I was reading "Canine Body Language: A Photographic Guide" by Brenda Aloff and she gives a "Training Tip" on page 115 that got me thinking.
She says that some people discourage Butt Sniffing, while others allow their dogs to Sniff (too long or too close). She says that while extremes are not ideal, that dog handlers should allow the dogs to meet before entering each other's personal space. She mentioned "such as a dog show".
Now, when I'm in class or at a show, the last thing I want is for my dog to be looking at the other dogs or getting some intimate sniffing going on. I keep them focused on me. I (respectfully) don't let them get too close to other dogs. I've not had others come up to have their dogs sniff mine, either.
So the question is - What do you do at class or at show - allow sniffing and interaction or not? Reasons?
Angela,
I 99% of the time do not allow Cody to interact with other dogs in training/class. In dog shows -ABSOLUTELY not. He has to be focused on me, not on the other dog that seems more fun than mommy. No way!
AFter training sometimes we let the dogs socialize but during training and before training, never! Sometimes the socializing is good, so they learn how to interact among each other and are maybe more relaxed this way, but before training and during a class or at shows -NO WAY!
i would agree with Paivi here, during a show or training class, your dog needs to be focuses soley on you. Their is no room for butt sniffing or distractions. While socialization is very important their is a time and a place for it.
No, I don't allow any sniffing or interaction at shows or when training. Besides wanting to keep attention focused on me, you never know what might happen. We have designated play/socialization times.
I do not allow interaction. I don't allow Kenya to interact, nor do I allow others to interact with us. The exception to the rule is dogs we know who are with us, or people we are getting to know. If we go outside to the designated potty area, I might give more lead and allow for sniffing, only if others are doing the same.
If I know the other dogs at class and the other owner allows it I do let mine interact when we are not doing anything. I also do this at shows. Most of the time I am crating with friends and all the dogs know each other anyway.
I don't let them interact with strange dogs ever. They can tell when it is down time and work time.
I usually do not let Kayla interact with other dogs during shows prior to her time in the ring. I will allow her to socialize with other dogs who have also completed their time.
At class, we limit the socialization to breaks and after class.
I forgot to say for class we go early and let the dogs run in the 10,000 sq. foot fenced area before hand and then after class, all the non-reactive dogs are let off leash to play. The owners with reactive or aggressive dogs are very good at managing their dogs and the owners with the other dogs are respectful to keep their dogs under control and wait until the other dogs have left before the playtime begins. Kenya used to be one of the reactive ones. She's not really reactive but the play was too overwhelming for her, probably all the strange people moreso than the dogs. Now she is part of the "in" group and I can let her play without incident. The boy dogs all do this parallel play where they are each playing with a toy, but not with each other, while Kenya runs around taking toys from the boys and giving them to me!
This is a little tough because when people come at us letting their dogs into our space, if we rip our dogs away, then we are sending the signal to our pups that there is something to be afraid of here.
On the other hand, I really do not want my dogs sniffing at other dogs whether I am in a show or at classes.
I prefer to keep my dog to myself in the pet store as well, but depending on who I have with me, I am a little more free there.
So if someone rudely allows their animal in our self-space I will generally allow a bit of sniffing, then I end it by saying "Good Hello" in a final way. If the person does not take the hint and pull away, we move on.
If I have a dog who I am not sure of, I will block contact and tell the nutcase something to the effect that I do not wish doggy relations to happen.
I just got back from a 3 day obedience trial and with the blizzard and all, it was close quarters. All dogs have to absolutely obedient about ignoring other dogs. I have to say the Doerak snuck in a sniff or two, when I wasn't looking, but everybody was saying "leave it!" Anyway, I agree with everybody else.
*LOL* This just made me think about the trial we were at this weekend. There were several of us all lined up against the wall area and whenever someone would come by with a dog you could hear, "Leave it!" "Leave it!" "Leave it!" all down the row as the dog passed. Pretty funny, really.
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