Angela called me to discuss her Alaskan Malamute Roscoe. Roscoe had been showing signs of stress when Angela was leaving the house and had started chewing.I instinctively knew that this would be more than a simple chewing scenario.Malamutes are renowned chewers, escape artists and bond deeply with their owners.I arrived at Angela’s home and was greeted by Roscoe and his little cross Westie companion.
I performed my usual routine to communicate my intentions. Roscoe was intent in making his presence known. He was trying to jump on my back, barking, mouthing and generally getting very upset. After a period of time the dogs settled down. After a brief explanation of my methods we took Roscoe out to the back yard.
I did my loose lead work with Roscoe and he responded very well. I then trained the wait command on a long line and again Roscoe was very responsive. There was a very noticeable behaviour occurring repeatedly while I was working with Roscoe. Roscoe was constantly attempting to gain entry into the house and get back to Angela. This is a classic protective behaviour where the dog is stressed and worried about protecting his family and his property. This is the root of most destructive behaviours and can be addressed and cured with some simple living adjustments.
Anyway, we were making progress and I wanted to assess Roscoe’s lead work so I walked down the street and back again. Roscoe was an incessant puller. I asked Angela to walk with us and Roscoe improved so this was confirming my thoughts about separation anxiety and protection mechanisms.
I decided to try Roscoe with a gentle leader. I’m very much in favour of anything that makes the dogs and the handler’s life more enjoyable providing it has no adverse effects on the dog. I find that a gentle leader works great for calming dogs down. I must stress that gentle leaders and haltis must me operated with a loose lead. Creating tension around the head on the neck will place the dog under more stress and will defeat the purpose.
As expected Roscoe was initially unhappy and unsettled with the gentle leader but with gentle assurance he soon showed signs of acceptance.Before long he was walking very well on it.
My advice to Angela was that she needs to start ignoring Roscoe when she enters the house and she needs to stop letting Roscoe follow her around the house. Also Roscoe has to be stopped from barging through doors and sitting in front of Angela in a protective stance.
Roscoe should walk patiently at heel and should sit behind Angela when other dogs approach.Roscoe would benefit from a daily routine that involves physical and mental stimulation.
Personally I would have Roscoe performing lots of daily chores and I’d make him work for his keep. I’d also be tempted to introduce him to tracking and working trial disciplines. So back to the title of this post. Is Roscoe a spoilt brat or is he a misunderstood protector of the realm? I think he’s a bit of both.
Roscoe is instantly likable through his handsome looks and playful personality. Unfortunately, Roscoe has been used to demanding attention and getting everything he desires. Roscoe’s owners love him to bits and spoil him. This simply makes Roscoe more petulant and bad mannered. I think his resourcefulness shows the underlying intelligence of the dog and should be harnessed in the handlers favour. Dogs like Roscoe normally make great problem solvers and benefit from being stimulated mentally.
On the protection side, Roscoe thinks he has to protect his mum and his property. This leads to him getting extremely stressed when left alone and results in him getting destructive. Angela needs to convey her non compliance to Roscoe when he demands attention, food, cuddles etc. My opinion is the Roscoe’s tantrums will stop if/when he learns his place within the pack and realises that he has no need to worry about looking after his property or its inhabitants.
I must say it was a pleasure to meet a dog like Roscoe. He is full of spirit, has a boundless enthusiasm and is an absolute character. I loved working with him; he’s handsome intelligent and willing to learn.
Angela and Billy love Roscoe to bits. They were responsible enough to ask for help before the situation got out of hand.They want to share their life with Roscoe and have invested both financially and emotionally in making life as pleasurable as possible for him. I'm always happy to help owners like Angela and Billy and will continue to work with them if need be. I just wish all my owners were like minded.
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