Seeing Red!

Getting past a negative experience is tough, but try to vary your routine-take a couple days off formal training and focus just on fun things-get her to have interactions with men that you know for sure will be positive-not necessarily people she is familiar with, but folks that you know would not harm....Also, you might try taping some of the sounds that seem to spook her and play them on a cassette recorder around the house, first softly and go about your business, and some of your calm attitude should translate to her.  You can turn the volume up a bit at random times, but continue with your usual routine around the house, so she can see that it isn't changing what you do at all.  She will probably follow your very closely and your biggest danger will be tripping over her if she decides to sit or lay right behind you at first, but she should also start to mimic your reactions to the noises she hears on the tape, which is just background noise.   You can talk to her casually as you normally would around the house to further reinforce that these noises are just to be ignored.  Without realizing it, you may be transmitting your concern to her through the way you hold the leash, how close you keep her to you
in situations outdoors, subtle changes from when you would be out in the backroads area, but enough for her to notice and take her cue from.  Doing some of the desensitization in the home environment, where she is already pretty relaxed
might go a bit better, and you aren't required to be touching her constantly either directly or indirectly through a leash and collar.  In fact, it might be a good idea not to pet or touch her at all while listening to the taped sounds, as some dogs confuse the contact with comfort and reassurance, but rather just keep up casual conversation, so the dogs understands that you are not upset with her, but the noises just aren't worth the attention.
 
So sorry for the negative experience with the two legged jack ass, but unfortunately the world is full of them.- actually, I really shouldn't insult the entire species of jack ass, but.....The good news, your dog will obviously protect you even if they are afraid...The extra good news is that she growled a warning but didn't actually bite.
Her manners are great even as a pup, and it is a shame the same can't be said of humans who should know better.  Have some fun for a bit, and make the training part just a bit less scheduled and formal, and you should get past negative associations pretty quickly-but don't be surprised if this dog can pick this crazy guy out in a crowd and starts growling for what appears to be no reason.  I have found my animals to have very long memories when treated poorly, and when I check a bit further, they had every right to their opinion.

ORIGINAL: nyiceprincess

The first thing i thought of was that maybe he may have wanted to do something to you! Maybe he was trying to see if the dog would be agressive beforehand because he wanted to pull you away for some reason??I wouldnt hesitate to report this! You have been assaulted! Not to mention he could do this to someone else.
Im glad you are both ok.Hope it isnt a huge setback for her.

That's what I was thinking. Is it a Belgian culture thing to hit strange dogs and grab strange women?  I don't know much about Belgian culture.  Maybe he thought he was some sort of great dog trainer and thought he was going to teach you how to train her.  If it's a culture thing than I'm going to be politically incorrect when I say what an @ss.

Doubt it - Belgians are BIG into dogs and training.  They're consistently world champs in Schutzhund, prob other sports.  I am still angry about that guy, and it didn't even happen to me!   [sm=flamethrower.gif]his a$$!

I CANNOT believe what I just read! What kind of crazy idiot is that guy!? I would definitely report this to the police.

Hi All,
 
Thanks so much for listening and lending your support last week. It's been a short week with  religious holiday so we took a few extra days and have been out and about quite a bit 
 
Both of us  are doing much better. Actually, Chinook has been doing wonderfully. It's me who seems to have more issues... I can feel my apprehension in certain areas and when i see a grounds worker i have been changing direction and keeping them off in the distance, as opposed to not paying them any mind. But thankfully Chinook doesn't act up, pull, growl, cower etc..she just keeps walking by my side. Definitely a big Hip HipHoo-ray, for my girl!  Suefitz, you could very well be right and she may recall the exact guy and have a reaction to only him.. All the grounds workers wear blue coveralls. She hasn't been right beside them so i can't gage if she has a negative association to the clothing yet.
 
Treat wise, we have worked with a few friends and some of the men from our dog club.. not a single issue which is great. Men or women she has been happily sucking up whatever treats they offer[] LOL My little hoover!
 
But my instructor seemed to think that he must have had large dogs and this was his method for teaching them to take food( still doesnt make it right, but its how he put it together) Since then my instructor has had us train Chinook not to take food from a stranger ( the cue word i use doesn't translate) So I am not sure if this is an obedience command taught back home or not.It does happen to be one of the tests she has to pass this weekend for her Brevet. Now more than ever I can certainly see it as a useful tool
 
 OT and squeezing in a brag[]... I am so proud of her. Before we've completed our test, they have moved us up to the big dog class last night. Funny enough part of my wanted to remain in the primary class, partially due to the language. My new instructor speaks so fast, and it is difficult for me to follow..But the other reason is she's not quite 6 months old, i still want her to be a puppy. *Sigh* My little girl is growing up[8D].   And constantly amazes me at the speed in which she learns. Her stay is fantastic...and last night in class environment with lots of distraction, she did her first down stay from a considerable distance.  She was coming towards me, i called the down command and she dropped instantly dropped to the ground. Oh my gosh i couldnt stop smiling. I was doing cart wheels inside..i was just so tickled for her!!!!!
 
 
 Great progress with the noise sensitivity and walking along side traffic. Her eyes are right on me, and she keeps up a steady trot  at my heel. We've moved to walking on the sidewalk, and not just watching the traffic go by from  the grass.  It's been an all around terrific week for us!
 
 
 The legal end of things:
I didn't follow through with an official olice report but I did speak to an officer, as well as  had our ( NMR)National Military Representative, file a report in an effort to circumvent any possiblility of future problems. I don't think he is going to pursue matters concerning my own assault on his foot, but incase i have at least spoken to several people and have it on record.. Of course, if we run into him and there's any further contact then i will immediately seek out help.
 

Is it a Belgian culture thing to hit strange dogs and grab strange women?

 
 No, not at all. I attribute this to just a freaky occurrence. I would say every country has it's fair share of bizarre characters and undesirables. Aside from this incident, we have encountered nothing but positives. Not too mention it is a very dog friendly environment. Honestly, that was one of the contribuiting factors as to why we decided to get Chinook while living over here.
 
 Well thanks again everyone! In a perfect world, all the idiots would be clearly numbered and labeled so we could avoid them![]
 Have a great day!

I had something similar happen years ago, only not with a dog.  DS #1 was about a year old & had just learned to walk.  We ( DH, DS & myself) were in a local laundromat washing a big quilt and there was a guy in there who was sort of playing with DS as he toddled around.  He squatted down and held his arms apart so DS could run to him, then he moved out of the way and let the kid run face first smack into the wall - and then sat there laughing like a lunatic.  He's lucky I didn't have a license to carry a concealed weapon.[:@]

Joyce