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Alrod · 02-09-2013, 07:49 PM

Hi everyone,
We recently started taking our 6 month old do a local doggie day care. He just started his 2nd month. He had been getting home care ( by me) previously. The dog is very smart and very confident. This past week I noticed that when I raised my hand to get him to sit, he cowered. And what I mean by this, is that he ducked and acted afraid. This was very disturbing to watch. Then I raised my hand as if though I was going to strike him, and sure enough he cowered.

Let me also add, that when I asked the doggie day care facility, they said that they do not use physical punishment on any of the dogs. They do however "roll" the dogs to get them under control if/when needed.

A few questions:

1. Is this an indication that someone has be "hitting" him?

2. Can this behavior be corrected or is the damage already done?

3. Is the "roll" maneuver enough to make a dog cower?

4. Am I over thinking this?

According to the facility, my dog is very well behaved and a good player. They did mention that he tries to take on the alpha roll, but I don't see what that has to do with him cowering.

Any suggestions or thoughts?

02-09-2013, 07:49 PM	#1 (permalink)
Alrod New Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 17	6 Month Old GSD is Cowering Hi everyone, We recently started taking our 6 month old do a local doggie day care. He just started his 2nd month. He had been getting home care ( by me) previously. The dog is very smart and very confident. This past week I noticed that when I raised my hand to get him to sit, he cowered. And what I mean by this, is that he ducked and acted afraid. This was very disturbing to watch. Then I raised my hand as if though I was going to strike him, and sure enough he cowered. Let me also add, that when I asked the doggie day care facility, they said that they do not use physical punishment on any of the dogs. They do however "roll" the dogs to get them under control if/when needed. A few questions: 1. Is this an indication that someone has be "hitting" him? 2. Can this behavior be corrected or is the damage already done? 3. Is the "roll" maneuver enough to make a dog cower? 4. Am I over thinking this? According to the facility, my dog is very well behaved and a good player. They did mention that he tries to take on the alpha roll, but I don't see what that has to do with him cowering. Any suggestions or thoughts?