LAKE HAVASU CITY – Can pet owners prevent their dogs from attacking others? Although the idea may seem wild, it is also possible.
In April and May, there were two reported dog attacks within the Lake Havasu community. The dogs of two residents were accused of violating another dog and their owner in April.
The incident was so traumatic that the accuser required medical treatments. In May, another attack occurred when a pit bull assaulted another dog which resulted in emergency veterinary assistance.
If you are a dog owner yourself, how can you measure whether or not aggressive situations are completely out of your hands? M.J. Weaver is a certified dog trainer who feels that the relationship between pet and owner is often the cause of an animal’s behavior. The owner of MJS Dog Training in Lake Havasu, has been training dogs and their owners for eight years. Weaver believes, “It’s a privilege to own a dog. It’s an owner’s obligation and responsibility to do right by them.”
Weaver obtained his credentials at Animal Behavior College and has previously provided dog training services in California and Oregon. The caring professional maintains that the aggression stigma attached to breeds like German shepherds, great Danes, and even Pitbulls, is one that can be easily corrected with the right training. The expert trainer is also currently the parent of a Pitbull, who he admits training the dog required quite a bit of effort. “I put so much work into him specifically because of the breed he is. He’s my demo dog like that’s what I use him as, to be almost an exception to the rule,” Weaver said.
How exactly would a pet owner prevent attacks? Compatibility is key for both the owner and the pet. According to Weaver, it’s all about picking out just the right dog that is suitable with your own personality traits, rather than the cuteness factor of the animals.
“I would say again number one would be making sure you pick the right breed for yourself and researching what that breed needs. Secondly, always make sure your dog is wearing a leash in public at all times,” Weaver stated.
The skilled dog trainer says that the biggest mistake a pet owner can make is to humanize their animals, and that owners should learn how to care for their pets as animals rather than pretending that they are humans. It’s a boundary that needs to remain constant to ensure healthier relationships between pets and their owners.
Whether you’re a veteran pet buyer or rookie eager to get your four-legged companion, the dog training business owner recommends seeking out your neighborhood dog trainer, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be Weaver. “Anyone who is thinking of buying a pet should always look for a professional trainer to assist. Trust me, they will be more than thrilled to help. Additionally, with social media and the internet, there’s just a wealth of information out there that is extremely resourceful,” Weaver said.
Phaedra Veronique
