Not something I'm worried about particularly with my pups, but a general musing. I was just playing with Shadow and he did his usual thing of throwing himself on his back for a tummy rub. He does it so violently sometimes that I have to catch his head on the way down (like a faith healer!) to stop him slamming it into the floor. So, there I was, giving him the best tummy rub in the world, when I realised that I was standing over him in what could be construed as a dominant stance. Clearly I'm not doing this for that reason, and hopefully he realised that from the brilliant tickles he was getting, but it did make me realise how easy it is to stand in a way that less soppy dogs could see as threatening. I guess the best positive trainers must be completely self-aware at all times, especially when working with sensitive dogs, just to make sure they're not inadvertently giving off the wrong signals.
Re: Another random perusal - "accidental" dominant stances I just watch my dog to make sure he is happy, but apart from that I don't worry. Watching my dog does throw up interesting things like he is happier with his side to me, not face on (even for things like getting rubbed with a towel). Tummy rubs are one to watch, but most pet dogs are doing exactly what people think - happily asking for a tummy rub. Some dogs are scared though, and are rolling on their backs because of that. If you dog is happy, engaged, relaxed, all is well.
Re: Another random perusal - "accidental" dominant stances Yup, Shadow will wake up, yawn, wander over to me and collapse at my feet. No stress there. He's just a pansy
Re: Another random perusal - "accidental" dominant stances Tummy rubs are good things. I don't think dogs feel they're being threatened by them at all. But, then, it might depend on what you're wearing. I, myself have never felt threatened and I'm pretty sensitive. But if my wife wore any kind of uniform or anything Goth, I might be concerned.
Re: Another random perusal - "accidental" dominant stances I am aware of it the other way around too. Chepi will sometimes stand on my chest and lick my face and neck if I am lying down. It's never for a long time and I am always warey, after all, she is a dog.
Re: Another random perusal - "accidental" dominant stances Holly loves a tummy rub. Sometimes she just rolls over in front of me and gives that longing look. I have to stop whatever I'm doing and rub her tummy until she's had enough. Yes, my training is coming along just fine.
