HUGE problem - Page 2

**voodoolizard** · 06-16-2008, 05:00 PM

we had the police round when my son saw a crime and reported it and had to do a statement.

i never thought of uniforms being a prob, the polica man came in sat down, the dogs had a sniff, i told them to go lay down and they did.

not all are scared of uniforms i guess.

but i do agree that we all want our dobes to be known as friendly, and i think he was feeding off your stress, go with the firemen thing..

good luck !!

Santa · 06-16-2008, 05:14 PM

I'm thinking there's something to be said for him picking up on my stress - he's had terrible diarrhoea since the police left! I don't tend to show stress that much, people tend to comment that I'm a closed book or a bit cold (I'm not, I just keep things to myself), but he must be sensing it tonight - that or the uniforms freaked him out even more than I realised.

Patches Mom · 06-17-2008, 01:42 AM

How about renting some uniforms were around the house so Zac will not think a thing about it. Hang some thing on your belt or make up a uniform some dogs do not like hanging stuff they are not use too.

clipclop · 06-17-2008, 01:52 AM

Morning santa!! i always forget that you are in spain! I went there in September.. just love love love spain! been 3 times- but unfortunately, never to Valencia! I tend to head south

I think its totally understandable how upset ur dogs reaction made you! especially when it was out of character for him. I think its a great idea to get your dog used to folks in uniform and people here have mentioned great ways to do that. just keep it positive and fun for him!

**JenTN** · 06-17-2008, 01:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patches Mom

How about renting some uniforms were around the house so Zac will not think a thing about it. Hang some thing on your belt or make up a uniform some dogs do not like hanging stuff they are not use too.

My puppy looves uniforms..but my husband wears one. In fact, when he sees hubby in his uniform in the morning, he whines because he knows he is leaving for work.

faber · 06-17-2008, 06:07 AM

i had read somewhere that a dog perceives threats in this order:
most to leaste:
-male w/something in hand
-male
-female w/something in hand
-female
don't know, just something i read.

faber · 06-17-2008, 06:16 AM

p.s. - maybe u could tell your neighbor, "Shut up...go back in your house...he got out by accident...he's just a dog... and everyone in the neighborhood hates you. Please move away!" Whata ya think?

clipclop · 06-17-2008, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by faber

p.s. - maybe u could tell your neighbor, "Shut up...go back in your house...he got out by accident...he's just a dog... and everyone in the neighborhood hates you. Please move away!" Whata ya think?

haha YEAH!! but in spanish!

gazoo02 · 06-17-2008, 10:08 AM

Were you nervous or stressed when talking with the police. I am sure you were and your dog may have picked up on that and reacted negatively toward them.

How were you holding the leash when you approached them? Was it loose and casual or were you choked up on it which again can signal to your dog something stressful is going on.

Since dogs don't speak our language, they can only go off your body language and tone of voice. Your actions may have inadvertently told your dog these people are something to be concerned about.

heartbroken · 06-17-2008, 01:28 PM

No specific advice to offer than what is already being posted, but:

Quote:

Originally Posted by K9Jarko

Better yet......go visit the local fire department. Firemen (who wear uniforms also) are usually great and very receptive when it comes to the public

Mentioned this thread to my firefighter husband (off duty and home today), and he agrees with the above...however...not necessarily with this:

Quote:

Originally Posted by K9Jarko

they usually have alot more down time in between calls .....unlike most officers who are normally responding to calls for service on a pretty steady basis.

He says it's dependent on the area (geographically), and may have been true "40 years ago"...but not anymore...firefighters are busy with many other duties (including consistent 911 calls), throughout their shifts even if there is not an ongoing fire to respond to.

I support the posts regarding how dobes are especially intuitive, how they read and interpret.