LOL, Raven. I'm afraid there are no new alligator shoes or bag. Maybe we'll work on that next.
Ruth, you are very correct. I was looking for suggestions to make the experience go more smoothly, not for guidance about how to find someone or what I should be looking for from my dogs. We've been to Working Weekends and Shows; I've attended several temperament tests. I wanted some ideas about doing it at home.
My apologies for the delay in posting the results of yesterday's meeting with an agitator, but we were all worn out. Keep in mind that we're older....food and a long winter's nap were needed after all the excitement.
I think I mentioned that one of my concerns was with Cane's “mellowing out†over the last year or so; he made it clear yesterday that it is an attitude of calm confidence. My boy done me proud, not backing down at all. We started out behind the chain link fence, and it took both me and Debra to hold him back when Cane saw the agitator approaching the fence. After the agitator made several threatening approaches and retreats, I agreed to tie Cane to the front of the fence, with me holding the leash to his flat collar, while the agitator approached with a sleeve. Cane hit the sleeve several times, and the agitator let the sleeve slide off a couple of times, but Cane couldn't care less about that sleeve. Until the agitator moved back 15-20 feet, Cane was only interested in getting to the agitator. BTW, Cane was much more aggressive outside the fence, then he was behind the fence
The agitator (and I) was pleased with Cane's nerve. The agitator did suggest doing some bite work, but since Cane has decided to go all macho towards Ziva since yesterday's coupe, I'm not sure that we'll be providing any more opportunities for him to swagger. He's being aggressive, butting her with his head and trying to mount her. With her bad hips, that is an absolute no-no in our house, and we're having to put him in his place quite a bit.
The agitator was surprised by Cane's size. I had told him that Cane was about 170, but Erwin said everyone adds 20 pounds to their dog....he couldn't believe I hadn't exaggerated, and after seeing Cane, wasn't sure that I shouldn't be estimating him at 180.
Ziva wasn't nearly as fierce as Cane, but the agitation did provide one moment of intense pleasure for me. As expected, she had a fit and put on a great show at the stranger in her yard on the other side of the fence – until Erwin approached and swung at her across the fence mildly with the sleeve. She backed down quickly, retreating several feet to get away from him.
Later, we had both of the Filas out at the same time, inside the fence. We had Ziva tied to the fence, and we were working with Cane. Somehow, Ziva slipped her collar and was loose. She didn't run to the house, and she didn't run to the back of the yard; she just kind of stood there, looking confused. We pulled Cane back from the fence, and I went to get Ziva. I squatted down, held out my arms, and she came right to me and sat down so that I could enfold her in my arms. I was so proud of my girl. Remember that just a little more than a year ago, she came to us at about 80 pounds, a stray who'd been on the streets awhile, just a bundle of nerves, and afraid to trust.
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When she came to me for protection, showing that she has learned to trust me, I couldn't have been prouder.
As Chuck said, one never knows until a real situation presents itself how one's dogs will react, but my big old Americana Fila showed that he has strong nerves and the desire to protect his momma. What more could you ask for? Overall, this was a very positive experience in so many ways.
The agitator said that he would send be a copy of the video he made, I will post it when I get it.
Very lucky to have her.
