I was talking to Sister today when the call was interrupted. She said it was the Dog Trainer returning her call. When she called me back she explained that the vet had referred her to DT after Puppy displayed some alarmingly aggressive behavior. They got Puppy from a rescue organization last fall.
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DT listened to Sister's description of the problem and asked her how long Puppy had been with the rescue people. He want on to explained that the behavior she is describing is common in dogs who have been separated from their mother too soon. He said that dogs learn their socialization skills from their mothers, and that 2 to 8 weeks is the critical time. He went on to explain that the cure is for Puppy to come to trust her completely. Puppy needs to know that she can be trusted to control the situation.
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I listened with growing amazement, "You have a RAD puppy!"
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She sighed, "I know."
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DT doesn't know if they will be able to get Puppy to trust so completely that the aggression can be controlled. He is coming out after Sister's vacation to evaluate Puppy. Even for dogs that early bond with mom is key for their emotional well being. Even for dogs the lack of that bond can lead to aggressive behavior later.
3 comments:
What breed of dog? Is she going to give him up?
I would have said that bond with a caring and sensitive parent would have been compulsory for all animals with a brain and backbone, and who are socialised.
Jules,
The dog is a mixed breed, but mainly black lab with some terrier and various other breeds. She's going to have Dog Trainer evaluate him, and hopefully he will be able to work with Sister and Short Niece on how to deal with him so he will be safe.
Adelaide,
You're right, of course. I'd never considered the impact of that loss on dogs, and was surprised by how similar both the reaction and treatment are.
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