I adopted an 8-year old lab, Kvik, who used to be a brood bitch for a local breeder. She therefore spent more time a kennel than her owner’s house. This is a very small kennel and I know for a fact that the dogs are well treated. My dog took to me quickly but she doesn’t take to anyone else. Not even my 18-year old daughter who lives with me. She was, however, not around much for the first 3 weeks after we got the dog. Kvik is very well behaved and very sweet but she’s very nervous about many things. She doesn’t like traffic, or baby carriages, and feels uncomfortable around people, trembles if I stop to chat to anyone. I discourage people from petting her except for those who visit the house regularly. When my daughter calls to take her out for a pee or a walk the dog sometimes growls a little but she always goes and she’s better with her if I´m not around. My daughter loves the dog to pieces and wants to spend time with her but I feel that she’s about to give up trying to befriend her as it’s now been 7 months since we got the dog and nothing has changed. The dog even growls or gives a wee bark when my daughter comes home. What can we do to help the dog be happier with my daughter?
Hi Drofn Sorry to hear about your dog. Without observing how your daughter and the dog interact with with each other, and how the dog behaves when you are around, it is hard to say what is going on? Without observation, it is hard to say whether the dog is resource guarding you or has avoidance approach conflict or something else is going on. I would be only guessing? Have you thought about bringing in a dog behaviourist to observe the relationship between you, the daughter and the dog in your household? regards Michael
Thank you Michael. Yes, it's a difficult one. The dog basically ignores everyone but me. When I take her out for walks she's very happy, jumping up and down with excitement. When my daughter calls her to go out, Kvik obeys but shows not excitement and obviously doesn't like being taken away from me. People have told me that some dogs are just one-person-dogs but this feels rather extreme. My daughter is affectionate and very patient with our dog but I know this is breaking her heart and she's not getting much enjoyment from having a dog. I think I will take your advise and talk to a dog behaviourist. Thanks again Michael
It sounds very much that your girl is struggling with day to day life in a new environment. Her previous life seems to have been centred around a kennel and having litters of puppies. Although it's possible to socialise/habituate an older dog to new environments it can be harder and take longer. It would be a good idea to consult a behaviourist, ensuring that they only use positive, reward based methods who can help with the interaction with your daughter but also how to help her with traffic and all those other day to day sights and sounds that she is struggling with.
I agree with @Jojo83, but the problem isn't insurmountable. I had a nervous Lab and he always barked at my Granddaughter but would be an angel with her if she had him on he lead and doing a little training, she was only about 7 at the time! I suggest your daughter feeds your dog whenever she is at home. Your dog probably clings to you now as she has left her previous home and bonded with you as she sees you as a place of safety, I am sure with time and sensitive handling, she will bond with your daughter as well. Just don't force your dog to accept things she is scared off, start at a distance and make it all fun.
