E is for Etiquette – manners maketh the mutt and the human!
How do dog owners annoy me (and my clients) – let me count the ways!
1 Unsolicited, unwanted (and incorrect) “advice” – especially from people who know that I’m a behaviourist and trainer and usually in inverse proportion to their actual knowledge
2 Lack of training resulting in an out of control dog
3 Re-directed aggression from humans when they have displayed the lack of training as in 2 above
4 Ignoring restrictions – the owners of dogs loose in cafe’s, off lead along roads (often with no collar or tag) etc etc
5 Not picking up or not binning full poo bags – or hanging them from bushes – yuk!
6 Countering polite requests to give dogs space by loudly stating that it is a public space (before or after letting their dog ram its nose into another dog’s face or worse)
7 Dogs on seats on public transport or in cafés and restaurants (usually the same people who hog communal water bowls at their own table)
8 Insisting that all dogs need to butt noses because that is “socialisation”: guess what? – it isn’t
9 Not considering what the dog may be feeling (“It’s OK, I like dogs”)
10 Misplaced anthropomorphism (he’s not my baby, child substitute, friend substitute or any other type of human and I’m not his mother)
That’s better. Needed to vent. I bet you have a list too – top 100 anyone?
It doesn’t take much to make everyones’ day better by considering other people – and their dogs. Much is caused by laziness and ignorance. Owning a dog is not a right, it’s a privilege. Responsible dog owners have fought hard and continue to battle for access to facilities, all of which are threatened when people allow their dogs to behave poorly. Those of us who are qualified, accredited, professional behaviourists and trainers have won the right to hand out advice by passing lots of accredited exams and by undertaking continual training – and more exams in addition to our practical work with many, many animals and their owners. We are not always right, but we do at least speak from a point of knowledge and experience. Even if someone is not a canine professional, they know their own dog and you don’t.
I know that you, dear reader, wouldn’t dream of doing any of the above, but feel free to pass this on!
Next week: Minor Morris – Secondary Fears
If you need help with training better manners for your dog, you can book one-to-one sessions, join our special weekly Manners Classes or book a Reliable Recall or Peaceful Picnic Workshop.