play bark or aggression???

[sarahd]

I need some guidance here please...it is sometimes hard for me to tell if Kyla is anxious to play with another dog or wanting to get aggressive or maybe even if it is a little bit of both.

With some dogs (only in the past week since she got spayed btw) her hair goes up and she gets "the stance" so there is no doubt that she is being aggressive. For which she receives a correction and a very strong "enough!!".

But with other dogs she bows, jumps, yips, and barks...her hair is still sort of up but not totally...what is this she is doing?? I feel like its wanting to play but it freaks people out when she does it (they see it as aggressive) and I really don't like her going all crazy like that.

I have been trying to make sure when another dog is approaching to make her sit then walk nice...I heard this helps them to know you are in control of the situation and that they need not be "on guard". She just goes bonkers and continues as if I was not there even after I give her a strong correction with the choke collar.

Any suggestions, ideas, opinions? We have obedience class tonight so I am going to ask about this there as well.

[RottiMomCT]

Originally Posted by sarahd

With some dogs (only in the past week since she got spayed btw) her hair goes up and she gets "the stance" so there is no doubt that she is being aggressive. For which she receives a correction and a very strong "enough!!".

Actually, it's not always aggression. The dog is simply trying to make him or herself appear larger - standing taller, hackles raised - very alert posture - possiby trying to bluff the other dog.

Your reaction is correct to a point - a simple "HEY, KNOCK IT OFF" should suffice - if it does not, THEN a correction.

If you are not in a place where play or greeting other dogs is appropriate, or if she's acting like a doofus, then simply continue on your way and let her know in no uncertain terms that her actions are NOT going to be tolerated - boot camp heeling - attention on you, sits, downs, attention on you...get and keep her attention BEFORE she reacts to the other dog.

If the gets over stimulated, remove her from the stimulus. Party is over if she can't play nice or behave herself.

How old is Kyla?? How long has she been with you?

[Sargeant_C]

It is not allowed is what it is.. I would be scared too if a dog even if she wanted to play she is putting on a scary show! Make her knock it off either way.

[sarahd]

She is 1.5 yrs old and I have had her since May of this year so about 3 months now. We just started obedience training (2nd class tonight).

I will definitely try the boot camp sit/downs.

[Judi W]

Well, I'd have to say that instead of wondering about why she is doing this (friendly or not) that instead you concentrate on that she is behaving in an uncontrolled manner and totally flipping you off when you tell her what to do. Since she is not invited to a wrestling match or tea party when she sees these dogs, she can just darn well learn to behave like a lady whether she feels hostile or friendly.

So, what to do what to do?
You know she has been misbehaving so you're started on the right track, just not impressive enough for her to focus on you instead of the other dog. Give her a pop correction before she gets excited and emotional and tell her "don't you even think about it missy" in a voice that says you really mean it. By just putting her in a sit you give her the opportunity to still stare at the other dog and then get her mind all involved. So, if you are choosing the sit, you pivot right straight in front of her and if she even thinks about rising to her feet, walk right into her in a forceful way. She'll pretty much have to pay attention to you or get run over. She should be backing up and sitting. Use your strong voice while doing this.

The other option is not to stop at all, but to keep moving while turning at an angle to the other dog requiring heel position, turns and a few quick stop sits and moving on. This takes away her opportunity to stare as she can't be moving with you and staring at the other dog at the same time.

In either case, you must be proactive and don't wait to see if she's going to act like a brat, just assume she is.

[sarahd]

Thank you all very much for your suggestions...I will definitely be putting these in to use TODAY! I agree this behaviour is completely unacceptable...I refuse to have an out of control dog...not an option!

I spoke with the vet and they said that it could be that she is still feeling vulernable after her surgery (she should be 100% back to normal in another week)...feeling vulernable or not this behaviour is not going to fly thank you very much.

Should I revert back to some basics such as keeping her leashed to me for a few days to get her back on track that I am the one she needs to listen to?

[Judi W]

I don't know that you need to do teathering. I always laugh at the idea of feeling vulnerable as the cause of that kind of behavior. If you're feeling vulnerable you shouldn't go around trying to pick fights! That would only apply if another dog was getting in her space which is not what is happening here. She is just acting punk.

[sarahd]

Originally Posted by Judi W

I don't know that you need to do teathering. I always laugh at the idea of feeling vulnerable as the cause of that kind of behavior. If you're feeling vulnerable you shouldn't go around trying to pick fights! That would only apply if another dog was getting in her space which is not what is happening here. She is just acting punk.

lol OK I completely agree! I went to obedience last night and was talking with the instructor there who said her feeling vulernable is BS...she is just being a brat. She showed me how to correct her...I was being too gentle with her before. After we were done our little session instead of lunging at the instructors massive shepard she had with her (beautiful dog btw) she would try to move out as far away from him as possible when I walked straight towards him!!

I think if any one was feeling vulernable it was me and not Kyla! lol Good think I am going to obedience class so I can learn to behave properly!!!

[Judi W]

well, we will get you trained eventually - takes lots of patience of course :)