Today we’re continuing our discussion from last week so make sure you’ve listened to Episode 51, as we jump right back into the conversation.
In Part 2, we start with a discussion of how to resolve the difficult emotions that can arise when you’ve experienced a dog fight situation in your home. Everyone vulnerably shares their experiences and how they were able to move forward.
But how do you prevent these situations in the first place? How should you go about introducing a new dog to your home? Do dogs need to be best friends from day one?
We answer all these questions and give all the Do’s and Don’ts to help pet parents confidently integrate a new dog into their pack in a slow & steady manner.
What about when you’re outside your home and get approached by a loose dog? Or at a beach or dog park? How can you be prepared?
You’ll hear how our Dog Moms prepare themselves for any unexpected loose dog – or other wildlife! – situations that may arise outside the home.
Trigger Warning: This can be an emotional topic to hear discussed so please take care while listening. Experiences with behavioral euthanasia are discussed. Please note that some of the methods mentioned for stopping a dog fight are only to be used in extreme situations where the life of a dog is in danger.
In Part 2, Erin, Dianna, Nikki & Nichol discuss:
Navigating your emotions after a dog fight situation in your home – trauma, guilt, blame, loss of confidence and how to forgive yourself;
Dog Mom self-care practices;
Nikki’s experience with behavioral euthanasia;
Do’s and Don’ts of successfully introducing a new dog into your home;
Choosing a new dog to add to your pack;
Do dogs ever just “snap”?;
What do you do when you’re out walking your dog in the neighborhood and a loose dog comes charging at you?
Work with Di, Nikki & Nichol:
Links Discussed:
Losing Lulu, Facebook Support Group for pet parents who’ve experienced behavioral euthanasia. Please note this is an after-the-fact support group.
Rescue SMART for smart tips for introducing any new dog to your home and how to set your & your family up for success
Doggie Don’t is a device to keep handy on walks in case of any encounters by loose dogs or wildlife. (Not being recommended for training purposes.)
Pet Corrector Spray is another implement to keep handy during walks or at a dog park in case of any dog fight situations. (Not being recommended for training purposes.)
Do’s and Don’ts of Successfully Introducing a New Dog to Your Home
DON’T rush things. Your dogs have their whole lives to become friends.
DO take things slow & steady. This might look like doing the following over the course of several weeks or months:
Start by crating your new dog in a separate room.
Then crate dogs in the same room.
Let dogs sniff each other on opposite sides of a gate.
Training or “place work” in the same room.
DON’T leave dogs unattended or unsupervised together.
DO take leash walks together.
DON’T leave toys, food, treats or other high-value items lying around the house.
DO start by feeding the new dog in their crate.
DON’T allow nose-nose greetings immediately.
DO constantly monitor body language of all dogs.
DON’T ever put more than 1 dog in a crate. All dogs should have their own crates.
DO leave a leash on your new dog around the home in case you need to grab them quickly.
Ideas for Preventing or Breaking Up Dog Fights Outside the Home, at a Dog Park or In Case of Wildlife encounters
DON’T pick up small dogs. This could make you a target also.
DON’T use your hands.
Stand in front of your dog and square your body to the approaching dog.
Yell “Stop” in your deepest loudest voice possible.
Throw treats for distraction.
Riding crop
Air horn
Doggy Don’t or Pet Corrector
Bear spray
Umbrella
Sports item like lacrosse stick
Walking stick
Grab collars if absolutely necessary
Di’s “Batman Utility Belt”
New Podcast:
Check out my new podcast, The Alternative Dog Moms, discussing news in the fresh dog food community and the pet industry as a whole, with dog blogger Kimberly Gauthier of Keep the Tail Wagging. To learn more about Kimberly, check out Episode 18 of the Believe in Dog Podcast.
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