Standing Up to Miska the Samoyed
I was contacted by the owners of Miska, a four year old Samoyed, who were experiencing serious problems with dominance and aggression from their dog. They had already spoken to a number of dog trainers who had been unable to help solve the ongoing issues, which have become so severe that Miska cannot be trusted with other people in the house and recently attacked a family member.
It became immediately apparent on meeting Miska that this large and intelligent dog had no structure or boundaries. The owners were nervous of the dog and over-communicated with her, using more verbal language in a few moments with their dog than I would use in an hour with mine. She has been overloved with no focus on commands, leading to her feeling that she, rather than the owner, is the pack leader.
When I first took Miska’s lead she jumped up, trying to bite the lead. Through positive discipline, I was quickly able to lead walk her without aggression. I introduced one of my dogs, who Miska was aggressive towards. Again, with my positive approach to dog training fed through the lead to the dog, within minutes I had the dogs sitting side by side.
Miska is not a long term project. She is in a loving home but I have explained to her owners that love for a dog means structure and discipline, not their own chair and chatter, so they are secure in their place in the pack. I have sent them away with some work to do and will keep in touch to follow Miska’s progress. Within a short space of time she should be the loyal and friendly dog she was bred to be.
