The Waiting Room

The Boy has issues with spotted dogs. Dalmatians, Pointers, Great Dames, mutts with spots, it doesn't matter. He growls, snarls and wants to fight. At playgroup, the Boy will growl and chase any spotted dog that comes near him. It's frustrating because normally, the Boy plays with all kinds of dogs, regardless of breed or color.

Today, on our morning walk, we saw a woman walking two dogs with spots on the opposite side of the street. The Boy lunged, growled and was just nasty. I was able to put him in a 'down" position and get him settled.

I think the source of the Boy's aggression stems from a Dalmatian named Zoe. Every time the Boy and I would pass Zoe's house, she would bark and snarl aggressively at the Boy. The Boy would just wag his tail and continue on his walk. One day, Zoe lunged at the Boy. The Boy lunged and growled at her. We don't go past Zoe's house anymore. (Not because of Zoe, but for other reasons.)

Ever since then, the Boy growls and lunges at spotted dogs.

Is thee some kind of sensitivity training for dog with color issues? I think I will asked the Boy's trainer at daycare.