This week we have a question from a reader for our very own celebrity dog trainer, Inger Martens, about a 1-year-old rescue dog who gets a little tense around children.
Let’s see how Inger can help!
Question:
I was wondering how I could help my 1 year old shep/chow mix (spca rescue so breeds are our best guess) relax around small children. She is terrified of them and I’m worried she may bite if kids come up to here. We are also planning starting a family and would like to feel more comfortable (both her and us) when she is around kids. We don’t want to ever part with her and I sense if she were to ever bit it is out of fear and being cornered and touched not out of aggression. How can I help my family past this point so we all can enjoy time toegther and more outings to public areas?
Thank you,
Janelle
Answer:
“Hi Janelle,
The good news is that your dog is only a year old and you love her. Behaviors take time to develop and they take time to go away. The great thing is that you are aware of the dangers and therefore have the foresight to help prevent an accident. When dealing with a fear based behavior the number one thing to do is to create structure for your dog. Structure helps relax the fear and creates trust over time. How do you create structure? There are a number of things you can do In your daily routine with your dog that can create structure.
Here are a few examples..
✓ time feed your dog (in a gated area) when you are home. Gating helps reduce anxiety while a dog is eating and creates a safe secure space during the training period of a few months.
✓ Brush your dog for 5 minutes daily. Put the leash while you brush your dog. This helps guide her to chill out instead of squirm away. Brushing helps get her used to being touched.
✓ Occasionally walk her around on a leash in the house for 5 minutes. This action creates a structured bond between you and your dog. While your doing that occasionally asking her to sit. This action will create eye contact and then allows you to praise her for sitting. This exercise creates a specific task for her to do.
The above check list is not a cure for severe fear based dog behaviors or reactions. The check list is only a starting place for you incorporate more daily structure. Trusting your instincts about her fear and the possibility of a bite, is critical! Always seek out professional advice in your local area. The best thing you could do for your dog is to find a group dog training class and you both learn some “formal” dog training. Commands like heel, sit, stay down and come will create a language. This formal training structure (in time) will help your dog become more trusting of movements, sounds and people. Many communities have great “group” dog obedience classes. Ask your local vet for recommendations in your area.
Celebrity Dog Trainer Inger Martens ├é┬⌐2011″
Thanks for the tip, Inger! Hope it helps, Janelle!
Have a question???? Email us at Tips@TeddyHilton.com or check out more tips from Inger on her website Paws For A Minute!