WE came across a great poster that reminded us of conversations during initial One-to-one consultations. We sometimes have owners saying:

• "She never listens, even when I yell No at her."

• "I think I got the naughty dog of the litter."

• "I was told to socialise him so I took him to the dog park where he was scared to start with and now he barks and nips at all the dogs."

• "My dog thinks he’s the alpha in the pack and is trying to dominate me."

Reading and understanding your dogs body language is an important part of being a dog owner. They tell you a lot, often subtly to start with. If you’re not watching you miss these subtle signals, so your dog will tell you in ways you won’t miss - growling, barking, nipping and biting.

You don’t have a naughty , dominating, manipulating, stubborn dog. You may have an uncomfortable, scared, overwhelmed or overtired dog.

What dog reactivity does mean:

• I am having a really bad day

• I need your support

• I need you to be the calm one

• I am overwhelmed

• I need some relaxation time

• I am feeling nervous/fearful and don;t know what to do

• I need to get out of this situation

• I am overtired and need rest

• I am in pain and discomfort

• I need to learn to make better choices in his situation

• I am trying to tell you how I feel

What dog reactivity doesn't mean:

• I want to dominate you

• I am manipulating you

• You are a bad owner

• I need you to shout at me

• I am being stubborn

• I refuse to listen

• I need to face my fears

• I refuse to obey you

• I don't like you

• I am a bad dog