| Now where do you get that I said "not to do things the dog doesn't like" ???
The original post talks of a dog reacting to a stranger, and the owner, at that moment, leaning over the dog.
My reply is that if the dog is already uncomfortable with someone (growls), leaning over the dog is only going to escalate the problem, as it raises the dog's defensive drives.
"Being held" by an owner is NOT always a good thing for a dog. It depends on the situation and how the dog is being held, how the dog perceives the situation, etc.
If a dog is uncomfortable with a person, the owner holding the dog may be increasing the dog's perceived sense of self, and may only be escalating the situation, as is presented here. Dog growls, owner standing over dog gives a stern command, dog escalates and snaps. Again, dog being held at vet, this time feeling trapped and uncomfortable, gives vet a hard time b/c he's uncomfortable w/ the situation and feels trapped (defense drive).
Working on Zeus's socialization is good, you also need to work on your relationship with him. Let him learn that you holding him at the vet is not bad, you can practice at home and have people he knows WELL and likes practice being the vet, start with simple pets, then examine feet, ears, etc.
Also, be sure that Zeus will allow YOU to examine his feet, ears, etc. Many dogs don't like this, and he's got to accept it from you before you can expect him to accept it from others.  |