growling at the instructor

[dogger]

Yep, that is what Baogie did. she was sitting in between brian's legs, Diane came up to grab Boagies collar (keep in mind this was the first class and Diane had not intruduced herself prior)
and Baogie gave a very low (in her chest) grrrrr
I think she was protecting Brian... Any opinions?
there were no other incedents besides that one.

 

[dragonmeister]

A dog standing between legs feels overly protected and insecure. That is perhaps why your dog growled. The instructor was amiss in not recognizing the situation.
It is similar to dogs that hide under beds, chairs,benches. They often will growl if they feel threatened when approached because they are in a place they can defend.
It is also the same as small dogs being kept on the owners lap or arms. This makes them more prone to growling when approached.
It is important to not overprotect our dogs but to encourage them to develop their self confidence in the face of unfamiliar or perceived threatening situations.

Anne

 

[sarnewfie]

very good answer anne/
i also find that if i have owners hand their little growlie dogs to me rather than i Taking them from them it is easier on the little growlie bears to trust me.
that is also so true in the little growlie bears in a cage, they will growl becouse they can defend that space so i just leave a leash on them and latch it to the outside of the cage, of course keeping a good eye on them so accidants wont happen.
they come right out for me than.

 

[Annie Milliron]

WOW... I am surprised that the instructor didn't handle the situation differently. As Anne stated, she should have understood the situation and handled it differently to get Boagies trust and confidence. She certainly was amiss!

 

[dogger]

Oops, I should have specified, Brian was sitting in a chair and he had pulled Boagie into him to better control her. She wanted to go play with the other dogs.
The instructor was going to demonstrate on Boagie how to put on the pronged collar.

 

[dragonmeister]

Next time put Boagie next to your or Brian not in between the legs. I also did that with my dogs before I find out the problems it creates.
There is a similar situation with people tightening the leash and holding the dog close to them when a possible dangerous or misbehaving situation is about to happen. This can trigger an aggressive dog to lunge or an insecure dog to fear attack.

Anne