No train, no gain
After the dog days end, one pet owner tries to get her pup on the best behavioral track without spending an arm and a paw.
There’s a leash wrapped around my ankles as my 18-pound mutt, Mowgli, circles the neighbor’s female cocker spaniel. She lashes out with a shrill bark; he—we—had better step back. Since the inventors of pet-acures and gourmet Paw-Risian treats have yet to create something useful, like a canine cotillion, I never know how to handle these all-too frequent situations as a proud dog owner of three months.
After a summer of doggy patios and dog cruises, I need to turn back to basics: learning a few behavior tips for Mowgli without taking out a student loan for dog school. A customer at my favorite pet boutique raves about the classes at Stay (4130 N Rockwell St, 773-509-0001), so Mowgli and I meet up with Stay’s CPDT-KA (the all-important Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed) named Brandi Barker (her honest-to-God surname) at a local dog park for an hour training session (barkerbehavior.com, hour session $100). She often works with dogs who have aggression problems, so I ask her how to handle a sticky neighbor-pet situation.
Barker says the best way to deal with a canine scuffle is to try to prevent it before it happens. “Always keep an eye on your pet at off-leash dog parks,” she explains from behind designer shades, “and be aware of any signs that could mean aggression,” e.g., tightening of the mouth, body tension or stick-straight fur. Should a fight break out, never place your hand between two dueling brutes.
I ask Barker for some tips on how I can get Mowgli to come on command. She recommends practice, which should feel rewarding to my pup. “You don’t want your dog to associate ‘come’ with ‘it’s time to leave now,’?” she says, so Barker suggests practicing the come command at dog parks when playtime is still in session.
Testing out another expert, Mowgli and I meet with Elizabeth Foubert, also a CPDT-KA, at Canine Crews (1616 N Washtenaw Ave, 773-235-1616) where she teaches classes and one-on-one lessons (treattotrain.com, hour session $105).
Foubert speaks to dogs the same way she speaks to humans—with an ever-present smile. Mowgli sits patiently, staring up at her with a thumping tail, waiting for his treat. I ask: “When on a walk, should passing pooches be allowed to sniff and mingle? Or is it more polite to yank your canine along?”
“Dogs are very proximity sensitive,” says Foubert. “Leashes limit their freedom for personal space,” She suggests that when passing another pup, give Rover a lot of leeway so he doesn’t feel threatened. Always ask dog owners if their pet is friendly; if they say yes, let the doggies feel each other out.
Another problem: Kids love Mowgli, which sends him darting behind my legs for protection. “Tell children to bend down to your dog’s level to pet him,” Foubert says. “That way their posture isn’t threatening.” Then, they can extend a hand and let your hound investigate. She demonstrates by crouching next to Mowgs, and he sits happily waiting for more goodies from her treat pouch.
Now for the age-old question: How can I get my dog to stop jumping on people? Foubert suggests that when stopping to chat during our twice-daily neighborhood strolls, I should put a foot on part of the leash to prevent my pup from pouncing. I give it a try, and Mowgli looks as uncomfortable as my high-school prom date posing for photos. But it works.
On a nice late-summer evening, Mowgli and I head over to the Montrose Dog Beach (4400 N Lake Shore Dr, 312-742-5121) to put everything we learned into action. When a yellow Lab comes hurtling toward Mowgs, I make sure to ask her owner if she’s friendly. The human says yes, but my dog’s cowering stance suggests otherwise. “We’ll go play by the water now,” I say awkwardly. When Mowgli starts sniffing a couple trying to catch some rays, I call his name, and for once, Mowgli comes darting over: my reward for long training sessions. His reward: a vigorous belly rub.
