It is our responsibility as dog owners to learn and understand what it is our dog is telling us and they do tell us, constantly. Ever wondered why when you call your dog to you in a harsh voice he approaches very slowly, head down, not making eye contact. You might think it is because 'he knows' he has done something wrong but a dog has no concept of moral right or wrong. What the dog is doing is trying to calm you down by using the only language that he knows and he expects you to know also, but you don't. All too often our relationship is based on one-way communication: I, the dog owner, tell you what to do and you have to do what I say. This is not a basis for a relationship.
We as owners must choose on how we behave. We can either act in a threatening or friendly way but remember there is no, absolutely NO excuse for scaring a dog. Dogs are born survivors and will defend themselves when threatened. Some will try to get away, others may retaliate but whatever action the dog decides upon, it is you who made it happen. The dog must never be made to feel insecure in your presence, afterall, would you be happy in a relationship that made you feel insecure or scared.
If you want your dog to respect you, you must always respect your dog. A good relationship is based on two-way communication and living together in a well-balanced togetherness. Dictatorship does not solve anything; it only creates problems, in our lives as well as our dogs. You Choose.
