Review:
Hi Richard and Dianne - The dogs are giving us more space at the front door... it is quieter when people come up the steps. The back door is where the true battle took place between Piper and I... In the past couple of days, she's kept her distance and seems to actually enjoy sitting outside.
Tonight, the dogs and I went for a walk. I haven't walked them by myself in over two years. I was either pregnant or pushing a stroller and they were too much to handle. Both would pull and bark and Piper would be especially agitated with men. There were a number of men walking their dogs this evening. I warned them with bah as we would get close. Piper looked my way each time and kept walking straight! There was one dog that was barking and pulling towards us and Milo and Piper were starting to get riled up. Then I did bah and pulled them towards me without having to do it hard. They stopped in their tracks without much fuss. The guy gave me a smile and looked impressed. I was kind of embarrased because I said bah but then told him what it was for and mentioned Barkbusters. He said "huh, really?".
I've had dogs most of my life. It's scary how little we know about them and how our behaviour has completely different meanings to them. Now I see how we were giving the dogs mixed messages. I can see why Piper would be thinking "you're an idiot..so I need to protect you".
... I do feel that I'm more in control of the situation. I'm starting to feel less stressed out and hopefully this will have an impact on Piper...