Consultation Files: I’m Covered In Bruises Because My “Rescue” Dog Thinks I’m The Prey
If you adopt a dog from a shelter you don’t know for sure what you are going to get. In this case the person ended up with an intense and drivey dog with clear hunting instincts. These were getting in the way of them ever having positive interactions and affecting their ability to bond and live life.
The human is covered in bruises and is at a loss as to what to do. She can’t kennel the dog because it is too vocal. She doesn’t dare to sleep because if she moves it could trigger the behavior.
The dog can’t enjoy walks as it becomes nervous the moment they set out and cowers and puts on the brakes. Both the intense biting and the cowering are the result of question marks. And we have the ability to dramatically reduce the question marks, making dogs more respectful, more confident, more predictable, and more enjoyable. But this transition is real work. It won’t happen naturally in most cases, rather things will likely get worse.
These stories are all unique, but there are threads that are very common. Dogs being transported up north from the south has resulted in a lot of these types of cases. Luckily there is hope! Things can absolutely be better in most cases. It just takes a commitment and a leap of faith. Sometimes we have to feel the feelings but then set them aside so we can do what we truly think is the right thing for us and for the dog. So what exactly is best? Have a listen!
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Minute-by-Minute Breakdown
- 00:00 – Kati opens with a trigger warning, introduces the show, and asks listeners to subscribe.
- 01:00 – She briefly talks about loud music from a neighboring business before shifting into the consultation story.
- 03:00 – Kati says this case is individual but reflects a larger pattern she keeps seeing.
- 04:00 – She connects the case to common issues with dogs transported north from the South.
- 05:00 – She explains many southern dogs have outdoor, stray, or accidental-litter backgrounds that shape behavior.
- 06:00 – The consult involves a woman who adopted a dog labeled a beagle mix.
- 07:00 – Kati says photos often reveal important clues, especially through a dog’s eyes and expression.
- 08:00 – As the dog settles in, intense mouthing and biting become more obvious and concerning.
- 09:00 – Typical online advice like redirection and toys only works briefly before the biting resumes.
- 10:00 – Kati notes some dogs have hunting instincts that make them poor fits for ordinary pet homes.
- 11:00 – The owner is dealing with a confident, drivey dog that keeps targeting her physically.
- 12:00 – Kati describes a pattern where dogs show major instincts only after becoming comfortable in the home.
- 14:00 – She says the dog’s chaos comes from not knowing expectations, leadership, or where to channel drive.
- 15:00 – The same dog that bites intensely is also too fearful to walk comfortably outside.
- 16:00 – Kati says this dog likely needs more than simple tips because the drive is strong and persistent.
- 21:00 – Without intervention, she believes the dog’s behavior will worsen as maturity and comfort increase.
- 22:00 – She recommends a training program using obedience and e-collar work to build clarity and structure.
- 24:00 – Kati argues anxiety is mostly question marks, and repetition creates respect, confidence, and predictability.