Do dogs have a temper?

[Chris]

Do dogs have a 'temper' like humans?

I seen this a number of times with Ty, first time at 8 weeks old.

Last night while watching a farming program on TV Ty rushes and barks at the farm dogs. I grab some treats and get a push out of him. He settles down but then the next minute he rushes to my side and air snaps/ pushes at the cat that had seen the bag of treats and was heading for them. Like a kid saying "Don't you dear touch those, they are mine'

I've also seen this when he gets to play with a dog (not many play with Ty) and if the dog tells him to back off he does this air snap 'temper tantrum" act at them again as if to say "Don't you tell me want to do"

So am I just looking at this in too 'human' a mode or can they have a temper?

[Lee Charles Kelley]

I would try to think of these behaviors as indicators that something is throwing Ty's emotional balance off. When we label behaviors as simple personality quirks we're less able to see what's really going on, plus we're less likely to try and change them. After all, if it's just part of his personality, there's not much you can do, right?

Also, instead of using the pushing exercise to redirect Ty's energy during the TV programme, try praising him instead, or tossing a chew toy for him to chase and bite. Pushing should only be done outdoors.

LCK

[Chris]

Hi Lee

Many thanks for that, I didn't realise we shouldn't push inside.

I'll have a chew toy ready. I have been praising him in those situations after reading your article and it does seem to calm him.

[neilsattin]

Yes, I'll write a little bit more about this separately, but it is preferable that all of your "work" with your dogs be outside, and inside you try to keep things as chill as possible. It IS something that I mention in the DVDs - I think it's in the FAQs.

HOWEVER, that being said, all of the things that you mention, should you catch them happening in the moment, are opportunities to use the technique of redirection with Ty. In this situation a push or two might be fine indoors (when you are redirecting) - but ultimately you want to transition that energized state into something acceptable in the indoor environment. The down/stay is great for that. So typically I might call a dog's name "Ready, Ty!" and get them to come to me for a push, and then transition my dog into a down/stay (handy if you have a "box" right there, or a doggie-bed - something to define the space for your dog). And then feed the down. Ultimately that's how you want your dog to handle being energized when indoors, by being even MORE rooted to their position.

"Temper"? No, I don't think so. But what you are seeing is the cycle of being energized, charged up, and needing something to do with that energy. The groundedness of an energized down is the perfect antidote.

[Chris]

Thanks Neil that's most helpful.

As we live in a very small cottage I'm quite strict with the dogs being on their 'mats' inside so yes these episodes of Ty charging at the cat or TV to bark are like a sudden build up of energy. I will make sure I get him settled back onto his mat ASAP. I have noticed over the last few weeks times when I thought he'd break and chase the cat etc but he changes his mind and stays on the mat or stands up then lies down again so hopefully he's getting the idea and getting a handle on his energy.

[Valerie]

Neil, What do you mean by 'feed the down'? Do you mean literally with a treat or praise? Or something else?

Also is pushing the way redirection should happen? Or are there other things that can be done?

I bet this applies to my question which I'll post in a separate thread.