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Originally Posted by kismet  Sounds like you are on the right track. She sounds a bit under socialized but it is great on the most part that she is non aggressive. Flashing her tummy is the "highest" form of "I am your friend" and or "You are superior to me." Is there a way she can play with others every so often? The ideal doggie message is "I am equal and would like to play", bumping butts, touching each other's flank in a standing position. There are two behaviors often an undersocialized puppy will present, Very aggressive and anxious play and tummy flashes. I much prefer the tummy flashes because an aggressive neurotic dog can actually get killed because it sets off aggression from other anxious dogs. I have a new 4 mo. old yorkie that I am socializing now. The breeder would not even let me have it until 4 mo. mostly because she was very small and she wanted it to have very high confidence in her pack of several dogs. She is a charmer and when she sees other dogs she does not know she dips down and wags her tail like crazy. That's very confident. Keep going out and holding yours if she is going to be real crazy and reinforce that you are the pack leader and will gently mold her into proper pack behavior. That is my thinking and good luck. Lucky dog you have. |
Yea, I've been looking for the "right dog" for play sessions, but unfortunately, she just overwhelms most dogs (even the big ones). I'm really hoping that the intermediate class will bring about more and a variety of dogs. I think that's what she really needs. The class she was in was a puppy class and we didn't want to freak the other puppy out. The other puppy was a chihuahua and already really shy. The trainer was afraid that it would do more harm and good for her. Unfortunately, that meant that poor Emma couldn't really play. Towards the end of the classes though, Emma and the chi started to get along and play off leash a bit. It's just hard because I don't have 6 weeks to be able to do this with every dog she comes into contact with. LOL I'm optimistic, however, that she'll be fine. It does seem that she's starting to "get it."
Thanks again for all your feedback and support!