She is a whippet hound that we just adopted from the humane society. She never barks at anyone, normally runs away, and after she gets use to you she will be your best friend. I brought my 2yr old nephew over, and she started barking and growling at him only. Why is that?
2007-12-23 05:52:16 · 14 answers · asked by tawnygaskin 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Because the 2 year old smells different, acts different, looks different (size), talks different, and is basically different than what she thinks humans are supposed to be, she's going to have a reaction to that. And, you said yourself she normallly runs away until she gets used to you. She's never been around kids or hasn't been around one long enough to get used to it, but since you aren't running, she's standing her ground (you as backup) and she's barking & growling. If only you could be her pack leader & communicate that her behavior is not acceptable and she is not to be alerting & trying to fend off (asserting authority over all adults in the group) at this strange smaller creature (in her mind).
2007-12-23 06:41:05 · answer #1 · answered by texpetk9@yahoo.com 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No way of knowing why - perhaps she was abused, but more likely she's just never been around toddlers and he makes her nervous. You say you just adopted her - how long have you had her? She's likely not at all comfortable in her new home yet, that will make her more nervous.
What you need to do is keep young kids away from her until she's settled in. It might be she won't ever have the temperament to be around toddlers/young kids, or perhaps she just needs some socializing. Give her some time to settle in, then take her to classes to get her socialized.
Find a trainer who uses positive reinforcement - a skittish dog needs confidence and dogs get confidence from success. You can do some work with her yourself, use lots of praise and treats (if she works for food, some sight hounds don't).
2007-12-23 14:02:09 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
She may have been hurt before. Some dogs are naturally scared but most have a good reason. Some just haven't been around many people. My nephew got a dog and kept him home in the yard and house, his wife is a recluse so nobody comes to visit. His dog doesn't know anyone but them so is afraid of everyone else. They could train the dog taking it out in public but one wrong move and the dog could bite someone. He bit the lady at the kennel he was in when she approached him too fast. She had watched him a couple of times before and she thought he would get used to her.
2007-12-23 13:55:00 · answer #3 · answered by shipwreck 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Kids tend to squeal, scream, yell , bounce off walls...etc. Its not that you have a bad nephew, its just that his behavior may be intimidating to you new dog in her new surroundings. Try to look at it from her point of view. Overall though, your dog is going through severe anxiety. (Its perfectly normal and perfectly understandable, just be patient with her and she will get over it soon enough)
If I may recommend, one of the best things you can do is get her a kennel (NOT a crate) that is 1 size up and place it in the corner of the living room. give her a NEW blanket and a NEW toy to place in there. The kennel is HERS AND HERS ONLY! Do not place your hand in there or anything that smells like you! It gives her a place to retreat to and feel safe, remember, in order for this to work, it must be HER SPACE ***ONLY*** When she is in there pretend you dont see her, dont try to coax her out - just leave her be until she is ready to come out again. As her anxiety drops, she will start to come out more and more.
2007-12-23 14:25:23 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dogs are smart, they know little kids usually spell trouble. Especially 2 year olds; the first thing they want to do is torture the animal, best keep your nephew away from her until he shows he is mature and knows how to behave around animals...say 7 or 8 years old.
2007-12-23 13:56:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
my dog was the same way when she was a puppy even scared of lightning.then she up well long anyway and was the #1 hated dog on the street for bitting and barking at everyone.but that could be because she was part pit bull part human or because she came off the street idk but your dog is adopted who knows what happened to her when she a puppy kids love too much they don't know how to pet gentle.i have a 2yr old niece i feel you.
2007-12-23 14:15:01 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
dogs that we adopt from shelters all have a past. They could of been abused physically or verbally. They need lots of love and time to adapt to new people and surroundings. Introduce people slowly and in comfortable atmosphere, and check to see how his tempermant is..
2007-12-23 14:12:20 · answer #7 · answered by Lisa C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your dog probably had a bad experience with a baby.
2007-12-23 13:54:36 · answer #8 · answered by shygirl93 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well is the baby a certain color or anything besides age difference then anyone else? and i'm not trying to be racist but some dogs can be. this is a very touchy subject.
2007-12-23 13:56:52 · answer #9 · answered by komodo.0119 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
T^T
She may have been abused or come from a puppy mill && has bad socialization.
2007-12-23 14:10:20 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋