-
I love training sessions like this! So much is going on, so much to analyze, and decisions by you, Roxy, and Vetra are all happening dynamically and quickly. So educational!
I want to start off by mentioning that this video demonstrates why it is so important that FSDT is set up so that a trainer needs to understand aggression, body language, obedience training, etc., BEFORE being able to tap into the potential of every dog, especially in an efficient manner that allows the training to move along.
I think @roxy91 adjustment went really, really well, and I think she did great. On the very first rep, you can see from her body language that roxy prompted the emotional reaction of suspicion that you wanted. From there, there is much to analyze about Vetra’s past exposure and associations, what the prompting from you the handler may mean to her, etc., as you see her go through mixed emotions and do things like sit or lie down while trying to figure out what is really going on. Is this really a threat, a game, or something else?
This is a GOOD thing, in my opinion. It shows thoughtfulness, although that obviously makes it harder to prompt a truly defensive or fight reaction than it would be with a more naturally suspicious or fearful dog. However, it absolutely does not mean the potential is not there.
Back in the day, before I discovered the power of true protective aggression toward a bonded owner, a flank was the only real way to deal with this. It showed the dog, yes, this person is a threat toward YOU the dog. However, that is in no way as effective or reliable as teaching the dog that the threat is toward their person, not to mention the stress and controversy of going the route of the flank.
Going back to the threat being focused on you was definitely the right choice, and I think focusing the threat on her is mostly a dead end that can cause more setbacks than good. When she does not react, you may accepting almost anything that looks forward from her, even if it may be playful in nature.
I would suggest only having the agitator approach her after it is clear that she fully understands what the beatdowns are about and is confident in how that process goes. Then, turning the agitator on her becomes about the agitator actually coming for YOU, who happens to be behind her, instead of Roxy needing to battle with the taboo of a conflict solely between her and a random person. You want that purpose to be established. That is my opinion, based on the way I interpret it, at least.
