That DAWG.

[carolynnl4]

Athena is 14 months old, and I adore her of course. She's generally very well behaved and plays well with others (humans and animals). She knows to never, ever, EVER, put her mouth on people. Except when the demon comes through.

We're currently training at the Birmingham Obedience Training Club, and she passed her Level 1 Obedience with flying colors, except for the "walk with me" -- on leash, walking with me, at my side, no treats, eye contact not necessary. She's done this a million times with no problem. She went NUTS. She started lunging at me, jumping on me, bumping into me, mouthing me, constantly. She even nipped me a couple of times. She was about a year old, then.

The second time it happened was last week. Our club is hosting a show, and they wanted people doing routines to help train the judges and sentinels (I think that's what they're called). So Athena and I do it, even though she wasn't ready -- it was just supposed to be a fun thing to see where we're at. Well, we get to the offleash heeling, and it's the SAME thing. Tons of people looking on, just horrified at this rottweiler who will not stop jumping on her 100lb owner and looks to be BITING her. (She wasn't really, just mouthing and getting so excited that she foams at the mouth).

What's in common, is that in both situations, we're the center of attention, and she's not being given treats. And although I probably treat more frequently than I should at this point, she is accustomed to not getting them -- I just have to keep her on her toes about when they're coming and when they're not.

Does anyone have an explanation why my dog does this at the WORST time possible???

[Rott-Wiley]

Well, you two are the center of attention and you are probably a little nervous. She might have picked up on that and decided to lighten up the situation. Now that she's gotten all this negative attention she may try to seek it out next time she finds herself in a ring like setting. There's a bad habbit that needs breaking.

[Judi W]

As long as it is not a licensed trial or sanctioned match (stay away from those for the time being) you need to stop dead, pivot in front of her and give her a good dressing down. By attempting to ignore her and keep going, you are giving her permission and unspoken approval. Rott-Wiley is correct, expect it to be repeated as she now has the impression that you are helpless in such a situation. hahaha, she will be surprised to find you are not! Always do what your dog needs you to do and try very hard never to appear helpless to her.

[carolynnl4]

Thanks Rott-Wiley and Judi...next time I"ll suck it up and give into my own wild urges (which I have to admit, were a little homocidal). :P
Carolyn