Let's talk about Perception versus Reality. Which do you think is stronger? Is a threat real if I perceive it to be, or is it only real if it actually causes me harm?
What do these questions have to do with dogs? Well, the truth is that perception is always more important than reality. If I perceive a threat, I will be ready to act accordingly to protect myself. Does it matter that the 'threat' that I am perceiving is actually not a threat at all? Will that make me less likely to protect/defend myself? No.
The same is true for dogs. It doesn't matter if you know that your dog's behaviour is really 'just his way of being playful' or 'friendly'. If my dog perceives it as a threat, he will act accordingly when your dog approaches. This is why it's important to work with my dog to teach him a truly dog friendly way of approaching. Calmly, no direct eye contact,
relaxed and non threatening. If a dog perks
up, and charges straight at a dog – no amount of yelling “It's OK, he's friendly” is going to make my dog not see a threat.
Let's take that same scenario and look at it from a person's point of view. You are out shopping at the mall. Cruising through the crowded halls, you look up and make eye contact with a complete stranger. They suddenly turn towards you, staring at you as they pick up speed coming straight for you. Is this a threat? Does it make you uncomfortable? What do you do? You try to turn away and avoid eye contact – but that person is still coming towards you through the crowd in a straight line. They're getting closer and almost upon you. Now what? How are you feeling? Try yelling at the person to stop and back off as loud as you can. They didn't listen. They're still coming. How do you feel now?
That same person has now gotten to you, grabbed you and pulled you in for a great big bear hug. You still have never met this person before. You don't know who they are. Are you feeling more calm and relaxed because they only hugged you? Or, are you still on edge? Have you stiffened up at this invasion of personal space with a complete stranger and absolutely no encouragement on your part?
How would that scenario really make you feel? Do you see how allowing your “friendly” dog to run at other dogs and charge right into their space can make other dogs perceive a threat? The next time you feel the need to yell out “It's OK, he's friendly” take a step back and realize – you knew that your dog was making the other dog and people uncomfortable, or you wouldn't have had to qualify your approach with that statement. And, more important, every time you allow your dog to approach like that, you are risking that the other dog is going to fight back – hard and fast – because they are perceiving a threat and they are going to react accordingly.
Even if your dog is friendly, it's important to teach them a polite approach to other dogs. Allowing them to charge up means your friendly dog is now wearing the perceived mantle of a threat. And remember, perception always trumps reality.
Need help teaching your pup how to approach other dogs – give us a call at 780-513-4074. Or sign up for our Furbaby or Manners classes at PartnersNaturally.ca
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