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 Jansez |
A Different Perspective |
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Posts: 330 11/06/09 9:31 PM |
I was talking to my sister about the incident with Maya a few weeks ago where she barked, growled and lunged at a smaller dog that was being aggressive. (http://familydog.yuku.com/topic/19923/t/Oh-Boy-I-Think-We-Have-a-Problem.html). She is no expert, but she thought that Maya did exactly the right thing, and needs to be allowed to assert herself that way. DS thinks that if I insist that Maya walk close and ignore dogs being aggressive towards her that I risk creating a fearful dog! Thoughts?
The trick is in what one emphasizes. We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves happy. The amount of work is the same. Carlos Castaneda
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packopeebs |
#1 | |||
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Posts: 5207 11/07/09 5:41 AM Trainer |
You would only make her fearful if you were allowing her to be physically attacked. You are teaching her to look to you for calm, clear leadership; not to make
her own choices about who needs discipline when. Allowing her to lunge and bark teaches her that she can do what she wants, when she wants. What if she decided
the small dog needed to be pinned or bitten?
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cm mcc |
#2 | |||
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Posts: 2469 11/07/09 12:11 PM |
My dog is fearful sometimes, and it really helps him to know that he doesn't have to worry about things. He knows I'm going to take care of him, and
all he has to do is pay attention to me.
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Lani |
#3 | |||
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Posts: 1273 11/07/09 3:30 PM Rescue/Fostering |
Dogs that are calm and confident rarely ever bark, growl and lunge while fearful dogs often do, having decided that a good offense is the best defense. Your
dog learning to pay attention to you & rely on you when things get a bit exciting teaches them that they don't have to aggressively react to anything
and everything that concerns them thus becoming a calm and confident dog while walking with you. Can you imagine what it would be like to have to walk Maya if
she decided to lunge/growl/bark at every dog that she thinks is giving her the evil eye? My Italian greyhound would do that if given the option and he can get
hard to handle at only 15 pounds!
Dogs do have to learn to interact appropriately with other dogs and sometimes it can get to growling - but a dog that is well socialized with other dogs will work towards communicating with the other dog to diffuse the tension, not go into a full blown fight. Maya can learn those skills from dogs that are well versed in doggy communication (ie those that play well with others) and not on a leash while growling and lunging at a dog that has poor social skills. |
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SW845 |
#4 | |||
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Posts: 21504 11/07/09 3:39 PM Professional Trainer/Owns Board |
If you talk to enough people, you'll hear every sort of different opinion. One way to sort all of it is by experience levels.
Sarah Wilson
Your dog can change but you have to change first. |
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Jansez |
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Posts: 330 11/07/09 7:46 PM |
This is good to hear. I was having a hard time believing that I was so far out in left field wanting Maya to stay close. DS's experience is limited to
the one Yorkie that she adopted as an adult who was pretty much a home and garden dog. I want a go anywhere, trust anywhere dog. Add the 60 lb or so size
difference and you have some very different expectations.
The trick is in what one emphasizes. We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves happy. The amount of work is the same. Carlos Castaneda
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