Does not like to be sniffed....why?

[Lovemycorgi]

The past two times I have brought Zachary into our local pet store (where he usually meets other dogs and is very friendly).....he has SNARLED (showing his teeth) at dogs who try to sniff him. He gets very upset with them! He is okay with them otherwise.....like sniffing face to face, greeting them, etc. Does anyone know why he is suddenly doing this?
Zachary's Mom

[MrsGrace]

How do you react when he snarls? Do you do anything?

[Lovemycorgi]

I usually pull him away....and say something like Zachary don't do that.....give kisses.....be nice.....and he is okay and the other dog is too, but I feel it is upsetting to everyone else. I feel uptight about it.

[MrsGrace]

This kind of leads in to a thread I was going to post, but maybe people can answer it here....

How do you guys feel about the Dog Whisperer? Any stock in what this guys says, as in, this is common sense stuff? Or is he full of bunk?

I am in full agreement that animals can sense our moods. That we need to be the alpha of the house, or we'll have lots of problems. But I've never ever handled my animals as he does.... not saying he's WRONG, just different.

Personally, the first dog I had I was 12. We used rewards for training, and unfortunately some of the training was... heavy handed. (not on my part, the parents) When I harbored the Siberian Husky, I used clicker training and it worked VERY well!! I was stunned with the results. And will be using it again with any new animal I get.

I would say Lovemycorgi, be consistent and don't be anxious. Animals can sense your moods... be confident that you have a good boy. And deal with the behaviour if it pops up, but don't sit in anticipation of it... does that make sense?

Anyone else have thoughts?

[Lovemycorgi]

I would say Lovemycorgi, be consistent and don't be anxious. Animals can sense your moods... be confident that you have a good boy. And deal with the behaviour if it pops up, but don't sit in anticipation of it... does that make sense?

Anyone else have thoughts?[/quote]

Yes that does make sense. I was wondering if anyone knew why he did this? Maybe he was just picking up on my mood too. I was not in the mood to be sniffed either!!! (in other words I was in a stand-offish mood too). I think he was just being a smart...sensitive dog. I think I understand what happened. Thank you for helping.

[manymuddypaws]

Not all dogs are friendly- nor should we expect them to be.

I generally won't let my dogs approach another dog unless I know that dog or person. I don't need my dog having a bad experience- i.e being bowled over by a too exuberant dog, or having to tell that too exuberant dog off.
Wicca sounds much like your little guy- she is very friendly but when she's had enough she doesn't much appreciate being sniffed or poked at. I will usually distract her( ask her to sit or high five or something silly) and move out of reach of the other dog. If the person is stupid enough to let their dog move again into my dogs space I have no trouble telling the owner.

Although- Wicca can be snarky with other dogs in general and a growl or snark at a passing dog who has done nothing to her is not permitted. I will gruffly tell her to leave it, and I expect her to pay full attention to me.

The biggest thing like mrsgrace said- make sure you are not stressing about it. All of your stress leads right down that leash. You will have a problem bigger than you initially thought if you let his behavior escalate.

My 2 cents anyway...

Hope this helps a bit.

-amanda

oh- my opinion on cesar is that he may have a way with dogs but I don't like his methods or ideas. They are old fashioned and someone (dog or person) is going to end up hurt. again- this is just my opinion.

[glencorgi]

Your mood and emotions could be influencing factors, also the other dog might have been being rude - too forward into Zachary's space too soon. Some dogs, just like people, have personal space issues and differing degrees of personal space zones of comfort. Zachary might have just not have been in the mood for such friendliness.

Debbie

[Lovemycorgi]

Originally Posted by glencorgi

Your mood and emotions could be influencing factors, also the other dog might have been being rude - too forward into Zachary's space too soon. Some dogs, just like people, have personal space issues and differing degrees of personal space zones of comfort. Zachary might have just not have been in the mood for such friendliness.

Debbie

That all makes sense too. Thank you.

[Lovemycorgi]

I guess I thought that dogs always let other dogs sniff and visa versa; it is interesting to know that they do set limits. It almost sounds like a private matter! Depending on the situation.

[Hayashi_eri]

Buta would sit right on any male Corgi sniffing her butt it is really funny & cute

[MagnoliaFly]

I would highly recommend reading "The Other End of the Leash"

It sounds like he is a more "alpha" type dog that doesn't allow other dogs to just sniff him anywhere. Submissive dogs will allow other dogs to sniff anywhere they want while more alpha dogs set boundaries and make sure that other dogs seen with lower status aren't allowed to just sniff anywhere. Alpha dogs feel they are allowed to sniff anywhere they want on the more submissive dog however.

Its important to watch the body language of the other dog you're allowing yours to greet. I don't let Bernie greet just anyone. If the dog is stiff in posture, tail raised high and the eyes have a cold look, we walk right past. If the dog is wagging his tail and panting with his tongue sticking out, she might be able to say hi if she's giving the same friendly signals. Dogs straining on the leash are also usually passed up.

The book I linked goes into detail about the differences between human body language and dog body language. Some of the things we do to our dogs are very annoying but we don't notice because its "human" to do it. Things like hugging our dogs. That just isn't natural to them and is seen as a very dominant aggressive maneuver. We do it anyway and our pets tolerate it. Patting is another thing. The list goes on and on.

I could name off all the things I learned in the book but I don't have near enough time. It was very eye opening and I treat my puppy differently after reading it.

[Fluffypants]

That was a very good book MagFly. Very interesting and eye opening!

Grace - I'm sure that your dogs were never as agressive as the dogs he (Dog Whisperer) works with. These aren't puppies, and he is not training. These are dogs that have gotten out of control, and the owners can't handle them, and he is trying to help them get back in control. I'm not a professional dog trainer, and I'm sure lots of people are going to disagree with my apparent defense of his methods. I know this is a matter of personal opinion, and mine is that I don't think that treats and praise are going to fix those problems (ie most of the ones I have seen on his show), certainly not with those owners the way that they are. And if they were to give them up to a shelter they would most likely be euthanized. When I watch those Animal Cops shows on Animal Planet, that's their method of dealing with these dogs. He growled at me when I went near his food, we can't adopt him out, we have to put him to sleep. If the Dog Whisperer can step in and help the people, keep the family together, and save the dog's life, I'm all for that. I don't alpha roll Jackie and I don't use his rougher methods to train her (I do CHHT her every once in awhile - that does work). But I have had her from a puppy and have been training her since Day One. If, however, I had gotten her and let her run amuck with no rules or training, and now she was aggressive and scary, I would call him in a heartbeat to help me. These are just my opinions and feelings, and I know others have differing views, which I totally respect.

[MrsGrace]

Originally Posted by Fluffypants

That was a very good book MagFly. Very interesting and eye opening!

Grace - I'm sure that your dogs were never as agressive as the dogs he (Dog Whisperer) works with. These aren't puppies, and he is not training. These are dogs that have gotten out of control, and the owners can't handle them, and he is trying to help them get back in control. I'm not a professional dog trainer, and I'm sure lots of people are going to disagree with my apparent defense of his methods. I know this is a matter of personal opinion, and mine is that I don't think that treats and praise are going to fix those problems (ie most of the ones I have seen on his show), certainly not with those owners the way that they are. And if they were to give them up to a shelter they would most likely be euthanized. When I watch those Animal Cops shows on Animal Planet, that's their method of dealing with these dogs. He growled at me when I went near his food, we can't adopt him out, we have to put him to sleep. If the Dog Whisperer can step in and help the people, keep the family together, and save the dog's life, I'm all for that. I don't alpha roll Jackie and I don't use his rougher methods to train her (I do CHHT her every once in awhile - that does work). But I have had her from a puppy and have been training her since Day One. If, however, I had gotten her and let her run amuck with no rules or training, and now she was aggressive and scary, I would call him in a heartbeat to help me. These are just my opinions and feelings, and I know others have differing views, which I totally respect.

Very true. My apologies for trying to compare apples and oranges. Well stated POV. I really enjoy watching his show, I find myself amazed that some people let their dogs get so bad just because they "didn't know better". Ignorance is not an excuse even if it is the reason for a behaviour. His approach is unique and he does seem to have a gift for what he does. Anyone who says he doesn't know dogs, hasn't seen him control the 20 some odd dogs in his pack! However, you're right. We all have different methods, but as long as we're reaching for the same goals, it's nice to discuss the finer points and compare notes. (and keep an open mind)

But I'm a Type A, over-analyze, read everything available personality.

[Chip's Mom]

What is CHHT? Just curious.

[Fluffypants]

Originally Posted by MrsGrace

Very true. My apologies for trying to compare apples and oranges. Well stated POV. I really enjoy watching his show, I find myself amazed that some people let their dogs get so bad just because they "didn't know better". Ignorance is not an excuse even if it is the reason for a behaviour. His approach is unique and he does seem to have a gift for what he does. Anyone who says he doesn't know dogs, hasn't seen him control the 20 some odd dogs in his pack! However, you're right. We all have different methods, but as long as we're reaching for the same goals, it's nice to discuss the finer points and compare notes. (and keep an open mind)

No apologies are necessary, silly. I just didn't want anyone to read it and think I was saying we should all go out and jerk our dogs around on the leash! I too am amazed when I watch that show, thinking, "How could they let that happen?" And, yet again, my husband must remind me that not everyone researches the life out of something before they do it. And I agree with the comparing notes and discussing things. That's what I like about this board.

Originally Posted by MrsGrace

But I'm a Type A, over-analyze, read everything available personality.

So nice to meet a kindred spirit.