Sometimes it’s hard to believe that there are other owner’s out there with a DINOS. If you are anything like me you have felt isolated, you’ve felt like the world’s worst owner, and at times reduced to tears after yet another bad walk with your canine friend. Not to mention the looks you get from other dog owners who appear to have the world’s best behaved dog!
The good news is that you are not alone, and you are not a bad owner. However it is important for your dog that you recognise the signs and do not put him in a position which he cannot deal with. This means giving thought to where you are walking. If you have a very reactive dog, or a DINOS, then is a busy park or area populated with off lead dogs the best place to walk?
The following are behaviours which a DINOS may exhibit as the result of an interaction or anticipated interaction:
- Barking
- Lunging
- Shutting down “freezing”
- Biting
- Avoidance – trying to move away from the stressor
- Lip licking
- Screaming
- Whimpering
- Growling
- Excessive sniffing
- Body language such as tail tucked under, or wagging very slowing. Staring, blinking, panting, excessive salivation and breathholding are all signs of stress
- No response to owner/treats or distraction.
By acknowledging you own a DINOS and by other walkers showing understanding and compassion, then we can all enjoy peaceful walks.
