[Denise L.]

Training class on Saturday morning:

The Good - a girls' soccer team was gathering to practice at the field where we train. Another woman and her dog (cocker), Cyrus and I were hanging out waiting for everyone else. Three little girls came up and asked permission to pet our dogs. The cocker's owner said no, but I allowed them to pet Cyrus. He was sweet and gentle as usual and I was thrilled the parents encouraged the kids to come over and ask! No Rottie fear, yay!

The Bad - Cyrus showed aggression towards a Malinois who joined the class late. This is the first time I have seem him initiate aggression. The trainer put a muzzle on Cyrus and walked him closer and closer to the Malinois popping the lead when Cyrus lunged. Then I did the same. When we were able to walk by without incident, off came the muzzle and all was well.

The Ugly: After we got home Cyrus was pooped. He planted himself and his marrow bone beside my bed. I was passing by so I stopped to give him a quick head pat and he growled at me! Up until now the only resource guarding I ever saw this dog do was try to hide whatever with his chin...I have always been able to take stuff away from him. I yelled "no lip!" and he growled louder. Well, I threw the hissy fit of the century! Screamed at him "Who the "F" do you think you are? I take care of you, I feed you, I love you, ALL GOOD THINGS COME FROM ME! How DARE you?" My throat is still sore!

That got his attention and I put him in the dining room (the only place I could think of that he didn't normally like to hang out) and put him in a down stay. He started to break and I yelled "Ah, ah you STAY" and went about my business. He stayed and he watched every move I made. After about 15 minutes I brought him to the kitchen and we did some resource trading. He did well so I let him have his bone back.

The rest of the weekend he was his usual sweet self.

Whew!