this is too cool! canine intimidation 101!!!

This happened just a few minutes ago while I was walking the dog. Our regular route takes us past a house that has a large golden. This golden, who is probably the gentlest dog with it's family will charge any dog that she sees going by and growl at them. And she's often off-leash in her yard. We went past that house tonight, and not only was the dog in the yard, off leash, but there was no one around, either. She saw us and charged with a growl. My dog, who is not very confident to start with, backed away immediately, but I stepped in for her. I took a step towards the dog, squared my shoulders and gave her the most authoritative, deep growl right back. The dog screeched to a halt and FROZE in her tracks. She had this "what the..." look on her face and didn't move A HAIR. I kept an eye on her as we continued on our way, and she didn't move AT ALL. She sat, then lay down, but it was in the exact spot she stopped. and this is the 2nd time I've done that... to the same dog!!!

Thanks for sharing!

LOL you're the Alpha Dog in your neighborhood!

"this is too cool! canine intimidation 101!!!"

EXCELLENT!!!! This is a training trick that I use with my service dogs in training. The dog has most likely never been properly socialized. Keep up the growl sessions. You'll most likely find that one day this golden will totally ignore you all together.

Please be aware that this doesn't work with all dogs--some view it as an aggressive act and will defend themselves.

This reminds me of how I have the gift to bark like a dog. Sometimes when I'm outside I get the urge. . . and can get the whole neighborhood going
My kids say I must have been a dog in my past life.

Please be aware that this doesn't work with all dogs--some view it as an aggressive act and will defend themselves

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- Snouggie's Mom, don't worry, I know. As a groomer, I've discovered this by trial and "error", and I would NEVER growl at a dog I don't know. I know this golden. I've petted her (when my dog is not there), and she's not aggressive. I think she's just trying to intimidate us... and it's not working.