YELLOW DOG UK: For the dog who needs space

[jackieandwayne]

Hello all CAG dog owners/lovers. Could I ask that you spare a moment to click on the link below and have a quick read?

www.yellowdoguk.co.uk

 

This is a fantastic, international scheme to help everyone who has a dog needing space when out. Yellow is the internationally recognised colour for caution.

 

If you see a dog wearing a yellow ribbon or bandana, the owner is alerting you to the fact that this dog needs some space. The dog could be unwell, getting over an operation, be unfriendly towards other dogs for a variety of reasons, most of which will be associated with fear, or it could be that this is a rescue dog and the owner and dog are getting to know each other.

 

Anyone who has a dog that needs space will welcome this idea. There is nothing worse than the feeling of a dog bounding towards you and your unsociable dog when out. The Yellow Dog UK campaign is designed to make these encounters a thing of the past by alerting other owners and the public to give the dog the space it needs.

 

The campaign is NOT about aggressive or dangerous dogs – this is only for dogs that need space. I do hope you feel able to support this scheme, I think its very much needed and should certainly help everyone to know when a dog needs some space.

 

Thanks for reading

[jackieandwayne]

Oh, it will take off, its just a brilliant idea. I was reading on their blog, and it brought it home to me the amount of owners struggling out there. Its such a shame.

 

I always make a point of keeping Taz away from an owner/dog who clearly has a problem, I know just how much fear of "IT happening again" affects owners and therefore the dogs. But a huge pat on the back to these owners for never giving up.

 

I just greet ALL dog owners, whatever they have, whatever their dog is doing, and they in turn start to greet me back. This becomes a regular thing, and hey ho, before you know it, it becomes a regular and normal thing for the dog. I'd say always greet the owner, from a safe distance, and if you see a dog with the yellow ribbon or bandana, give them the thumbs up for being responsible and alerting everyone that their dog needs space. This alone gives the owners a bit more confidence, and that can only affect their dog!

[jackieandwayne]

My last dog, Dennis, when he got to 13 he got a little bit of alzhiemers I think, and went from being very sociable to not wanting a dog near him. He took to charging at them in full attack mode, except he had no teeth and arthritis as well! But it would have been nice for him to wear a recognisable ribbon, and for other dogs to stay away, just for his peace of mind. (Well, the other half reckons Dennis used to enjoy it, but I don;t think so).

[jackieandwayne]

I agree its a nightmare when you have a grumpy dog on a lead and another runs up to it. It can also be extremely dangerous for the owner of the grumpy dog.

 

I don;t think owners with problem dogs admit this as much as they should, because its a horrible thing to have done to you by something you love. However, it can happen that a restrained dog, in a blind panic (and particularly a newly rescued dog who hasn't sussed you out yet) can turn on the owner in a flash and deliver a nasty bite. Because your dog is restrained, and has now got into a blind panic, (flight or fight) he could turn on the thing that he feels is endangering his life by restraining him. That will be the owner and the bite is usually delivered straight to the thigh - it bloody well hurts and it bleeds like b*****y as well. Lovely. And after this, how difficult to repair the relationship.

 

Even more reason, when seeing a dog wearing yellow, please think about these sorts of things, and keep your dog under control. But still give the owner a huge thumbs up!

[jackieandwayne]

Just to liven it up - Sunday afternoon on the local beach with mother-in-law and her dog was hysterically funny. No serious harm was done I must point out!

 

M-in=law insists that little Prince (cavalier) is a devil with other dogs. Nonsense, he's a dollop. (Mother-in-law is afraid of other dogs). Now little Prince is terrified of huskies in particular - (mother in-law is terrrified of huskies in particular) so along comes a lovely husky on a lead, on the prom, we are on the sand. Ma in law starts screaming, yes screaming, so loud that the husky jumped, and pulled its owner over the prom with a plop. It landed on top of a tiny little terrier, which, when it got out from underneath was really angry. It got under the husky's tummy and started nipping it and the husky was terrified and was trying to get away whilst still attached to its owner by the lead - the owner hadn't yet managed to get up. Then the terrier charged at my Taz and snatched his ball straight out of his mouth. Taz roared after him, nipped him, got the ball back and in making such a commotion attracted the attention of two lovely female bulldogs, who charged back up the beach by his side, straight at the back legs of ma-in-law!

 

They got her right in the back of the knees, she went down a cropper, her glasses flew off, she lost her bottom dentures! But she managed to keep screaming throughout. By now, even the husky owner was in stitches and all the dogs were fine. And little Prince - well he was halfway up the beach begging an ice cream off some old woman!

 

Ma in law screeched all the way home, and didn't stop screeching until she had taken a diazapam. And of course, it was all the fault of little Prince the little devil dog, and oh didn't she warn me about his appalling behaviour towards other dogs before we went out!! LOL.

[jackieandwayne]

Being gashed in the thigh by a nervous dog? Oh yes, that's the culprit in the piccie there. Butter wouldn't melt would it?

 

That was the make or break point. I'd rescued him, and he'd been fine around dogs for about 2 weeks. He didn't get fear aggression from me. Must have been part of the baggage. I have a lot to do with dogs, I have a friend who rehabs big bad ones, and then chooses a home for them to have a fresh start. I've been brought up with them all my life, so no fear of them. Biut even so, and even having seen exactly this happen about three times before with other dogs and owners, as well as other dogs trying it on with my mate, I still got caught out.

 

And this was all because of other dogs charging at him when I had him on the lead and we were just getting to know each other. He clearly didn't think I was up to the job of being in charge and protecting him. He decided to do it for himself, only I happened to be preventing him! I knew that if I told the dogs to "b****r" off" they would, but Taz didn't! And I won't have nonsense from any dog, but that's just me, not everyone can be like that, so I fully appreciate how awful it is.

 

Taz is fine now, and doesn't need this scheme, but it took a good 18 months to 2 years to get there. He'll never be one to run up and greet dogs, but neither would he chase them or attack them, and he'll never bite me again. All achieved by getting over it, and understanding that this dog is not just nervous he's scared. Cool, calm, confident, and get it across to the dog!

 

This scheme should really help to put a stop to this, but also, if we post up tales of what can or has happened because of those lovely over friendly dogs rushing at us, those lucky owners will appreciate just what some loyal dog owners have to go through, and what upsets thier dogs can cause.

 

I've told a great dane owner today about the scheme. He's about 9 which I think is a good old age for this breed, arthritic, and a bit shaky on his legs. His eyesight has got very poor so when a dog rushes at him he panics and starts to shake. She's going home to google it.

[jackieandwayne]

I should arrange for a good dog behaviourist to see him before you attempt to take him into a class. Because if he is afraid of other dogs it would put too much pressure on him to be around so many all at once. They will work with both of you and give you the confidence to deal with this and put it right. And wearing a yellow ribbon should certainly help you out.

 

I bet you a pound to a dollar it won't be too long before you are stood next to other dogs and owners, explaining the scheme to them, whilst the little lad sits quietly by your side! Then you'll say "how on earth did this happen?" LOL.

[jackieandwayne]

LOL - my friend has just told me she is off today to rehab a human aggressive male ST Bernard! Try as I might, I can't take this seriously right now. I mean, what does he do? Smother people? Drown them in slobber? Well jolly good luck to her she's only 5ft 2"!

[jackieandwayne]

That's the best way forward. You can do it! Just remember cool, calm, confident, always.

 

Here's a little tester for everyone with a sparky dog. You need a co-operative neighbour with one of those dogs that belly aches at the gate everytime someone walks by. (Yes, yes, I know the noisy dog also has a problem, but its obviously acceptable to the owner for it to be allowed to carry on!) So, for our purposes - make sure the noisy one is safely behind the gates. Now, can you walk past that gate with your dog, and whatever happens, not react? Tricky, because you know what's coming! The trick is don't even look at the other dog, it ain't there and you can't see it. See how you get on with that one! This is to build up your confidence, your dog will follow you.

[jackieandwayne]

Now CitizenB has an excellent tool for the whole village to practice with you see! And I bet he loves to cannon down that drive at the drop of a hat ay? HO Ho wonderful bit of sport mum! (The dog, Not CitizenB!)

 

The best bet of all with this, is to have a perfected recall, ie., you are far more interesting than whatever is at the gate, with a huge fuss when he gets it right and comes back, and forget that he was naughty to do it in the first place. Unless you have actually caught him red handed in action, in which case use your "naughty" word.

 

Otherwise, its time to spend some time down at that gate with the dog I'm afraid! You could arrange for people to walk past with their dogs or whatever worries your boy. Not too many, we just need to get him used to it, not overwhelm him, so just normal traffic. Then its just a matter of having him sit close to your side, (close to you is important always) and you have to ignore whatever walks past, remember, you can't see it, it ain't there. (You'll get dog trainers who will have him in the down position - if that does it for you, thats fine, its submissive and polite, and down can save his life one day in an emergency).

 

If you see he is getting agitated/nervous, stand sideways on to the gate, and have yourself nearest the gate to start, providing him with a barrier. Get him used to this, greet people as they go by, it soon becomes the norm for him. Try him on the other side of you, human barrier then removed, but still safe. Then eventually try having him face the gate again, still at your side. Check any reaction as quickly as you can. This can be ears up, fur up, sitting stock still with head up (you know, on the alert). (Oh, but if you get the play bough towards a passing dog this is good and should be praised - it'll be bum in the air, head and paws on the ground and usually a great big wiggle of some part or the other!)

 

If you get obvious aggression towards whatever passes the gate, rather than anxiety, it has to be checked. It'll be growling, teeth baring, pulling you towards the gate, thrashing around like a loon as you have him on the lead. You need professional help with this. This is where a good word of mouth behaviourist will help you and at the same time.......

 

......the postman - well we have to take this seriously. DDA. The best person to help you with this is the behaviourist.

 

However, if you are dead sure this is just all mouth and trousers, and you know that you can deal with it - try this - greet the postman halfway up the garden every day for a fortnight. With your dog on the lead. Sitting calmly by your side, being checked for any reaction, even on hearing the gate clicked. He's going to sit nicely and wait to be greeted. And then he's going to be rewarded. Each day just move slightly nearer to the gate. until you are at the point where you are dealing with the gate being opened and postie entering the garden. Just remember that sometimes we get different posties! So the trick is you practice this with lots of different people coming in the garden.

It takes patience, and a lot of time usually, but it will work in most cases. Then you can progress to him being in the garden off lead, and allowing people in. I'm sure if you tell postie what you are doing, he or she will say thank you.

 

Happy training chaps! Make it fun and stay calm.

[jackieandwayne]

Oh these little JR's are so noisy and bouncy aren't they? And they have no need to make themselves seen and heard like that - they have hearts like lions and any sensible dog knows it and is respectful.

 

You know what these terriers were originally used for do you? To play a specific part in a fox hunt, only small, they were bred for their stamina, courage and a controlled aggression. To flush out without harming, (the carnage was for the fox hounds to do) to be able to chase for miles. Very intelligent little dogs. He needs to understand that the postman is not a fox! I always tell people that it is just a dog and any dog can be taught anything. However, sometimes its good to look at different breeds and their specific behaviours, because since humans have bred and bred through the centuries to get the strongest of these behaviours in different breeds, then I think it only sensible that we at least try to understand what we have bred.

 

I'd take his lordship out to an agility class - all the little terrier type dogs are good at it, and it helps create a good working bond between dog and owner, all based on fun. You'll probably see he starts to take more notice of you if you do something like this with him. And it keeps everyone fit!

[jackieandwayne]

If you get an opportunity, watch him chase a rat or squirrel, watch the way he jumps and leaps, gets right into the underbrush, loads of high pitched noise to cause panic in the prey, stays right on their trail, THAT's what they were supposed to do with foxes! But yes, ratting, rabbiting, all jolly good sport!

 

Until he sets his sights on the postman of course. That's why so many posties get nipped by these smaller dogs, poor old postie, he goes this way, he goes that way, he speeds up, he wails and shouts, he hops, skips and jumps, just what a good honest JR needs to get him going. Much better we get them obsessed with tennis balls from a very early age. X

[jackieandwayne]

Sounds like you got a little diamond there Citizen B! And a very clever one.

 

The grumbling? "Are you quite sure mum? Well you know best I suppose, just making my view known. I'm still a little unsure but I stand to be convinced" The digging a variety of things "very well mum, but I'm digging a security hole just in case!" "What you let that man in the garden for mum? Here have some dirt in your face!" "I'm leaving my mark so when he comes back he knows I'm here" "phew mum was right, no worries, oh whoopie lets release some tension and excitement and dig the garden up!"

 

LOL - if he turns round and tells you he's digging postie's grave, you need a professional!

 

So, you know you have his respect, you know he is willing to do what you say, even though he will have a little say, he's still going to do as you say. Not a problem dog, but one you can have a lot of fun with.

 

When you've mastered manners at the gate, you can progress it. Make the other owner aware beforehand, but as they come along, just open that gate and drop into step beside them, walk along, its about you owners having a social, not about the dogs. (To start do it so its human, dog, human, dog as you walk along, then you can craftily switch positions a bit later and see how they are walking side by side) Less attention on them when out on the lead, less bother you will have. It'll soon become the norm, and it'll help all the owners in your village eventually.

 

Its a shame about the agility. Its not really something I would recommend is just set up, it really does need a qualified dog person. The dogs have to be in good health and over a year old, and although the dogs generally don't have accidents, the owners do, so insurance is a must. But its such good fun, I think its worth asking the KC if they can recommend someone - who might be willing to come to the village and set up a class for you - the lighter nights are coming (apparently!). Same thing with flyball. Excellent fun.

 

Keep up the good work!

[jackieandwayne]

Well done CB! Easy isn't it? You just gotta learn a little about doggie behaviour, no need to endure Cesar Milan and his bloody teeth (I admired him till he had those teeth done!) unless you want to.

 

Yes Ocelot it is a brilliant idea, and I've now seen quite a few doggies out with the yellow neck tie on. I hate muzzles on dogs, but I do understand why people use them. I prefer to deal with the problem that made the muzzle necessary in the first place (unless we are talking about a highly dangerous dog with specific problems, or a court order). I honestly believe muzzling makes problems worse. Oh, I've just thought of another reason to do it, I met one the other day, eats doggie poos! Yuck.

 

Best bet all round for all dog owners is complete calmness at all times what ever situation you find yourself in.

 

Now, CB, have you tried disco dancing with the little one yet? JR's are very good at it. I recommend you get hold of a copy of that old Kenny song "The Bump" and get going, this is a reward based exercise, (lovely little bits of cheddar!) the aim being to get your little one to bump against you everytime she/he hears "Bump". You have to get very involved and excited with this one!

[jackieandwayne]

Oh I know all about deep seated issues! Little darling in my photo had those when I brought him home at 20 months. Got a lovely V shaped scar across my thigh from him actually. And at that point, yes most people would muzzle and I can't blame them. Like you say though, I only had him to contend with, which is hard enough, never mind 4 a go! Taz isn't a problem at all now, but he still isn't keen on dogs running up to him, only now he chooses to run off rather than go for them. Anyway, he's ball obsessed now, and has a dilemma - ball or bite? He chooses the ball everytime! I think I could have managed the rehab with two dogs, I'd have used the one to calm the other, but I really do see how difficult it would have been for you with so many, and at least she got her exercise and was loved.

 

And the ex? Ho, fully understand, my poor mate has 3 soppy large Heinz 57, and he adds a huge male Inuit into the mix. And then walks out on the lot of them and two kids. We've had such trouble with bloody Merlin, but we also know this is his fifth home, he's got a fear problem, not dominance, and he can turn that corner. My mate had to muzzle him, like you, for everyone's safety when out on walks. But there will come the day it won't be necessary, at some point trust has to be given (gotta be earned though!). He's good in the house, well, the three big girls won't allow anything else, and the kids have known nothing else since birth but large dogs everywhere! (even three cats allowed in his bed with him!) Best of all he's been with her for 18 months now and is starting to realise its his forever home, and that really makes a change.

 

Oh hey but there's one problem I can't cure Taz of, and it makes everyone laugh if they see it - whenever we go up a big hill, me being a bit older now, might be a bit slower, but I get there in the end! I don't get a chance to stop though and "admire the view" - if I do I get Taz behind me snapping at my heels and grumbling, and if I dare slow down he tries to trip me up by putting his paws between my feet. The one time I dared to stop half way up to tie my shoe lace he body slammed me in the back of the knees and had me over! I can hear the sharp intake of breath from any professional reading this - but I don't care - if that's the worst his behaviour is going to be from now on I think we can consider him rehabbed! And anyway I made that fateful mistake - I laughed the first time he did it! And I'm very proud of how fast I can get up these hills here in Dorset.