Attitude, Schmattiude.

. So I get a call today from someone who says her dog is hard to handle. He has an attitude.

"Will that be a problem?"

Good question.

Most of the time dogs who have behavior problems (the nice way of saying they are likely to bite you) react to a certain thing, like cornering them, or trying to take their food away, or sticking a thermometer in their butt. Some dogs are 'cage tough' in that they're fine until you put them in the run and try to close the gate, then they go all Mr. Hyde on you. Some are food aggressive, and some are dog aggressive. Most people will tell us if they know. We appreciate that.

With our set up, where dogs have indoor/outdoor runs, with a rope actuated divider door, we don't have to handle the dogs who do not want us to. This creates a lower stress visit for them, and we usually have no problems with them. They rarely go after someone who's putting food in. And when they are going home, they are usually too excited, or relieved, to bother being mad.

Several years ago I had a dog named Max, and the owner told me Max was nasty and she would put him in his run and get him out. Well, the third time he visited, I went and got him myself. The lady thought I was amazing (and I did little to dissuade her) but the truth is, Max had gotten used to me and when he saw the leash to go home, he forgot all about giving me attitude.

We have had a small number of dogs who were extremely tough, but I've only sent one home. We are equipped and trained to deal with all sorts, and when someone says their dog is hard to handle and apologizes in advance and tries really hard to get me to not turn them away, I always tell them I'm not worried about it. And I'm not.

That doesn't mean I don't get bit now and then. Someday I'll show you my scars. .



The Aurora Kennel: TLC Boarding by Reservation
330-562-7011
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