Dear Sundance, My owner is the best master in the world. He cares about my mental and physical health, and provides ample exercise, discipline, and affection. He has tried many different leashes and collars over our five years together, and my favorite is a thick leather slip-lead. It is round and kind of puffy, so it is very comfortable, and the slip function helps me to stay in close contact with my owner's intentions. Many times it has saved me from trying to play with a mean dog, or from running out into the street. As soon as I feel that slight tightening, I look up at my owner to see what he is trying to tell me. And it's always something helpful. My owner and the accessories he has provided for us are the reason I am a contributing member of society, I don't knock over Grandma when she walks me, and I never get into any trouble, unlike so many other dogs who are a menace.
Anyhow, I'm writing because today, while on our Thanksgiving walk this morning with my owner, we saw another owner and dog across the street. The lady said, "My dogs is friendly, may they meet?" and my owner said yes. So we trotted across the street and sniffed each other out and wanted to play. The owners said some friendly words, then the lady noticed my fancy slip-lead, and asked, "is that rubber?" I laughed a dog-laugh because the rubber ones are terrible. They give me whiplash and almost tore my owner's shoulder out of the socket. But as soon as my owner said it was leather, the lady turned and walked away, without another word! I was so sad, I have been having such fun with the other pup! Why would this owner disregard the joy of the dogs like that? She didn't even stick around to hear my owner say, "It's designed after horse tack." She was around the block in a second, and my heart sank. I couldn't play with her spotted dog anymore. My tail dropped and I've had sad-eyes all morning. I could only eat half my kibble. I just want to play.
Even though my owner looks like a big tough guy, I'm a medium-small dog, so people generally drop their judgments when they see how nice I am. But some people, I just don't understand. How can I let such a bummer not ruin my Thanksgiving? How do I help my owner not feel bad for doing what's best for me?
I even have a playmate who wears a prong-collar. It looks very uncomfortable to me, but I've never tried one, so I don't say anything. I just know that my friend is happy and healthy and his owners love him, so I figure it must be okay. Why do some people judge by appearances? Thanks for listening,
--Judged by Accessories
Dear J.B.A.,
I understand your concern. Most humans judge, and it is fear-based and
stems from a lack of information. I have yet to meet a dog who is judgmental. It's just not in our DNA.
The owner of this dog would have had her tail tucked between her legs if she had one, which is why she dashed away before your owner could have any sort of dialogue with her, a first sign flight or fight.
A clue to the owners hang-ups may be displayed in the dog. Dogs who show signs of fear typically had very little socialization at a young age and may have been conditioned this way with negative reinforcements during their lives. It also appears from your letter as though the dog's interaction with you shared little affect; the dog did not show complete submission by way of tail sniffing, which can mean he is learning dominance from someone/thing else. Perhaps the owner plays a very submissive role in her own relationships, and the dog reads this energy and learns to interpret her body language as weak and submissive. There can be plenty of factors in play here, this is only one component.
I say to keep wagging that tail and enjoy life. We are here for a very little time, so don't let negative energy drag you and your master down. By trying to make your owner happy, you'll find that you become happier.
LIVE HAPPY!
Sundance
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