I meant to post under my captmicha account, by the way, but forgot that I was still signed into my msminnamouse one. Just wanted to clear that up, I'm the same person from below.
You teach them by building a positive association with things in small steps they can handle so they don't get stressed when people do things like lean over them or pat on head. Ignoring when dogs are stressed can push a dog to bite to get out of the situation, which is not good for anyone. Ideally the dog is carefully conditioned to things, like vet visits as a puppy when it is easy for them to adapt & learn. More patience is required with adults that had a lack of socialization as pups.
My intent isn't to argue but just to learn. If you take your dog out of stressful situations or avoid stressful situations, how does your dog learn to overcome their stress if they don't have to deal with situations that bring it about? Then when they have to go to the vet, for example, how will they deal with this major but necessary stress? Medication?
captmicha - That is great you have had success working with your fearful dog. Where did your dog come from? Adopted? As puppy?
jeninow1 2 months ago
I meant to post under my captmicha account, by the way, but forgot that I was still signed into my msminnamouse one. Just wanted to clear that up, I'm the same person from below.
msminnamouse 2 months ago
You teach them by building a positive association with things in small steps they can handle so they don't get stressed when people do things like lean over them or pat on head. Ignoring when dogs are stressed can push a dog to bite to get out of the situation, which is not good for anyone. Ideally the dog is carefully conditioned to things, like vet visits as a puppy when it is easy for them to adapt & learn. More patience is required with adults that had a lack of socialization as pups.
jeninow1 3 months ago
My intent isn't to argue but just to learn. If you take your dog out of stressful situations or avoid stressful situations, how does your dog learn to overcome their stress if they don't have to deal with situations that bring it about? Then when they have to go to the vet, for example, how will they deal with this major but necessary stress? Medication?
captmicha 3 months ago