Pics of Ruger ( aka Prince ) - Page 4

Very, very nice looking pup.

"Then, to other Packs (outsiders/strangers) he is strutting his stuff like a John Travolta, telling them just how important he is!"

Ridiculous; dogs do not raise their hackles because they are over-confident.

Ridiculous?   Perhaps I should expand .......

Hackles raised indicates fear, aggression or excitement.

Hackles raised from neck to tail is often sign of insecurity.

Hackles raised around the shoulder area (along with ears erect and tail high) is indictative of confidence.

Equally sometimes seen in young dogs who are unsure of their situation and therefore unsure how to react.   Needing as mentioned, clear defined leadership to define his required behaviour and produce confidence in himself and with Owner.

Sometimes merely a bluff, but will excalate to aggression if cornered.

With the overall picture that Ruger has provided, a strong, assertive dog presently lacking  clear decisive leadership, can easily become overly self-assured and confident to those around him, but not in a well-balanced way, more in a cocky type attitude.

(Text as mentioned too, is not necessarily ideal in communicating all that we require or intend).

Regards,
Vixen

"Hackles raised indicates fear, aggression or excitement."

Assuming that's true, which do you think is more likely in a 5 month old pup?

      Vixen and Keith Grossman.....

                 Thanks for your posts...also I would take you up on your offer Keith Grossman ..lol but I live in the northeast part of the US. Bet that is just a little too far from where your located.

                 I did not mention this in my previous posts but I think its worth mentioning. There has been a few occasions that Prince has appeared to be ignoring the friend, visitor or whoever ...but when  they turn  to walk away he will bark, growl and go toward them. I always have him on a lead so I do not know exactly what his intent is, but I  have an idea. I do not even want to guess why he would do such a thing when a persons back is turned. 

                                                                   All thoughts welcome....thanks everyone...Ruger1

Assuming?  (Seem to be repeating ourselves here)!!!

If your question is with the notion that a "five month old pup" is just a baby, then you are sadly overlooking a dog's natural instinct to develop according to his nature and the development of his Pack.  When would you assume he is suddenly going to 'click in' ?????  (Even when still in the litter their games are part of learning their skills).

Yes, Ruger I do recognise the scenario you have added regarding a dog that will allow people into the home, but react strongly as they attempt to leave.  However, I am not in a contest with Keith (or anyone), and the sitting back with: "Thank you, and what about this, all thoughts welcome", is becoming tedius, (when do you make a commitment and suggest your thoughts on the current input, to make improvements, and/or query/clarify regarding your intentions to the how's and way's)?  There seems to be the impression that I may want to continually prove my profession, no sorry I am not playing the game.   Listen to Keith or "everyone".


My Regards,
Vixen

.                   Vixen,
              
                   

                    It never occurred to me that there was a contest of any kind between you and Keith. Just people sharing  opinions...not a super big deal. As far as the :Thank Yous, What Abouts, Thought's Welcome:, I was just being polite.I am also very interested in everyones opinion with regard to the things going on with my pup.... I am sorry, but I do have a tendency to ask a lot of questions,,,,did not mean to be tedious. I hope I am not chasing folks away...

                                                                                  Ruger1