Understanding Fear - Page 2

"I thought you were even going deeper, by asking how does the dog react in accordance to when the human/handler responds fearfully to a stressful situation."


I think I will try again with this idea. Daryl your quote above is actually where my thoughts were dwelling. I think there might also be other aspects of Fear that can also be used to understand dog behavior as it relates to our behavior. 

New owners of strong breeds in particular seem to brush up against this, and how one reacts makes a difference. I thought of it as a teeter-totter, where perfect balance is the goal.

Well, there's certainly a bit of dynamic going on, but hard to figure how much.  A dog that looks to you for guidance/leadership is probably more prone to mimic the behavior that you're exhibiting, so if you're afraid maybe it will be too.  Or if the dog is boldly protective of you when you are afraid, then that's different.

Even more different, an example I can think of involving myself.  About a year ago, I said something very anger provocative to a relative, a very tough ole cowboy.  I was sitting in a chair and my dog sitting facing me.  As he leaned back, cocking his fist back toward his shoulders ready to clock me as hard as he could because I made him so damned mad, he hesitated.  My dog was staring straight at him just watching, neither afraid nor aggressive, but poised and alert.  Because I'm certain for a fact my dog would not hesitate to bite an unprotected human, I was additionally confident, because of my dog.  I'm not underconfident, but I fed even moreso upon my dog's solid confidence.

I remember a reeeeally nervous gal at a DVG trial once, and her dog was a nervous wreck also.  So, yeah, I think the relationship plays a certain dynamic, to which an extent is also reciprocal.  That's why we praise the dogs who do well in training, to reinforce assurance in their behavior, but we all know they're masters of reading human body language, no matter what our overt intent may seem.

daryl,
Did you ever talk trash to the old cowboy when your dog wasn't there?  lol....What made you so confident the dog would bite? 

Did I say anything about trash talk?  Can't say I did.  But basically it's irrelevant, and none of your damned business!  It's pretty obvious you disrespect me, and some time ago you lost the respect I had for you.  Don't be baiting me into one of your argumentative moods.  The whole point is (provided you don't get lost in the content), the dog's behavior can also affect the handler's, and not just the other way around.  Do you care to disagree with that?

Daryl,
Trash talking is done to provoke a response from some one.  I played hockey for years and we did it all the time.  It was just to incite a reaction from another player, similar to your "something very anger provocative to a relative . ...".  It is an expression, and a joke.  Don't get yourself all wrapped around the axle about it. 

Yes, I would agree that the dog's demeanor in this case can definitely affect the handler's.  I also do not have an "argumentitive mood."   Sometimes, I may disagree with people but I can assure it's not because I like to argue.  It's more about discussing differences in opinions or training philosphy. 


I was serious in my question about what made you so confident the dog would bite?  I find that very interesting. 


Jim 

Find and buy an old Ford Ranger with a "No Fear!" Sticker and it will immediately make you and the dog fearless. If you want to get totally badass, get a tapout hat and shirt.

A what?

Exactly

Daryl,

Most trainers know that dogs are masters of reading body language, but there are other things. The old saying of how they can smell fear...It's not actually smelling "fear", but we do put out chemicals that dogs can detect, and they know when it changes. It's all one package of communication - our body language, eye contact, respiration, smell, tone of voice...

      My fear issues , along with my improper handling have affected Prince in a negative way...I am convinced that with a more confident handler, Prince would be a different dog altogether....

      I have tried to hide my anxiety in different situations to no avail....: (

       Prince may have been a little sharp or maybe suspicious is a better word, but I think I accentuated that to more of an extreme....: (


Deanna...