Question:
One month ago, an incident occurred that has deeply affected my relationship with Cleo, our 9-year-old basset hound.Cleo and her "little brother" (our Maltese mix, Teddy) managed to tear open the porch door and escape out of the house. A neighbor tried to round the dogs up and put them back in the house. Both dogs got back in, but Cleo took a bite out of our neighbor.Her shots are all updated, but I was ashamed and angry with Cleo, and our relationship has not been the same since. My wife says I should just treat Cleo as if she were my child and love her unconditionally.How do I go about fixing this relationship? And why did Cleo act this way on three separate occasions (years apart)?.
M.W., North Potomac, Md Jun 10, 2007
Answer:
Your old basset hound could well have been scared, put on the defensive and even been protective of her territory when pushed back into the house by your helpful neighbor.I prefer your wife's attitude. You need to change yours and not see your dog as a delinquent or the devil incarnate. Even good dogs bite people sometimes in situations that I see as natural accidents, often where there is fear, excitement and confusion. Forgive your dog: Accept and love her for who she is.
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