Tactile Sensitivity In Dogs

[Jigsaw]

I’ve just been wondering whether there are some dogs who are more tactile sensitive than others and whether this may be influenced by breed or is it more of an individual thing. I have been working with a 10 yr old dog, maltese x who has had a vet examination and declared healthy, no arthritis (x-ray confirmed) who is sensitive to tactile stimulation. Of course not knowing his history we don’t know if there is a past injury to the area he associates with pain. With gentle work by the carer he is becoming less reactive but I was discussing this with another trainer and her thoughts were that a lot of these sorts of crosses seem to have problems with tactile stimulation. Any thoughts or opinions?

[Cosmolo]

I think some are a product of poor socialisation and lack of handling during the 2-8 week period- before new owners ever bring them home. Then, if new owners do not compensate for this adequately they add to the problem. I see it in lots of small breeds- Maltese x's, Poodle x's- all the breeds popular for BYB and puppy farms and i know many (not all) of these dogs have come from pet shops/ puppy farms or BYB's because i ask the owners. Its a big problem IMO.

Edited April 16, 2011 by Cosmolo

[corvus]

I've never met a Swedish Vallhund that doesn't go weak at the knees when you brush them. My family loves to get Erik and their Vall, Pyry side by side and scratch their butts. They instantly get the exact same look on their face as they arch their backs and go weak at the knees. They aren't over-sensitive but I've always found it interesting that as a breed they tend to be touch sensitive. I hear Greyhounds are similar.

[Jigsaw]

I think some are a product of poor socialisation and lack of handling during the 2-8 week period- before new owners ever bring them home. Then, if new owners do not compensate for this adequately they add to the problem. I see it in lots of small breeds- Maltese x's, Poodle x's- all the breeds popular for BYB and puppy farms and i know many (not all) of these dogs have come from pet shops/ puppy farms or BYB's because i ask the owners. Its a big problem IMO.

Yes, it does seem to be a problem that compounds on itself.

[RallyValley]

I have heard Kelpies have space issues while working, don't know if it's true for all of them but I certaintly found it was for Toby.