Pebbles will play with other dogs but usually does not care much about them and will ignore them, unless the other dogs are playing with me. On multiple occasions if another dog tries to get some tummy rubs or playing she will immediately come close, growl and show her teeth. After that she either gets on my lap or lies in front of me and anytime the other dog walks by, growls at him/her. She is normally a very sweet and loving dog and when I try to scold her she always looks so innocent (I think that is the case with all dogs). I am considering getting another dog, but I am not sure how it would work out. I wouldnt want her, or the other dog to be unhappy. Any suggestions on how to fix this behavior?
Too possessive
- Thread starter eneda
- Start date
danisgoat
Moderator
When she shows the aggression, especially on your lap, I would immediately put her down and walk away. I would give her NO attention at all when she exhibits this behavior. She will understand.
I agree, because any kind of attention can reinforce the behavior. For example if you try to pet her to calm her down this can be reinforcing the guarding of resources instinct. And she sees you as a resource that she needs to protect form other dogs. The best thing you can do is to ignore her and walk away. Try folding your arms, and make sure you don't make eye contact or look at her. It seems like in her mind when she prevents other dogs from coming up to you, she then gets all the attention. The point of this exercise is to teach her is that this guarding behavior results in the opposite thing that she wants.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Caro
Moderator
Aah. I did a nice long reply and then the computer went down! So here is is again, albeit a bit shorter.
I recommend using a different approach as I believe, in this situation, withdrawing attention could make matters worse. As her attention is focused on the other dog when she is growling she will easily associate your withdrawal with the other dog, not her growl. I think you should try desensitising her. Because there is potential for resource guarding with food or toy you could use another 'treat' like a butt rub or some other form of attention she enjoys. The idea being whenever another dog comes near you give her the reward so she thinks another dog coming near is a good thing. Start with some distance between you and the other dog - at the point before she starts to growl, and begin reducing the distance as you see her tolerance increase. If she starts to growl you need to increase the distance again.
Most dogs are jealous when they owners give attention to another dog, esp if they are not focused on something else. Its only natural, after all we are the most valuable thing in their lives, what you want to do is moderate her current behaviour. You may just need to learn to pat two dogs at once.
I recommend using a different approach as I believe, in this situation, withdrawing attention could make matters worse. As her attention is focused on the other dog when she is growling she will easily associate your withdrawal with the other dog, not her growl. I think you should try desensitising her. Because there is potential for resource guarding with food or toy you could use another 'treat' like a butt rub or some other form of attention she enjoys. The idea being whenever another dog comes near you give her the reward so she thinks another dog coming near is a good thing. Start with some distance between you and the other dog - at the point before she starts to growl, and begin reducing the distance as you see her tolerance increase. If she starts to growl you need to increase the distance again.
Most dogs are jealous when they owners give attention to another dog, esp if they are not focused on something else. Its only natural, after all we are the most valuable thing in their lives, what you want to do is moderate her current behaviour. You may just need to learn to pat two dogs at once.
Do as Daniscoat said.
When the dog is showing that kind of behavior,you immediately remove it from your lap,and don't give in to those sad sack eyes.Put the dog down on the floor,where it belongs.
The dog knows that your lap is safe haven,and no other dog will be up there to get any attention.
I have 4 dogs here,one ca'nt possibly fit in my lap (lab) but I can & do show lots of loves & hugs to all four at the same time.If I had one that exhibited this kind of behavior,the harmony in our home would be on constant kilter here.
There is no jealously,no "I want mommy"..no "you ca'nt have her" issues.
KarenCurtis
Forums Sage
It seems to me like you have been given two different approaches to your problem, and you have to make up YOUR mind which one to use!!! That can be confusing.
I do think you have to convince your dog that another dog getting attention is a good thing. I have used this approach when my dog would bark/growl at kids. Sandstorm and I practice walking by children, at enough of a distance so he doesn't bark/growl, giving treats as we pass by. We did this three times, and yesterday we got a little closer. The idea is for Sandstorm to associate the kids with a good thing- treats and my attention.
I do think you have to convince your dog that another dog getting attention is a good thing. I have used this approach when my dog would bark/growl at kids. Sandstorm and I practice walking by children, at enough of a distance so he doesn't bark/growl, giving treats as we pass by. We did this three times, and yesterday we got a little closer. The idea is for Sandstorm to associate the kids with a good thing- treats and my attention.
Toffee's Mom
Forums Sage
I agree with Caro... on this one.
Make you giving attention to another dog the best thing that happens to your dog, aka give her treats BEFORE she reacts, good dog, then go ahead with petting other dog, and praise yours, say YES or CLICK and then treat her!
Also I try to not have my dog in my lap as I do that, lol
Karen also had a good idea there, start slowly and go from there.
Make you giving attention to another dog the best thing that happens to your dog, aka give her treats BEFORE she reacts, good dog, then go ahead with petting other dog, and praise yours, say YES or CLICK and then treat her!
Also I try to not have my dog in my lap as I do that, lol
Karen also had a good idea there, start slowly and go from there.
KarenCurtis
Forums Sage
You're agreeing with me on a training issue- I hope this doesn't mean we are getting boring.
Seriously though, it does work!I am glad you asked this question eneda, everyones advice has been very helpful for me as well. My Brie has recently started to bare her teeth at Mikos if he comes up to patted when she is lying next to me on the couch. I had been pushing her away and saying no but I think I should have also removed her from the couch. The funny thing is, she doesn't do it when my little mutt JP jumps in my lap beside her!
Toffee's Mom
Forums Sage
You're agreeing with me on a training issue- I hope this doesn't mean we are getting boring.
LOL
I know it's shocking, maybe we are getting too mellow??
