Some lesbians prefer cats and some lesbians prefer dogs. And then there are those of us who love both too much to pick a side! Dogs might not be the first thing you think of when you hear the word ‘lesbian’ but don’t be fooled – lesbians love their dogs. So how can we enrich our furry friend’s life?
Understand your dog’s body language
Taking the time to learn about dog body language is integral to communicating with and respecting your canine bestie. We know that our dog is expressive–many people think their dogs can smile–but research actually backs up just how much your dog can convey. For instance, according to Live Science, “researchers have found that dogs embrace the human gaze and use eye contact in a way that few other animals do.”
“A study published in the journal Current Biology tested how wolves and dogs would respond to the impossible task of opening a container to get at some meat they knew was within. The researchers found that while the wolves would simply stalk off when they discovered they couldn’t open it, dogs would turn around and give humans a long, inquiring gaze — suggesting that these animals knew a person could help them complete the task.”
But understanding your dog’s body language isn’t only effective in validating your bond or getting them a treat from the top shelf. Knowing what your dog means, or is showing without consciously trying to, is key in understanding and respecting their boundaries.
There are many misconceptions when it comes to dog language, which is all the more reason to do your research. Not all tail wagging means the dog is happy, for example. It just means emotionally aroused – including frustrated. Think tail up always means confident? It sometimes means aggressive. Essentially, dogs are a bundle of signs – learn them and put them in context.
Teach kids to respect dog boundaries
How many times do we hear of a dog biting a child? But how many of those times was a young kid left alone with the dog? Was the kid ever taught rules for interacting with dogs?
When I was a kid, my auntie had a German Shepherd and a black Kelpie-mix. The Kelpie-mix had just had pups. I was left alone in the backyard, where the pups were, for a short period of time. I went near the pups (cute puppies? A three-year-old?) and the “father” of the pups, the Shepherd, started slowly walking towards me, essentially asking me to not go near the pups. I didn’t read or care about his communication and tried to get past him – I was at the age to test boundaries. He growled and I tried again. He then nipped my face, as if I was another of his pups, not drawing blood or leaving a scar.
This dog did nothing wrong. He could have mauled my face. He could have killed me. He didn’t. Worried I was going to hurt his pups, he–as gently as he could–communicated that I shouldn’t go near them. A clumsy child without an adult in sight approaching vulnerable pups? He had a point.
So not only should we be teaching children dog behaviour and communication, but no young child should be left alone with a dog. Not because I think a dog will necessarily hurt the child, but because children are learning. They make silly mistakes and selfishly push boundaries. Parents and guardians should see their beloved family pet as the animal he/she is: the dog should not have to tolerate their tail and ears being pulled just because they’re “the dog.” Don’t be surprised, and especially don’t act confused, if they bite the kid who’s hurting them.
Teaching kids to respect dog boundaries teaches them how to respect human boundaries. In the long run, you’re helping your kid as much as you’re respecting your dog.
Socialize your dog from a young age
This should be obvious, but we all get busy. Essentially, the longer you refuse to teach your dog how to socialize with other dogs and fellow humans, the more dangerous the dog becomes to itself and others. Ideally, you’d also be socializing them (on a lead of course) with your friends’ cats and kids from the time they’re a puppy. That way, if you ever want a cat or kid (or don’t want them to kill the neighbour’s one) you’ve primed your dog.
Keep social experiences positive. If your dog seems unsure, move them away from what’s making them anxious. Dogs pick up on how you’re feeling, too, so try to remain upbeat about the situation.
Don’t go from no social life to a busy dog park. Build it up. Go somewhere quiet. Gradually get them used to more active places: yes, even if you *think* they will be okay automatically.
Watch when your dog is playing with other dogs. Don’t rest on “ah, she’ll be fine.” It’s to protect your dog, too. Don’t let the play get too boisterous because if the new friend pushes your dog to her limit and your dog attacks, strangers won’t be so kind about your beautiful family dog killing their chihuahua. Dogs are animals and can quickly feel under threat. You don’t want a play at the park to turn into your dog getting euthanized.
