From now on I'll act different.
Thanks very much
Posted by Laura | October 11, 2007 5:13 PM
Posted on October 11, 2007 17:13
I know this first hand:
We were at one of those dogs fesivals. Then we walked up to this canine demonstration. We stood there for a few minutes until suddenly actual shots were fired. I'm sure they were blanks, but the dogs didn't care. Dogs went running out of their collars, others sat and shivered. My dog first tried to run and then she just stood their shaking. Unfortunately I didn't know that you are not supposed to comfort your dog when he/she is afraid back then. So I hugged her, pet her, and tried to calm her down by talking to her.She didn't calm down for the next 10 minutes. Now over 1 1/2 years later, she still panicks if there is a plce with lots of people or if there is a loud noise.
I've made it my mission to teach people at the Dog Park that they shouldn't nurture their dogs fear. Apparently you are actually supposed to ignore the dog completely (no talk, no touch).
Yesterday at the dog park my dog freaked out because there suddenly were a bunch of people with kids and dogs around. She tried to climb on the bench where we were sitting several times (she has severe hip dysplasia, so that wasn't happening). Then she was under the bench panicking, until finally I got up, called her, and we started walking away from the crowd. I walked her in a big loop around the park until she was calm again and then I let her be again. She was fine and the little off-leash walk really helped her.
Posted by Isabel | October 13, 2007 10:51 AM
Posted on October 13, 2007 10:51
I'm concerned about that Dane.
The next time may be fatal for an unfortunate dog.
The dog parks seem to be having more and more problems with aggressive dogs brought by selfish owners.
Posted by kelly | October 13, 2007 6:35 PM
Posted on October 13, 2007 18:35
soy de argentina y la verdad q su pagina me parece q esta muy buena
besos!!!
Posted by antonela! | October 25, 2007 9:39 PM
Posted on October 25, 2007 21:39
This is true. I have experienced it both ways and learned, fortunately no too late, that a matter-of-fact approach works well.
Posted by karen | October 28, 2007 5:53 AM
Posted on October 28, 2007 05:53