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The Right Kind of Confidence - Submissive and Aggressive Dogs |
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Written by hedvig
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Wednesday, 21 November 2007 |
 Adopting your next dog is one of the most rewarding and gratifying ways to expand your family. Not only are animals unable to communicate with people, but they are only able to take care of themselves for so long in our busy world. Please remember, it is very likely that this animal is homeless because someone thought they could handle a dog; but could not. If you are not sure if you can handle this new friend, please ask for a trial period. It's very hard on shelter animals to go back to the shelter after trying to adjust to their new home. Now... with that said let's move on!
For the most part, shelter animals have been through a lot. It's very possible that they will be either submissive or aggressive. Their trust in humans is usually very little at this point, however they typically recognize that you want to help them. Take it slow. If they are very young be sure to play with them and train them from day one. Potty training would be the only appropriate training for the first 3-4 months. This boosts their confidence which is so important. It's a balanced equation. If you play and don't train they will develop the wrong kind of confidence. The training helps them understand that doing what you ask makes you happy. A happy you equals a happy them. So aggressive dogs need constant training, but make it fun so they don't feel "pushed around"... that is what triggers their rebellion.
If the dog is older you will want to give them a little space. Keep them near you and the family however. Put a bed in the living room so they can lay peacefully but get used to the fact that they are part of a family now. Lay on the floor with your new dog. The lower you make yourself, the less intimidated the animal will feel. If they require training at this older age, I would recommend kneeling while training at first. If they are overly aggressive you may want to use an evaluation period. Certain breeds of dog are naturally aggressive and instinctively it's difficult to break them of that habit at an older age. They key to either type of dog is... developing the right kind of confidence.
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