Dear Dog Lady,
We have a two-year-old neutered Rottweiler/shepherd mix we selected from the shelter when he was six months old. He lives in our house with four adults in a three-generation family. He is an equal-opportunity pet: He loves each of us.
He knows who feeds him, who walks him, and so forth. He is super affectionate; loves to be hugged, massaged, and petted. Sometimes we even hand feed him his dry food. He shows no aggression to us.
But how do we manage when someone visits, either male of female? He barks and shows aggression. We are embarrassed by this, as his good side doesn't come through. We know he's only being protective. Is there anything we can do to reassure him the visitor will do no harm?
— Kay
Oh, Kay,
Protect the visitor. Put your dog on a leash or in another room when company comes. You want him to accept the newcomer, but you must understand: Your dog has four adults and three generations to protect. He's trying his best but, golly, he doesn't know how to react when a stranger comes to the house. So help him.
You should take control. Your mastery is the best assurance to your dog that all is under control. If you want him to greet the visitor politely, tell him to sit and stay, with you holding his leash. Discreetly give your dog's favorite treat to the guest and ask the visitor to offer it to your dog while you supervise. Strangers bearing gifts appeal to the dog's gentler instincts.
Dear Dog Lady,
I recently adopted a dog who is thought to have been previously abused. She is calming down and getting used to her new home. The problem is bedtime. I allowed to her sleep in my bed for the first few nights because she was very scared and nervous. Now, she refuses to sleep anywhere else.
She has a crate, and I have tried crating her at night. But she cries and barks all night. Is there anything I can do to calm her down at bedtime so that she will be comfortable sleeping somewhere other than my bed?
— Lilly
Dear Lilly,
This survivor dog needs her own comfy, cozy bed. Sure, she has the crate and it's great you are keeping her in it during daytime. Hire a dog walker to ensure she gets out for a walk and hearty exercise during the day.
At night, lure her to a nest near to your own bed. Go to any purveyor of pet goods and find dog beds by the score - round, square, sheepskin, memory foam, microfiber, heated, bolstered, warming, cooling, and on and on. Choose one and fashion a hangout for your night owl. Use treats, such as dried liver bits scattered like rose petals, as the initial lure. Each night, quietly direct her to stay on her luxe lounge. Do not let her wander.
Your new dog wants to be near you at night. You goofed by taking her into your own bed too soon before she could handle the privilege. Just understand she wants to be close to you and your comforting smells. A bed of her own near yours will help her.
ÔÇæÔÇæÔÇæ
Listen to "Ask Dog Lady" on Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. on WCAP 980AM. Visit www.askdoglady.com to ask a question, make a comment, or enjoy reading Dog Lady's archives.
