RIP Bandit

[Dsix36]

Granted that Lieb might be wound a little too tight for some peoples comfort but he is still a great dog. He runs at me full speed while barking and showing teeth, but his tail is in a playful wag the entire time. I just lean down and reach out to pet him and he will immediately settle down to chewing on my hands and arms. He has learned that I tolerate a lot from animals and really enjoys the interaction. Like stated earlier he can be mouthy, but he has never actually bit me or even caused pain. He is just a sweat baby dog in a big scary dog body. Don't get me wrong, I think he could be extremely protective of Kate and Adam though. Certainly not a deterrent from stopping at my favorite shop in cave county.

[ramrunner]

rest in peace you fluffy doggo ....

bandit ftw.

[Sludge]

but his tail is in a playful wag the entire time.

Make sure you know the difference between a "tail wag" and a "tail wave." If a dog's tail is low and quickly going back and forth, that's a tail wag, but if it's held high and slowly going back and forth, that's a tail wave, which isn't a good thing.

[MitchHarrington]

Someone really needs to bring this concern to the attention of the new owners. I have extensive knowledge in the handling and training of dogs and can tell you, based on what I'm reading here, this could turn out badly. Both for the owners and the dog.

[rddvet]

Make sure you know the difference between a "tail wag" and a "tail wave." If a dog's tail is low and quickly going back and forth, that's a tail wag, but if it's held high and slowly going back and forth, that's a tail wave, which isn't a good thing.

You?re exactly correct. The behavior the dog is showing is one that can easily be misinterpreted by someone that doesnt know dog behavior extensively as being ok. Unfortunately what I have seen in its behavior is a warning sign of nervous/fearful aggressiom. Alot of people see a shepherd and think the behavior is normal because they?re ?protectors?, which is entirely incorrect. Even trained police k9s dont typically show that behavior.
I think 20 years as a veterinarian gives me a pretty good ability to differentiate safe and potentially unsafe behaviors. As Mitch says, the owners really should be made aware. It definitely wont be me. I dont really want to bring my work into my dive days and based on my experiences with the owners it wont go well anyway.


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[MitchHarrington]

I agree rddvet, that conversation won't go well. I am absolutely positive it will go better than the conversation that follows someone feeling threatened and them feeling like they need to protect themselves.

[FW]

This thread has been closed because it has gotten way off topic.