what is your take on bi lingual dogs? - Page 3

If it helps, I am slowly working on Cirberus in Klingon for the more "aggressive" commands (starting on the word association for basics like "no growl" "smile"). 

For all the other basic commands, I am using German.  I have an issue with the German commands though, as my older dogs know only English so sometimes I give the command in the wrong language and she just stares at me like I have 2 heads. 

What is an "aggressive" Command?

If we decide to go into bitework, the commands used to engage/ disengage the helper.  If we do any protection training, any commands used to either deter, engage, or disengage an intruder.  These are all big "ifs."  It was explained to me in the beginning to make sure those commands are uncommon, even in a different language.

We are so not there yet though.  We just have "growl" (using for the "no growl" command, as we started having protection issues in August), "yes" (both in English and Klingon, for association only) and "smiling."  We will probably work on "speak" next.

All fun and games right now though.

I'm confused; you have taught your dog a "growl" and "no growl" command?  Was there a reason for this or is it just a "pet trick" like "smile?"

In August, about 4 months old, when we were out socializing, Cirberus started to growl at people that came up behind us quietly.  This was not all the time though.  I talked to YR and a couple of others and they said Cirberus was too young for it to be anything like real protection.  They said it was best to dis-courage with a command like "no growl."  I did that and it worked well.  I can tell that Cirberus is still very watchful of people in public, especially if they are quiet.  We had another instence of her starting to growl at someone approaching a couple of weeks ago.  A simple "no growl" from me and she stopped and focused on me.

It is not a loud growl and generally I feel it on the leash at first. 

That's interesting.  Is the growling that you mentioned the "protection" issue that started in August? 

Yes, Slam... that is what I was talking about.

  Swing, I am not the best at explaining.   It is when they wrinkle up their nose and show their teeth.  Month is normally closed, or just slightly open, and there is no sound.  For me it is just a "trick."  It can look pretty intimidating to a stranger though.  Again, thinking along the lines of deterring a would be intruder or assailant.  A smiling GSD will make many people think twice before approaching.

Fawndallas,
Do you think it is an inappropriate aggression issue or possibly a temperament issue?  I'm not sure I'd label it a protection issue?