[gemy]

I have spoken with this situation to another member here, as part of the complexity in my household is a sister who is brain damaged/developmentally delayed - and the nub of the problem is here and her responses to our puppy Dara.


My sis has been trained for many years on how to deal with our large dogs, including commands, and command voice, protecting herself, (iw what to do when a dog charges) and our small one for that matter. But each dog has a different personality, and different needs...


So about one month ago, I observed a very distressing interaction between my sis and my young dog - just a little over a year old now.


My sister when in her firm command Voice said NO, and Dara did not move out of the way, she lifted her leg to *kick* my dog.... I was out of my seat in a flash - I was so very angry. Albeit Judy said NO and not the Command Move - Judy could not understand why the dog did not Move...


So after I settled down some 7 days later, I had a heart to heart with my sister. In no uncertain terms I said you will never kick out at any dog of ours unless your life is in danger! First of all it is cruel and instills a fear response in a young dog. Secondly the kick is ineffective as dogs easily avoid the kick. Instead stand still, cover your chest with your arms, turn slightly sideways to the dog, and have your back up against the wall or the countertop. That is your response if you feel threatened, and NOT if the dog has not immediately obeyed a command of yours.
Repeat the command, and if she still doesn't obey, ask for help. Both Dave and I were in or near the kitchen on this incident and you did not ask for help
We now have another rule, never if my sis gets home early, is she to let dara out of her crate, Magic and Razzle fine, but not Dara.


She has been reminded to call for help if she needs it. We are almost always around.


As a family we need to create safety for *all* members of our family. For my sis that means it is an absolute no no for any dog of ours to jump up on her. My sister has balance issues, and a fall would not be very great for her health and well being.


Our dogs are strictly schooled in this from young puppyhood. But puppys are well puppys.


But now I have to deal with Dara, and my hope to build her confidence back up again. on that I await further instructions from my trainer when she gets home again.