Videos of my dogs behaviour

[DrewBroadley]

Here, I am keen to hear about your thoughts in the second video.

Firstly, here's my dog with my mums dog who she met within the first two weeks of us adopting her. This video was months after we had her:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ytfIWFkDac

And here was over the weekend, we introduced her with a puppy, as shes had bad encounters with puppies who have jumped up at her face and she's not been too happy and sorted them out with a growl/bark. We thought it would be a good opportunity to bring a friends puppy and give her longer exposure to a puppy and have a happier experience. The hour before this was meeting them outside, walking together to the park (she kept giving the puppy little growls when it would jump up at her) and then we played fetch at the park. Afterwards we walked back, and our dog happily let the puppy onto her property. In the house she tolerated the puppy and we almost had a break-through of her being playful and giving little woofs.

What's I'm curious is, what people think of this video and the behaviour of our dog. Before hand she wasn't anxious, but she did sit by me a lot and let the puppy lie on her bed, take her toys, which didn't really bother her too much. I'm curious if she's got the potential to come around, it seemed not overly aggressive more "hey watch out" at the start, and then non-aggressive "I'm here, look out for me" afterwards.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzY9cwpzlkU

[DrewBroadley]

Any help appreciated

[MollyATL]

I'm no behavior professional, but I did spend 3 years as a daycare attendant, and you do learn your K9 body language. I thought those 2 dogs had great communication going on.

I know you asked about your dog, but I must say, that pup has wonderful communication skills! Many puppies are just oblivious buffoons, but this pup did great. If you can't tell what you dog is saying, you can often just look at the other dog's response. This pup was giving off so many non-threatening signals. (Have you ever read Turid Rugaas's booklet, Calming Signals?) Your dog was certainly claiming you and the space around you (the head on your leg, then lying down in front of you). The pup was responding with low body posture, curved approach, and staying outside your dog's "zone" until the pup just couldn't resist your invitation and violated that zone. Your dog gave what I would call an appropriate "back off, buddy" display and the pup did so, very respectfully. I think your dog's residual woofs were more surprise at being listened to, or just leftover energy, than playfulness - her overall carriage was still upright and stiff. If the pup hadn't been so respectful, I think things would have escalated. But with this pup's beautiful manners, it went off well.

[starfish]

I agree with everything that Molly said and just wanted to add that I think your pup will probably come around and become "friends" with your mom's dog after a few more meetings. What would be especially helpful is if you could let them out together in a fenced area and give them time to get to know each other in a less stressful environment. Whenever we bring a new foster dog home, we always do meet-n-greets out in the back yard. We usually let the foster dog drag it's leash at first, just in case there should be a situation where we would need to grab him/her quickly (better to grab a leash than to get your fingers too close to snapping teeth!). Inside, or in a confined area, there is always going to be more tension.

My youngest dog takes several days and sometimes weeks before he is tolerant of foster dogs in the house. Whereas, my oldest dog couldn't care less. Each dog is different. But, I definitely didn't see any behaviors from either dog that would concern me. And, as Molly said, your mom's pup acted very appropriately to your dog's warning signals. Your dog's posture said that she was alert but not overly concerned.

[trickytrip]

A splendid disply of, order in the pack. I too agree that the pup is a prime example of perfect behavior. Curious to know how they are getting along now.

[DrewBroadley]

Appreciate everyones comments

Indeed, the puppy was brilliant.

Aftermath: puppy left, my dog was a little unsettled for an evening but carried on normally the next day.

Unfortunately we haven't been able to sort out another meeting but am keen to get a puppy myself and was curious to see what people thought of her behaviour as I've not seen my dog behave like that (tail wagging with excitement and tentative barking).

Have a dog lined up at the pound, but it's too early to pick it up due to the wife not leaving her job and taking time off until Feb.

http://www.wellingtonspca.org.nz/adopt- ... 226/parker

He's the exact mix of our current reactive dog