Every trainer has heard it: "he's friendly, he's just a lab" — as the lab launches at a toddler. And the reverse: the crossed road, the tightened lead, the muttered warning about a calm, well-trained staffie. Stereotypes shape how we handle dogs, and handling shapes the dog.
Fear Wears Many Coats
A shaking dog isn't always cold; a yawning dog isn't always tired. Lip-licking, whale eye, freezing mid-step — these are requests for space. Creative thinking means asking "what is this animal feeling?" instead of "what does this breed do?"
"Ask what this animal is feeling — not what its breed is supposed to do."
Three Ways To Help A Fearful Pet
- ✓Let them approach you; toss treats behind them so retreat pays too.
- ✓Keep greetings short — three seconds, then call the dog away.
- ✓Protect small dogs from being scooped by strangers; being tiny is scary.
Retire The Labels
"Stubborn", "dominant", "stupid" — these words end training before it starts. Replace them with observations: "he pulls toward dogs", "she freezes at doorways". Descriptions invite plans; labels invite punishment.
