Dog Bite On The Rear End?

No Thanks! The unbreakable rule is, NEVER turn away from a dog who is threatening you until the dog has turned away from you. Not only would it hurt immensely to have a chunk out of there, but no fair! One cannot even have the satisfaction of showing off the scars!

Do you see changes in a dog right away?

Yes, the moment that I begin working with the dog he starts flowing with me. Why? Because I work with him on his level and move forward as fast or as slow as he is prepared for. Like I said before and will say again. "Dogs are indivuals, not paint by number"

Is there any hope for this Dog?

Each time I go in to meet a new dog, I have to keep myself objective and really see the truth of the situation. Almost always a dog can be helped and the same question I have asked so many times comes fourth to a new person yet again.

"Are you willing to do what it takes to get what you want?" No matter what kind of change we ask for, it requires diligence and steadfastness.

What is the worst for Me?

I was asked the other day by one of my clients. "What frustrates you, the most about your job?" I answered without even a slight pause. "When people favor their dogs over their spouses and children"

Please Help Me!

That's right everybody! I am working on material that will become a book. I will answer up to 101 questions on Dog Behavior. What would you like to know?

Let's Stop Dog Bites In America!

Thousands of people are bitten by dogs every year. Most of the injured humans are children. However a dog bite is no less traumatic for a child than it is for an adult or a senior citizen.

Another fact is, most dog bites on people are from small dogs not from large dogs.

I have a neighbor who spent three days in the hospital following a dog bite...due to the trauma of the attack. It was a nasty, aggressive, small dog, too.

A major problem is that very few people even know how to read dog body language... or even how to approach a dog in the first place.

Dogs always give a clear warning before they bite. And dogs are consistent. If they give a warning and you don't heed it, they are going to bite. They don't mess around like humans do.

Some things you should always keep in mind:

(1) Never stick your fingers through a fence to pet a dog.

(2) Pet a dog on the chest when you first meet it, not the head. Petting on the head is threatening to the dog.

(3) Do not make any attempt to touch a dog until after it has smelled you and relaxed.

(4) Dogs operate in scent, sound, and site... always in that order.

(5) Always treat a dog with respect.

Instead of a person taking responsibility himself if he has been bitten, to see if he might have done anything to provoke the dog, the dog is more often than not blamed. Then it is reported. The dog is considered dangerous, and its life is pretty much over.

I would be the first to say you should euthanize vicious dogs. I've done it before. But I'm even faster to say, there should be a requirement that two dog behaviorists must determine beyond a shadow of a doubt that a dog is truly vicious and deserves to die.

The irresponsibility and lack of education of the public needs to stop. And the only way it's going to, is when professionals like me speak up!

For more information, check out my articles:
Children and Dogs - How To Approach Dogs and
Dog Body Language - Sam, Say What?

Rena Murray
DogWhisperWoman

The Truth About Dogs

One of the truths about dogs that some people prefer not to hear is that they are animals, and they think and behave like animals.

Dogs have instinctive behaviors that some of us do not like. For example, eating poop is often a way that dogs hide themselves from predators. Or sometimes they will kick lots of dirt and debris over it.

Chasing is an instinct to bring down prey. My Border Collie has a strong desire for this. But because I am his leader, when I direct him to leave something be, he will.

People need to understand that you can control an instinct, but you cannot take it away. You cannot make a dog into a human.

Rena Murray
DogWhisperWoman

How To Bring Back Youthfulness To Your Older Dog

If you have one dog who is getting older and you want to bring its youth back out, get another dog that is the opposite sex.

Two dogs of the same sex naturally compete with each other for rank. This will drain and stress your old dog, instead of making him young.

This is why, when it comes to dogs, male and female work best!

Rena Murray
DogWhisperWoman

Puppy Biting

When one puppy in the litter bites another puppy too hard, the hurt one cries loudly and stops playing, ignoring the first puppy altogether for a while.

This is what the owners of bitey, mouthy puppies should do, too - "OW!" (nice and loud, showing it really hurt) - Then turn around, walk away, and ignore the mouthy pup. He gets absolutely no attention whatsoever, negative or positive.

Biting stops play.

Let him have about 10 minutes to think about it. Then you can resume play. But if he gets too rough, it's over. Repeat the process.

The pups remember this training from their litter mates, and they respect it.

Rena Murray
DogWhisperWoman

Choosing A Dog

If you have not had a dog for some time, and you would really like to own one, here are a few tips to keep in mind before you take the leap to bring a new dog home:

1. What are the dog breeds that you would like to have?

2. Are you sure that you have the time the dog needs?

3. How many are in your household? How will they help with the dog?

4. What rules will be followed in the house and out?

You must be prepared to provide more than just feeding and a safe environment for the dog - but also to meet the requirements of his training, exercise, grooming, and special needs.

As you can see, a lot of serious thought needs to go into selecting your new pet!

Rena Murray
DogWhisperWoman

P.S. Regardless of where you find your new dog, here are some pointers:
Adopting A Dog - Pointers On Choosing Your Shelter Dog
A Shelter Dog In Adopt-A-Dog Month?