I've decided to post in this forum because ultimately, my handling skills, ability to appropriately read/correct dog behaviour, and live with my dog Cato all came together over 2 isolated events involving alert barking (dominant posture tail up, ears forward, barking as if at a stranger) at my son (whom Cato was supervised with and got along with very well).

After the 2nd occasion of alert barking/lunge I opted to call Jason Sidener and return Cato to him. (thankfully, Jason is one of those breeders with some integrity--followed thru with the agreement from the beginning--dog to be returned to him if any problems) I had gone with a full working quality, even though my original desire was a pet quality out of that litter (were none).

My instinct told me on the first occasion with the alert bark that *something* was up...Cato's sharpness directed at my son entering the house was immediately, to me, a red flag. Why would he "go off" on my son, who was in clear view? Enough of a question in my mind, but I did platz the dog, he did comply and life went on...

...until the 2nd occasion when Cato was coming into the house, my son sitting in a chair across the room. Cato went off, and lunged. I instinctively told the dog to sit, which he did not and then DD collar was "activated" and then he was fine.

I questioned MY ability to handle this new behaviour from my dog. I questioned my instant actions, (ie: telling dog to sit instead of correcting the he@$ out of him) as in Cato's mind, he was likely corrected for not sitting...

It felt to me like I had to draw a line, if it were just me, I'd still have Cato, but since my son was involved, I felt there was no room for error in correcting this behaviour and did not trust my ability to make it right.

Suggestions on how one might handle an issue like this with a family member?

I also want to add, that it did cross my mind that if I corrected Cato for this behavior, and that if it wasn't timed *perfectly* that I could potentially correct for the warning...and then what...? Again, my inexperience talking, but have read about that (correcting inaccurately and "squelching" warning)

You did the right thing and one of the hardest because you put SO much into Cato to bring him along to the best of your ability.....

I remember all the things you asked about, all the advice you accepted, applied and made progress with and I feel for you.

Cato will only benefit from being with you Michele. And he is going to be a good dog (as he was with you) because of that.

I am sure Jason knows that and he is going to have a great time with him.

Sorry for you having to make that choice Michele. With three kids and dogs I know how tough these things can be. One thing that I could always do is keep them separated and treat every moment that they arent as training. With everything you learned with Cato it's going to really benefit the next dog when you choose to get one.

Given: What I have heard about Fetz, heard about some of his other progeny, what you have told me about Cato, the work you've put into trying to deal with the situation, and the fact that you have a son, I can't think of any other way to deal with it short of keeping Cato kennel'd up whenever your son is around.

Good luck with your next dog If nothing else, you learnt alot from your experiences.

Michele, I imagine you must be heartbroken. I'm so sorry. I'm glad your son is ok and that you were right there to deal with it. I agree that Cato benefited from being with you. And bless Jason for taking him back.

Actually, my heart is not broken...as Cato was so serious a lot of the time, so I suppose the emotional side is/was diminished so to speak. I did "writhe" a bit in the days following...took a bit to get back into the "life with cat". Ugh.

But it feels more like Cato's a working dog and has been transferred (or something to that effect).

I'm still going to club and am not giving up. It was just a situation with him and a lifestyle (potentially keeping dog and child separate at all times) I wasn't prepared for at this time.

Hoping for a dog who can be a better match for my family.

I did not mean to sound so cold in my last mail...I loved Cato, working SchH with him, his trainability was awesome. His serious side was something a bit foreign to me. I learned so much with him, heck, I'm still learning and I don't even have him.

If anyone wants to see him, there are videos at http://www.vonsidener.com The playground ones really made me smile...spent a lot of time there.

 Quote: Mike J Schoonbrood

If nothing else, you learnt alot from your experiences.

FWIW, I know I learnt from your experiences. Your experiences, some of which I'm sure Cato helped with, helped with some problems I was having with my dog. Thank you, and Cato for that.

Can I ask, what was the cause of Cato alert barking and lunging at the boy? Im interested for the love of knowledge

Mary,

I am not speaking for Michele, but from my understanding it was unprovoked. Once while her son was coming in the door in full view and once when Cato was coming in the door and he was in full view to be able to see Micheles son....

I know that if there would have been obvious triggers, Michele would have told us what they were.