Recently, a friend adopted a two-year old dog from the local SPCA. The pit bull-terrier mix, named Chumley, is absolutely adorable when he is around humans. However, when he is around other dogs, things unfortunately get a bit barky and bitey. It seems in his previous life, Chumley’s relationship with fellow dogs was not the smoothest. He would be fine one minute, then lunge and attack suddenly. A snap change in demeanor that thus far have led to two dogs bitten (nothing severe, thankfully), and a wounded human hand.
Chumley’s adopted mother - my friend - is rightfully distraught. The thought that your dog cannot get along with other dogs - to the point of hurting them - is just about the worse for a dog owner. It’s like having a kid that cannot stop beating other kids up at school. Ultimately, you the parent is responsible and must take corrective action. But that’s what she signed up for, isn’t it? These rescue dogs end up at shelters for a reason, and it’s most likely not out of a good situation. It’s the duty of the adoptee to take on that responsibility, to change and rehabilitated the bad parts.
A far more noble undertaking than simply buying a puppy from a breeder. All the offense.
Thank god there are trainers out there who can recognize, diagnose, and treat the unpleasant behaviors out of dogs. Without these kind and passionate people, many maladaptive dogs would need to be put down. It’s no hyperbole to call them miracle workers. Chumley has only taken two lessons thus far, and the change we’ve seen is utterly dramatic. The road ahead is still long in terms of comfortably allowing him to mingle freely with other dogs, but we can at least see that he is able to change his behavior, and is quick to learn.
Okay, I won’t.