Dodger: air-snapping update

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Dodger: air-snapping update

Posted : 4/6/2006 2:57:18 PM

After I took Dodger to a recent get-together (of mostly puppies), I finally decided to go to our trainer for behavioural counselling. Dodger and I had stopped going to the dog park/pet stores and I felt like I was avoiding the issue.

The advice that people here on i-dog offered, was reiterated by our trainer[

]... She explained that Dodger is giving very clear signals and if they are ignored, he has no choice but take it to the next level (an air-snap) - she also said because it was just one airsnap and he wasn't pursuing the dog, he was showing restraint!! She explained that all dogs have a comfort zone and are allowed to protect their space bubble. Also "dogs don't miss, if they wanted to do some damage, they would". While it is a relief to know for certain that Dodger isn't being blatantly aggressive, it doesn't change the fact that society has a problem with such display's. People look at you with such disgust - even when they find out that Dodger has his CGN, they think its lies because "he is so aggressive"...[

]

Anyway, our trainer gave me a few exercises to run through (and I also have Click to Calm as a reference)... Most importabtly she had me figure out what Dodger's triggers are, so I can be sure to protect him and his space.

I am still worried because to average dog owners, Dodger will seem aggressive and they aren't going to accept that their dog is part of the problem - they'll just see it as an attack...[

] (on a funny note my friend thinks I should have shirt made for Dodger that says "Control your dog or I will!"[

])

It's not all frustrating - Dodger has made some improvements so we did go to the dog park and

etsmart last week. In our training class, 2 dogs got loose and right into Dodger's face and he didn't react (even though I had a treat in my hand)... I hope this is just a glimpse of more good behaviour to come!

Thanks to everyone that's helped us!!!

jennie_c_d

Posted : 4/6/2006 3:41:57 PM

(on a funny note my friend thinks I should have shirt made for Dodger that says "Control your dog or I will!")

Haha! If you do it on Cafepress, please post the link. I want one for Emma

Emma will grab the lip of any dog or puppy who runs up into her face and doesn't back away when she stiffens and growls. This often illicits yelping, but she's NEVER broken skin during these exchanges. I haven't done anything to change it, b/c it's completely appropriate behavior. The other dogs are being rude, and she's sending VERY clear signals. My family now thinks she's a demon spawn b/c she made an evil, snarling puppy scream (which was a display, the puppy was unhurt) when the 3 month old pup raced, full speed and growling, into grownup Emma, trying to tear into her. Emma just knocked the puppy off and snarled. Her teeth never touched the pup.

spiritdogs

Posted : 4/6/2006 4:32:23 PM

Glad you got a pro's opinion, too. Dodger is probably just one of those dogs who doesn't want anyone right in his face. Air snapping is just a warning to the rude.