Re: [PyrNet-L] dominance/aggression

["Janice Swenson" <janices@texas.net>]

Really, really, really.  I have a tendency to have my dogs outside
on long lines when I'm working and doing stuff outside.  There used
to be a rottie who jumped the fence across the street.  One time I
had my older pyr (she was younger then) on her long line and the
rottie crossed the street onto my property coming up toward me. There
was nothing threatening about him at all.  My girl didn't know this
dog and she just sat and watched.  The rottie never posed a threat
so why should she do a thing other than watch.  I took the rottie
back home.  I didn't know the rottie either other than knowing he got
out from the neighbors.  I could go on with countless other times
like this.  I also never had to tell her anything to tell her it's
o.k.  I've also had them outside and I'm working and kids riding
bikes and playing across my yard and people walking up and talking to
me and the kids who can't listen to momma and ask permission and want
to hug the big white dog.  She's taken it all in stride.  I've only 
seen her around twice in all the time I've had her go into a 
protective stance and when she does she rolls right in front of me 
and sits and just looks as if to say you don't cross me.  In these 
cases she was perfectly warranted.  

I've tried to do this same thing with my young boy.  He's still 
supervised much more because he's still learning.  I do a lot of 
training and proofing against situations like this so I don't have a 
pyr flying off a handle for no reason.  I can't proof them against 
everything, but I don't think telling a judge in some courtroom 
when today's society is lawsuit happy and dangerous dog law crazy 
that the breed is territorial and dominant by nature will get you 
anywhere.  

Janice, janices@texas.net
Admiral & Linsey (newfs), Bianca & Sonny (pyrs)  
http://lonestar.texas.net/~janices/
Leander, TX
Visit Old West Newfoundland Club's website at  
http://lonestar.texas.net/~janices/ownc/