My behavior (long)

[dafzichu]

This post is a bit unorthodox, but it is a concern I have about what my own behavior can do to Mindy's behavior. Brutis, my parents' male boxer, was dog aggressive, even with Bunni his littermate, from time to time. After nine years, I have grown extremely fearful of two new dogs interacting. I never had a single problem with Gertie or Snubby, although during playtime in training class, I would watch Snubby like a hawk making sure she showed no aggression.

Now I have Mindy, young, playful, typical boxer. When she was sick (and she was very sick) she did go after another dog in the vets office. I do understand that under so much stress, this isn't a good representation of her temperment. My trainer is also a behaviorist, and we began by testing Mindy out with her dogs, she did wonderfully. Since then, she has met quite a few dogs and I have become very comfortable with her meeting new dogs on leash. However, off leash is a completely different story. I completely freak out. She has played with a few dogs off leash without incident, she has been snapped at, growled at, butt sniffed, stood over and no aggression, she took it all in stride, backing off when appropriate. I am worried that my freaking out, I literally get completely stiff and actually shake, is going to cause Mindy to in turn be afraid. I also worry, she is not going to see me as the leader as I am not calm or confident.

What I am asking is if anyone has any ideas how I can change my behavior in this situation? Most off leash session are in the presence of my trainer and she understands my fear and will constantly tell me it is okay and the playing is appropriate, but I still freak out. I don't know if over time, I will get more comfortable, I just don't want this effecting Mindy negatively, but at the same time not sure how to help myself. I really appreciate any ideas anyone has. Thanks so much!

 

[K8IE]

Maybe have your trainer work with you on recognizing body language really well, so that you can tell when the dogs are relaxed or when they are not. Of course first you will have to be in a relaxed state of mind, which may be hard, but if you have your trainer with you and know that she can control things if they get out of hand, you can concentrate on just breathing and watching what is going on, and learning how to recognize differences in posturing, facial expressions, movements, etc. I am no expert, that is for sure, but over the years I also struggled with not knowing how things were going to go with my dogs interactions with others, but after learning more about body language/postures, it helped me to know when it was OK to relax a bit (but still be aware of what is going on with my dog) and be able to really enjoy watching my dogs play with others at the park or wherever we may be. Good luck to you!!