In a household with more than one person, it is a certainty that there are at least that many (conflicting) opinions about the family dog.
Sometimes, one owner will admit that the dog’s has a behavioral issue, such as jumping up, that is particularly irritating, but might be in denial about the dog’s other problems. Like the fact that the dog has peed on the sofa more than once.
Nearly all owners preface their description of their dogs with “He’s a wonderful dog, except…”
So here are some truths, and some lies, about their dogs that owners will admit to…and what the dog actually does:
“He’s kind of mouthy” = He’s bitten three people.
“She’s nearly housebroken” = The dog is 5 years old and still has accidents at least once a week.
“He doesn’t like the neighbors” = The dog throws himself against the fence barking maniacally when the neighbor appears.
“I keep him on a short leash and he walks fine with me” = No one else can walk the dog because he pulls so much.
“He barks when he hears a noise” = He barks at the microwave, the ice maker, the TV, a door closing, the phone ringing, etc, etc.
“He’s just saying hello” = The dog plants his paws on every person who comes in, accompanying by slobbery kisses and playful love bites.
What do they say about fixing problems? That you can’t unless you acknowledge that there IS a problem?
Sit down and make a list of the behaviors that your dog does that are annoying (stealing used tissue from the bathroom trashcan) or dangerous (bolting out the door and not coming back). For balance, you can also make a list of all the wonderful and endearing things that your dog does. We don’t want you to get discouraged! If you are overwhelmed by the number or extent of the behavioral issues, don’t try to cope on your own. Find professional help through any of the following organizations:
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