Buddy

Janet called me asking for help after her 13-month-old lhasa apso dog bit her on the face. Janet was really upset because, in her eyes, the attack was completely unprovoked. I arranged to see Buddy a few nights later.

On the night that I was to see Buddy, I received a call saying that Buddy had viscously snapped at Janet’s husband Dennis. This was the final straw and Dennis had insisted that Buddy “had to go”.
I spoke to Dennis at some length and convinced him that I could help. Eventually Dennis agreed to let me speak to the family about reversing Buddy’s aggressive behaviour.

After a conversation with the owners a classic case of canine hierarchical promotion within the human pack began to emerge.

• Buddy shared the human’s sofa and he was adored and treated just for being Buddy.


• Buddy had access to food all day so he could pick whenever he liked.


• Janet would always greet Buddy when she entered the house. Incidentally Dennis was not being greeted so Buddy assumed he was higher up the pack than Dennis.


• Buddy pulled Janet when they were out for a walk.


• Buddy would bark aggressively at other dogs.


• Buddy would bark at strangers passing or entering the house.


• In short, Buddy had been involuntarily promoted to pack leader. Subsequently Buddy had expressed his displeasure about something or other and had lashed out. Pack leaders are allowed to express their displeasure and lash out. In Buddy’s eyes he had done what was required to keep his pack in shape. The other thing to bear in mind is that Buddy is approaching sexual maturity so his hormones are raging and he is capable of mating. This is another indication that he is ready to take over as pack leader.
  
  My Visit
  
  This was an easy one for me because buddy was more than happy to relinquish his leadership. I made this worth his while ample rewards of my famous liver cake.
  
  I explained what had happened from a dog’s point of view. I showed the family what this wee fella was capable of. I also demonstrated clicker training with Buddy.
  
  

  This is a classic small dog scenario where owners forget that they have a dog and attempt to treat it as a child substitute.

  
  
  The family need to put the following measures in place immediately:


• Buddy must have a house line on him when the family is at home. THE HOUSE LINE MUST BE REMOVED WHEN BUDDY IS LEFT IN THE HOUSE ALONE. The house line will allow the family to remove Buddy from dangerous situations by taking hold of the line and gently walking away from the situation without causing any conflicts.


• Buddy’s food gets lifted after 10 minutes. Regular food is a luxury NOT something that’s at his disposal 24 hours a day.


• Buddy is never allowed on the sofa


• Buddy has to work for his corn. Buddy is not to be petted or treated unless he's done something to earn a reward.


• Buddy must wait and let humans pass through doorways in front of him.


• Buddy must be ignored when anyone including Janet, Dennis or Stuart, enters the house. Absolutely NO EYE CONTACT is permitted unless Buddy is being asked to perform a task. After the person has entered the house and Buddy has settled for at least 5 minutes, the person can ask Buddy to perform a task like sit and wait then reward him for his patience and good manners.


• I would suggest that the bed command is trained and that buddy is rewarded for going to his bed and waiting when someone comes to the door. This takes all the frantic aggression out of things and turns a negative experience into a positive rewarding experience.


• Buddy needs to learn how to focus on his owner when walking. I demonstrated this on my visit by constantly turning and walking in the opposite direction when he pulls.


• I would seriously consider a training program with Buddy. He is an absolute brain box and needs to be stimulated mentally. I’m sure there is a good training class in the area.


• Buddy needs a good daily routine to stimulate him both physically and mentally

Summary

Buddy is a fantastic dog that would make a super assistance or obedience dog. However, Buddy needs to be stimulated both physically and mentally on a daily basis to get the best from him.

The sad fact is that Buddy has been setup for failure by being spoiled and petted.He genuinely thinks he is in charge because no one has shown him any proper leadership. To make matters worse Buddy was about to be either rehomed or put to sleep as a result of this poor handling.

Buddy is a product of centuries of selective breeding, bred for boldness and spirit.

This is a classic small dog scenario where owners forget that they have a dog and attempt to treat it as a child substitute. Dogs are not teddy bears. Nearly all dogs have been bred with a specific purpose in mind. This dog is a product of centuries of selective breeding, bred for boldness and spirit to guard the temples of Tibet. This cannot be turned around with a few cuddles and treats and poor management.

I am not willing to stand by and see this dog put to sleep for a crime that is not his fault. I will personally take this dog, train and rehome him before I will allow this to happen. He just doesn’t deserve it.I genuinely think this dog can be turned around with some proper canine behavioural management.

I hope my visit inspires the family to change the way they handle Buddy and allows them all to live together in peace.