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About Christine (Chris) Vassonei, APDT
Expertise

I have NO MEDICAL background. If your question pertains to a physical concern about your dog -- that is, you think your dog may be sick, whelping problems, trouble breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive urination, excessive drinking, heavy drooling, unexplained physical symptoms of ANY kind, etc -- YOU NEED TO GET OFF THE COMPUTER AND CALL YOUR VET IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT WASTE TIME WAITING FOR AN EMAIL RESPONSE!!! Your dog could be having a medical crisis!
I answer questions pertaining to training of all kinds, behavior, grooming,etc. I am qualified to address questions regarding basic training issues; crate training, housebreaking, behavior management tools, basic obedience skills. You may be interested in visiting: http://bad-dog-good-dog.blogspot.com/ www.housecalls-dogtraining.com

Experience
Past instructor for Puppy and Behavior classes for the Humane Society of Missouri. Have been a trainer for over 10 years, both in private in-home sessions and in classroom situations. Have participated in obedience with one of my goldens, titling her with a Companion Dog title. Both of my dogs earned their CGC title and were certified as therapy dogs through two separate organizations. Currently involved in local golden retriever rescue. Am currently serving as an "expert" in the Golden Retriever, Dog Training, and Canine Behavior categories.

Organizations
Dirk's Fund Golden Retriever Rescue, www.dirksfund.com

Education/Credentials
Going on over ten years of private and public training; instructed with Humane Society of Missouri and South County Obedience.

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Veterinary Medicine > Dogs > Behavior

Dogs - Behavior

Expert: Christine (Chris) Vassonei, APDT - 10/26/2009

Question
Dear Ms. Vassonei, you were kind enough to offer several terrific suggestions to me earlier this year regarding leashes. I have a few challenges, I'll try to be concise. I have a 2 year old female Lhasa Apso. We rescued her in Jan. #1) She still lunges & barks & growls when she approaches another dog, both dogs on leashes. On occasion, she won't do that on the approach, but will go up to another dog, and after 2 seconds of them looking at each other fairly close up, she then will lunge and bark & growl. #2) On leash, when strangers kneel down to meet her & say hello, she'll attempt to snap at them, and if they don't get their hand out of the way, they'll get bitten. Oddly, and again on leash - she's often done this with our neighbors, who a week or 2 prior, she was as friendly as could be with them. These are my 2 biggest issues at the moment. When time permits, would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks much for taking time to read this.
Steve Ellis

Answer
If I understand correctly, she exhibits the behavior only on leash?

Don't know if I sent this to you already, but this is a good article:

http://www.moellerdog.com/resources_aggression.htm

You may wish to look into having a trainer come to your home and work with you and the dog personally. A good place to begin looking is www.apdt.com

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