[Nikki]

I watched several YouTube videos for this exercise. The first video was of how to walk a reactive dog past another dog. They showed the reactive dog (RD) lunging towards the other dog. They showed the handler pulling the dog away and forcing the dog forward. The handler seemed to want to pretend that the situation was not happening. The dog was fixated on the other dog and never broke its gaze. To change this behavior, the next handler noticed the RD’s interest perk when it saw the other dog. This handler changed directions repeatedly to bring the dog’s attention and focus away from the other dog.

The next video I watched was for preparing to show your dog. All of the dogs in this video were quite well behaved already. The handlers positioned the collar at the top of the neck and kept the dog’s attention mostly with treats. The dogs were very engaged with their handlers and fixated on them. The handlers were also very engaged with their dogs and used their hands and body position to move the dog to the desired location and conformation. When they needed both hands they put the treat lure in their mouth. The handlers sometimes also used verbal cues to position the dog.

At one point in this video they showed a dog that was clearly in a defensive stance when on the judging table. The instructor put the dog on the ground and it started to scream and growl. The instructor kept a hand on the collar/leash and made a point to keep it straight as to not restrict the airway or to risk a bite. He was calm and repeated “AAAAAh” each time the dog screamed or growled. The dog eventually calmed down and they put him back on the table. The instructor said “this dog is desperate for a leader – that’s why he’s testing me.” Eventually the instructor was able to gain the dog’s trust and he pet him under the jaw and behind the head while giving him treats. The dog never left the defensive stance, however – his tail was tucked the entire time. It seemed like the dog was just trying to go somewhere else in his mind until it was over. The instructor then walked the dog. He had a long, loose leash and had his hand (with the leash in it) visible to the dog. At first the dog was far away from the instructor. As the instructor moved back and forth the dog paid more attention to him and got closer with a loose leash.

[Nikki]

What did you learn that was new to you? You can use your forearm behind and just above the hocks to press it into a sit. Who knew!

How did the dog respond to your approach? My dog looked at me like I was crazy when I approached to his side. I knelt beside him and asked for a sit. He did not. I used the forearm trick and it worked!

What facial expression, postures or gestures did you notice, and how did you interpret them? My dog looked confused, ears back, tail down. I believe he was feeling defensive and unsure (his nature is that he’s a very insecure dog).

If you are experienced in canine behavior and handling, what aspects of the material do you feel are most essential? Watching body language and not ignoring the results.

Do you have a story about an experience with behavior and handling that exemplifies the importance of proper equipment and handling? My anxious dog that I was just working with, often gets very “amped up,” running and barking. He cannot seem to calm himself. I have found that I now call him to me, put on a calming wrap and have him on leash near me until he calms down.

How has knowing how to read dog behavior kept you and the dog(s) safe? One of my hounds is intermittently aggressive towards the others and has attacked them in the past. I watch for lip licking, stiff tail, and pupil dialation. I make the others give him a wide berth as he does not like to be confronted head-on.