Can someone tell me what this means?

[Peggy G]

Sometimes the hair on Scarlets back between her hips raises and sometimes even between her sholders when she hears dogs bark (she does not bark back) or sometimes sees another dog (she then kidney beans if they meet). It also happened when we all came home the other night (I think we suprised her :eek: she was sleeping ---great watch dog btw NOT). I want to get the book How to Speak Dog but in the mean time I am very curious as to what this means. Thank you very much.

 

[JazznChase]

Well, I do know that they are called "hackles" and when Jazz gets excited or hears a dog bark or something weird like that-her hackles go up. Usually from her neck all the way down to her butt! It looks really neat! But it's nothing to worry about! Maybe someone else can give you more info!

 

[vaboxer]

I always assumed it was a fear thing because Hook and Day's hair on their backs come up whenever they see another dog or a person they are unsure of.

That's the only time it happens, so I thought it was a defense kind of thing, get that hair up to scare the thing that they are scared of.

I dont know...just my experiences...

 

[Tulsa-Dan]

Dogs do that (raise their hair) to appear bigger to a potential adversary. It is a natural thing for them to do this when they are apprehensive, frightened, or in a confrontation with another dog or person. My Maggie also does it when she plays. I think it is linked to excitement too. Other boxers I see do the same thing when they play. I don't think it is always a sign of fear or aggression.

 

[TClarke]

ALTERT

For Trixie, it's definitely fear-linked, or like an alert that she's in 'caution mode.'

Of course she does it when she hears a dog bark, or sees someone she's not too keen on, but the best example I can think of was just two days ago. It was pouring down rain and I needed to take her out to do her business. I didn't want to get drenched so I pulled out my large golf umbrella. She wasn't too scared of it in the house, but when we got outside and she saw this HUGE thing fling out and hover over me with the sound of rain hitting it... she FREAKED!

It was kind of cute and made me laugh out loud. She was trying to run away with every hair on her back standing on end. Since she was on the leash though, all she could do was run circles around me.

Eventually she calmed down and the umbrella is no big deal anymore, but I think this illustrates a prime example of the hair being "DANGER, DANGER WILL ROBINSON"

 

[Mike & Nala]

Dan is correct. It is to appear larger and more intimidating. It can be done in fear or aggression, but the reason is the same. Many animals do this. Toad, lizards and some fish will puff up theirselves to seem bigger. Elephants put out their ears. Think of cats.

In fact think about men who get in a fight. There is posturing in us too. At least that is my opinion.

Mike & Nala

 

[scribe1128]

Usually, Titus does this when he hears someone coming up the stairs outside. Since we live an apartment, we share a staircase with the apartment next door. When the neighbors are coming or going, or if someone knocks on ours or their door, Titus goes into a barking frenzy and his hair goes up. He also does it when we are out walking and he sees another dog in the distance.

 

[Kim Y]

I refer to this as Oscar doing his impression of a Rodegian (sp) Ridgeback. What a talented guy. :D

 

[Peggy G]

Thanks Everyone! I cant get over how great this board is. It's like a circle of boxer friends. lovicon