While I was working on this podcast my wood-guy, Steve, delivered four cords of wood. As usual we caught up on that we’d been doing in the last year and while we talked his old dog wandered around the yard claiming it as her own. Because she outweighs my dogs by a good 50 pounds and doesn’t like other dogs, naturally I didn’t let my dogs out to greet the visitors. But neither did I move the deacon’s bench that doubles as a perfect observation point for small dogs before the wood arrived. (See below)
As expected, the result was a barking and marking match that lasted for about 5 minutes, during which Steve and I continued our conversation and both questionable canine behaviors self-extinguished.
At the same time I recognize that both of those canine behaviors could create problems for humans and dogs in more populated areas. In such environments one neighbor may work nights and sleep during the day, another may hate dogs, and others may experience a multitude of circumstances that diminish their ability to deal with a full range of animal behaviors. In those environments, it requires a great deal of self-control and a strong, committed bond with the animal to see any negative canine behaviors for what they are and seek ways to resolve them instead of blaming the animal or the neighbors. I have nothing but the utmost admiration for those who care enough to do this because I know it’s not easy.
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