Kindness, trust exercises tame anger in this beast

Working with clients on serious behavior issues can be challenging.

Clients often are unable or unwilling to put in the time it takes to modify a dog’s behavior. It is so satisfying to have clients who are willing to do whatever it takes to resolve an issue. Such is the case with Esther and Jesse and their dog, Bella.

Esther and Jesse have had numerous giant, standard and miniature schnauzers over the years. When they adopted Bella, 3, a standard schnauzer, they knew she had not been properly socialized.

Bella bonded with Esther in an unhealthy way. Frightened and insecure, she guarded Esther, and growled at anyone who tried to get near her, including husband Jesse.

When he entered the room, Bella would growl at him and slink away, or nip at him when he approached Esther. After nearly two years and some behavioral classes, Jesse had had enough.

After getting a complete history, we devised a plan. I had Esther withdraw from Bella as much as possible; Jesse became a human slot machine that spewed treats like crazy. In the beginning, Jesse didn’t look at Bella or even speak to her; he just tossed cookies to her frequently. He also took over feeding her and was the only one available for affection and interaction. Thankfully, Jesse had never resorted to correcting or punishing Bella when she growled or snapped.

Now, six months later, Jesse and Esther have a peaceful, loving relationship with Bella. She is no longer afraid of Jesse.

With damaged dogs, extra kindness along with lots of repetition of trust-building exercises can and do yield great results.