[Trayderjoe]

Originally Posted by CFrance

That's a long, involved process, but very solid training practice. You are to be commended to spend the time to go through it with Jenny. I always forget about PetSmart and Petco as being possible places to get a dog used to other dogs, though like you say, one must be vigilant in anticipating other dogs' and owners' behaviors.

Now excuse me, my dog is pointing at his watch. The little paw is on the 4, and the big paw's already past the 12. Dinnertime!

Originally Posted by kittygilchrist

adding kudos to Jenny for getting a trainer who knows their stuff and for your allegiance to helping a dog make inroads from post traumatic symptoms. Extraordinary story of dog and owner and training...

Oddly enough, Emma had instant play love for a rescue adoptable part boxer she met at Petsmart. A rare and memorable meeting.

Thank you for the kind words CFrance and Kitty. I wish that all dog owners were as kind and responsible as both of you!

[SheilaO]

Thanks Kitty…he's such a good dog is most aspects…I probably have found it easier to avoid dogs than stick with training…I did at one time have him sit and gave him a treat each time we saw a dog and that seemed to work…I just haven't been consistent…I do appreciate the comments…Fritzie never ceases to amaze me when I see him play with all sizes of dogs at the groomer…He's like the "Gremlin". Thanks again!

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by SheilaO

Thanks Kitty…he's such a good dog is most aspects…I probably have found it easier to avoid dogs than stick with training…I did at one time have him sit and gave him a treat each time we saw a dog and that seemed to work…I just haven't been consistent…I do appreciate the comments…Fritzie never ceases to amaze me when I see him play with all sizes of dogs at the groomer…He's like the "Gremlin". Thanks again!

Although not fun for you, that is so interesting that you actually see him playing with the other dogs at the groomers. So it's not something you are doing, it must be some outside influence. Somehow he feels totally safe at the groomer's. There could be a whole host of things going on in his doggie mind when you're other places with him.

Has it always been the same groomer? Maybe she has that certain touch with dogs that not all of us have? Oh, Cesar... we have a problem here!

[kittygilchrist]

Originally Posted by CFrance

Although not fun for you, that is so interesting that you actually see him playing with the other dogs at the groomers. So it's not something you are doing, it must be some outside influence. Somehow he feels totally safe at the groomer's. There could be a whole host of things going on in his doggie mind when you're other places with him.

Has it always been the same groomer? Maybe she has that certain touch with dogs that not all of us have? Oh, Cesar... we have a problem here!

I wish every dog owner would watch Cesar's episodes, or get his online materials. I've watched hundreds, and can give Cliff notes--

Most of the time he is training owners to signal dominance to their dog, because when the dog is left in charge, the dog is insecure and acts out.
He corrects like this: When the dog acts out, he places the dog on its side, which is universal dog talk that means I am in charge, you are not. He waits for the animal to completely relax, then rewards with petting or treats. (obviously this takes repetition)

His show highlights very clearly that most dogs will alter their behavior drastically based on whether the human in the room demonstrates strong control of the dog, or does not know what to do.

Cesar sells T-shirts saying stuff like "Pack Leader" to drive home how important it is for the animal to see the owner that way.

[CFrance]

I wonder if he's still on Animal Planet? My vet taught me to do this with a puppy: several times a day, put him on his back and keep him there while talking to him calmly till he stops squirming. It's puppyspeak for I am the pack leader and you are the pack.

[mrfixit]

Originally Posted by Taltarzac725

there are still some dogs I feel uncomfortable with my pooch interacting with in any way.
Sometimes dogs will gang up on him especially if these dogs are established playmates.

I would appreciate any suggestions about how to handle dogs ........

You just need to be the Alpha dog ............
or establish that your dog has an Alpha bodyguard...(that would be you)

When the other dog approaches.........
...Look the other dog in the eye (you have furrowed brow + squinting)
......Point your finger at that dog.(thumb up....index finger out)
.........Make a sound like CHIT...but as an air leaking hissing noise
..if you know what the air release on Air Brakes sounds like...you nailed it.

...If the other dog is NORMAL...that dog will bow its head and look away...
...however...
......if the other dog GROWLS......stand fast and repeat....

Then
........if the other dog "hackles" rise and bares its teeth and begins the low growl......YOU look away.

P.S.
Never ...repeat ...NEVER...try to pet any dog from above their head ....or.... behind their eye area....

...most dogs will open their mouth when looking upwards to see where your hand is going....this is a natural dog trait ...and triggers the fight or flee.

Your own dog probably won't open mouth when you put your hand above its head...