Does Your Dog Have 'Yeah But' Spots?
Having personally cared for thousands of dogs at my "custom care" kennel, Harmony Farm Kennel at Monte Lake, BC, I have known all types of dog breeds, dog traits, problems, behavior patterns, talents, and dog-analities. On my registration/information forms that all new customers fill out for me, I see a plethora of answers to the question, "Does your dog have any areas of their body they don't like to be touched?" I call these untouchable areas, "yeah but" spots, as in "yeah, you can touch me anywhere but, not there!" Oh my dog, what a variety of answers I read to this question!
Can you love on your dog all over? Head, ears, mouth, eyes, tail, mouth, paws, anywhere? If not, why not? Well, your answer may be a history of a previous incident, accident, or knowing your dog has been roughed up by another person or dog. Sometimes a dog's dislike of being touched is from an experience, while other times it is from a lack of experience, like not being handled as a puppy. Some dogs react from PTSD of an event, associated pain, or anticipation of same.
For example, a dog that has had its tail caught in a door or pulled on aggressively could become defensive of its hind quarters being touched. A dog that has had its nails clipped too close or ears cleaned roughly could be protective of anyone near those areas. A dog that's been mishandled on leash could be extra sensitive when approaching its head or neck, or a dog that has been attacked or disciplined aggressively could become very timid, aggressive, and even a "fear biter" when approached. All of these scenarios, and many more, add worry, stress, and anxiety to the dog, the owner, and anyone else coming into contact with such a dog holding "yeah but" problem areas.
Dogs can, of course, take on all kinds of defensive reactions to those "yeah but" spots being approached, including warning growls, hair standing up, tail tucks, head down, excessive licking, hiding, or even running away. If their warning signals are not heeded, often a worried dog's protective behavior will advance to completely withdrawing, biting, and in some cases, all-out attacking, making some dogs' best defense a better offense.
There are endless experiences that your dog may refer to; however, the progressive way to go forward is not to enable the problem or avoid the confrontation of touching specific areas, but to learn ways to reprogram your dog's underlying worry with understanding, reassurance, and trust.
Approach and Retreat
One lovely way I find effective with handling such dogs I call "approach and retreat." This is when you calmly be with your dog (without time restrictions) using your "heart in your hand." I like to be on their bed with them or a comfy spot where you can spend some quality time together.
Without eye contact or voice, just gently be with your dog in a quiet environment, lovingly and confidently stroking your dog in areas you know your dog accepts easily. Keeping in mind your dog's "problem area," simply rub your hand slowly and confidently with rhythm in areas away from that spot.
Slowly approach that area and before your dog reacts, retreat to the surrounding area that is "safe" from your dog's perspective. Do not take your hand off your dog; simply retreat to the area that is not affected. Keep the rhythmic motion and approach again just a tiny bit closer each time, retreating before your dog reacts.
Repeat ever so gradually and soon, to both you and your dog's pleasure, you will be stroking those "yeah but" spots with calm acceptance and reassurance.
This is a repeat process, and please take the time it takes to build your dog's confidence and trust in the love in your hand. According to how skeptical your dog is and how severe your dog's previous responses have been, this process may take two or three sessions or many more to override or re-program past associations. As long as you retreat before your dog jumps off their emotional cliff, you will be successfully replacing fear with acceptance, confidence, and actual pleasure.
It is so much more wonderful when your dog accepts and even looks forward to being touched everywhere and anywhere without fear, misunderstanding, or worry. Furthermore, having a dog without any "yeah but" spots is so much safer and enjoyable for your dog, you the owner, and anyone who interacts with your dog (not to mention the liability factor).
Believe you can overcome... you and your dog will be so glad you have! Enjoy the process!
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