why is my dog so anti social?
By kaperkitty
@kaperkitty (1097)
Canada
October 19, 2010 4:29pm CST
I have a 2 year old shitzu toy poodle mix named Bear he weighs 6lbs but has the go and tempermant of a 100lb tryant.He was perfect as a puppy social and loving then i got sick and was bed ridden for six months over that time he became territorial and agressive not letting nayone near me or in the door for that matter.He is loving and gentle with the family but if a service man or stranger comes in he is savage.I hope that there is something we can do to turn him back to loving trusting little guy he was.
2 responses
@inu1711 (5285)
• Romania
21 Oct 10
Hi kaperkitty,
It seems your Bear has the right name for his atitude.
If I were you, I wouldn't mind for his atitude toward strangers, as long as he is gentle and loving with the family. But, if you want him to be friendly with strangers, too, you must start again his socialization. It has been interrupted when you got sick and the lack of contact with strangers for six months shows its effects now.
Because you and your family love Bear so much, you let him understand that he's the leader of your 'pack'. That's why he thinks it's his duty to protect you from intruders. You have to let him know you are in charge and you will be the the one who decide whether a stranger represents a danger or not.
Whenever he starts to bark at some stranger, you must tell him to stop in a serious manner. Make him understand you're serious, don't pet him and don't hold him in your arms when he is showing signs of agression toward strangers. Reward him as soon as he becomes calm.
If I were you, I wouldn't mind for his atitude toward strangers, as long as he is gentle and loving with the family. But, if you want him to be friendly with strangers, too, you must start again his socialization. It has been interrupted when you got sick and the lack of contact with strangers for six months shows its effects now.
Because you and your family love Bear so much, you let him understand that he's the leader of your 'pack'. That's why he thinks it's his duty to protect you from intruders. You have to let him know you are in charge and you will be the the one who decide whether a stranger represents a danger or not.
Whenever he starts to bark at some stranger, you must tell him to stop in a serious manner. Make him understand you're serious, don't pet him and don't hold him in your arms when he is showing signs of agression toward strangers. Reward him as soon as he becomes calm.1 person likes this
@kaperkitty (1097)
• Canada
21 Oct 10
thanks so much for your advice you seem to underdstand exactly what we are facing when it comes to Bear's behavior.I do hold him in my arms when strnagers come not realizing i'm doing the worse thing possible.he does think he is pack leader even my groomer says that.I am going to try your suggestions you make a lot of sense to me lol.
Cheryl
@angelbelle578 (1635)
• Philippines
20 Oct 10
He is very protective of you. He knows that you're sick and the only way he can protect you is by doing what he does. He is so loving. That is what dogs are they protect who they love.
