Dutch Shepherd Forum

Dutchringgirl wrote: ↑Sun Jan 20, 2019 5:23 pm when Sadie is shaking and cowering in the corner of the couch, neither of my other dogs went to go to her.

Steve Gossmeyer wrote: ↑Sun Jan 20, 2019 5:35 pm

Dutchringgirl wrote: ↑Sun Jan 20, 2019 5:23 pm when Sadie is shaking and cowering in the corner of the couch, neither of my other dogs went to go to her.

That's because they are assholes and should be comforting her lmao

Dutchringgirl wrote: ↑Sun Jan 20, 2019 3:15 pm they do have emotion, that is not the discussion. Sadie smiles, they love to get attention etc. It is when they are showing fear and we tell them that its okay. That petting them and telling them that 'its ok" really lets them know its okay and not to be afraid , or , that it reinforces the fear response.

Steve Gossmeyer wrote: ↑Sun Jan 20, 2019 4:28 pm If a pack of wolves encounters a bear that has cubs and shes pissed and they have to fight and one pack member shows fear and cowers the rest of the pack is not stopping to comfort that animal

TimL_168 wrote: ↑Mon Jan 21, 2019 3:03 am

Dutchringgirl wrote: ↑Sun Jan 20, 2019 3:15 pm they do have emotion, that is not the discussion. Sadie smiles, they love to get attention etc. It is when they are showing fear and we tell them that its okay. That petting them and telling them that 'its ok" really lets them know its okay and not to be afraid , or , that it reinforces the fear response.

I understand the logic and the reasoning. I agree. I think it makes sense to let the dog know that it, itself is going to be ok. And I think you do that best by focusing on you and redirecting.