I think maybe you've got the idea that I kind of want dogs to snap at each other which of course isn't the case!

The Clothier article explains exactly how I think

Wys
x

Oh no, i've not misunderstood. It seems to me that if/when your dog snaps, that you think it's ok. If you're happy for your dog to behave in that manner, I hope nothing serious ever happens to your dog.

She used to be defensively aggressive as she was attacked 3 times by different dogs in the space of about a month and I had to do a lot of work getting her to relax again with other dogs. She'd been socialised so well, and had previously been so wonderful with other dogs - it was very hard and upsetting to see her like that, but now she's if anything better than before the attacks. She's a very clever girl and learns fast thank goodness.

Part of good dog ownership, perhaps we'd agree, is pre empting a "situation" and I do that a lot. If there's a dog I dont like the look of I will if necessary remove myself and my dog from that vicinity.

I once had to do that as some unaware bloke let out 3 huge dogs from his van and let them go crazy - I was actually fearful for my dogs at that time and quickly (and quietly!) got them away ...

Wys
x

The initial snap as described in such situations is a *visual* communication, not intended to connect. The common stages in simplistic terms are :

1] Calming signals - Ear movements, eye movements, tail set, head movement etc

2] Audible warning

3] Clear visual warning - a *visual only* snap

4] More defensive visual snap, with more threatening posture to emphasise the *visual only* snap

5] [ if the other dog STILL has`nt backed off ], a precisely aimed bite.

You are misunderstanding the snap itself and how dogs use and perceive it within their own language. You seem to only see it as something done to connect and inflict damage.

If you are not understanding that its not what a visual snap communication is about then I am not describing it well enough for which I need to consider how better to explain it
Wysi help me out here !!!!

Could you tell me your thoughts on this example, please, Wys:

1 1/2 year old Chocolate Labrador, bought from a reputable breeder at 8 weeks old. Healthwise he's fine.

The problem is, when a dog approaches him, on and off lead, in a wide open space with no other dogs around....On lead, he reacts by lunging, snapping, barking and growling...Off lead he reacts in the same way. No food is near him, or the other dog.

....but what if the audible, initial warning in a snap injured the other dog, would it still be ok?

I prefer my dogs to behave in the manner holly did on the vid with the JRT, its the only way rottys will ever be trusted by the general public, one snap is enough to have people screaming with fear, whilst I know its normal for dogs to have a nark, its not preferable in some breeds,

That isn't the case with every dog, i'm sure.

Ah, but you're taking it to say that I am happy for her to snap away willy nilly, which is (as you must know) not true
See my earlier comment on springer which was allowed to snap too much.

As I've said, the article explains how I think. Can't make it any plainer.

It's actually not just how i think either, don't forget...:smt002

Wys
x

Oh yes, Wys, I agree that you have to be aware of situations you are in with your dog.

My Westie has been snapped at a few times, one dog even pulled lumps of hair from her neck, thankfully she didn't even attempt to fight back. She screeched and done a runner away from the dog! Even in that situation I am really glad she didn't fight back, and if she had done, she'd have been no better than the dog who had a go at her first! Snapping still would not have been acceptable, imo.