HELP! The dog I rescued snaps at people when I take him out! He is big baby to me though! What do i do??

Answer 1

Your rescue dog is socialized to you and trusts you only. Obviously strangers cause him distress. Sounds like some abuse went on somewhere in the past. Second scenario -- he could be possessive of you - but that generally happens over years of time. Good idea to listen to the dog for now and realize he is not really interested in other people at this point. You never know where he's been, what he's gone through -- so give him a rest - - and with enough TLC he'll hopefully lose his stranger danger reflex he is experiencing. Good Luck

Answer 2

Don't keep him all to yourself! Yea he is a big baby cos you rescued him and showed him love and that not all people will hurt him. You are the first he knows......socialization is important, some brief courses in obedience courses will assist him in being around other dogs, and introducing your friends one by one to where he gets used to socializing with people. Good Luck

As usualy after I see a question of interest to me with only 1 or 2 anweres once I submit it there are like five more people that have answered. Again good luck with your pup, all of mine have turned out good...

Answer 3

My dog that we adopted 4 yrs ago was the same way. He was so lovable and sweet to me, but snapped at others. Keep him close while he's on the leash, and other people are around. If kids were around I would pick him up and pet him while telling him to be good, and "no", when he would growl. After everyone passed, I would tell he was a good boy, and pet him. It took several months of doing that every day. Now, when I see others coming, I tell him to be good, and he is. And I still pet him and tell him what a good boy he is after they pass. He's just trying to protect you, so try not to get on to him. My dog did worse when I would scold him after trying to bite or attack someone. It takes time and patience. Good Luck!

Answer 4

I worked at an animal shelter for 3 years and I can tell you, you are going to have to be careful. your dog has been abused and now You are the only thing safe to him and everything else is out to get him or you. So he has to protect you. Some dogs can get over it with constant love and training but others....... Well if he draws blood on a human without provocation you have to put him down. you could loose everything after that, your house. The liability is too great. if he were to bite again they would say you knew and if he bit a kid......bye bye house

Answer 5

You need to watch The Dog Whisperer with Ceasar Milan. He has shows on that all the time. It comes on National Geographic channel on Friday nights or go to www.thedogwhisperer.com. His show is really good and informative.

Answer 6

Get yourself one of those muzzles that just slips over his nose. That should at least keep the other people and him protected. As far as getting him to stop you are going to have to work with him with it.

Answer 7

Take him back to the folks you rescued him from and get professional advice. They see this all the time and are trained to properly evaluate him. If there is a problem, they will take him back, as hard as that may be, and find a better placement for you and for him. Good luck, but act quickly please.

Answer 8

He may have been abused before and now he has gained your trust i would just gratually take him out and keep his people population down in the beginning let him get used to his new lifestyle and gradually he can learn to be loved.

Answer 9

your not alone my rescue collie attacks men but he also is a big baby at home when you approach people distract him keep him near to you and keep a squeeky toy in your pocket to squeek when anyone approaches it is hard work but its worth it.

Answer 10

Here is a link to a really good Yahoo group that deals with such behavior in dogs.
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/agbeh/