Tough dog to good dog: A dog that looks friendly becomes friendlier

Posted on 14. Nov, 2009 by admin in Dog Training, Dog Travels, Top Stories

STAFF REPORT
© 2009 www.NoDogNo.com

Owners of tough breeds like rottweillers, pitbulls, mastiffs and bulldogs often choose rugged collars to match the dogs’ stereotype as powerful guards or rough and tumble fighters. Spiked collars may simply be a accessory that some dog lovers haven’t considered beyond fashion, but what you put on your dog will affect how other people perceive your pooch.

But fear of dogs goes beyond breed: Any large dog can be scary. And even a plain black lab can look intimidating. If you don’t want people to fear your dog, the solution is a simple bandana. There’s something comforting to people about seeing a dog donning cute garb. A dog with a bandana instantly looks more friendly and approachable.

Your dog’s image can have a far-reaching positive affect on its development and training because of a naturally occurring process called conditioning. If every time someone approaches your dog with trepidation or shies away in fear, that is the experience you will be providing for your dog. Tough, stereotype-feeding collars encourage this fear of your dog. Over time, your dog will not be provided with positive interactions with people that is necessary for a balanced, happy and safe dog for your family–and the larger community.

In contrast, bandanas help relieve people’s apprehensions about your pet. It won’t cast a magic spell over how strangers treat your dog, but it often reduces their fear, one less obstacle you’ll encounter if you intend to socialize your dog to plenty of strangers so you can enjoy time with your canine buddy in public places.

The ability to safely and confidently take your dog to public places will continue the socialization process, allowing you to continue training. It also gives your dog a richer, more ful-filled life. The alternative is giving in to people’s fears over time, and leaving your friend at home. This should never be an option for a responsible dog owner, because a life sentence to a backyard creates mental unrest, nervousness, excitability and can actually exaggerate the behavioral traits in your dog that cause people to shy away.

And ultimately, a bored and unsocialized dog of anysize will be a danger to own.