The Lassie Effect

I help owners with problem dogs. Most owners understand their dog’s breed, yet understanding his behaviour can often be misinterpreted, leading to problems.

Although man and dog have been together for thousands of years, we tend to forget his ancestor is the wolf. The DNA of a wolf compared to domestic dog differs by just 1 per cent; the same difference separating one human race to another. So, while your dog looks harmless, he has the mindset of a wolf.

Art, literature and entertainment has greatly influenced our thinking leading to the anthropomorphism of dogs, I call this ‘The Lassie Effect’tm. Lassie was a Collie with the heart of a lion and the navigational skills of a pigeon. Lassie made the public believe he could think, plan, sympathise, know right from wrong, remember complicated facts and seek revenge. When Lassie appeared to be studying a situation, he was actually watching his trainer wave a rag. We humans find it easier to relate to a situation when we project our own emotions onto our dogs. If a dog chews his owner’s shoes when alone, the owner may shout at the dog when he returns home, the dog may lower his body and slink away. The owner thinks his dog learns from the telling off, some may believe the dog destroyed the shoes out of resentment or boredom for being left alone which is why he looks and acts ‘guilty’. However, the dog may be anxious and the chewing action releases endorphins that calm him down, this feeling of comfort is rewarding. When the owner comes home, the dog acts in a submissive manner to avoid punishment. Yet, the owner misinterprets the dog’s attempt at communicating “please don’t hurt me” to mean “I know I’ve done wrong”. So, the problem behaviour continues.

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Dog aggression

In my role as Dog Listener, I am often called in as the last resort to help clients experiencing a range of problems with their dogs from separation anxiety to excessive barking. While owners may tolerate some unwanted behaviours like pulling on the lead, one problem they can’t live with is aggression. It’s confusing for owners to have their loving dog suddenly turn into a Jekyll and Hyde character when out on a walk. As a result, walking the dog is no longer a pleasurable experience for the owner or the dog. So, why does this happen?

Aggression is a defence reflex, initially exhibited as a threat or warning, ultimately exhibited in a real form when there is no other option left. In other words, it can usually be avoided if you understand the cause, can read the signs and know how to desensitise the dog’s lack of trust towards the situation that resulted in the aggressive confrontation. Nearly all aggression results from a lack of trust on the part of the dog. So, it’s vital you get your dog to trust in you by giving him the right information whenever a question is raised “what happens now?” By getting your dog to elect you as leader, he will trust in you and follow your lead. There are four key areas where dogs look for leadership from us. These are; the hunt (or going for a walk), food/eating, status and perceived danger. Canine confrontation takes place within these four key areas (e.g.) dogs will fight over chew or may growl when another dog tries to cross its path. If we fail in our ‘leadership’ credentials then the dog’s survival instincts kick in, telling them someone has to take charge of the pack, and this is when the unwanted behaviours kick in.

The 4 F’s – flight, freeze, flirt or fight
Dogs exhibit four defence reflexes; flight, freeze, flirt and fight. This means when a dog feels threatened or challenged they will run away (flight), enter an almost catatonic state of immobility or snarl and growl (freeze), or try to initate some play and act like a puppy to avoid a fight (flirt) or they may finally bite (fight). The fight reflex is the most common reason for the popular diagnosis ‘aggressive dog’. Dogs that are prone to ‘fight’ as the first means of defence, will growl, snarl and eventually bite if we don’t read the signals. Dogs aren’t confrontational creatures; they won’t initiate aggression unless provoked. If a dog feels threatened – particularly if someone bends over it, directly approaches it, makes eye contact or tries to stroke their head and neck, then depending on that dog’s personality it will tell the human to ‘back off’ in the only way they can communicate. Below is a list from 1 to 7 of the warning signals dogs will give off, which if unheeded could lead to an attack.

1. Yawning, blinking, nose licking
2. Turning head away, then turning body away/sitting/pawing
3. Walking away or creeping backwards
4. Standing crouched, tail tucked under
5. Stiffening up and staring
6. Growling/snarling, tail high
7. Lunging then bite

If you would like to know more about how you can understand your dog and get the relationship you deserve, then call Hanne Grice, dog behaviour specialist and dog listener on 01442 878628 or email us at info@walk-the-dog.net