posted 01-12-2004 07:39 AM         

Has your boyfriend ever mistreated Reggie? Does he like Reggie?

How is Reggie toward other people? Strangers? People in your home?

How was your boyfriend petting Reggie when he got growled at - was he standing bending over him, or sitting with him?

Does Reggie guard particular rooms, or any room?

If Reggie warms up after a day, then perhaps Rick can try always having a treat handy when he comes over. First thing he can give the treat to Reggie and play with him. Maybe that would put Reggie at ease.

It sounds like Reggie has had a lot of changes lately. While this can be an explanation for his behavior, you are right in that you need to get it under control before it gets worse.

Have you had him checked by a vet, just to be sure there is no underlying health problem?

I know there are things you can do to help with resource guarding and teaching a dog what the rules are and what his place is. A few more details about your particular situation may help.

If Reggie does warm up after a day, perhaps Rick can work with him on obedience (is Reggie obedience trained?).

Having Reggie "earn his keep" is always a good thing to do, too - make him sit (or lie down or shake or whatever you want) before he can get a meal, go outside, play, etc. Anything he values he has to earn.

posted 01-12-2004 09:06 AM         

Rick standing over Reggie and patting him on the head might seem threatening to the little guy. Have Rick approach from the side and get down on Reggie's level. Some dogs don't like being patted on the top of the head. Most dogs view someone leaning over them, especially from the front, to be scary. Reaching a hand out towards their heads at the same time is even worse.

Is there any reason Reggie would feel the bathroom is his? Does he have food in there, or a bed?

Maybe he was scared Rick would step on him again!

I would think some extra time and attention on Rick's part could help. Have him watch his body language. Get down on the dog's level, give him some treats, work him on obedience. Play his favorite game or with his favorite toy. Maybe have Rick feed him whenever he is over and it is feeding time. Have Rick tell Reggie to sit, and then give him his food. And you and Rick should play with Reggie together, too, so that Reggie knows all THREE of you are a family now.

I'm sure others will have more ideas for you as well, as soon as they wake up.

posted 01-12-2004 11:17 AM         

Try these links for helpful tips.
http://www.petsmart.com/pet_library/home_remedies/jealousy.shtml
http://www.co.clackamas.or.us/dc/avoid.htm
http://www.infopet.co.uk/pages/0130.html

posted 01-12-2004 11:29 AM         

"Dogs often appear possessive of their owners, which can be annoying when a dog latches onto one person in a household, growling at others. It's quite common for small, fluffy dogs, like Pomeranians, to decide they belong to the woman of the household. A cure for this is for all rewards to come from the man - including meals as well as tidbits. Walks can be a problem, since not all men want to be seen out with small, fluffy dogs! But walking with the man of the house can make a big difference in bonding, since the man not only becomes a source of pleasure, he also becomes the person who protects the dog in the big wide world outside. Perhaps men who feel embarrassed about walking fluffy dogs could call them 'Fang', 'Bruiser', or some other suitably butch (if incongruous) name."

I am also chuckling over the image in my head of your boyfriend (in my head he is a large man) walking around with a wooden spoon "guarding" himself from a teeny Yorkie.

As Maisey said, that would definitely be a bad idea. You are also correct in that the dog senses that your boyfriend is afraid of him. Dogs really play up that sort of thing.

I like Maisey's idea to have everything come from your boyfriend. You might also see if he will change his mind about letting Reggie in bed with you.

And if he really doesn't like the little guy, you could always get a new boyfriend. (Just kidding!)