Turning Away From Me

[Carol and Banjo]

I'm hoping someone may be able to give me insight into something Banjo does that sort of bothers me and I'm not sure what it means.   He will come over and sit next to my chair and stare longingly at me (which I think is SO CUTE!) but as soon as I reach to pet him (usually on his neck/chest area) he turns his head away from me.   I'm just not sure what it means.   He doesn't leave....but he immediately turns his head away.  It's like when I'm petting him he acts disinterested....although he seems to enjoy it because he stays around for as long as I'll pet him.    What is this?????

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Respect-- Courtesy --Proper Greeting.....and he probably wants scratched behind his ears.

I am sure throughout the day someone will find you articles about eye contact and proper greetings for a dog.... I'll be back around 9am and get some for you if you don't have them by then. But that is what I think you are describing.

[Carole (*Koda*Monty*Bindi)]

Maybe he's trying to show you his "sweet spot"? I know that once you get to Gaston-Cramer's "sweet spot" he'll go into a trance of sorts and gets a glazed look in his eye.....I guess anyone looking at him would think he's disinterested when in fact he's in la-la land! LOL :)

[shelly]

Hmmmm, Carol... Tori does this too.... mostly with my husband.. He calls it "rude" and "snobby".... lol (I called it 'jealousy' on his part - lol)... but now that Joanne mentions it... I have a friend who's dog won't look her in the eye AT ALL and turns her head even when my friend picks her up face to face... Respect, huh????? Now I'M jealous!!!!- lol- I'll be peaking in later on today... off to work -

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

There's actually quite a bit of info out there on eye contact. Here's one that I liked..

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=1649&S=1...

When he comes and stares longingly at you, IMO he's using eye contact as one way of communicating that he's looking for attention (and it works - that's good). Once you actually start petting him, he's used this communication tool well, and he probably sees no need to continue to look at you. Who knows....that's just my guess. As I think about this, I get great eye contact from Guinness. Whenever I call his name, he will always come and make eye contact, but we've been through lots of training together. He will also sustain eye contact for quite a while. With Murphy, it's not as strong. He will often make eye contact for just a minute and then look away. It doesn't feel like submissiveness at all. With Murph, it feels more like distraction....he's thinking about other things. One of the things I'm working on with him is increased focus, so I might see that change.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

In our dogs world what you describe it proper etiquette--I guess for a better term. Be glad he does not want to sniff your bottom first. Your dog understands direct contact as RUDE and Aggressive on your part. A nice brief moment of looking at your dog's eyes is okay, anymore and the dogs sees this as a negative response from you.

If you greet a dog you do not know, always turn sideways as in a HEEL position with the dog. Extend your hand and allow them to sniff. The new dog will think you attended the Miss Canine Manners Class!

Dogs really do not greet head on.. or they get their face bit off. They turn their heads in respect.

[Denise & Hunter!!!]

LOL LOL Sniff your butt - Joanne you crack me up and can I tell you EVERYDAY Kelsey asks if she can come back to your house?! LOL

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

COME BACK! He had the best time too! I could see the thrill on his face ( he is so expressive) to have one of those little people play chase with him. No rules, just play in my house. He loved her.

Last night as he slid across the coffee table playing baseball bases as I call it... I thought of you.

[shelly]

Hmmmm. This is food for thought in our training with 'visitors'... (STILL on THAT topic here)... maybe if I have people come in and greet her that way... maybe she'll accept them better???? Worth a try!

[Susan and Sasha]

Yes Shelly...that will help...
When people come to visit...it is usually helpful to ask them to "not pay attention" to your Doodle when they first get there...
Don't make eye contact...don't look at them...don't say hello...don't pet them...etc...
This gives the dog an opportunity to calm down...and get use to the people being there.
After a while...when the dog calms down... the company can then pay attention to them.
This is a very helpful way to have visitors come...and have it be a much more calm and pleasant experiance for everyone...(smile)

[Susan and Sasha]

Hi Carol...
I read some very good articles from Colleen Safford.
She has a great column called Dog Speak...and it will answer your question...and more.

Banjo is not trying to ignore you...he is actually trying to communicate to you.
Dogs do it all the time.

When a dog turn his/her head...they are just needing a little space...just trying to feel comfortable.
Sometimes looking straight into the eyes can be a "little too intense" for them....it has nothing to do with their love or respect for you...just feeling comortable in the situation.
Every dog is different...some are more laid back...some a little more intense...but...all dogs have the same communication...and it is Very different from ours.

She goes into what type of petting.a dog likes...and why and where...and helps us to understand what makes them tick...and not view them from how we...as humans would think or feel.
You can actually communicate back to your Dood...giving a sigh...a yawn...a head turn...letting Banjo know "things are safe".
Sasha often comes to me for "pets" while I'm sitting at my desk...and I'll pet her...while I keep on doing my work...(smile)
No eye contact there...but it's a bonding time and she wants to be near me.
That's the Ultimate in Multi-Tasking!! lol..

Here are a few more things you might find interesting... When A Dog Does This...They...
Yawns...he may be stressed and confused (that is...except when they just wake up from a nap (smile)
Shakes (like they just got out of the water)...this is a way to calm themselves
Lick their lips...they are uncomfortable...can be agitated
Scratches at Collar...anxious (except if they just might have an itch of couse...smile)

I hope that you and Banjo enjoy "Many" wonderul bonding times together...
Have a Wonderful Day...


.

[Carol and Banjo]

Thanks Susan...I found some very insightful info on her site and will read more throughout the day. It seems like it's a never ending process of getting to know your dog....I love it and get a great deal of pleasure out of learning how to communicate effectively with him. One of the interesting things I just learned reading her site (although I'd suspected it but just didn't know) was that when a dog scratches at his collar he's showing that he's anxious. Over the summer we were out alot in very public, busy places with lots of people coming up to us to meet the dog and although Banjo appeared to enjoy this.....he would very often be scratching at his neck when 1st approached. It wasn't with everyone though. So, now that I know this I'll try to observe under what circumstances he does scratch...the overly enthusiastic person....the high pitched baby talk lady....the gaggle of kids.
As for his turning his head when he's sitting next to me getting his "scratch"...I'm just not sure about that. He appears to enjoy his scratches and when I'm done he'll either continue to sit there or will lie down. He is surely a "velcro" dog! As far as eye contact....we've been working on that too lately. He's very good with that when we're "stationery" and not so good when we're moving. That's what I'm trying to work on now.

[Adina P]

Maybe he wants a walk.