Mirrors?!!?

[Campbell Corso]

Hi Everyone,
Working hard on training and socializing Dharma. Had a loose leash breakthrough today! Yeah! But have noticed that young Miss Dharma is either trying to play with(outside) or will growl at(inside- esp. In low light situations) her reflection. Have tried to get her closer to the mirror inside with treats but with no luck. Outside she will be sit and take treats from me in front of the sliding glass door while I tap it. But, sure enough at some point later she'll try and get her reflection to play. She's a pretty smart dog. I don't get it? Any help or suggestions?

 

[Rugers-Kris]

LOL! Ruger never did that with his refelection in basic glass BUT when he was younger, he would go crazy threatening the dog in the mirror. So much so that I had to watch him so he didn't slam into the mirror and attack that bothersome creature. Now he doesn't seem to care about the dog in the mirror BUT I still have to keep my pedestal mirror covered completely when he is trying to go to bed because he doesn't care for that other dog being in the room while he is sleeping. LOL

 

[Smokeycat]

Kryten was always ok with mirrors, almost as if he knew it was him. His reflection in a window however did set him off a few times. I think it was being able to 'see' that dog outside right next to the house. I took him out to show him that there was no other dog and it doesn't seem to bother him anymore.

 

[Iymala]

Betty would go up and lick the puppy in the sliding glass door reflection. Claymore used to give it a low rumble then check it out. Both only did it two or three time then figured it out.

 

[DennasMom]

Denna likes the pretty girl in the reflection. She'll stare at it and lick it, too.
She's not vain... oh, no... not Denna!!



I always thought dogs didn't care about things in mirrors, because they didn't have a smell... Denna's our first dog that ever gave the dog in the mirror a second glance.
I'd either ignore it - and let your pup figure it out by herself - or start putting treats right next to the mirror... and let her take her time to find and retrieve the treats (no noise or encouragement from you - just let her figure it out). Hopefully it won't take much for her to 'get' it.

 

[Campbell Corso]

Thanks for all the thoughts and suggestions. Love the photo! Trying treats today and tonite. Will see if one is easier/better.

 

[DMikeM]

Jade used to love to try to play with Mirror Jade then one day she cracked the sliding closet mirror. She still watches Mirror Jade sometimes but she keeps her distance. But reflections in glass can set her off pretty quick. Sometimes I stand behind her when she tries to focus on a reflection and I stare back at her. She gets pretty pissed at Mirror Mike so I don't push it to much.

 

[cookiedough39]

LMAO @ Denna....no, not vain at all

 

[Catia]

Tessa got pretty excited at her reflection-totally curious-did a stand back wait & observe thing--it was cool to watch.

Now she checks herself out daily & gives smooches to the mirror Tessa.

When we are walking, her reflection can catch her off guard sometimes if we are walking next to buildings with large plate glass windows like storefronts. Usually she'll catch the reflection in her peripheral vision & just stop, give it a look over & move on.
I suppose Tessa finds the pooch on the other side well mannered & non threatening. Sometimes she will want to backtrack & do another 'look-n-see'.
I think if she were guarding & saw that in a reflection, her reaction would be different.