Not the best experience today. Met up with an ex GD, knew him when he first arrived with his new owners, just under a year ago. Have seen him a few times now as they walk a similar area. When we first met up, he was a calm, quiet dog, I think he was 5 or 6, big black retriever lab cross. Well natured, and tolerant of Benson and other dogs he met. Not really the most engaging of dogs, but I always thought that was due to a combination of age/training/natural temperament. Over the months I have seen his behaviour change. Today I was shocked, and a bit sad. He was reactive, barking, and resource guarding his ball. Apparently he bullies other dogs. The owners daughter says he doesn't mean it, but he is so big and knows it. They started using balls outside on walks to distract him from other dogs, and now he is obsessive over them. They have a few other problems, I didn't stay to find out as both Benson and Casper were off lead. They both kept away as he was growling and barking Actually Casper was particularly good, ignored the dog and kept his distance politely. Benson attempted a quick hello, then thought better of it. The encounter made me feel a bit sad, and I don't understand how a calm dog can change so quickly? Especially and ex-guide dog, surely the training filters out any dog which may have these tendencies? What worried me is in the brief discussion with the owner, I didn't pick up any real understanding of his behaviour, or anything that suggested they knew how to deal with it. Shouting at the dog to be quiet, didn't seem very helpful.. Mentioned this to OH, who said it is amazing how positive reinforcement change can change behaviours, wonder what would happen the other way? ie through negative (punishment) reinforcment he didn't mean cruelty, but more through ignorance.
Re: Odd behaviour from Ex Guide dog..Got me thinking... Very sad to hear this. He will have worked hard until he retired and his new family carefully vetted. But, clearly, if they treat him wrongly he will become reactive - as any dog would. One thing I can think of is the ball. Guide dog pups and guide dogs are never allowed balls for the reason that, if they became obsessed - as some dogs do - it could be a problem. Looks like that very problem may have raised its head here?
Re: Odd behaviour from Ex Guide dog..Got me thinking... They got home very soon after there last dog died. I know she really struggled to bond with him, was very open about this. I remember her saying he was so different from their previous dog (a bitch called Bella). I guess that is a very natural emotion to have so soon after losing a beloved dog. She was still very obviously upset. It was before Caspers time, and I very nearly offered to take him, would have been a very rash offer though!
