Warning nip

[bc4pack]

Realistically... get with the vet behaviorist and then have a good positive trainer lined up that

can actually see your dog and help with whatever behavior modification plan all 3 of you come

up with... Yes some things can be worked on to an 'acceptable' level, but let's not forget dogs will

be dogs. IMO the only way to stop a behavior is to prevent the dog being put in the situation where

he can practice it. The more chances he has to practice the better he will get at it. You do your

counterconditioning/ desensitization CC/DS, teach an alternate, incompatible behavior and SUPERVISE

when kids are around. If my dog bit a kid, well guess what, that dog would NEVER be unsupervised

around a kid, nor would ANY kid be unsupervised with my dog.

 

Is it the startling from sleep or is it 'who' woke him up? Have you noticed more reactivity with kids?

 

Give him some place 'safe' to go when kids are over so that he doesn't feel the need to 'warn' others

off. He should have his own safe spot anyway, where he can go for some peace and quiet. In the

meantine why should anyone be 'touching' him to wake him up, one doesn't do that even with deaf dogs for

exactly the same reason.

 

All of this can be a pain to do. Some dogs are just more reactive than others, some more touch sensitive.You work with

what you've got. CC/DS...pet, treat, pet, treat....baby steps, minuscule steps, working below the dog's threshold.

One has to change the dog's underlying emotions...which is done with many reps and tons of tiny treats.

Check out Patricia McConnell's ' The Cautious Canine' for specifics on CC/DS available through

http://www.dogwise.com

 

Has he been doing this since he was a pup? Could be he was inadventently hurt at some point or

someone inadvertently scared the bejeesus out of him... not that it matters.

 

Again no one can really help you with specifics without seeing the dog...

 

Just something to think about...