No one wants to hear that their fur-family was injured in a dog fight. The dread we feel is overwhelming.
Are they safe? Are they in pain?
Then an even deeper dread sets in for those who have reactive dogs. Was it their fault?
Surely not?!?
Whether it was or not, we still have to deal with the consequences.
- A vet bill.
- Rehabilitation.
- Behavioural adjustments.
Dogs will be dogs, right?
That’s a quick way to brush off the responsibilities a kennel has when it comes to the behaviours that our guests exhibit.
Dog Fights Don’t Just Happen
Dogs are definitely animals, but as the owner of the kennel, it’s my responsibility to reduce the risk of a dog fight. You don’t pay me just for socialization, but for proper socialization. And while I have to trust that everyone has painted a complete picture of their dogs, I must still put systems in place to reduce the risk of a negative experience for other guests.
Here are 7 ways a kennel reduces the risk of a dog fight.
1. Thorough Check in
You know the saying that honesty is the best policy? We love honesty. When we check a guest in, we ask questions about what your dog’s history is with others and what commands they may know. The more information we have, the better we can understand how they’re going to interact with others.
Pro Tip: I know no one wants to hear it, but when someone says that their dog is type A or an alpha, it usually means they’ve been allowed to get away with poor behaviour for too long.
2. Introductions
When it comes to the hellos, we have to appreciate that not every dog will understand what another dog is doing when they sniff around them. They may not have experience with meeting new dogs. Depending on social skills that a dog has, we introduce them to others in a small group or on their own. While we could try to determine how a dog will react through a fence, some dogs will fence-fight, but be perfectly behaved when they’re in the same space.
For those dogs who we find marginal or unknown, we introduce them first to my own dog who has more experience meeting strangers. Once we understand the reactions your pet may have then we can move on to other calm dogs.
Pro Tip: Limiting groups by size and demeanour reduces the chance of discord between animals.
3. What Interruptions Do they Know?
The best thing to stop a fight is to make sure it never happens. Interrupt commands help us separate dogs before they get too heated.
- Off Luna
- Sit Bucky
- No Barney
Being able to control multiple dogs in a yard comes down to what they know. We can guide them to the right choice before it becomes unstable.
4. Removal of the dogs
If it comes to the point where dogs can’t be controlled verbally, then we need to step in and separate them. We do this with our presence as much as our articulation. Grabbing for a dog’s collar when they’re hyped up can be dangerous so we need to get their undivided attention so they do what we need them to. We make this easier by working with smaller groups until we know the dogs are comfortable with more dogs around them.
5. Privacy
Privacy is a great option for some dogs, whether it’s themselves or their full fur-family. In fact, some of our guests opt for privacy without even trying to integrate. Our system allows for this with things like:
- Private rooms
- Full walled rooms
- Multiple yards
We have some dogs that need some alone time and some social time. We can split their groups so they run alone in different intervals, outings, days, etc. This way, they don’t get overwhelmed.
6. Practice Makes Perfect
As we mentioned, there are many reasons for dog fights. For some, it’s protecting their pack, for others, it’s driven by fear. Sometimes, a dog has to come to the kennel several times, perhaps in privacy before they are comfortable enough to go with other dogs. There is no magic number, but what’s important is to show anxious dogs that you will return for them and that the environment is safe.
7. Behaviourist
Admittedly. sometimes it comes down to more than what we can offer. Of course, going on privacy will certainly allow you to get away, but our goal isn’t just to help you, it’s to help your fur-family. A behaviourist can properly triage your dog’s symptoms and determine whether the aggression is fear based, anxiety-based, or something else.
There are few dogs that we’ve asked not to come back. And in those cases, it’s usually best for everyone. Why? Because the aggression or anxiety exhibited by that dog needs help that I cannot offer. Of course, that’s why we suggest you work closely with a behaviorist. There are several in Kingston.
While dogs do take time to establish their hierarchy, we can’t take a dog fight lightly. Of course, while you need to ensure your dog is safe when it comes to communicable diseases such as kennel cough, it is very important to socialize them at an early age so they don’t develop anxiety or fear. Waiting too long will make it more difficult to break old habits and the last thing you want want is a phone call to say your fur-family member has bitten another dog.
Unsure whether your pup is ready for daycare? Check out our article on socialization.
Book your day of daycare now.
LOYALIST BARKWAY
Where your dog gets the loyal treatment
9675 HWY 33, BATH, ON K0H 1G0
info@dogboardingkennels.ca
613-777-5024