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

Why Did I Learn To Dog Whisper?

Obviously, I've always been passionate about dogs and learning all I could. But the real reason that I wanted to learn this - how to really communicate with a dog in its own dog body language, to dog whisper - was because some members of my family had some really out-of-control dogs that were simply not respectful of people.

My grandfather's Border Collie and Australian Shepherd were totally balanced, awesome dogs. They were workers. But after both of them had died, my grandparents got a little spoiled wretch of a Cocker Spaniel, Candy.

Candy hated everyone except my grandfather. She owned him! She made it clear by bearing her teeth, especially at my grandmother, and blocking her access to him.

Then the highlight struck. She peed on me!

I took a deep breath, then removed her by the scruff of her neck, and forced her into a sitting position on the floor. I planted that little butt down firmly! (Not hurting her, of course, but I meant business.)

Then I sent her away, not fully recognizing that my body language was perfect to do so. Candy's head and ears went down. She had crossed the boundary, and she knew it.

My grandfather was stunned. He had never seen Candy submit to anything. "You have a way with her," he told me later in private.

"Granddaddy, Candy's not very nice. She's really going to bite someone. And if that someone ends up being Granny. . ."

Granddaddy chuckled, nodding.

A child of nine, I did not know that day that my decision of how to direct my life had been set in stone. I wanted to stop dogs from controlling people in a way that the dogs understood, and that did not harm them. My dream was to become a true pack leader.

I saw so many dogs who had basic dog obedience down, but who were still nasty little wretches. That's when I realized that dog obedience training was not enough. I saw the expressions of disdain in dogs' eyes as owners exclaimed over them. And I saw how other dogs would handle the situation, cleanly and finally.

The years of exposure to the horse whisper, wolf pack ways, and myriad dogs. . . It all came together with the Dog Whisper.

Rena Murray
Dog Whisper Woman

What Training Method Is Best For Your Dog?

How do you decide what training method is best for your dog? That is a hard thing for some people. There's no shortage on dog training books, dog training DVDs, and how-to-train-your-dog methods. There's actually a shortage on understanding the differences, and the proper use and the appropriate use of each method.

For example, just about anyone can put a choke chain on. But very few people actually know how to put it on right, and how to correct right.

It's kind of like clicker training - where people click to say reward is coming. (There's virtually no correction with clicker training.) Everybody knows that in this method of dog training, they click and then give the dog a piece of food when it does a good behavior. But what they fail to look for is the right dog body language along with the behavior before they give the food. The dog is learning no mental challenge from this. Simply, if I do this one behavior, I get a treat - and it doesn't matter whether I respect and surrender to my pack leader or not.

I personally do not agree with positive reinforcement training. However, when it is the best method for the particular animal, I put aside my personal preferences and do it.

I don't like to give animals rewards for doing things - Because the right thing should be done simply because it's the right thing! Your dog should be performing because he loves you and respects you, solely in response to your incredible bond.

Otherwise it's bribery. The dog should never perform simply because he's expecting the reward. Rather, you give rewards at times to express your pleasure, not on a predictable schedule.

I give my dog affection at times to encourage him when I want something done, and plenty of treats at my discretion. But when I meet the unique dog that is not responding to what I normally do, I spend the time to find out whatever it will take to rehabilitate that dog - And I DO IT!

So you see, training a dog is about what is best for the dog!

Rena Murray
DogWhisperWoman

Dog Attack..For Real or Bluff?

Usually, a dog who is barking at someone does not really want to do a dog attack on that person. So how do you know if the dog is full of bluff, or he is really going to give you a dog bite?

Two of my neighbors' dogs are perfect examples. Sam barks loudly with her tail raised and her ears up. Her ears are not forward, which means she means no harm. She is just saying, "This is my territory."

At this point, one should stop, make eye contact, and move forward a few steps. Once she turns her back, you may move on. NEVER turn your back on a dog in this circumstance until he has done so first. This means he has surrendered to you. Otherwise he might chase you.

Dog body language is saying "Dog Attack" for sure when the dog's tail is up like a flag and the ears are forward.

Also, WATCH OUT for the dog who shows no emotion. If the dog is aggressively charging you, hold your ground and steady confident eye contact.

Remember, never go away before he turns away.

Rena Murray
DogWhisperWoman

Dog Bite on the Butt

Many people who have been bitten by dogs are often bitten on the rear end. And, all the person is trying to do is get away from the situation. What a place for a dog bite, too!

So why a bite on the butt?

If you think about it, turning your back on a dog who is not relaxed is making your rear a perfect target.

This is another reason that knowing Dog Whispering and Dog Body Language is important. Knowing what the dog is saying can save your butt! (literally)

Rena Murray
DogWhisperWoman

P.S. Turning your back on a dog before he has surrendered to you puts him in "prey drive." That is much more dangerous than his natural dog instinctive behavior to chase. This is why you have to learn dog body language and to address and take care of a situation before you move on.

Dog Whisper and Dog Body Language -How Important Are They?

I'm not sure when the title "Dog Whisperer" was first really used, although I have read about some "early users." But I do know that people with that gift have been around since the beginning of time. So the title belongs to no one.

I use the dog whispering technique simply because for 8 out of 10 dogs, it works easier and faster than other techniques. It is a lot easier for dogs if you show them through dog body language what you want.

Instead of saying "Leave it" and getting now response, CLAIM it and get: "Okay, no problem!"

Instead of being frustrated because you never catch Rover in the act of destroying your shoes, learn how you can correct his bad dog behavior without destroying his emotions.

The Dog Whisper method is often the last hope for extreme fearful, hyperactive, dominant, or aggressive dogs that are simply driving their owners off the wall. You are never going to take a hyperactive dog, screem at it, and change its dog behavior.

Same with all these other guys. You are going to have to set up an effective communication system - which is Dog Body Language.

For more, why not check out Dog Whisper With Rena - Dog Behavior Training and Dog Obedience to Shout About?

Rena Murray

Dog Body Language - He's Showing Teeth!

A few of my clients have the belief that any showing teeth from a dog means that it is being aggresive. That is not true at all.

For example, if you are scratching your dog in his favorite spot, and his mouth is wide open ... That is one happy dog! That's what we refer to as the "doggie smile."

Showing teeth is also a warning. Sometimes dogs walk around displaying one canine tooth to each other. That's letting them know that if they cross the line, there will be a fight.

Also, some dogs smile in the same fashion when their owners return home. Both canines are showing, but look at the ears - They are back.

So learn your dog body language. And don't think that just because you see a dog's teeth, it is being an aggressive dog. It could be a smile!

If you are really concerned about it, let a professional have a look.

Dog Body Language - Is That Really Aggressive Dog Behavior?

A few months ago, I was taking a bike ride when a couple with a Black Labrador Retriever and a Golden Retriever stopped and asked me for directions. One thing about me is that I never fib about such things; if I don't know where I'm going, I say so.

Naturally I asked the woman about her dogs. Both were sweet. The Golden Retriever was particularly mellow.

The Golden Retriever's first owner had a six year-old, she said. The dog has hip dysplasia and was sound asleep. The six year-old jumped off the couch and landed on the sleeping dog's hips. Of course, she bit him! Can you believe the owner was ready to put her to sleep for that?

Needless to say, it took me a few minutes to calm down from that one. I would never tolerate aggressive dog behavior, much less toward a child.

But think about it. When people are sleeping, if you startle them, most will wack you one! It's reflexive. It's defensive. It's automatic, before they are fully awake.

A lot of people panic over growls and showing of teeth. A lot of times, the dog is playing. Watch the body language. If that rear is in the air while the dog is growling at you, I promise you - He just wants to play! That is referred to as the "play bow."

Or if you have just come home, your dog's tail is wagging and his mouth is open so that all his teeth are exposed - He's smiling!

The display of one canine tooth is also a warning. Not really dog aggression.

Everybody needs to become more aware of dog body language... and stop panicking.

My old Beagle Hound used to growl when she was playing. My current dog doesn't. He asks permission to step past me, runs a figure eight outside and does a jump in the air to release his exuberance, then comes back to me.

Please, pay attention to your pet's dog body language.

If you have concerns about anything your dog is doing, ask a dog behavior professional to be sure you are not overreacting.

Listen to the Dog

If your dog is generally well behaved then suddenly refuses to come to you, you might want to check and see if he if he is trying to let you know about some unwanted intruder.

I was very unhappy with my Border Collie when he refused to come the other day. I walked over and discovered him staring at a huge alligator who was interested in ME, thank you very much!

Let us just say I hit a speed I never thought possible on the way back to the house....Of course, running with the dog .... I beat the dog!

So again, people, LISTEN TO YOUR DOG.

Consider the dog body language. My dog had his tail a little bit crinked, which is a sign of some concern. It tells his pack leader, "Hey, you might want to see this!"

I saw, and I ran!