How many dogs do you have? As a dog trainer, I am constantly being asked this question. I think most people expect me to say three or four. Or at least two, for goodness sake. “One,” I reply. “Oh,” says the questioner, clearly disappointed and suspicious of my abilities as a dog trainer. I then proceed to explain that my dog doesn’t like other dogs. “Your dog doesn’t like dogs?” I can hear the horror in their voices. I don’t mind. I’m used to it and I’m confident that my dog is living a happy life. Do I wish she were more social with other dogs? Sure. But it’s hardly the end of the world. She much prefers people and I’m OK with that. “Why doesn’t she like dogs? What’s wrong with her?” Those are usually the next questions. Nothing is WRONG with her, that’s just who she is. I explain that I don’t believe she was socialized properly as a puppy, although I can’t be sure because I adopted her when she was two or three years old. Honestly, I don’t sit and worry about why. The possibilities are endless. It is what it is, and I simply need to respect her feelings. It’s a tad inconvenient at times for someone who is a dog professional, but I’ll live.
One of the next comments likely to follow is about the person with the dog who likes some dogs but not ALL dogs. <Insert look of bewilderment here> I mean, it’s so strange! Or is it? I will often respond by asking if that person likes all people and that usually elicits a chuckle. Yes, it is funny. Imagine if that were true! But in all seriousness, these two scenarios are not all that different. Why should every dog adore every other dog? And now that I’m thinking of it, why should every dog be magnetically drawn to every person? Sometimes we need to stop and think about our expectations. If we as humans were held up to these standards, we’d all fail miserably.
It’s OK if your dog doesn’t like many other dogs. And if some people make your dog anxious, that’s OK too. Do your best to be understanding and respect that discomfort. There’s no reason to be angry or embarrassed. I can’t begin to count the number of times I’ve seen someone scream at a dog who was barking out of fear at another dog or person. I can guarantee you that this only makes things worse for everyone. The only thing to be embarrassed about is if you try to force your dog to “like” someone, either two- or four-legged, that makes him/her feel uncomfortable. Try being your dog’s best friend and advocate. I promise you that it will pay off.
One of the next comments likely to follow is about the person with the dog who likes some dogs but not ALL dogs. <Insert look of bewilderment here> I mean, it’s so strange! Or is it? I will often respond by asking if that person likes all people and that usually elicits a chuckle. Yes, it is funny. Imagine if that were true! But in all seriousness, these two scenarios are not all that different. Why should every dog adore every other dog? And now that I’m thinking of it, why should every dog be magnetically drawn to every person? Sometimes we need to stop and think about our expectations. If we as humans were held up to these standards, we’d all fail miserably.
It’s OK if your dog doesn’t like many other dogs. And if some people make your dog anxious, that’s OK too. Do your best to be understanding and respect that discomfort. There’s no reason to be angry or embarrassed. I can’t begin to count the number of times I’ve seen someone scream at a dog who was barking out of fear at another dog or person. I can guarantee you that this only makes things worse for everyone. The only thing to be embarrassed about is if you try to force your dog to “like” someone, either two- or four-legged, that makes him/her feel uncomfortable. Try being your dog’s best friend and advocate. I promise you that it will pay off.
RSS Feed
