Velma is a 5-year-old female Doberman who has been part of her family since she was 14 weeks old. Her mom was concerned about her aggressive behavior towards other animals, both on TV and during their walks.
Frances: Hi Velma – how are you?
Velma: I’m good.
Frances: Mom asked me to talk with you, is that ok?
Velma: Sure, anything for Mom.
Frances: Why do you bark and get stressed when you see animals on TV?
Velma: I am telling them not to come in. I’m protecting Mom.
Frances: I see. The TV is just like a picture on the wall only it moves. The animals or people you see can’t come out of the square frame. It’s like a picture on the wall. You don’t need to stress and be concerned for your mom – they can’t come out of the frame. Does that make sense?
Velma: Oh, I’m so glad you told me that. I was really concerned when I saw people hurting each other, too.
Frances: I’m glad I could help you relax more while watching TV – it’s just like a moving picture on the wall. Why do you bark and act aggressively when you see dogs on your walks?
Velma: I’m protecting Mom from the other dogs.
Frances: What if the other dogs were friendly? They are walking with their moms and dads, too. There is no threat to anyone when you are walking with your mom. Your actions create fear in others that is unnecessary. How about walking next to Mom and pretending everyone is a friend, unless they show you otherwise?
Velma: Oh, I never thought about it like that. I was always in protection mode. You mean I can just walk regularly and not try to scare anyone?
Frances: Yes, that’s exactly what I am saying. You can be a kind and friendly Velma, not the aggressive, scary Velma and even relax and enjoy your walks. How does that feel?
Velma: That feels kind of different, but I think I could get used to it. It takes a lot of energy being the scary one, you know?
Frances: Yes, I do understand. So now you can relax and enjoy your walks, and Mom will enjoy them more too.
For the Love of Animals,
Frances
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