As we said in a thread a few months back most of us agreed that fearful aggression is probably one of the most difficult to handle (if memory serves). Well we've been working on this problem with Sheetza, we've gone to the park a few time with friends and since she's very wary of strangers we will usually have them give her a treat. Up to there its fine. The problem is why are people so inclined to pet her on her head?!? Its the one thing that makes her react aggressively too! I mean doxies aren't very big, can't people think for a second and guess that maybe a HUGE hand coming near her head might frighten her? Its not rocket science!

Aw well, guess we just have to keep telling people: No Petting... sorta frustrating

Yes, this is very troublesome ... You need to be VERY INFACTIC that they do as you ask or the proble may get worse.

I correct any human that pats one of my dogs on the head. There are several ways they enjoy being touched by humans, but those head taps aren't one of them. Most dogs will tolerate it, but like it? I don't think so. And with any dog afraid of hands, it's a BIG no-no.

Ya definitely have to keep reminding people not to touch her head. Its going well with some people though, she's absolutely fine with them touching her so its a bit of progress!!! Sure glad that we gather at the park every sunday! I mean the group is big enough for her not simply to get "used" to the same people

yeah that is frustrating...
maybe you can just put a sign on her collar that says "please dont touch my head?" hehe

schnauzkyLVR wrote:

yeah that is frustrating...
maybe you can just put a sign on her collar that says "please dont touch my head?" hehe

Actually that wouldn't be such a bad idea!

None of my dogs have ever showed any signs of being hand/head-shy. Weird. Esp. Gizmo, a pet on the head for him turns into an all out make-out fest with your hand..lol.. Do you think there's a way to get her used to it? Such as handling her every day, and rewarding each time you pet her on the top of her head? Maybe if she realizes that a head pet means treat, she won't think of it as being so terrible..

PappyMom wrote:

None of my dogs have ever showed any signs of being hand/head-shy. Weird. Esp. Gizmo, a pet on the head for him turns into an all out make-out fest with your hand..lol.. Do you think there's a way to get her used to it? Such as handling her every day, and rewarding each time you pet her on the top of her head? Maybe if she realizes that a head pet means treat, she won't think of it as being so terrible..

Ya we are trying to do something like that, since the aggression is only triggered when a stranger tries to touch her head we've been taking her to the park to get socialized with some of our friends. But we've got to start small which means no petting of the head but unfortunately this is the first thing people wand to do.lol.

Aww, well, wish we lived closer! I'd be willing to help you work with her! I'm not afraid of nippy pups..lol.. I love working with them. I had a 'people aggressive' 20 lb min-pin mix, sitting for me, cuddling with me, and letting me pet him within a night..lol..

Are you going to start with all people, or with females first? Idk why, I just know that most dogs are more prone to aggression with males rather than females.

PappyMom wrote:

Aww, well, wish we lived closer! I'd be willing to help you work with her! I'm not afraid of nippy pups..lol.. I love working with them. I had a 'people aggressive' 20 lb min-pin mix, sitting for me, cuddling with me, and letting me pet him within a night..lol..

Are you going to start with all people, or with females first? Idk why, I just know that most dogs are more prone to aggression with males rather than females.

Actually I'm not really sure...she seems aggressive with everyone. Although we've had a breakthrough with two friends who can now pet her...lol both of them are guys though