[alphadoginthehouse]

Daja and I are seeing the behaviorist tomorrow. I filled out a questionnaire but left one page blank because I wasn't sure if what Daja is exhibiting is the true definition of aggression.

She appears to be "reacting negatively" to certain situations as opposed to being aggressive

1. didn't want to be towel dried but stood completely still during the bath
2. likes to have her tummy rubbed (rolls over) but sometimes, not always, snaps
3. gets excited when playing and has bitten at my face

Opinions will be helpful.

Below is what I did NOT fill out.

For aggression cases only:

When was the first time your pet behaved aggressively?

Since that time has the behavior increased, decreased or stayed the same?

How do you respond when the pet is aggressive?

Has the pet bitten? If so, has the pet broken skin?

Have you noticed any triggers before your pet is aggressive?

Have you noticed any behaviors after your pet is aggressive?

[MyCharlie]

The word "aggression" can be interpreted many different ways so I think you should just answer honestly how you feel. In Emma Parson's "Click to Calm" she writes "Please note that I deliberately do not define the word aggression anywhere in this book. Though one can scientifically research aggression in all its various forms, and I suggest that you do, the term "aggression" in this book indicates any behavior that frightens you or makes you feel uncomfortable when it is displayed. It may be a dog that has snapped or growled once or it can be a dog that ha srepeatedly bitten another dog or a human."

I think you can answer some of the questions and leave some blank, and explain to the behaviorist why you didn't answer them all. You could answer "Has the pet bitten and if so has it broken the skin?" and then I think the last two questions you can answer regarding when she has snapped at you when petting her.

[Curbside Prophet]

Originally Posted by MyCharlie

the term "aggression" in this book indicates any behavior that frightens you or makes you feel uncomfortable when it is displayed.

I think this is a very useful definition in your case. I would answer with the behaviors you do not prefer and try not to get conflicted with what may be motivating it. Your answers, really, are to map out clues, and these questions can't be answered in the wrong.

[BarclaysMom]

I think you should give them all the information you can to work with. Let the behaviorist have all the clues so they can help you put them together to figure out the best way to help Daja. I think all those things you mentioned are important, especially if they stood out to you enough to mention them.

[alphadoginthehouse]

Thanks everyone. I will complete this page and send it on for tomorrow's appt. I know I'm trying to justify her behavior and shouldn't be. She is really very attached to me and I'm becoming the same with her. It would definitely a much quieter home without her...

[wvasko]

Yep
I always figured dog was aggressive when he had his/her teeth attached to various parts of my body. and shaking his/her head vigorously with a grin on his/her face.

[alphadoginthehouse]

Originally Posted by wvasko

Yep
I always figured dog was aggressive when he had his/her teeth attached to various parts of my body. and shaking his/her head vigorously with a grin on his/her face.

You are so helpful WV....NOT! At least I know I can always count on you for a laugh or two...do you really think farts are funny?

[wvasko]

Originally Posted by alphadoginthehouse

You are so helpful WV....NOT! At least I know I can always count on you for a laugh or two...do you really think farts are funny?

Are we now on fart aggression. It depends on whose doing the farting. It's a lot funnier if you're the releaser not the releasee.