The Sensitivity of Dogs is often not recognized. Why?
Mostly because there are different levels and types of Sensitivity.
On a mild level, it is “only” strange but the dog’s behavior is manageable. What the Owner notices here that the dog reacts to certain circumstances differently than expected. They think: “Well, there’s nothing to be done, that’s just the kind of dog (s)he is!”. That is because these reactions can be resolved by eliminating certain situations.
In other words, the owner responds to the dog’s particular “request” by using certain “tricks” to manage their life together.
For example:
- they do not pet the dog because it “always shies away”, pulls away from touch,
- they take the stairs instead of the elevator, because the dog “doesn’t like” getting into the elevator,
- they only walk nearby, because the dog “doesn’t like” to go too far from their home,
- they only clean the house in stages, because the dog barks or runs away when (s)he hears the vacuum cleaner…
There are also intermediate-level situations, which present a greater test, and the owner has to make significant sacrifices to avoid difficulties that the special needs of the dog would cause:
- they can’t go to dog school because the dog “doesn’t feel comfortable” there and “for
some reason” won’t even take treats, - they walk in quiet places with no traffic, because the dog “only likes to be at home”, generally refrains from everything, pulls on the leash and tries to get to the path back home,
- they can only go to the park early in the morning and late in the evening, because the dog “doesn’t like” strangers, looks at everyone suspiciously and barks at them,
- when someone comes to visit, it is “impossible to quiet the dog down”, (s)he keeps a safe distance, while still keeps barking at the guest,
- traveling is always a torture, because the dog “doesn’t want to get in”, and when finally in, (s)he salivates, vomits, shakes, “can’t stand the car”,
- the dog is kept in a part of the apartment because (s)he “doesn’t really like to go in” certain places, “doesn’t like” narrow spaces, stairs,
- the dog is anxious at the dog groomer…
However, if the dog, for example, not only won’t get into the elevator, but also steps out into the staircase already shaking, it can be a real challenge to live together happily. And unfortunately I have seen such cases, more than once…
The dog has not been taken out of the apartment for years (!), because even as a puppy, (s)he was afraid to be outside the door.
There are not many “tricks” the owner can use to overcome such a challenge, so the life of the Dog and the Owner becomes extremely restricted. And this becomes permanent over time.
Nonetheless, if we choose conscious action in this situation instead of just fearing for the dog, we can improve our lives together.
The concerned owners, mentioned above, to protect their beloved and ever-timid dogs, locked them in a room… because they seemed to feel good there. And why did they do that? Why did they keep the dog in their safe environment, in their comfort zone?
Because they didn’t believe there was any other solution! And with that, they unfortunately made the worst choice possible. Both for the dog and for themselves.
The most difficult Sensitivity to recognize is the dog that shows aggression out of fear, out of self-defense.
In these cases, due to the seemingly assertive, threatening behavior, few would think that the dog would need serious support and leading!
Owners often misunderstand them, and, sadly, even professionals can misjudge the means of training such a dog.
However, to the trained eye, it can immediately be seen that the aggressive behavior is caused by the dog’s insecurity and lack of self-confidence.
The danger is that, depending on how long the dog has been using this behavior as a defense-mechanism and how many times (s)he has succeeded, the more it becomes ingrained, and (s)he will use it as a key solution in situations perceived as dangerous.
If this dog had had the opportunity to learn that there is another way, if (s)he could have developed in self-confidence, s(he) might react differently.
Types of Sensitivity
Passive Sensitivity
There can be a kind of Passive Sensitivity, where in certain situations, the dog’s reaction is to
withdraw, to try to avoid the situation that is perceived as dangerous or, if possible, to run away.
The dog’s movements tend to be slower, more cautious.
Active Sensitivity
I define Active Sensitivity as when our opinion of dogs is more that they are assertive and belligerent, because their reaction in certain situations is active, their movements are fast, they bark loudly and are threatening. However, a closer look at their body language reveals that their behavior is triggered by an internal conflict. The protective instincts of such dogs actively seek to eliminate the stress of the situation, in order to intimidate and chase away the
“perceived” attacker.
What makes a dog sensitive?
Congenital and Acquired Sensitivity
Sensitivity can be Congenital or Acquired, but the two often manifest themselves in combination.
Congenital sensitive dogs inherited this “trait” from their parents, grandparents, or possibly even more distant relatives.
Dogs with Acquired Sensitivity are not always, but in most cases, to some extent, born with a level of sensitivity.
By Acquired Sensitivity, we mean:
- On the one hand, incomplete, inadequate or untimely socialization.
When dogs grow up in a familiar, closed and under-stimulating environment, where they are not exposed to any other impacts than the ordinary, they do not have new experiences or they gain bad experiences.
By “socialization,” we mean what type and extent of the pressure young dogs encounter in the early stages of their development, and how they were able or unable to process them. These either supported or hindered the formation of their personality.
Pressure can be psychological or physical impact, but strong and/or sudden sound can also cause serious damage.
- On the other hand, rough handling can also be a trigger for Acquired Sensitivity.
When the dog has no way to avoid being hurt.
When they are taught wrongly, so the punishment is meaningless for the dog and too harsh for their character.
Is it possible to help
all Sensitive Dogs?
Yes!
My experience is that it is possible
to help all Sensitive Dogs to some extent.
Of course, there are long-standing, ingrained cases, where stabilization is
already a major achievement, to prevent the situation from getting worse.
Most importantly,
if the owner gets to know their Sensitive Dog and learns how to handle them,
it can immensely improve their quality of life together.
Yes!
My experience is that it is possible to help all Sensitive Dogs
to some extent.
Of course, there are long-standing, ingrained cases, where stabilization is already a major achievement,
to prevent the situation from
getting worse.
Most importantly,
if the owner gets to know their Sensitive Dog and learns how to handle them,
it can immensely improve their quality of life together.
Let’s change the misbeliefs about healing
the souls of Sensitive Dogs!
Let’s change the misbeliefs about healing the souls
of Sensitive Dogs!
