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Head Shy Question
Collins is pretty head shy. I'm not sure if this is the right way to put it but basically, if you go to pet her you need to start with either her chest or her back and work your way to the head. Once she's gotten a good rub down she doesn't mind if you pet her head, just don't start the process there or she dodges you.
I'll admit sometimes I forget this and feel mean. I'm thinking this is just part of her personality/because she's pretty skiddish in general. We've had her since she was like 7 or 8 weeks old (rescue's best guess at her age) so I don't think its from some experience before we got her.
Is this something I need to be worried about or just something to be aware of and teach this kid and future ones we may have to start with her back (which I know I should do for "strange" dogs anyway)?
I was thinking about it the other night cuz with Ziva, if you reach in her general direction she raises her head to your hand like "You will be petting me" Someone likes attention.... lol
Re: Head Shy Question
Sorry, I don't know Collins' story - is she new to your family?
Reaching over a dog's head is a threatening gesture to them. It's always advised that children either scratch a dog's chin, or pet them on their back/sides, never patting their head.
It's not an indication that she was abused in the past, just that she lacks confidence and/or trust in you.
I always teach children to approach my dogs (or any dog) from the side and never the head or face. I show them how a dog would not like it by taking my hands with fingers outstretched like a kid would do and thrust them at their faces, towards their eyes (no, not close), but they immediately see how that can be frightening to a dog.
We've had her for over a year. Its just something I never really thought of till now. Other than when I forget I'm just used to going to her back or chest at this point.
I honestly don't remember if she was like that before I got pregnant.... and now that I think about it I don't know if she does it with DH or not. Gee thanks Collins. lol. She's been ornery lately as well so who even knows at this point...
That is a GENIUS way to approach it! I love it and will have to remember that.
Ditto everyone. I know this is a common behavior/reaction for rescue dogs...but also in general, its good practice to not approach/or pet any dog this way.
That being said, it is SO easy to forget that! I admit, I catch myself doing it. Its a hard habit to break, its almost instinctual for us as humans to pet on the head.
I also try to teach/guide as many people as I encounter about the "right" way to pet a dog. But, like I said, its a hard habit to break, & esp hard when my dog isn't head shy.....
Anyway, GL!
I'm a little late to the party and it seems like every one has covered it, but, not head petting and approaching dogs from the side are two of the topics covered in Patricia McConnell's The Other End of the Leash. I'm reading it now after hearing about it on the board; so far it's fascinating. If you haven't read it yet, and you have the free time, you might like it.
Interesting suggestion. I'm getting ready to be doing a bunch of travel over the next month or so and was thinking I need a good book or two.
I 2nd this book! I wish everyone on the planet would read it!
I used to have an Aussie that was so head shy, she'd duck down when we drove under freeway overpasses! She never outgrew it, so I wouldn't worry too much. Directing others to approach her from the side was the ticket to her trusting people. Good Luck