Aggressive dogs are sometimes described by their owners as "protective", however, that is a poor choice of words. Protective dogs that are truly protective, know how to identify a real threat. Most dogs that are "protective" are simply fearful (fear aggressive), worried about their own dominance (dominant aggressive), or unsure about their control over something that they see as "theirs" (territory aggressive).
Dogs that are happy and confident will typically stand sideways to an aggressive dog when confronted, look out of the corner of their eyes and adopt a particular tail/mouth/ear posture. This communicates that they are friendly and not interested in harming the other dog or trying to be the boss.
Yesterday a pair of German Shepherds entered the soccer field with their owner, one of which was on a leash and whose mouth was partially restrained from opening wide enough to bite. I encouraged the owner to do a few things and soon the two dogs (his and mine) were both free, smelling and snooping. Barney simply told the other dog "Hey, I'm sure you're cool, but to be quite honest I don't need any power or possessions. You can have whatever you want, I am happy just hanging out and enjoying life. Don't take it personally, I am totally open to a new friendship but right now, you are basically irrelevant to me."
To be driven by want and desire is self-destructive. Self-esteem is really a mixture of confidence and humility. This is what we should work towards and, be aware of daily, in a world of struggle, stress and the need for things and status.
The man at the field said "that is remarkable. He has such a great disposition. What a cool dog."
Barney's greatest desire in the course of a day is to spend quality time outside in natural places, run, lay in the sun, snoop around (question things), and enjoy whole and healthy foods.
Who would have guessed my dog could have been such an excellent teacher. I only hope I can be an equally good student.
Here's to young, healthy and happy! "Woof, Woof!"
