Q: Whenever a stranger person approaches me, my dog tends to be in front of me, isn't he just doing his job and protecting me?

A:   Dogs ar pack animals and will protect their pack if necessary. However, is most cases a dog that has taken lead in front of their owner is doing so because they feel that you have not taken control of the situation , and must now defend or protect himself. When most people see this reaction from their dog they tend to think to themselves " What a great dog I have, he's protecting me" when in reality the dog is thinking " Why isn't my leader protecting me?" Dogs are not capable of differentiating between real threats and perceived ones. this is why it is up to you to take control of the situation by stepping in front of your dog and remaining calm. Maintain a strong posture and a relaxed tone.

Be careful not to pacify your dog with " It's ok. ..." as your dog will take this as a sign of stress on your part. Should the threat be real, it is now up to you to decide between fight or flight. It is your dogs job as a fellow pack member to again, follow the directions of the Alpha leader. Keep in mind that not all dogs have the temperament and capabilities of self defense and may turn and run faster than you.

This article was published on November 16 2008 page 3 of the Sunday Sentinel