I
sorta get what you are saying
@shadash I understand that given there is no aggression you feel the dog would be 'soft' enough for therapy? I can only speak from my experience with Buddy and the thoughts of 'therapy dog' has crossed my mind more than once. My heart warms at the thought of bringing my dog to a nursing home or hospital to put a smile on someones face with my dog. But, as far as I've come with him, I still imagine him cringing at noisy carts in the hallway, being nervous at the intercom and balking at a group of outstretched hands. lol Just walking him down the hallway would probably be traumatic for him. But then again, when have I ever had the chance to try that ?
I just don't see him being confident enough to do it. I don't see him strutting along as a confident, friendly, 'hey, how you doing?' type of dog. He's friendly, will lean on anyone and doesn't have a mean bone in his body. But I know how wary he can be too. I don't see him doing well in a crowded hospital room. He'd be looking for the exit. lol And try and get him to up to a hospital bed? You'd be dragging him, front feet digging into the linoleum. lol Try and push him anywhere and I get that. And he's dead weight. I can coax but not push.
Yes, maybe with time and more exposure/training he would 'dull' to theses distractions and warm up to the environment ....but IDK. He
can be such a sweetheart! But he can also still be a chicken shit. His confidence in high when chasing a squirrel! And even strangers that I allow into the house he will lean on! Like an auditor I had not too long ago. I had to practically chase him away! (Buddy not the guy! lol ) But too much commotion and I can see him ducking away.
He's not aggressive at the door, just excited curiosity. And sometimes a PITA. We seldom have unknown visitors out here so working on greetings at the door have been minimal.
I've seen a few Dog Whisperer shows where even Cesar says its very difficult working with a fearful dog. I'd say it's a lifetime commitment. But IMO training never stops anyway.
The fearful dog will avoid the children and slowly interact with training/rewards. A more aggressive dog has to be monitored at all times around children.
I get that too. And I could agree with you except for one thing. I still would never leave any dog alone with children. Even Buddy and
believe me, he
Loves the kids! But you just never know if one decides to get on top of him or something (anything!) and he freaks and can't get away. I always worry about a bite just because he was freaking and couldn't get out of the situation. Because, like you said, he would most likely avoid them if he feels threatened. But if he can't, well, I don't want to find out. I just monitor, monitor, monitor!
