Hanson is a 2-1/2-year-old rescued Pug, who is blind in one eye and both of his ears are torn. My client has had him since he was about 1 year old. He has leash aggression but loves people and is fine off-leash. They had 3 cats before adopting Hanson and after some time, seems to be adjusting fine with them. They say he is housebroken but continues to pee in the bedroom and office. So, what is going on with Hanson?
Frances: Hi Hanson – how are you?
Hanson: I’m ok, why?
Frances: Your mom asked me to talk with you, is that ok?
Hanson: I guess so. Oh, oh, what did I do wrong now?
Frances: Why do you think you did anything wrong?
Hanson: Well, I know they get mad when I pee in the house, is that it?
Frances: Now that you mention it, why do you pee in the house?
Hanson: I guess for a couple of reasons. First, I like getting everyone’s attention and second, it’s cold and wet out sometimes but it’s warm inside.
Frances: Isn’t it nice to have a warm house that doesn’t smell like pee? Is that any way to show how grateful you are for your mom and dad bringing you into their home?
Hanson: Wow when you put it like that, I suppose I have been kind of a brat, haven’t I?
Frances: Yes, I would say so. Do you know this is your forever home?
Hanson: I hoped it would be, but I wasn’t sure. Thank you for telling me that. I guess I really should be nicer to them and not pee inside the house.
Frances: Yes, I’m sure they would appreciate that very much. When you are out on a walk, why are you so aggressive while on the leash?
Hanson: I want everyone to stay away from my people – they need to know I will fight them off – all of them.
Frances: In the place you were at before did you have to fight everyone off?
Hanson: Yes, and I might be small, but I can fight pretty tough.
Frances: I’m sorry you had to fight for yourself before you came to this loving home. They prefer to resolve issues with love, not fighting. Can you consider that the other dogs and people are friends first, instead of enemies?
Hanson: I never thought about it that way before. I thought everyone was an enemy first – that’s what I always was taught. You mean everyone else isn’t an enemy?
Frances: That’s correct – consider that everyone else is a friend – unless they do something to make you think otherwise. People, dogs and cats – they are all friends, unless they do something to make you feel uncomfortable like they want to hurt you. Can you try that?)
Hanson: I suppose I can. Seems like it would take less energy than always being ready for a fight.
Frances: Exactly, you can relax and enjoy your walks instead of being tense and ready to fight. I think your life will have more joy and fun if you look at life this way. What do you think?
Hanson: I think you may be on to something.
Frances: Good, you can practice by being nice to your housemates – the cats. Let them be and they will let you be. Make sense?
Hanson: Yeah, I think it does. Wow, what a whole new way of thinking. Thank you for sharing that with me.
Frances: You’re very welcome, Hanson. Is there anything you want to tell your mom and dad?
Hanson: Thank you for bringing me into your home. I guess I haven’t been very nice to you in respecting your home. I will do better. I may need some reminders now and then. I really do love you and thank you for all you do for me. I like the idea of not fighting like I had to before coming to your home. This lady told me to think of everyone as friends and I never thought like that before. I think I can do that, too. I guess that’s all I have to say.
Frances: Thank you, Hanson. I will be talking to Mom later today. Bye for now.
Hanson: Bye and thank you for talking to me.
Frances: My pleasure, Hanson.
To encourage Hanson to pee outside, realizing that the patio is a cold cement, I suggested placing a rug runner that could be hosed down and his feet won’t be cold when he steps outside.
For the Love of Animals,
Frances
