Iggy is a highly intelligent but hypersensitive dog; causing him to be aggressively reactive to situations he deems threatening. They can be as benign as wiping his paws or applying flea & tick medication, to meeting new people, other dogs and food possession. He cannot be taken for grooming and the vet visits require massive dosage of sedation. Iggy loves to have his head rubbed when he wants them. But, he also knows his own limitations and lets you know with growls that he is done. However, there are times with his favourite people where he wants to continue to interact but is worn out but keeps coming back for more only to growl and show his teeth. He detests car rides and has started to get aggressive when you need to put on his lease. He loves his walks and has no problem with the lease at that time. Iggy’s safe place is his kennel. When he has been aggressive, he immediately removes himself and goes to his kennel or any other space away from people. When Iggy has determined a person as safe, he is so excited to see them & interact. However, it takes about three days for him to accept a new person into his life. Food possession has always been a problem for Iggy. We have managed to get this behaviour under control, however anytime he thinks his food is under threat (our other small dog in the vicinity of his feeding area) he displays his displeasure and has to be reassured his food is safe. Iggy has learned to go to his waiting spot while the food is being placed on the ground, he only goes to his food when he has been given the okay command to go to his food. Iggy is respectful of other dogs’ food. When our little dog is eating, Iggy does not interfere. In so many ways Iggy is trainable, but unfortunately, his unpredictable nature has made it very difficult to assimilate him with family and friends.
