A Way with Animals
From LoveToKnow Dogs
Visitor Question
- I have had many brief encounters with owners' pets over the years and have earned their pets' trust quickly to the shock of their owners. Many of these pets, dogs and cats, were considered by their owners to be non-trusting of "strangers" upon their first meeting. I have had pet owners say their pet "never makes friends" with a stranger the first time. How do you explain this behavior?
Thank you for your consideration~~Dan
Expert Answer
Hi Dan,
I don't have an explanation, just a few theories.
Sometimes I believe people project some of their own feelings to their pets. If pet owners are uncomfortable meeting new people, their pets tend to sense this and become wary themselves. If the owner is able to relax and relate well to the newcomer, so are the pets, and things tend to go better.
I also believe that some people are more in tune with animals, period. As a former dog handler myself, I've seen it many times. Dogs that would not cooperate or behave for nearly anyone else would suddenly respond to a certain handler. In my own experience, I've taken a dog that would refuse to even walk on a lead and gone into the show ring and won Best of Breed. It can happen. Animals just seem to be able to sense when they are in good hands.
Count yourself as one of the lucky ones Dan. You must have that certain "touch", or "vibe" that let's animals know you're one of the good guys. Have you considered a career somewhere in the pet industry? You might make a very good trainer, or dog groomer.
Thanks for your question~~Kelly
Comments
Hi! I have a rotti mix - we think mixed with ausi cattle based on the longer nose and brindle-esque marking where a rottie would normally be brown. He's amusing and affectionate, and sometimes a bit bullish - in fact he tends to "push" our other dog out of the way (collie/shep mix) and work his way in between her and us for attention. He also tends to ram furniture with his hind quarters. In fact, he shakes his hind quarters and twists and turns and rams thing alot. He doesn't seem to be in any distress - he just seems a few rolls short of a dozen if you get my meaning. So can you give me an idea of what all those actions might mean? THANKS - Erika :-)
- Hi Erika,
Honestly, it just sounds like boisterous big dog antics. It also sound like he could use a bit of obedience training. I suggest you enroll him in a class right away. It's actually lots of fun, and you'll love having more control over his behavior.
Best of luck.
-- Contributed by: Erikahi my dog is very scared of getting a hair cut he will go crazy and bite i am just wondering what i can give him so he can be calm i did try dramamin ut did not work what do u recommend. can u help me thank you
- Hi Cynthia,
I'm not enthusiastic about giving dogs sedatives without veterinary supervision. I think that if you explain the problem to your vet, he/she will be able to presribe a safe sedative in the recommended dosage.
However, if you want to try a natural product, you might want to check out the links provided in our article about Herbal and Homeopathic Remedies for Canines.
Good luck!
-- Contributed by: cynthiaThis page has been accessed 579 times. This page was last modified 18:51, 12 December 2006.
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