Owning a Dog can be one of the most rewarding experiences, unless it’s not.
Dog Illustration
Owning  a Dog can be one of the most rewarding experiences, unless it’s not.  One rule for the former to be true is a well-behaved and obedient  Canine. In 5 plus decades of life I have had the joy to have provided  care for a dozen dogs as an owner, and hundreds as a boarder. The  perception that we have creates how we respond and in turn a change in  our response carries on into the canine and the outcome. Please allow me  to pass on FIVE of the key principals this experience has taught me.
Key #1: Understand the Difference between Posturing, Aggression, and Fear.
A  common trait among dogs is the instinct to self preserve. As a result  of this it’s common that he or she will appear to be aggressive and  ready to fight another animal. Most often this reaction is fear in the  animal, some reasons they may engage in this activity follow.
A  mother with babies who perceives a threat will almost always behave  aggressively, remember the need to preserve life. Dogs in their own  territory will ALWAYS respond with a call to arms” when an intruder or  unknown canine enters their territory, like inside the house or yard.  Even on a walk, some dogs may show aggression to a passing pack, feeling  compelled by centuries of evolution to do their job as protectors.
Once  we as pack leaders understand this is normal, our reaction naturally  changes. In the mother with babies scenario we move out of fear, feeling  the need to stop or correct her, into a partnership with her,  protecting the family from harm together, preserving the pack. We may  keep the fence closed and tight not allowing foreign animals to invade  her space while caring for her young.
On  a walk instead of being embarrassed and going to the other side of the  street, we can make a point to stop and meet the other pedestrians.  Allowing time for new connections to be formed for all involved.
If  introducing a new animals into our homes we can expect some posturing  as normal and support calm and safety until anxiety lessens. As we show  consistency in the way we lead and protect our pack, they in turn become  more confident and calm following our lead or example. As we reinforce  their actions replacing “bad dog vibes” with a “yes” or a “good dog’ and  a touch more often, more stability and joy will become normal feelings  for all.
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