The Unexpected Snap

Paula Bergeron - Grafton, NH Have you ever gone to pet a dog someone steps in too close… usually we who seems to want your affection but at feel the need to move. lean, or at least the last minute they shy back, growl, or tilt our head away from the invader. Our even snap in your direction? Generally dogs tend to have a stronger reaction… when this happens owners are baffled and taking away their space means we have embarrassed and guests feel surprised or taken away their ability to flee…. now put off by what they deem an unfriendly have nothing left but their fight response. dog. In truth this is not necessarily the How then can we meet shy dogs with- reaction of a grouchy dog, it is a natural out triggering the fight or flight response? reaction of a shy or anxious dog. EASY! Don’t move. Allow a dog to come

Why is it natural for a dog to run or up to you. Do not walk into, bend over, snap when you go to pet them????? The or reach out your hand to invite a dog to answer is as old as time… the instinctu- sniff. Just be still, allow the dog to come al response to a threat; Fight or Flight. to you. Let dogs get to know you by their When any creature, including humans, favorite method of investigation, snifffeels threatened we instinctively respond ing. Be still as they sniff, then ALLOW to either run for our lives or defend THEM TO LEAVE. ourselves and our dogs are no differ- BUT…. I WANT TO PET DOGS screams ent. When a dog is looking to flee you every dog lover who can hardly restrain may see them crouch, crawl, turn their themselves from touching every dog they head away, or actually bolt in a panic. see. (by the way, I get these folks… I feel To defend themselves a dog may growl, the same way) Well, the rule of thumb is become suddenly still, raise their lip, air if a dog chooses to sniff you, when they snap, or lunge forward and bite. are finished they will turn away. If they

The fight or flight response becomes return to you within 3 to 5 seconds they confusing when it seems that the dog are probably comfortable with your pres- was seeking attention by coming towards ence enough to be touched, but to play it you with a wagging tail. Why then do safe I let the dog do their sniffing routine they suddenly feel threatened??? Well, a second time, before I attempt to touch it is more than likely that when the dog them. Before I go in for an under the chin came forward to seek attention, you also scratch I always ask owners if I have their came forward to meet them. At some permission to engage with their dog. And point, we overstep the dog’s tolerance let’s be clear don’t ask for permission as for a stranger in their space. Space is an you are reaching out to the dog, look at the important instinct to maintain safety, owners and be ready to accept the answer and even we feel this as humans. We all of no. Remember you do not want every know the uncomfortable feeling when person on the street to touch you, then why on earth do we expect our dogs to be any different. If you love dogs, then you will be willing to give each dog what they want and need, and shy dogs need space. So next time a dog attempts to come to meet you, stay still, allow them to sniff, and allow them to leave if that is all they want, they will truly love you for it! Happy Training!

Paula Bergeron and the gang at Good Dogma embrace a holistic approach to bringing balance to your dog’s behavioral issues. Exercise, training, relaxation, massage, grooming, play, socialization, and energy healing are incorporated into your dog’s routine. www.Goodogma.com Fall 2020