Annie - Who's the daddy

I received a call from Annie's owners saying she had been getting a tad nippy with some of the grandchildren and the lady of the house.

When I entered the house I was "greeted" with a growling snappy Annie standing on the sofa. I performed my usual body language scenario and asked Mike to put a lead on Annie.

I walked Annie to the door where she attempted to push past me. I told her to get back. She obeyed immediately. I proceeded to walk Annie up and down the path outside the house in a nice heel position. I then walked her into the house and she sat at my feet.

This dog does not want to lead the pack

I was then informed that Annie had never walked like that. She always pulls and will not take a telling.

The picture was unfolding. This was not an aggressive dog. This was a good, intelligent dog that had been elevated to pack leader and had subsequently been challenged. She then had no choice but to defend her position of pack leader by lashing out with her teeth.

There was no malice on the owners part. They were sharing their home with Annie. Annie shared their sofa and their chairs. Annie didn't have a place of her own as such, she had the run of the whole house.
Annie was being pampered. Annie had more toys than Santa. Annie was jumping on the chairs when people entered the house. Annie was jumping all over anyone who entered the house. All this pampering and jumping around was signaling to Annie that she was living on equal terms with her owners.

The problem with allowing this level of equality is that the dog feels it has to look after the house and all it's contents. It also thinks it has to display it's dominance by claiming items and defending them vigorously.

The solution was simple in Annie's case.

• Annie gets a place of her own. i.e. a cage. This is a happy place, somewhere where she can relax and chill out with no interruptions.
• Annie is not allowed on the chairs or the sofa - never.
• Annie is discouraged to jump on visitors when they enter the house.Visitors will ognore Annie until she settles. Annie will be praised for staying calm when visitors enter the house.
• Annie will be encouraged to wait and allow her owners to walk though doors and gates before her.
• All toys will be removed and will be used solely as reward mechanisms.
• Annie will be subject to the 10 minute feed rule. Eat within 10 minutes or the food gets binned.

Summary

Annie is no man eater. She's simply struggling with her status of equality within the household. A few simple measures and Annie will be a great companion for Mike and Zandra for many years to come.

My only concern here is that if the owners resort to "spoiling" her again, she will return to her old ways. This dog does not want to lead the pack but when treated in this manner, she feels she has no other choice. The measures I've suggested will free her from this burden.This one is up to the owners.

Annie is a smashing wee dog. I think she would do well in agility. She has a very intelligent look about her and although she's a tad nervous I think that could be overcome with a bit of work.

Annie has a lovely nature - it would be a real shame to see Annie in a rescue centre. I really hope Annie's owners implement my suggestions. Here's hoping !!!.