Yesterday I had a full dog day. I started out at Animal Control then ended up at one of my favorite rescues. For every minute of Volunteering I learn so much about dogs, how we interact with them and how they would like to be interacted with.
For example, I am used to dealing with mostly fearful, or shy dogs (which is sometimes the step right before aggression it must be handled with care), so I usually crouch down on the floor, and toss out some yummy treats for the dog. I crouch down to make myself smaller, which is something dogs do for each other when they are trying to get along. I also try no to face the dog which is even less intimidating. Usually it takes about 10 minutes but then I have a new buddy. Word to the wise, if you are gonna adopt a dog give the perspective pooch some time in a room with you before deciding the dog is not a match, when they first come in they need time to acclimate themselves to being out of their runs or kennels. Best idea is to let them come to you...
I was having a hard time with an exuberant, frantic, playful dog who was being a bit nippy and pushy, and it wasn't until I talked to the volunteer leader that I discovered I was "auto-piloting" my intro. This dog was happy to sniff my feet and jump all over me, I definitely didn't need to be smaller or give it access to passionately lick and bop my face or pull at my arms. This dog was in no way aggressive but it needed a intro to match its energy and mood. It is a very nice thing to see dogs in a shelter so happy-go-lucky and in need of a rousing game of tug, and not a quiet gentle statuesque human.
No comments:
Post a Comment