Adopted a new dog and she doesn't like any dogs or people outisde of my house. I got her 2 weeks ago and she's approximately 2 years old and was being fostered in a home with 2 other dogs. She's great with people who come to my home such as family and friends (she's shy but warms up quickly) but when I walk her she barks at other people we come across and barks and growls at other dogs. She acts as if she wants to meet them and even whines - but when we approach them she acts aggressively. I have tried letting the leash go but she runs right up to them and starts barking. Strange thing is she's not like this inside the house AT ALL. Anyone come across this with their dog?
2006-10-26 08:46:15 · 13 answers · asked by misha515 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
You dont say what kind of dog she is... but here's my theory... we have had similar cases... I think your dog is protective of you... if she gets between you and the other person or animal and barks to get it to stay back. She does want to meet the person or animal, but then her protectiveness of you kicks in. The reason she isnt like this in your home is because YOU let the people in the house meaning it is ok for them to come in... when you are out walking her... you didnt let the people in or invite them or give her signs that they are friends not threats as you would do at your house even if you dont realize you are doing it. Try having a friend of yours that she hasnt met yet walk towards you while you are walking her and when he/she gets close enough, say hi to your friend and introduce him to your dog and your dog to him. Then have him/her walk home with you and invite them into your house. See if that makes her a little less agressive acting towards those you pass on your walks. Good luck & Thanks for adopting!!
2006-10-26 08:52:48 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no way to answer this question with out seeing the dog in action. Too many factors. The dog is NOT trying to protect you though. Many things can lead to this behavior. For example when doing protection training we teach a dog to bark at the decoy and he runs away thus building his confidence. We then start adding a command to that behavior and reward it. The dog could have weak nerves or have a low defense threshold where he perceives people as a threat. He may have been out at some point before you got him and something happened to him and he's reacting to the situation and the list could go on. In order to give any solid advice there needs to be more information about the dogs body language. that way we can see if it's a fear response, dominance, or so on.
Someone mentioned a gentle leader They may be ok for light pulling but i would not recommend it for this. There is not enough control and if the dog should lunge it pulls his head down and back. Very easy to hurt the dog. I would recommend a pinch collar well before that. I would consult with a trainer in your area who can see the dog displaying this behavior and set up a plan to correct it. I would stay away from group classes at this point as most of those trainers are not skilled enough to deal with this type of problem (some are but most 90% are NOT).
2006-10-26 09:27:06 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You know that is a risk that you take when you adopt a dog. I have a Min Pin that I adopted and he has some characteristics that I don't approve of-but I love him so I look over them. Everyone is always saying "don't breed, spay/neuter your dog or cat, adopt." But some animals from the pound have issues and you do NOT know how they were raised or anything about them. When you get an animal from an infant at least you can raise it and train it they way that you want it to be. Just keep yours on a leash at all times outside to be safe.
2006-10-26 14:10:48 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She feels safe at home, outside the world is unpredicable and scary, and so the dog acts out.
I recommend a gentle leader, we use this on my lab mix.He was a rescue, and had issues with walking. It gives you more control over the dog, and if you adjust it, it can prevent the dog from opening its mouth enough to get a big bark out. They are not a muzzle, and are comfortable for a dog, and aide well in training, you may eventually not have to use it.
www.gentleleader.com
2006-10-26 08:50:13 · answer #4 · answered by Nikki T 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my dog is like this all the time. the way your dog is behaving is normal. all she wants to do is keep you all to herself. she is expressing protective behavior. if she was in a shelter then a foster home she thinks she may not stay and that she does something wrong. try to get her outside often and around other people(and dogs). she will get used to it soon as long as you show her you aren't going to give her up like has happened so many times before.
2006-10-26 08:59:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try going to a dog park where there are lots of other dogs. Maybe she needs more socializing. Watch Dog Whisperer when you have a chance. He has dogs like that on the show all the time.
2006-10-26 08:52:04 · answer #6 · answered by Bestie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
some dogs are very protective outside of their home. I have the same problem with my dog. If i walk him and he sees someone (especially a male) he goes crazy, non stop barking. My vet told me he is just very protective of me and is letting them people know it!!
2006-10-26 08:51:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are several reasons this could be happening. I would need more info about your dog to help assess the situation.
Such as, is she spayed? Is her fur raised? Is she slow to warm up to people when they come over, or just all over them? How does she act when people come through the door at your home?
Is her fur up on her neck and back during any of the times you refer to? How are her ears at these times? Flat back, forward and alert?
http://www.libertydogtraining.com
2006-10-26 08:52:28 · answer #8 · answered by libertydogtraining 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here is a program that offers free information, testimonials and a step-by-step training program for aggressive dog behavior.
She most likely feels threatened and is being protective of you in strange environments. You need to put yourself between her and the other person so that you appear to be in control. As long as you allow her to lead (being between you and the threat) she will react.
http://skycforme.sitstay.hop.clickbank.net/?type=aggression
2006-10-26 08:54:02 · answer #9 · answered by Meatloaf 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a chihuahua that does the same thing... although with my dog as soon as someone touches him he settles down. The aggressiveness outside is usually a protection thing. He thinks he is protecting you & his yard.
2006-10-26 08:50:10 · answer #10 · answered by kittycat lover 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋