Most of us are so enamored with a new puppy that we get on the floor, roll around, play rough house, among a myriad of other things when trying to bond with our new family member. What is critical to remember is that what we teach our dogs as a puppy is what they will do when they mature. I hear excuses all the time that the mouthing and biting is, “soft” and just because they are a puppy, “It’s okay.” NO! It is NOT!
Just how does a dog lose her identity enough to call it a crisis? The big word to describe this crisis is called anthropomorphism or humanizing dogs. The media and pet suppliers, the dog training community and dog care specialists have begun to refer to dogs as “fur babies”, or “fur children”. Not a day goes by that we don’t see dogs in clothes that make them look like little children. They wear dresses and jackets. Now, it’s dyed hair and tails, too!
I am called so many times being asked to help a family save their dog once it has bitten. There are so many things that go into making a decision about how to handle a dog that has bitten, and there is no easy solution. What I think, however, is very rarely addressed are the liability issues involved once a dog bites. “My dog would NEVER DO THAT!” or “I can’t believe my dog bit someone! He’s never done that before!” In almost all cases, the situation is that the dog has been screaming for help a long time and no one noticed.
AFTER AN EXTENDED MEDICAL LEAVE, I WILL BE RETURNING TO WORK MARCH 1st!
