Dog Tales: Sophie
Liverpool Lifestyle - 1st May 2009
Here’s a heart-warming tale if there ever was one. Seven month-old Sophie, a gorgeous shaggy Old English Sheepdog (OES), had been deposited at a pound by her previous owner. She was seen to be overly aggressive towards both humans and other dogs and her future looked bleak until a chance meeting with the Fern family.
The Ferns were already proud owners of 10 year-old fellow OES, Holly, and were on the look out for a spritely companion and addition to their family. When they visited Sophie, they were upset to learn that she was facing an uncertain future, and were advised against considering her. Meanwhile, a concerned member of staff from the Birkenhead-based pound contacted OES Welfare for help as at this point Sophie was showing so much aggression that people couldn’t get near her.
It was at this juncture that Bark Busters’ Nikki Platt was contacted for expert advice. When Nicki arrived she took Sophie out of her small kennel and away from the deafening noise of the other dogs. When alone, Nicki could see that Sophie was expressing clear fear aggression, and didn’t want to harm anyone, she was scared and wanted be left alone. The process of rehabilitation started under Nicki’s watchful eye and after only twenty four hours Sophie was playing happily and progressed quickly from there on in.
Nicki explains: “Most aggressive episodes are triggered by the fear of being caught in a particular situation. Dogs aren’t born aggressive, they become aggressive for a myriad of reasons. They have a large variety of body language that they use to convey a “stay away” message. People frequently misinterpret this body language, approach the dog inappropriately and are bitten. The sad thing is that most episodes of aggression aren’t investigated and treated properly. Consequently, the reason for the aggression is usually buried with the dog.”
And the happiest news of all? Within a week Sophie was ready for rehousing and reunited with the Fern family who had kept in touch with Nicki over Sophie’s rehabilitation, and they are living happily ever after...
Nicki wants to thank all involved in Sophies rehabilitation and hopes we all can learn a lesson about dogs fear being mistaken for aggression!
