Surfing the internet is fun but can be dangerous or even deadly when “advice” is doled out by those who have no right to be giving it. Free advice can get people in trouble or cause huge issues for an unsuspecting dog owner. Everyone knows someone who “knows dogs” but having had dogs “my whole life” does not qualify a person to give out behavioral advice or information for others to follow. In fact it is not only foolhardy but often tragic.
Here is a story about such an “expert”…
A woman was fostering a large bully-breed rescue dog received some “free advice” from a young man who claimed to know everything about dogs. He said he had watched every episode of every “dog training show” and in fact, was planning to become a dog trainer some day. At his urging, the woman allowed her dog to play off leash with this young man’s dog. Moments later, his dog viciously attacked hers, causing damage to her dog which resulted in hospitalization and aftercare. Her dog then became severely dog-aggressive. The young man blamed her, stating that she should have been able to control her dog when his dog attacked. This woman sought out help from several obedience trainers, yet the dog could not be changed. Finally, in desperation the woman sought out her “last hope” and she contacted our founder, Janice Wolfe, for assistance. Through “Natural Canine Behavior Rehabilitation”™ the dog was not only rehabilitated completely but also adopted to a wonderful family. He has shown no signs of fear or aggression.
There is hope and help for every dog! You have to be your dogs advocate! Wyatt’s List will help you.
