This is just an idea that has been rolling around my head. I have observed over the years that the kids are more respectful of me than Kim. And that trend appears to be followed by Spotty.
With Spotty it's different of course. And it's more a matter of her learning to follow commands from the kids. But on some level I thinks it's an instinct to obey the Alpha male.
The problem and challenge is teaching the young kids better behavior with the dog. They don't realize it but their behavior is what triggers her aggressive instincts. So while my instinct is to protect them and punish her that's wrong in many cases.
I have to restrain that impulse and take as much time teaching and training them, Daniel especially, as I do the dog. Because it's her instinct to bite, bark and growl when wrestling or feeling threatened. So I have to teach them how to play without threatening, rolling or throwing toys etc.
And last I have to realize that we don't all have the same relationship with her. Not expect her to respond the same to me as the kids. Just like the kids react differently to Kim.
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