Okay, Vermont dog owners, we need to have a chat. I’m seeing way too many out-of-control dogs, and it’s starting to piss me off.
A few years ago, I naively thought getting a dog would be all cuddles and sunshine. It was pre-Covid, our son was one, and my husband and I imagined how fun it would be for him to grow up with a nice family dog. So, I took a trip to Barnes and Noble to find a book about caring for a puppy and randomly came across a book by Cesar Millan that’s titled “How to Raise the Perfect Dog.” I thought I’d learn a few skills, adopt a puppy, apply the skills, and be done.
Well, we didn’t end up with a puppy–we ended up with a 5-year-old hound dog whose living situation was less than ideal and who needed a safe home immediately.
Honestly, finding Cesar Millan’s book was a game-changer. It gave us a framework we needed, and now we have a family dog who’s genuinely relaxed and healthy, not a bundle of nervous energy. Which is a miracle, considering we live in a house with three young kids. It’s a huge relief to know she’s content, and we don’t have to worry about her reactions to other dogs or strangers in public.
But what I learned most from Millan’s book was that most dog owners, including Vermont dog owners, are clueless about how to actually treat dogs. They baby them, they ignore their instincts, and then they’re shocked when they act like, well, dogs.
Here’s my problem: My dog has been attacked twice on our neighborhood sidewalks. TWICE.
One Vermont dog owner couldn’t even hold onto her dog (she fell to the ground trying to hold her dog back before it attacked my dog), and the other didn’t bother to come outside when I screamed. His dog lunged so fiercely that he broke the chain that connected him to his front porch.
I’m done with Vermont dog owners’ excuses. You say, “He’s just nervous”? Yeah, well, me too, and now I don’t feel safe walking in my own neighborhood. My dog is scared, and so am I. Thanks.
I’m angry my dog was attacked. I am furious that my dog was attacked in public places while I was following all the rules about dog ownership. My dog and I should both be safe while walking the sidewalks in my neighborhood. You know what would make me apoplectic, just absolutely enraged? If one of these animals attacked my child.
Both times, I reported the attack to Animal Control, but come on, should our town’s police officers have to spend their time telling dog owners to keep better control of their dogs? No.
I’m not a professional trainer or a veterinarian. I worked part-time as a dog walker for years in college, I’ve been around dogs my whole life, and I’ve seen what works. And a lot of what I see with Vermont dog owners in my town? It ain’t working.
Don’t get me wrong, I am a dog-lover through and through. I believe in the power that dogs hold when it comes to bringing love and light to a person’s life. I have a friend who is a war veteran whose life has been completely touched by the company of his faithful service dog. I know tons of dog owners whose adopted pets have become amazing members of their families. I understand that animals deserve safe homes and love just as people do.
I also believe that responsible pet ownership is vital, and that includes understanding the potential challenges and responsibilities that come with it. It’s not just about the cuddles and playtime; it’s about the financial commitment, the time commitment, the behavioral training, and ensuring the animal’s well-being for the entirety of its life. I think sometimes we overlook these aspects, and that can lead to heartbreak for both the animal and the owner (and the owner’s neighbors).
So that’s where Cesar Millan comes in.
Millan gets a lot of flak, but he’s got some solid points. Dogs need structure. They need to know their place. They need exercise, discipline, and affection. And they are not humans. Dog owners need to stop treating them like they are.
As Millan teaches, when dogs are led by an owner who teaches them clear boundaries and rules, the dog understands its place within its “pack,” or in our case, family. This reduces anxiety and stress in the dog.
I believe that a dog that receives adequate exercise, clear discipline, and appropriate affection is more likely to be a balanced and happy dog. Plus, maybe—just maybe—with these frameworks, they’d stop attacking other dogs and people who are just minding their own business on the sidewalk.
Here’s what I learned and what other Vermont dog owners can get from Millan’s work:
- Calm energy matters. Our dogs know when we’re a mess.
- Exercise, discipline, affection—it’s a combination that works.
- Boundaries are good. They make dogs less anxious.
- “Pack leader” isn’t about being a jerk. It’s about being in charge.
- Learn dog behavior. It’s not rocket science.
- We can calm down aggressive dogs by being calm ourselves.
- Redirect bad behavior. Give them something else to do.
- We need to socialize our dogs. They need to learn how to interact.
Dogs aren’t toys, teddy bears, or babies. They’re animals, with instincts and needs specific to their species. We need to respect that. They offer incredible companionship and support, but treating them like furry humans is disrespectful and can lead to behavioral problems that impact everyone around us.
Look, we can still baby-talk to our dogs and buy them all the cute accessories in the world if we want to, but we also need to set clear boundaries and rules. Millan says that a lot of dog aggression comes from anxiety or feeling threatened, or simply from instincts bred into them, like hunting. They’re not always just a ‘bad dog’—they’re often a dog whose needs aren’t being met.
Let’s be real, raising a dog is a journey, and sometimes it’s really hard. It takes patience and consistency, and we have to be willing to learn new things. If we’re honest with ourselves, if we’re not willing to put in the effort to understand and respect our dogs for who and what they are, then we’re doing them a disservice. We’re creating problems for our neighbors (*ahem* like me).
It’s not about being perfect, but it’s about being responsible. If we can’t commit to that, then maybe we need to ask ourselves if we’re truly ready to be dog owners.
Bottom line: If you can’t handle a dog, don’t get one. If you have one, do the work. It’s not fair to your dog or to your neighbors to let your dog be a menace. And frankly, I am tired of being scared to walk down my street.
Pin this post and be sure to follow Vermont Moms on Pinterest!
Vermont Moms Insiders get exclusive content, so sign up today!
