Ask The Trainer

Ask The Trainer: Protective Setter


In your case, it sounds as though your dog is resource-guarding you at the dog run, and uneasy with human strangers on the street. You say your dog is often on you at the dog run, and I'm guessing that means you are sitting down. You may be able to alleviate the problem  if you spend your time at the dog run in motion — walking around, tossing a ball for your dog, encouraging him to follow you in a chase / recall game.

It appears to me that when people remain stationary in a dog park situation, many dogs immediately establish a territory around their person and will challenge "intruders." I've seen this happen even in huge off-leash areas such as the park in my neighborhood; a group of people stand around drinking coffee, and their dogs form a perimeter and stand around too. Not only is this not fun for approaching dogs (who are often met with a rush and a challenge), it also pretty much defeats the purpose of going to a dog park, which is to get some exercise and *appropriate* socialization.

If moving around doesn't do the trick, consider whether a dog park is an appropriate venue for your dog. Not all dogs are at ease in these often crowded situations, where dogs with all kinds of greeting and play styles mix. Your dog might be better off getting exercise with long walks, games of tug, and play dates with known dogs whose company he enjoys.

As for your dog's response to human strangers, I advise that you seriously consider working with a behavior specialist to modify it. As I said above, it may feel good at moments to have him respond with suspicion to human strangers, but since dogs can't reliably tell the difference between strangers with good intent and strangers with bad intent, you may find his behavior getting you both into trouble one day.

It's easy to turn a friendly dog into a "fake guard dog." For example, when I answer the door at my house, my 75-pound Pit Bull mix barks briefly and then settles into a sit just behind me. He has never met a person he didn't like, and visitors to my home are mostly in danger of being bruised by his unbelievably hard wagging tail, but the stranger at the door sees a big dog looking alert and obedient. That's really all the "guard dog" almost anybody needs.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This content, in addition to all content on this site, is provided solely for informational purposes. This content, in addition to all content on this site, is not provided for veterinary purposes, and should be not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All questions regarding your dog's condition should be referred to your veterinarian or other qualified professional. If you think your dog may have a medical emergency, do not hesitate to contact your vet immediately. For our complete Terms of Use, click here.

 

 



 


Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites
Digg! Reddit! Del.icio.us! Mixx! Free and Open Source Software News Google! Live! Facebook! Technorati! StumbleUpon! Yahoo! Ma.gnolia! Ask! Free Joomla PHP extensions, software, information and tutorials.


OFA logo American Kennel Club logo

HOME | About Us | Advertise with Us | Register | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Contact Us | Link to Us | Our Friends | Site Map

Dog Breed Health | Dog Health Information | Dog Health Articles | Dog First Aid | Dog Nutrition | Dog Health Care | Dog Hygiene | Training a Dog | Dog Discussions