posted 06-26-2003 01:05 PM         

One last little thing..I don't think this applies here so much because you said he acts this way with everyone who comes to your house...but... My dog Dooley when only 6-8 months old was at the barn with me, a man who was a friend of the families(so I thought) where I board my horse was there, Dooley instantly did not like him, the man kept trying to pet him, and Dooley made it very clear this was not an option. I asked the man to back off, well he just couldn't seem to let it go.."all dogs like me". I put myself between him and Dooley and restated that he should just let him be, he approached anyhow and Dooley came unglued, barking growling and jumping back in front of me. I had him on a leash and had control of him, so nothing worse happened but I thought it strange that he would dislike this man so much and love everyone else. I later found out the man was the ex-husband of a family member and was quite violent. I think Dooley just sensed something about him. I now trust his judgement better than my own. Always keep in mind that your dog doesn't HAVE to like every person, he may have a reason for being uncomfortable. Although he doesn't have to like the person, he must listen to you and follow your dirction. That comes with training and trust.

[This message has been edited by Maisey (edited 06-26-2003).]

posted 07-12-2003 02:42 PM         

I think I missed your reply...I have been doing county fair with my kids and their horses all week and before that was getting ready to go. Kills me every year, it's just exhausting! Anyhow...I don't think your puppy is ruined forever, but I think it's going to take time and patience. I also think that sometimes all the socialization in the world isn't going to completely change the part of a dogs character or temperment that he was born with. Just like people we all have our quirks. My mother can't handle being in a crowd of people, she becomes a Bee with an itch if anyone touches her on accident or otherwise. Some dogs are the same. Some are more protective than others etc., you just have to do the best you can with your dog, keep working at it, know his limits and respect them. You can identify a problem or area that you think needs improvement, like socialization with your dog, set goals and make a planned effort to make it better.

I may get flamed for this, but I'm going to say it anyhow.... I also have people who are scared of my dogs based on appearance. I actually prefer this on most days because it means they are more likely to ask before approaching or touching my dog. Of course there are always the people who don't have a clue and just reach out and touch him. I choose to look at either instance as an opportunity to educate people. I can talk to them about dog behavior in general, specific breed traits, explain why my dog may have his hackles up etc. Some people just don't understand the basics, some people don't realize that THEY are invading my dogs space (and mine)I can also explain "dog ettiquette" to them (as in: it's not ok to touch a dog without asking first)

"We all want dogs that are wagging tails and eager to meet people" or do we???? When I let my 14 year old daughter take my dog for a walk at the park or around the block I don't want just any old stranger to be able to walk up to my daughter, my dog would not allow that, his body language would tell a stranger to keep a respectable distance and I am grateful for that. I did not bring either of my dogs into my home for the purpose of gaurding or protection, and both are socialized and well mannered around strangers, but I understood when I got them that by their breeding they would most likely find protecting their family and it's belongings a part of their job. I knew that I was going to have to be the one to teach and train them the boundries of this job, they would have to learn an acceptable way to do this. When I am with my dog he listens to me when I say "enough" or it's "OK". He learned this by training. He may still have his hackles up and do a quiet little whisper like "huffing", but this is him telling me, "ok I hear you, but am still not comfortable with this person". In the people world it is not ok to walk up to a perfect stranger and hug him or brush the hair out of their face...so why would anyone assume it's ok to do this to a dog? I am not a trainer...I am not an expert, I expect my dogs to be well behaved and mannered in public and at home, but I also expect people to offer the same respect to my dogs and I have no problem telling them so. That being said(in a very long winded way!)...I put ALOT of effort into taking my dogs everywhere to get exposure to everything, they still have times when they feel overwhelmed by people or other dogs and they tell me in their own way. I respect it. Introduce your puppy to people and dogs in a safe way and in many varied situations and places, do it often. I forget if you said you had taken an obedience class...if not do that, it will help. Educate yourself and then other people, know your dogs limits, respect them and make sure other people respect them, identify areas in your dogs training that need work, set a goal and a plan that will enable you and your dog to accomplish it. I know I rambled on...coffee and allergy meds, but I hoped this helped a little. Just know that it will take time, persistence, consistency and patience now. Smiles, Maisey