This week Rose responds to two readers who wrote in with concerns about their dogs biting.
Sylvia wrote saying "I have a 1 year old Blue heeler named Wrecks (shown in photo). He is my baby and I love him to death. Lately he has been biting people and biting the fence, and attacking other dogs.. is there a reason why? Is it my fault?"
Elaine says her German Shepard Charlie... "is very unpredictable, He is very loving docile doggie at home! Out he has bitten, jumped up and growled at people? I am most concerned about his behaviour, especially his unpredictability with people and other dogs! If they stay away from us no problem, he will not go to them! If they come near him or us he charges or knocks them with his head! I am very much holistic, I practice crystal healing, Reiki. etc. and have tried putting a crystal in a pouch on his collar."
Rose's Advice Concerning Dogs That Bite
In my practice I have often worked with clients who have shared similar stories about their dogs. It is a complex problem, so there is no one easy solution. Usually there are multiple factors and assessing them requires taking a detailed history which is beyond the scope of this column. However, there are some general insights I can offer readers seeking a solution for their individual situation and dog.
Using Wrecks and Charlie as examples, the response of both dogs is out of proportion or relationship to the immediate situation. Wrecks is fence-aggressive, and Charlie would be described as fear-aggressive.
Neither dog exhibits behavior associated with an emotionally stable, well-balanced dog. Stable dogs are friendly, curious and calm, able to assess a situation and respond with behavior appropriate to the circumstances, i.e., warning a burglar away by barking, or only attacking another person or dog when a family member is in danger or when the dog himself is in personal danger.
Personal history may contribute to such behavior. Prior to adoption the dogs may have experienced physical or emotional trauma that they still carry that might be addressed through energy healing methods such as Reiki, shamanism, acupuncture, flower essences, etc.
Diet may also be an issue. Generally I find that dogs with this type of behavior may be fed a brand of dry dog food with poor sources of protein, one which also contains chemicals, additives and preservatives. Feeding a good human-grade quality food available from a non-chain pet specialty store rather than a supermarket or outlet store can help create a calmer and healthier dog.
If male dogs are intact, i.e., not neutered, frustration and testosterone may play a part in aggression. Unless the owner is planning on breeding purebred dogs all male dogs should be neutered for the benefit of the dog as well as prevention of unwanted puppies.
Dogs need physical exercise. How much depends on the individual or breed. Wrecks is a Blue Heeler and Charlie is a German Shepherd, two breeds originally created for herding farm animals. In suburbs and cities they are jobless. Unless your dog has a full-time job like herding, he/she should be walked/run/played with on a regular basis. Energy needs to be channeled and the brain given challenges--how do you think your children would behave if they were cooped up every day with nothing to do?
However, these solutions together or alone will usually not result in a complete change in the dog's behavior.
As care providers we are responsible for our dogs, and that means understanding what they really need from an emotional and species standpoint. Unfortunately many well-meaning people believe that if they love their dog enough all will be well. Sadly, this is not true.
Dogs are pack animals and require structure in their lives. They try really hard to figure out what we want, and often get it wrong if we don't communicate clearly what we expect and desire from them in the way of behavior. When we shower them with affection and no structure we can actually create an unstable and unhealthy dog.
I am not a dog trainer, so I suggest my clients read Be the Pack Leader by Cesar Millan (often referred to as the Dog Whisperer). I have a great deal of respect for his methods since I have used them successfully with my own dog.
As we are mental/emotional/physical/spiritual beings, so are our dogs. When we make the effort to perceive the world through their eyes rather than our expectations we create a healthier relationship--one that results in happiness and contentment for both species.
Rose De Dan,
Animal Reiki Shaman
Disclaimer: Rose De Dan shares insights derived from spirit and through animal communication. Any advice she offers is not meant as a substitute for veterinary care.
Each week, we invite a different intuitive to answer a question from a reader. If you'd like to submit a question for Rose please email her directly.
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