Hi all

I posted about this a few months back, but it has gotten worse, i go to calss on a tuesday and he is fine. But when we go to a wednesday class he growls at rotties and huskys. A rottie came up to him one night and went right up his butt, and ever since he has growled at them all. I had to take him out of class tonight as ive never been so imbarested in all my life. he growled at the rotties as usual, and then he calmed down when the owner of the rottie gave him into trouble, which was fine by me. Then the husky came in, and he started all over again, but this time he was worse, and i had him on a choker tonight and i just pulled on it and told him NO, in my firmest voice. And then i left, as a few people werent very impressed with him.
Can anyone give me some advice on how to habdle this, as he is getting a very big boy for this, and is very strong.
He isnt my first saluki, i had one about 15 years ago, with no probs at all, i think it could be just his age, but would still like to keep on top of him.

thanks in advance

kelly and the very spoilt malki

ps that could be the problem

Fingers crossed Kelly someone can offer help.

I have know malki for 7 months and never seen him doing this till tonight at class.

I have to say though I won't be back to that class as for me there was far far too many dogs.

I was stressed never ming the dogs.

I don't think it is that wait and see what the rest think..

Keep your chin up..

Pam

Kelly,

apart from the rottie coming up to him before, has he had any other negative experiences?

Theresa

Hi theresa

Not that i can remember, He is very protective towards me, which doesnt help, i dont think. He is with me 24 7.

kelly and malki x

Kelly, I still think it is his age, and he will calm down but not yet. You will have to avoid the situation where other dogs become too familiar. Can't you ask the trainer at the club to ask the owners of other males to give you a bit of space, I don't mean a wide birth but just make sure that their dogs don't challenge yours or stare him out. Try to be aware, very aware of your dogs feeling when approached by another dog and if you feel a problem coming on avoid a problem either by diverting his attention or get up and move away. If you can avoid it happening it will eventualy settle down, he may never become the sort of dog who wishes to mix with other males but he must learn to ingnore them, and if they stick their nose up your bum, that is hard. Because of recent events on this board I will not venture to offer correction advice, but will say that your dogs behaviour may not be aggresion it may be fear of the dogs who stare or approach him, let him know his behaviour displeases your but don't be violent back. If you can see that he is about to growl say no or leave and move away if he stops praise him. Ask the class trainer for help they are on the spot and can see what happenes if they don't seem able to help try another club. Sorry to ramble trying not to upset anybody on the board. Ja:)kie

Kelly Are you talking about ringcraft classes if so and it is the one I used to go to on a Wed the hall is very small. IMO Rotties are quite starey dogs my Boxers did this and were forever getting growled at. Also if my memory serves me they have similar face markings to Hovawarts and a friend who bred those says that the face markings made other dogs react as they thought they were challenging. Huskies are also a bit strutty just the way they move they can't help it. This may contribute to why but isn't much help in stopping it. I think advice given so far is good don't over react to the situation. There used to be an obedience class in the Glen Pavilion on a tuesday, the beauty of that is that the hall is so big he would have plenty room. You could explain to trainer that you are showing so would rather stand him as far as I know Liz still takes it and she is very approachable. Just some thoughts as I know what it feels like to have a dog who is apprehensive of others Anne

Anne, I have to be nosey and ask you if you have kids etc..I know of 2 Anne Stewarts for Fife and Just wondered. My maiden name is Moir.

Pam

Pam, No no encumbrances either men or kids just dogs :-) that was my first smilie I am proud of it.
I worked in the libraries in Glenrothes for years then in Kirkcaldy many people of a certain age know me by sight. If you would like to see a piccie of me and Una older Beardie go th Bearded collie Club site and scroll down to 1998 Scottish agility show pics and there we are. I have been around in dogs for a loooong time I am very ancient, have attended obedience class that used o be at Balbirnie on Mon night and both Tues and Wed ringcraft but not for ages. Anne

Hello Kelly,

You say ("He is very protective of you") - and that is your problem! People like to interpret certain behaviour as being 'protective' - sadly it is the dog feeling he has complete control of the Owner! His status is quite high, and consequently feels able to exert himself where and when he chooses, which as you have found out gradually increases.

Because he feels he has power and control over the Owner, he now looks to extend that control, i.e. other dogs (and may even bark OR pull/move away from people when they say hello) - (Remember in a dog's mind the Owner/Pack Leader is the strong one, the one who protects the others).

Ask your Trainer for advice and information to regain your authority and status with your dog. (If you are simply told to go through doors first and eat your meals first - then reconsider your Trainer)!

Regards,
Denise.

Alternatively it could be that he senses the owners tension, and is actually uncomfortable/afraid of too much familiarity challengfe from other dogs. the Husky may get his back up because of the extrovert confident manner, which he finds hard to cope with, and lets face it rotts just have this aura of power about them.

He is probably lacking in the sophistication to deal with this closeness in a relaxed manner, and puts on a tough display, to keep them away, wheras he actually is afraid of them.

You must tell him firmly no when he does growl/act up, but instantly switch into a jolly hockey sticks voice and manner, so that he sees you are not worried. He feels your tension, and it confirms to him that there is something to be worried about. In fact it is his behaviour you are worried about, but in his mind he thinks you are worried by the other dogs, and he does it all the more.

Keep a loose lead, but obviously short enough so that he cannot reach another dog should he lunge. Also if others are crowding your dog, just say, excuse me your dog is making mine uptight, he is an unsophisiticated adolescent and needs to learn to be comfortable around other dogs.

Trouble with not seeing the dog in action, is we can only guess at the motivation.

The behaviour may be the result of fear, or pushing his luck. You need to be sure which it is, as if it is the first then being too hard on him and undermining what little confidence he has may be counterproductive, whereas if you let him get away with bad behaviour, and he is getting above himself, more authority from you will be needed.

Hi all

Thank you all so much for your replys, i think it could be that he is scared of the rotties and the huskys. They do have a lot of confidence when they walk in, and he could feel threatened, i didnt realy think about that until you lot said, DUH, lol . The class i go to is a small hall and is just in the next village, i stay in glenrothes, the trainers!!!! well some of them are not that great, and have no idea on how to handle a hound never mind a crabit saluki lmao. So i dont know if i should change class or keep going to the same one for a while, and see how it goes. I was so mortified last night at his behavour, i came home and cried, sad or what????
He seems to be fine with his own breed, as i was at the SKC on saturday, and he wanted to play with the once he met. Also the dogs that he played with at class on a tuesday, when he was younger, now he is a bit funny with them, but now they are all bigger???????? Can i use the halti at class to run up and down????? i wouldnt like to start it if he will be confused at shows,

kelly and malki

Sorry forgot to say, yes i am a bit tense, as i am always on the look out for him to start. He loves to have treats at class, so i could try and get his attention on to the treats at ALL TIMES instead of just when we are standing to get our turn.

kelly x

Kelly, perhaps you should stop going to ring craft classes, you know what is needed in the ring and you could practice on your own with the dog. It may be better than getting yourself and your dog upset. Try and find another club with more understanding trainers as you could be doing more harm than good both to the dog and yourself. If you are showing it may be that entering more shows even if you dont have classes would be a better training ground as people should be more inclined to keep their dogs under control. All the best.
Ja:)kie

Class is in the victoria Hall yes? That was where I thought it might be I must say I have never had much advice offered at any ringcraft class I have gone to. I know it is very hard not to get tense how about some homeopathic remedies for you and dog I have tried several remedies also Bach Flower essences and find them helpful.
Anne

Could it also have been hotter than usual in the hall???? It almost sounds as if his reaction was a combination of factors.... his tension, unease from you, dislike of the other specific breeds there, and being crowded in there. If it was hot, that could just have been the straw for his camel's back ;)
good luck,
toodles :Cool:

Hi Kelly

Not a lot of help but did you notice if his feet were leaving footprints in the hall - if a dog is stressed its foot sweat glands gnerally come into use. This is one way of telling if a dog is acting in a certain way because it is nervous or because it is bolshy.

Christine

Bolshy????? as in Bolshy Ballet? ;) ;) ;)
Sorry, couldn't resist the punage. Just never heard the term before. Must be proper English :)

'Tis proper English Sara, and no 'U's. Ja:)kie

Hey,
don't feel bad! When Bruce called me bolshy I thought it was a compliment lolol! I know...stupid American.
Love ya,
Suzi

Hi, Luv,
Just read this...you know I haven't been through all the boards yet, but am trying.
How are things going now with your saluki? I would really like to see a full pedigree on your boy. Is there any way you could make a trip to me for me to give you some help with him? You know I am more than willing, especially since he is a beloved LUKID, lol.
You could stay with us if you want.
This sort of behavior is part of the fear stage I told you about. By the time he is two this behavior WILL stop.
My Navarre was just like this, and HE even growled at judges. I could feel his throat rumble when I was setting him up. I solved it by taking him EVERYWHERE with me, and asking everyone to go over him, I mean strangers, friends, anyone. I could correct him sharply just with my voice that way.
I haven't been to any ring craft classes here, but the obedience class I have been to is rather strange to this old American broad. Slick floors, no mats and all the dogs running hither and yon. Very noisy too.
Let me know how things are going now, and will try to help any way I can. I also have a great support network of breeders and judges I can put you in touch with.
I know you sent me who your dog was by, however I need about 4=5 generations to see what's back there. There were a lot of Srinigar dogs and a lot of Jen Araby dogs sent to Australia, so likely will be familiar with the dogs and can see if you are dealing with anything that is genetic.
Give your spoiled rotten beloved luki a kiss.
Love ya,
Suzi

Hi Suzi, was that affix supposed to be Saringa, by any chance?

Hi,
No the prefix is Srinagar, owned by Winnifred Lucus. As an aside, Afton Lucus was the first woman to have a child by the Genius Spermbank...resulting in a very bright brat.
Love ya,
Suzi

Hi again Suzi, I only mentioned it cos we have an affix here owned by a lady named Jenny Dove , who breeds Salukis and Wolfhounds and its Saringa, very similar, in a funny sort of way :D

Hi suzi

I dont have any other problems with him, not with judges or starngers, just at this class i go to on a wednesday, and if he sees rotties and huskys at shows, and he just growls at them, as they are in a different ring to us, Thank goodness, lol. He is very well behaved at home, and most of the time when we are out walking. Where do you live, as i live in fife.

kelly and malki x

Fingers crossed Kelly ...Saluki sounds right..

Pam

I am Malkis breeder if you would like his pedigree mail me personally.

I have bred Salukis in Arabia before the u.k. The two from the same litter I kept have no problems. but pm me and we can chat

Sylvia

Hi Silvia,
Why do I know your name? Have you been to the Egyptian event in the last few years. It rings a bell.
Yes, we saluki folk will chat personally. Will e-mail you now.
Love ya
Suzi