| Liz is absoulutely correct. The majority of dogs will exhibit an aggressive behavior if they are threatened while on their back. In dog language, a roll over is complete submission and other dogs know it. If the aggressor comes in for an attack while the submissive is totally unprotected the only defense is to bite. I've seen this with Maltese, Lab, Golden, cross breeds, you name it - if you lunge at them or are aggressive, they feel "fatally" threatened and will respond. I don't believe Cody is a biter. However, you should remember this is the way he responds in this particular situation. What has helped in my experince is after the dog rolls over, take a step back, give a command that you know he will obey (sit is a good one), after the command is excuted you can give him the rest of the commands or training. Also, Cody trusts and loves you. Thus, he knows you would not harm him. He does not have this relationship with Pat. That is probably why his hackles went up and his behavior was different toward Pat. Having a "stranger" severly reprimand/displine your dog can be very scarey/threatening to the dog. Good luck - I'm glad you're getting your own place in two weeks!  |