Every day I go home from lunch and walk my dog. I've had him since Feb. with no problems. Today we are just about to get back at me house and a man is walking toward us. As we pass my dog went nuts. He lunged and barked at the guy...he has never shown any signs of this before...What's the best way to nip this in the bud now...I don't want it to become a regular thing. Any have similar issues and how do I get rid of it.
2007-01-05 05:30:59 · 12 answers · asked by Tara B 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
First, It is likely your dog felt that he (or you) were threatened by the man which would cause the reaction.
Second, If your dog is adopted he may have had a relapse to a prior experience with a human that harmed him. The man may have been similar in stature, scent, or approach that caused your dog to relapse and become defensive.
Third, Dogs are well known for being able to sense tension in humans. It is common for dogs to behave defensively as a reaction to the tension they are sensing. It is possible the dog sensed that you and/or the passing man were feeling tense...especially if the man himself was afraid of your dog.
The good news is that your dogs behavior is not uncommon. I would try to get advice from your local SPCA or from an animal behaviorist. Local pet stores may also provide you with some very good professional advice and may offer training classes.
Best of luck to both you and your pooch.
2007-01-05 05:44:56 · answer #1 · answered by Jeremy M 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This may have been an isolated incident. While there is certainly cause for concern (and good for you for not waiting until disaster strikes to do something), I wouldn't get too upset right now. You can start to do simple things like acting happy when you see other people on the street, giving him the idea that the person is not a threat. You can also give him little yummy treats as people approach, or ask the person to give him a treat.
If the behavior arises again, though, seek the help of a trained professional who can work with you and your dog. There is no way to give appropriate advice for aggressive behavior without having observed the dog. Your vet or local animal shelter may be able to give you a referral, or go to www.apdt.com to find someone in your area. Hire someone who uses positive-reinforcement methods, as corrections and physical techniques tend to make the dog worse in the long run, not better.
Good luck to you!
2007-01-05 05:53:46 · answer #2 · answered by melissa k 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, do not yell or raise your voice! This just exacerbates the situation. In your situation, he is already highly energetic - adding yelling or a panic factor increases his energy (I wasn't there, so I don't know, but 99% of the time that's what happens)
You must be the top dog in your relationship with your dog. Take your hand and with strong finger tips, press into the back of his neck until he submits to you and lays down. Use a sound (not a word) that he will eventually associate with "calm down." (you can psssst or shhhhhh or hummmmm) Leave him laying there when you are sure he will not lunge again. He should be licking his lips - that shows submissiveness. If he growls or wants to get up, repeat pressure and sound. This may take several times or instances - but you must be patient and consistent.
When walking, make sure the choke collar or leash collar is up HIGH on his neck - just behind the ears - and when you are walking, keep calm, use quick steps, and take charge. Dogs feel your energy through the leash. Maybe you had a small feeling of surprise or anxiousness when you saw the man coming toward you. If you did, the dog will sense that. He needs to know that YOU are taking care of him and that YOU are in charge, not the other way around. Good luck!
2007-01-05 05:39:52 · answer #3 · answered by Nannybird 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
There is a bunch of reasons he might not like the man, has he shown aggression or fear to any other men like that before? Dogs sense things that we cannot, as such, trust your dogs instincts. If it should happen again, yank the leash taunt to cause instant pain, but not lasting. Tell them NO sternly at the same time. ALWAYS walk with a leash if there is even the slightest question of them being aggressive.
I have a dog who weighs about ninety pounds and could probably cause serious damage to anyone she wanted to, but what does she do around men she doesn't know? She hides under the table with no signs of aggression, just cowardice. If there is a chance your dog was abused before you got them, that might be the cause of his aggression. or, he may simply be afraid, and, unlike my dog, tries to take over that fear by attacking.
Plus, is your dog aggressive around food? If the man was carrying the scent of anything the dog thought was food, that might have also been it, though it is less likely.
2007-01-05 05:40:16 · answer #4 · answered by Kitten 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your dog should be praised for trying to protect you. However,
It's important for your dog to show control and you are right to ask this question.
I suggest you get a muzzle.
If you don't like the idea of a muzzle then you should get a choke collar this will give you more control over your dog. The correct place to have a choke collar is at the top of neck and not bottom. If you have to get another type of collar to place on neck then rest choke collar on that to get it at top do so. You have better control over dog if it's at top of neck. All the best.
2007-01-05 05:57:52 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My dog is so great with everyone. My brother came over and my little darling Meryl turned into CUJO! He was growling and barking so hard he was actually foaming at the mouth. My brother is the only one that he does this to. I tried to "nip it in the bud" but he still did this every time he came over. My brother hates dogs and when he was a little boy he was mean to animals and sometimes mean to me. So I nipped it in the bud by telling my brother not to come over. Dogs can feel evil in people.
2007-01-05 05:37:34 · answer #6 · answered by Mrs. T 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Sounds like he is becoming territorial and protective. First of all, put him in a pinch collar if he isn't already. It is not harmful, it simply mimics the bite of another dog and prevents them from dragging or lunging-usually ;) Second, you must scold him immediately for this behavior. Force him-gently-to the ground and on his back in a submissive position. Let him know you are the boss and you decide who to get angry at-not him! Allow trusted Friends and family to enter your home and put him into a submissive position, also, so he will get used to strangers or those he does not know well. Make sure you are exercising him enough, I am not sure since you didn't mention the breed or age. Also, take him to dog parks and public places to get him adjusted to other animals and unfamiliar situations. The sooner the better! Muzzle him if you feel too uncomfortable. Good luck!
2007-01-05 05:36:39 · answer #7 · answered by Samanamantha 1 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Dogs are very territorial and protective of their owners--- it's not new for them to act aggresive towards strangers that comes to close. Also, animals are very excellent judge of characters-- maybe your dog sensed something in the stranger, and was just trying to warn him to back off. Usually they become more calmer when they get acquainted with the stranger-- they usually never bite. To get the best results, however, interact with the person first (handshake,warm welcome, etc), let your dog see that everything's okay.
2007-01-05 05:39:23 · answer #8 · answered by luvin' life 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dogs and animals in general have a good sence of evil, I would not be too fussed by your dogs interest to protect you, if it continues you can but for aprox$8 from most vets a velcroe mask that goes loosley aroung the snout allowing the dog to drink but not bark, (the dogs mouth cannot open wide enough to bark can still growl though.) good for short term use
2007-01-05 05:34:16 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Take it to obedience school asap
2007-01-05 05:34:46 · answer #10 · answered by justchillin 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋