Belly Up

[lpowers50@yahoo.com]

Hello,

Hope this is the right spot. Just a bit of background in case it matters. I have a 1 year old BC that I've had since he was about 9 weeks old. We have met with Neil a couple of times and have been using NDT since he was about 7 months of age. Before that a couple of puppy classes, socialization and a bit of NDT, mostly tugging or hide-n-go-seek while on our walks in the woods.

This winter we have just enjoyed building our bond through tug, fetch tug, relaxing and just a little pushing...it's way to cold outside! He's voracious with his tugging and lights up when he sees his tug toy.

Question portion here.

Typically he'll settle right down (in the snow) after a good game of tug/fetch tug. (Keep in mind the dedication of sitting with him outside as it's been quite cold in Vermont this winter.) We do calm petting along his head, neck and back for several minutes before a bit more tugging.

This week he's now settling down and rolling over on his back very splayed out waiting for belly rubs.

What is that? Is this a sign of stress/no stress? Are we still on the right track?

Hope someone out there has some input...

Leslie

[rudy]

That's very cool! And great!

That is absolutely perfect!

It's my goal for my pup to relax enough to roll over for a belly rub. Kevin told me that the degree that Lou resists relaxing and belly rubs is the degree of panic/resistance still in him.

Great work!

[lpowers50@yahoo.com]

That is such a relief! Thanks so much for responding, I couldn't figure this one out.