Would like an understanding to stop cage protection - Page 1

Ok, here we go: Problem - Mali, 1.5 yrs, all the training in the world as you know, but when she is down in the ward and she is in a cage., someone will go by, look at her and she will growl. I get told about . So far I have not been able to reproduce it, when I stay in the other room and have someone walk by her. I have been very sneaky trying to set her up. This type of reaction bothers me. Helpful ideas please.
Always,
Cee

I don't understand the problem?  This is completely normal behavior for a dog to be "defensive" in it's cage, vehicle or kennel.  As long as the dog isn't being aggressive to you I don't see a problem.  You can tell the people that walk by to stop bothering your dog.  You can cover the crate so the dog can not make eye contact with people walking by.  

What is the ward that she is in?  I am not familiar with what you are doing with the dog.  Perhaps those that are complaining are doing something different when you aren't around and that is why you can't duplicate the behavior.  

This type of reaction would not bother me at all.   I would be more concerned if someone walked by and made eye contact or tried to approach my dog in a crate if it didn't have a reaction like this, especially when left alone.  It would be difficult for you to sneak up on your dog and the dog not know that you were there.  Perhaps I'm missing the problem, to me it is normal.  

Jim  

I know it's out of character but, I'm going to have to agree with you here Jim.  If, in this case someone is making "eye" contact with the crated animal, I also see no problem with the behavior.  In fact, being as it is a Malinois, again, I see know problem with it.  Are we saying that we want this to be a moosh pet for anyone to come up and play smashy face with???  Get another breed!!  The dog has become very popular (in my opinion again, too popular) because of it's biting behavior, and now you want to take it away.  Get the right tool for the job, don't force a hammer to be a screwdriver.

Hi Jim,  the ward area is where the clinic allows employees and students keep their animals when we are here long hours. They are all very highly reactive pets making lots of noise.  Now because she is a working dog she is in the quiet ward.
I would hope that the one that complained did not do anything stupid because I should be able to trust everyone here. This type of reaction does not bother me either, but I do like your suggestion of the cover over the cage. I was thinking the same thing,  just needed to know my feelings where the same as others. Thanks Jim you have come thru for me.
Always,
Cee

Here's another idea,,,,leave the dog at home

Hi Phil, I have the right dog for the right job, just others who want to see every dog as a ( I really laughed and spilled my coffee)
play smashy face with  :)   because that is all they know and work on. They do not usually work on the rough and tumble dogs. When the different departments come thru for yearly exams only a few people are allowed to work on them.
Always,
Cee

Sorry Phil can't leave the dog at home, I have to use her, but thank you for the suggestion.
Always,
Cee

Phil,
I thought we always agreed or at least when you are spot on we agree.  I thought the only thing we don't agree on is choice of breed, but I do love Mali's. 

Mali's can be  a little funny when someone makes eye contact with them and will absolutely react to it.  I have a buddy who had a Mali as his K9.  I could approach the dog's kennel and even pet it through the fence.  This is a very serious proven street dog with many street bites.  The dog will push his body against the fence and let me pet him, then turn his head up and slightly to me.  He will look at you through the corner of his eye and let you pet him and seem to enjoy it, until you make eye contact.  Then he explodes, turns and goes for your hand in a flash of brown Mali lightning.  The first time he did this I was a little surprised, but I noticed him giving me the eye and was quick to get my hand out of the fence.  After that, I would go up and pet him and look away and not give him that eye contact and we got along great.  

I also like the "smashy face" analogy, LOL.

 
Jim

All went well today, no issues, loves the curtain.  Too funny today it was the Rotties and a smooth coat collie that were having eye contact reactions :). 
Always,
Cee