“Hmph, grrr”
Himself was having a bit of a strop about weather/the garden/the computer – I’m not sure, I wasn’t really listening….
Because I’ve just been trying to scan a document. The printer is wi-fi and usually works fine, but today it wouldn’t find my computer. I tried all sorts of things, getting grumpier and grumpier until eventually the scanner just decided to work. But only to scan one part of my document.
Several screams and oaths later – Gus had his paws over his ears – I finally got it to scan what I wanted.
I’ve been musing since then about the odd noises people make when they’re frustrated or cross. My “I’m really frustrated now” noise is a muffled growl which morphs into a high-pitched scream.
In polite society I do this silently in my head.
At home it echoes round the house.
Dogs have a range of ways they tell us they’re frustrated in some way – barking (indoors and outdoors), lunging, or reacting to things such as other dogs. They’ll also scream and shout (in their doggy ways) when they get over-excited, or when they’re fearful about something.
It’s normal to get frustrated, angry, over-excited or fearful at times. These are basic core emotions all mammals display. Part of growing-up is about learning how to cope in these emotional states (which is why it’s fun to let go sometimes, be a child again and just scream!)
Knowing what to do when your dog becomes too excited, frustrated or scared is vital – because in that moment of high emotion you and your dog find it difficult to think straight.
Our Reactive Rover bootcamp teaches you what to do – giving you the tools you need to help your barking, lunging, frustrated, over-aroused, or fearful dog so you can help them cope better in the situations they find difficult. I also teach you how to help yourself – how to stay calm and not join in with the high emotions.
Keep training and keep safe,
Carol