Mohawk

[kgf73]

Mabel wasn't barking to hear herself bark, nor is she in the habit of doing so. I've come to know some of her noises and their meanings - and something outside just wasn't very kosher with her. In fact, she stopped barking (except for a few staccatto barks), when I got up to investigate, . As she sleeps with me, something obviously had to have woken her up. Just because I didn't see anything, doesn't mean that there wasn't someone/ something out there.
Believe me when I say she's not coddled. For the most part she prefers to be left alone. She's definitely not a snuggler.:(
I got some advice one time from Tulsa-Dan regarding how to react toward/with my dog in certain situations. It has come in very handy, and to a large extent I believe she's so confident because of what I've learned from BW. I made a conscientious effort of socializing her to different sounds, different settings, different people, and different dogs, so nothing really shocks her much anymore - drums, fireworks, sirens, barking dogs, thunder, etc. don't cause her to even bat an eyelash now, let alone bark. So when she barks, it's for a good reason. And that deserves praise. appicon However, I realize she will be going through a regression stage soon, and I will have to do things a little differently during that time.
As for disturbing the neighbors, I live in a house with a fence surrounding the front and back yard. So unless they are skulking about my house, Mabel isn't going to bark at them. Especially since she is crated during the day with a radio playing.


I'm glad that the mohawk probably meant she was excited. On the other hand, she might've picked up on my dislike of the neighborhood. I'll have to take her for another walk tonight and see what happens. If it continues, we will just walk where we both feel more comfortable.

 

[KC]

The only time mine have mohawks is when they are being "tough." This is either upon meeting a new dog (and then only sometimes), or in a situation where they feel threatened. Doesn't happen very often at my house, so when they bark, growl, or mohawk - I take a close look around. It almost always means there is something out the ordinary they are telling me about. I always feel safe with my babies. They are just big puff-o-lumps-o-love but they have shown that they will protect their turf and their pack if necessary. It's one of the things I love about these boxer babies - they are just big lovers . . . until it's time to be protectors.

 

[lola]

My Benson gets a mohawk too when he is excited! I love it! It looks so cute when he has a mohawk while kidney beaning!

 

[Aimee]

For those who are not familiar with the term mohawk, it is also known as their hackles being raised All of mine have done this on occasion but it only tends to be when they are on guard.

 

[gidget1]

Originally posted by Aimee
For those who are not familiar with the term mohawk, it is also known as their hackles being raised All of mine have done this on occasion but it only tends to be when they are on guard.

I on the other hand have never heard the term mohawk. I read through all the posts thinking "do they mean their hackles" ? :D

Gidget is almost always on alert when we go out at night but we have a lot of coyote and even some wolves around here and I know she can smell and hear them. She generally only raises her hackles if someone pulls in the driveway or knocks on the door unanounced in the daylight hours.

 

[Raynas mom]

Rayna's mowhawk usually comes with her bull snorting LOL quite a site to see! Its when she is being tough too!

 

[Linda/NJ]

Yes, I have seen the mohawk on Ginger too. It is always when she is on guard.


Linda & Erik
Ginger * June 4, 1997
Flashy Fawn * Natural Ears