Protective Instincts: Supporting a Nervous or Aggressive Dog
In the world of dogs, fear and anger can manifest in ways that make them retreat or react with force. These emotions weigh heavy on their hearts and minds, requiring a patient and compassionate approach to help them find peace. During this journey, these dogs find comfort in relinquishing their guard to a trusted and supportive companion. It's a tale of empathy, of being a protector. It's about providing sanctuary.
"I've got you": The Protection for Dogs
As your dog's guide in life, you should be prepared to take the blow if one is anticipated. As a dog parent, you step in and become the shield that repels the feared and negative. You don't stand behind and watch the chaos unfold; you stand in front. It's about protection, about responsibility. Allow me to introduce you to an exercise called "Guardian Shield". This exercise, available as standalone training in Petli, aims to show the dog that you can take on the role of defender when things get challenging. When dark clouds loom, you become their umbrella.
Step-by-step instructions for the "Guardian Shield"
During this training avoid focusing on reinforcing a specific behavior. The focus is not solely on the dog's actions, rather on yours. The Guardia Shield exercise aims to teach your dog to count on you and rely on your protection when the going gets tough (according to your dog).
1) Behind me
Position the dog slightly behind you, with yourself facing forward, preferably sliding you foot out infront of the dog as a barrier, a safety shield. The dog should be able to peek forward and see what's coming but not stand in front of you. Your position, gaze, and upright posture signify that you are taking the frontline and raising your sword. Let your leg act as a safety belt, crossing over the dog's chest.
2) Let Your Dog Choose the Distance
If the threat you are training against is too close, your dog's stress level will be high and reactivity a fact. In this red stress zone, no meaningful training is done, common sense is replaced by fear, making it an ineffective starting point for learning. Find a distance where your dog is moderately affected. She/he should acknowledge the scary stimulus, her/his heart may skip a beat, and a little perspiration between their paw pads is acceptable, as is a yawn. But no more than that. Hyperventilation, growling, whining, extreme passivness or chattering jaws are not. The preferred distance might initially be 150 meters, but with time and training, that distance can be reduced. For more insights on dealing with fear, please see the article How to deal with your fearful dog - food for thought on bribing, encouraging or supporting.
3) Under attack
Let's assume that other dogs are causing the dog's concern. The approaching duo (a friend and their dog) start their approach about ten to twenty meters farther away than your dogs comfort zone. Start easy! They should also walk in an arc, amble slightly towards you. When your dog notices this, when her/his ears perk up and she/he posture changes from relaxed to alert, it's time to act. Extend a stop hand like a police officer and say kindly but firmly, "he/she doesn't want to greet." Upon this signal, the approaching duo quickly turn around, hasten away, and ideally appear a bit apprehensive. Repeat and pause!
4) Change the Environment
Repeat Step 3, but change the location. Generalize the experiences for your dog by training in different environments.
5) Advance the training when the dog is ready
When your dog stays content and calm behind you as the duo approaches from an angle, the approaching pair begins to walk directly towards you, but consistently flee like frightened mice when the stop hand is raised. Evaluate how your dog is progressing with the training. Is she/he becoming calmer or more anxious? If the latter occurs, it may be wise to enroll in Petli's course addressing fear and anger. If that doesn't help, your dog may require an assessment and an individually tailored treatment plan. Schedule an appointment with a well-educated and reliable dog psychologist. If, on the other hand, your dog's anxiety transforms into a sense of security, you can proceed to see How to strengthen your dog's self-confidence.
6) Change Location Again and Repeat
Ensure that the situation doesn't worsen with each repetition, where the approaching pair acts increasingly threatening or comes closer and closer. Alternate between more challenging and easier situations. Sometimes the duo may march forward, and in a low voice, ask, "Can they say hi?" Other times, they calmly approach in an arc and pass by. The stop hand can also be raised at a distance that doesn't affect your dog. Constantly escalating the difficulty will make your dog perceive you as an incompetent swordsman. Thus, the fluctuation in difficulty is essential.
Recovery and repetition are crucial
Practicing the "Guardian Shield" technique can be emotionally draining for your dog, as it delves into the depths of her/his emotions. Therefore, it may be sufficient to complete four repetitions before allowing a break for sniffing around, relaxation, playtime, or chewing on a bone. Avoid overwhelming your dog's emotional well-being.This training method requires finesse, adequate recovery time, and repetition in different environments. Take it slow, gracefully waltzing forward. Gradually but surely, the dog under your protection will release the burden she/he carries, entrusting it to you, the reliable guardian shield who consistently demonstrates their competence.
Written by: Caroline Alupo
Caroline Alupo is Petli's co-founder. She has a master's degree in ethology and is also a trained dog trainer and dog psychologist. She has 19 years of experience as a professional dog trainer. Read more about Caroline here.
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