Conversations with Dog

Reggie is an American pit-bull terrier I adopted as a rescue dog from south Texas. His journey to my home wasn’t the easiest and consequently it’s taken some time for all of us to adjust. The main question I have is related to a specific response Reggie has whenever he is addressed in any way (whether asking him to do something, or just saying hi).

As soon as he hears his name he begins to run for cover, into the crate, under the table, behind the chair, anywhere he can. Then he needs to be talked down a bit, and then he’s okay. Just haven’t been able to short circuit this response pattern, what would you suggest?

Join Suzy this week as she addresses this question.

Hi Suzy,

A new friend came by my house for the first time, not realizing that I had a dog, she came into the yard and right up to the front door. Ben, my Rhodesian ridgeback, is instantly on high alert, which is completely normal behavior for him. When I opened the door he is behind me and barking his loud, deep “who are you” bark. I told him to be quiet, but by this time my friend is outside the gate and clearly upset. Leaving Ben in the house I approached my friend to see what was up, she explained that she had been bitten severely when she was little and has been afraid of dogs ever since. Now she has been over several times and although she generally gets along with Ben she is still not relaxed in my house until I let Ben outside. I try to reassure her, but it doesn’t do much good. Is there any way for Ben and I to help my friend let go of her fear? I would love to hear you thoughts on this issue of dealing with dog aggression without the fear, thank you.

Join Suzy this week as she addresses this issue

Today Suzy speaks with Ashley.  They will discuss:

 

Her parents' dog is TERRIBLE in the car. He barks and pants and slobbers everywhere every time he's in the car. How can we change that? Ashley's aunt is fostering a dog that has epilepsy. His face indicates he was beaten. He's very affectionate (no triggers for anger). Could we do anything for him to release the trauma to help the epilepsy? 

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My son's dog is a happy, well trained, well behaved, gentle and very loving dog. She seems to be socially well adjusted to people and all other animals.

When my son gets home from work he has to just open the door and let her out so she can pee when she first sees him.

Actually it is the same when anyone comes to the door, she pees if not taken out instantly, Also, when you greet her outside she pees.  Sometimes its just a little dribble, sometimes its a lot. It does not seem to matter if she has just gone....she will still pee. He was told this breed has submissive urination. I get the feeling she is just excited to see the person. Can this change?

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These days many people travel often for a variety of reasons.  How do you make sure your dog is cared for while you are away?  How do you know what your dog requires while you’re gone?  From kennel boarding to house sitters, there are a myriad of choices to make every time you leave. Suzy will also talk about the choice to bring your dog along while you travel. How do you know what your dog prefers?

Suzy received the following email from a listener:

Hi Suzy,

What to do with our dogs when we are ready to break up a relationship? Can I prepare them somehow? Or do they know way more than me already?

I am separating from my long-term relationship. This will have serious effect on my dogs and I am terrified to put them through more argument, more change and more discomfort. Help!

Join Suzy this week to hear tips to bring ease to this situation.

Join Suzy this week as she has a conversation with Marcey about her Border Collie.

Here’s what Marcey had to say about her dog,

“My 10 month old Border Collie will steal food off the table or anywhere if I am eating or anyone else if I don't watch her. She has more than enough good food plus snacks. My dog also will pull when I walk even though I correct her and ask her to walk beside me to be gentle. Sometimes she will pee in the kitchen even though she is let outside all the time and she knows to go outside. She also will jump on people. I have to correct her constantly. Is she still just a puppy and that is her issue? How do I get my dog to start listening? It is such hard work! I will tell her something and she stops the behavior the next minute she is doing the same thing like she forgot or is trying to control me.” 

Join Suzy as she offers ideas to make this situation work for everyone!

Please join Suzy and Marilynn for this conversation about dealing with the loss of your pet. What tools can assist you during the process of you pet dying and what tools can assist you afterwards?

"Buddy came from a shelter.  I've had him for about 4 years and he is probably 5 or 6 years old.  I don't have a backstory for him.  He was left at the shelter and lived there for about two months.  He was about to be put down when I adopted him.

Buddy is great with me and Chris, my partner.  With strangers it is a different story. He exhibits fear regularly. If anyone has a hat or sunglasses on, or anything in their hand, or makes sudden movements he cowers and may growl. 

He also is extremely protective of me and growls when most strangers come near me. Can we assist him? I am not sure how to change this behavior."

Join Suzy, Chris, Patty and Buddy in this conversation on what might be done to get Buddy over his fear and protectiveness!

This week, Suzy continues her conversation with Lynn.  This time they will discuss Lynn’s male dog, Polamalu.

Lynn writes about Polamalu,

“He is so sweet however, he has developed aggressiveness with others.  If they pull in the driveway and I let him out and he meets them in the driveway then he is OK for the most part.  But if he meets them in the back yard or inside the house, he charges – he even charged a 3 yr old little girl and barked in her face.  I don’t want to have to put him down for biting someone and I would like him to be as sweet with others as he is with me.  He is Captain Licky Pants with me, and he even sleeps between my legs (which my husband says is the problem).  He is 2-1/2 years old.“