sneezing

[Sheltiesr2cute]

Just a quick question, whenever I sneeze my male sheltie attacks the other dogs, and when they arent around he will go after a human. He only does this for me, when any one else sneezes and he is fine.

Becky Mom of Bristol, Charlotte and Phoenix

 

[Emmasmom]

Yep - my male, Liam will do that. I think because it startles them, they react and feel they need to protect. Emma comes to see what is wrong.

Interestingly, Noah always walked away from Dad when he sneezed but always came to see what was wrong with me if I sneezed.

 

[Caro]

I agree the sneezing is startling. The biting other things is redirected aggression - he can't attack the sneeze so he attacks the closest thing to him.

You could practice some flooding techniques. Just keep sneezing, even tape the sneezing, and get him used to the sound. If someone can help you they could give him a treat or get his attention and treat him when you sneeze. Redirected aggression can become a habit so you need to break the cycle.

 

[dblock]

I've never come across that. My Beau does sneeze so hard sometimes I think he's going to break his nose the way he slams it on the floor back and forth.