Author: Heather Webb

This is the story of Sadie Grace, a Golden Doodle puppy, and her owner Sandra Stanyer.

Sandra did her research on Golden Doodles and found a reputable breeder. She purchased Sadie Grace, brought her home and was determined to do everything right for her new puppy. Sandra wanted to give Sadie the best life possible. She already had a nice home in a nice area with a nice yard. Everything is nice so this must be a great place to raise a puppy. So she thought! Little did she know that the situation next door would prove to be most challenging for both her and Sadie Grace.

Puppies are eager to explore their new world. Sadie was exploring her new backyard, delighted with space and freedom. Until the dogs next door were released to their yard. They immediately charged the fence aggressively with loud barking and lunging. This was Sadie’s “First Impression” of dogs other than her littermates and Mother. She was very frightened by their behavior. She tucked her tail and ran. Socialization for puppies is important. But even more important is positive socialization. How disappointing for Sandra who wanted nothing but the best for her new puppy. Every time Sadie was in her backyard and the neighbor dogs were released it was the same situation. So, Sadie’s understand of other dogs was to be frightened and run away before they can hurt you.

Sadie came to Blue Dog Academy for Pet Manners Training Camp at 16 weeks. The environment here is very open and dogs socialize in a positive manner. Sadie’s reaction to being in a group of dogs was heartbreaking for me. I had to keep her on lead to prevent her from running for the hills. I really don’t like leashes with social interactions but it was a safety issue. My goal was to get her off lead as quickly as possible and get her comfortable enough to accept other dogs near her. She screamed and cried and didn’t want any dogs to come near her. The other dogs were busy playing and would approach her to elicit play but she was so frightened she couldn’t begin to think of play. I managed the other dogs and didn’t allow them to approach her too closely. It took some time to convince Sadie that other dogs were not out to harm her. I was building trust with her. She could trust me to keep her safe and I did. It took time but she did come around to the idea that other dogs might be ok. The first time she accepted dogs near her and began to move with them rather than away from them. I knew we were on our way. When she began to awkwardly play with other dogs my heart smiled for her progress.

So we began walking as a pack. All dogs were off leash, which is what I prefer. Sadie could move about as she pleased. However, she chose to stay close to me at first. That let me know that she trusted me and felt safe with me which is how dogs feel with the lead dog. By the end of our walk she was moving forward with conviction. She was allowing dogs to come closer without vocalizing and running away. She was finding peace in the pack. By the end of the day she was beginning to act normal. No more screaming and barking as dogs approached her. This is the power of being off leash with a pack of dogs in an organic environment, i.e., walking through the woods. As each day passed Sadie Grace became more social. She began to play and move with the pack without fear or trepidation. She became confident, she began to play freely, she became versed in the rules of engagement for proper dog play. She was becoming socialized.

So, can negative first impressions be mended by proper training, yes, most of the time, especially if they are correctly early by someone who understands dog behavior.

But, First Impressions Matter!

So, as cognitive uprights, I believe we have a responsibility to find peaceful solutions for our dogs to all situations. Yes, we do have rights in our homes or on our property… unless it infringes upon the well being or safety of others. So, be aware of your dog’s behavior upon others. There is a Sanscrit word, Ahimsa, which means do NO harm to yourself or others. Perhaps if we follow this principle with compassion we can all find Peace. Dog lovers are our tribe, therefore, I believe we are ALL in this together.

Wags!

Now Sadie Grace is calm and enjoys being with other dogs.