I adopted a dog from a shelter a little over a week ago. For a few days he was great, but a little clingy. But now his attitude seemed to change; not to me, but he growls and get defencive against men that are just around. I can't stand it because it is mainly directed to my father and younger brother. He has never bitten them, but I would like to change his behavior before it gets that before.
I know that it is not lack of exercise for we run and go for walks everyday.
Sadly if he does not change I am going to have to get rid of him. He has never been mean toward me; in fact, for me he is generally obidient.
If you know of anything I would apprechiate knowing.
2007-10-01 04:16:27 · 15 answers · asked by just*me 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Hit it on the head with a magazine when it starts doing that...it will learn!
2007-10-01 04:19:40 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 8⤋
I agree with others he may have been abused by males. When you have him on leash have your Dad and Brother talk softly to the dog but you keep control. Make sure they do not raise voice at him.
The dog whisperer has many good helps but some are hard to do at home. there is another good book called "The Loved Dog" a gentle way to get the behavior you want. It will take time. Don't give up so soon. He is just new to this home where everyone is a possible threat. He just wants to feel safe. Cage him when you are not there. This in not mean. It will become a safe place for him. Praise him each time you put him in there. Also talk to your vet. I also adopted a male dog a year ago and it has been very difficult. I am still working with him. When certain people come over he gets scared so I cage him, to protect others. Good luck it is a hard job but these abandoned dogs deserve a good loving home and someone who will love enough to help them.
2007-10-01 11:43:52 · answer #2 · answered by Teddy's Mom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may always have problems with this dog as it relates to men specifically or to strangers in general. The best you could try to do is to have your father and brother (if he's old enough) to spend sometime with your dog both in your presence and alone (when safe) so it forms an attachment to some degree to them as well as maybe easing an issues that might be related to men in general. You as his alpha have to put your foot down on his behavior in a appropriate manner. Having probably been abused, neglected and maybe abandoned you have to provide a safe, loving environment and yet work out how to provide some discipline and rules/expectations for him as well. It'll definitely take sometime, having your father/brother or other males should help to ease issue temporarily to make it possible for you to have the time you'll need to help him acclimate with other people socially. At the very least you'll acclimate him to your social circle and he will be able to socialize with them.
2007-10-01 11:26:58 · answer #3 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you discipline the behavior? The dog needs to know that growling and being agressive toward anyone is wrong. Be sure to discipline the behavior consistantly and try involving the dog in obedience classes.
2007-10-01 11:32:41 · answer #4 · answered by Rachel-Pit Police-DSMG 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I also believed he was abuse by a man or his previous owner. Give this dog a chance. One week is really too short to want to return him. You have to teach him not to bark or growl at your father and brother. Ask you father and brother not to bring their hands on top of his head or forward close to his face to try to pet him at this point. Ask them also not to tease him. With time, he will understand that these men will not hurt him. I had the same problem with my min pin. Good luck and be patient with this poor little one.
2007-10-01 11:59:24 · answer #5 · answered by louysela 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He obviously has abandonment issues as well as had negative attention from males. If he had daily attention from another male he could probably warm up and not be as defensive. Make sure he gets plenty of love, treats, and positive reinforcement when he is calm around men, but NEVER scold him for growling. Dogs don't learn not to growl when you growl back at them. It will take some tough love.
2007-10-01 11:21:56 · answer #6 · answered by Lollipop 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Some dogs are not properly socialized around men and are afraid of them. So socializing him is a good start. Get him around as manmen/boys as possible and have them give him "really good" treats.
It's also possible that he's beginning to see you as "his" and is now "guarding" you. He needs to learn that *you* are the boss, not him. Nothing In Life Is Free is good for that.
http://www.k9deb.com/nilif.htm
http://www.goof.com/~pmurphy/NILIF.html
It's also a good idea to start obedience class, it will help to socialize him, you will learn how to communicate with him, and you'll have an instructor handy to observe your dog and make suggestions about adjusting his attitude.
2007-10-01 11:22:52 · answer #7 · answered by DaBasset - BYBs kill dogs 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As you two spend solo time together your pup will become more and more defensive of you. Take him to VERY public places for walks, sit at coffee shops, bring him to others homes. Usually these actions give the pup a sense of public compatibility instead of isolated protection.
2007-10-01 11:21:41 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because he was adopted you don' t know his history. More than likely he was abused by a male. So just make sure that the men in the household don't scare him or act mean towards him because he's already very nervous.
2007-10-01 11:19:36 · answer #9 · answered by ☆ღWifey Wifeyღ☆ 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You need to get ahold of the shelter you got him from and explain what is going on, they might be able to tell you what to do. He might be doing this because a male might of abused him, and he doens't trust them. They will be able to help you!
2007-10-01 11:20:58 · answer #10 · answered by Tommy's_Sweet_Girl 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
don't get rid of him, he's only protecting you from a perceived threat, tell him no, instruct your father and brother to interact the same...when he growls, they say no, loud and firmly...when he stops say good boy. repetition is the key
2007-10-01 11:23:34 · answer #11 · answered by curious115 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋