Our aikidogs

It has been raining almost constantly during the whole weekend, which makes long walks with the dogs less attractive. The fields also become extremely muddy so we try to avoid them during wet periods. Not that I am lazy with cleaning and drying dogs, we simply do not have any convenient way to clean them from the mud outside, or inside for that matter. I guess that is the disadvantage with being apartment dogs for the time being. Therefore I have tried to arrange as much nice indoor activities as possible, like searching for hidden treats, some clicker training and nice bones to work on.

Saturday we had an aikido marathon here in Tivon, 6 hours aikido, 6 teachers, non stop. The dogs came with us since we decided that Barak is not ready yet for 6 hours alone with Goshen at home. We tied them up nicely in the gym hall and after a while both settled down. Then of course people don't use their common sense and went up and talked to Barak when he was tied. That goes well at first, but when you turn your back he might either charge at you barking or try to nibble you a bit. Yoram got frantic after Barak's first barking outburst, but I calmed him down, moved the dog to a corner and all was fine.

Unless you are well acquainted with dog psychology and behaviour it is strongly inadvisable to walk up to an unknown dog that is tied. This dog is in a very vulnerable position with nowhere to escape and if the dog is the least insecure and unstable, this can lead to defensive aggression. For the exact same reason you should avoid unfamiliar dogs greeting each other tied down or on too short leashes since this also limits the freedom of expression for the dogs. Most cases of dog aggression occurs in dogs that are on the leash.

Barak is not an aggressive dog, but he will try to dominate anyone he feels is weak. This involves nibbling, pushing and intimidating. Real aggression involves real bites, not nibbles, but of course ignorant people will not tell the difference. Barak is still not completely stable in his new pack and therefore still takes matters in his own hands sometimes, but I can see more and more that he seeks guidance in us for how to act in different situations, which is very promising.