But we've all seen them - "Growly Dogs" - the dogs that bark, growl, snap, lunge and are generally disruptive whenever they are around other dogs. Displays such as these tend to make canine/human outings a hassle or a near disaster and it is a reality that plagues a multitude of owners, leaving them frustrated, angry and embarrassed. Naturally, owners wonder what is wrong with their dog and feel inadequate as handlers and guardians.
 
On-leash behaviour issues such as this can evolve from different origins but they are frequently either fear motivated or classified as extremely coarse social skills. Either way they are problematic. Typically the outcome  is that owners subsequently remove some or all opportunities for dog-dog social interaction, which ultimately fails to address the problem or worse, exacerbates it.
 
Dealing with the Issue
One of the first steps we can take as dog owners whether we are dealing with aggression problems or not, is to educate ourselves. The human-dog relationship can be a fantastic partnership, a contentedly symbiotic existence, or a conflict-ridden, tumultuous and frustrating battle.
 
Dogs as companion animals are family members and, as such, deserve the time it takes to do the little light reading that will help bridge the divide between our respective worlds. A great place to start is Jean Donaldson's book, "The Culture Clash". This insightful book hits on the most integral component in creating and nurturing interspecies bonds with our canine counterparts - acknowledging that they are dogs in a human world but understanding that their needs must still be met in this context. The onus is on us to help our dogs learn how to behave appropriately within the confines of human parameters.
 
Training is another piece of the puzzle for savvy dog handlers and can play a pivotal role in any dogs' development, even one with dog-dog aggression problems.
 
Growly Dog Help
Got a growly dog? Want help?

Wag Zone is sponsoring a six-week long Growly Dog Class. This is a fabulous opportunity for owners to participate in a group class designed specifically for reactive dogs.

Employing positive motivational methods, handlers will combine desensitization exercises with basic canine learning principles to gradually improve their own skills as well as the social skills of their dog. This is a developmental forum limited to just 5 dogs in which owners will acquire greater understanding of the aggression problem they are faced with, as well as learning management techniques and training solutions in a safe, controlled setting. Progressive exercises will build on foundations to endow handlers with greater confidence and the dynamic handling skills necessary to live with a reactive dog. 

Course Details

WHEN: 
Wednesdays - 7pm to 8:30pm
6 weeks starting September 9, 2009 (plus orientation Sept. 2)

WHERE:
Wag Zone Urban Dog Retreat
309 Mansfield Place, North Vancouver

COST:
$250 plus GST

Interested?
Interested owners are asked to contact the instructor, Maureen O'Connor, at 604.374.5401 or insightdogtraining@gmail.com to discuss their dog's eligibility for this class and must be able to attend a group orientation session prior to the first class. An initial evaluation of each dog will be required at no additional cost.

Maureen (Mo) O'Connor is an honors graduate from the San Francisco SPCA's Academy for Dog Trainers. She holds a Certificate in Training and Behavior Counseling, K-9 First Aid and is a member of The Association of Pet Dog Trainers. Mo is the owner/operator of INSIGHT DOG TRAINING - a specialized service designed for private sessions, offering case-specific training and behavior modification. She is committed to helping people and their dogs live more engaging and fulfilling lives together. Mo lives on the North Shore with her border collie, Logan and her LabX rescue, Gabby.

Congratulations go out to Wag Zone Dog Handler Nanette Scudamore who this month completed her Pet Care Services Association testing with a score of 98%! Nanette is now officially designated a Certified Pet Care Technician. Way to go Nanette!