We do our best to match people and dogs based on their households, energy requirements, and personality but one of the many challenges is that just like people can be different in different situations and environments, so too can dogs.
We sent this guy off to a household with kids because he was (and is) phenomenal with my two year old daughter. In his adoptive home, once settled in, he began acting pushy with the “dad”. Pretty much two identical instances involving Sammy growling when he tried to gently lead him off the couch by the collar. For the average owner I’m sure that was very scary- especially with kids around. For me it would just be a reality check that this dog is the sort that is prone to forgetting who the dog is and who the person is without structure, basic obedience, and consistency. Some dogs you could spoil endlessly and they would never be anything but gentle and loving. Most however begin to get a little too big for their britches and some simple adjustments usually curtail the behavior before it gets extreme.
1) No positions of power for 8 weeks at least- then by permission only. The couch. The bed. Under tables. If you watch a wolf pack, high ground or protected ground is generally the place of the alpha. These are not verbal creatures, folks. So speak to them in a language the understand….space and body language. If you are worried he will get an attitude when you remove him, keep a leash on him 24 hours a day and just cut the loop off…gets your hands away from the pointy bits so you can control safely. When you remove him it should be gentle and without emotion. If he escalates and growls, don’t react impulsively and angrily, simply continue to guide him away with a gentle NO- then walk off like your are board of his childish behavior.
2) Control space. Don’t walk around your dog as he rests on the floor. Walk where you plan to walk without regard for his afternoon nap. Shuffle your feet and move that fur kid out of the way. Think about it. If your boss is walking through a room (or the queen of England) would you just stand here and expect her to walk around you??? It may seem like a small thing but it can make a big difference in the pack.
3) control resources. This is your house. These are your things. This is your dog food. You are kind enough to share it with him. Hand feed meals when you can and make him sit or down for handfuls of food. Remove toys for 8 weeks and they only come out when you want the games to begin. And you do troll when they end. Lots of games where YOU control what happens…like tug of war where he drops a rope on command are great.
4) nothing in life is free. This is a big one. No free attention. You can pet him as much as you want but it’s when you call him over… not on HIS demand…no matter how cute it is when he noses your hand. Call him over and ask him to sit then give him attention. Fido wants out? He has to work for it. Fido wants play time? Work. Fido want treat, cat ride, fetch? He has to do something for you first.
5) Work that obedience. Especially down. It’s a position of submission and dogs are congruent with regard to physical position.
6) exercise! One two three four…get that doggy out the door. And work on polite leash walking next to or behind you if possible.
7) a dozen downs a day. Again. It’s a submissive position so it further acts as a reminder as to who buys the dog food.
8) watch your position in regard to his. Just as he shouldn’t be up on the sofa, so should you stay off the floor. Games of wrestling on the floor are a bad idea and lower your rank to that of a litter mate.
Unfortunately this guy had to be uprooted and returned to foster care but hopefully this information will help a dog STAY with his family. Good dogs aren’t perfect. Good dogs may do bad things. They aren’t machines and sometimes some brief teaching is needed to maintain a long happy relationship. I adore this dog. For me, my husband and my daughter he is the softest most gentle boy I have had in my home for a very long time. If you are interested in Sammy and willing and able to provide some consistent rules in your home, apply at www.cvrrescue.org
Laura
