Oscar has been a wonderful pet in our home....He's never really been a "people" dog, always shys away from strangers...today with another dog Oscar went mad.. barking and growling, teeth showing, usually with other dogs he's sort of been ok. He has a sniff and if they are bigger than him he'll either shy away or avoid them all together.. Now with strangers he's got a bit snappy, never bitten anyone but snaps at them... We've had no problems at all indoors, Is it time to get him neutered ?? He is now 8 months old.
Re: Oscar's problem Sorry to hear this , castration can help to calm a dog but wont alter behaviour problems so to be honest , I dont think its the answer for Oscar . What I would do is to very gently and slowly begin to socialise him more , do you maybe have a friend with a calm mature dog that you can walk with ? This sort of behaviour is usually based on fear rather than aggression as such, but I also think that if this is a new behviour , its maybe best to get Oscar checked over by your Vet, just to make sure that there isnt an underlying reason for this .
Re: Oscar's problem Thanks for a quick reply.. As an aside, we walk round bootfairs ok, we went to an airshow Sunday and round a motorbike show last nigh and he was fine. I've noticed that if he cant back away from the stranger (ie on a lead) then he'll snap at them. The last thing we want is for him to nip anyone. I think you're right (looking back) ..it's fear, not aggression.
Re: Oscar's problem It does sound like a careful programme of socialisation might be in order. How old is Wiggy now? Sorry, it's Oscar and he is 8 months - senior moment there!
Re: Oscar's problem You might get some professional help if this is not something you have dealt with before. If you are concerned he might snap at strangers and other dogs now, getting someone experienced to help might be wise. You could ask your vet for a recommendation perhaps?
Re: Oscar's problem It is also important to actively teach him that people are not scary but nice. Take treats with you and, where there are lots of people around, have him sit and just start posting treats into his mouth. If people approach him ask them not to lean towards him, bend over him, or stare. The best way for them to say hello is to crouch down, side on to the dog and let him come to them. You give him treats for calm behaviour. If he's ok with all that give the other person some treats to give him. Practise this with all visitors to your house (whether they like it or not! ).
Re: Oscar's problem Last night on our nighty walk, we stopped to talk to the local land owner...Oscar barked once and ran away to play..the fella just totally ignored Oscar..and within 5 minutes Oscar was licking his hand and generally sniffing him up and down. Strange.
Re: Oscar's problem It's probably because the person ignored oscar and didn't try to force an interaction - suddenly he wasn't scary so Oscar felt comfortable investigating him.
Re: Oscar's problem I have two very nervous dogs. :-\ They do not like strangers approaching them at all and bark like mad. It started after some prolonged veterinary treatment when they were pups but I think they were probably of a nervous disposition anyway. I use BAT ( behaviour adjustment training) it does work. If you go to the behaviour section and look for BAT tips it's a thread I started all about it. The BAT website is www.empoweredanimals.com Good luck I'm sure he will soon get the idea. The trouble with lab pups is they are irresistible and people just assume they can come and stroke which does not help with a nervous dog. :
