I have never like dog-to-dog greeting on leash, because it can cause frustration in dogs. Dogs can become snarly and snappy at each other. The situation can turn ugly, really quick.
As I recently was working with two dogs, I captured a good shake-off. The male dog was tucking in the back and moving. The other smaller dog was sniffing him. Of course, sniffing is natural, and it is a dog's way of communication as they learn more about the other dog. The smaller dog was taking a little too much time. I was about to interrupt, but this did end well.
The arousal was on the rise here. Arousal good or bad is still arousal. A shake-off like this is because both dogs were excited. Sniffing should only take a few seconds. Never punish a dog for sniffing. Interrupting by calling the dog or making a clicking noise with your mouth to get their attention is okay.
Too much excitement, even when it's fun can really stress a dog out. "Good" stress or "Bad" stress are processed and experienced in both the body and the brain.
The next time you see your dog have a shake-off, I hope you have a better understanding. It's a release of excitement, in this situation. Your dog may have a shake-off when you come home, and they have not seen you all day.
These two dogs had a good time playing for 30 minutes then I gave them some calming time, to bring them back down to earth, as I call it.
Dogs can shake for many reasons, behavioral, environmental, or medical. This shake was from excitement as they both shook it off.
For more learning I have an online school now. Mecca Curtice's School mecca-curtice-s-school.teachable.com
Mecca Curtice, CDBC, CCDT, CFDM
© 2024 Mecca Curtice Mecca's All Breed Dog Training
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