German Shephard

Question
Hi there, I have two german shephards a boy and a girl both are not neutered. The boy is 2 and a half the girl is 2. They both have a very placid and friendly nature and have never been trained to be agressive or be guard dogs. I am completely confident leaving the dogs with small children and knowing that they would never do anything apart from enjoy the attention, even if the kids were pulling on their tails etc. They are that good natured. I have 8 acres for them to run around in and they are well exercised and happy dogs. Recently I have bought a 4wd vehicle which they are stoked about as I sometimes take them for rides in it, but lately a couple of times they have jumped in when I told them not to. I get the girl out no worries, and then get my male out but he tries to stay and so pulled him by the collar and told him to get out. He gets out but has snarled at me on two occasions when this has happened which is out of character. The dogs know I am their master and are generally always very obedient to me but I dont like him snarling at me as it seems disrespectful and wonder if their is some psychology going on that I don't understand. The last time he did this today, I told him off and looked unimpressed with him and he immediately followed me around looking sheepish and wanting my approval, your help would be really appreciated. Thankyou in anticipation. Regards,

Austen

Answer
I would train "getting off" the four wheeler as a behavior that he learns to do on cue. And you may want to get more consistent about training in general. Sometimes with dogs who are mostly well behaved, we slack off on training, and then at times, they don't understand that they need to do what we asked, because we haven't practiced "asking." A lot of dogs are really resistant to having their collar grabbed. It's unpleasant, and maybe a little scary because it can cut off their air and make them anxious. So I teach collar handling as something that gets treats. I also wouldn't punish the snarling, as it is a communication which is a lot less unpleasant than a bite. If you punish the snarl, it may go away, but the discomfort or dislike of being grabbed by the collar would stay. And then you have a dog who has no way of warning you that he's uncomfortable with the situation other than biting. That's the LAST thing you want! Sandy Case BFA MEd CPDT www.positivelycanine.com