Dog is too protective

by Janice
(greensboro, N.C.)

Our dog only seems to like our family. He doesn't like strangers at all. He barks and barks and barks at them. I'm afraid that he could actually bite someone some day.

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Jul 18, 2012
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nipping, barking, holding
by: cooperman

I hold mine and touch by a hand shake or other appropriate, I also think tone of voice, jesture, and if you are relaxed and happy the dog can tell. After all they are masters knowing their master,Ms Alpha. Nipping is instead of saying I don't want that pweson here. I do not like that person, especially if they ignore the dog. Give the person in question, the one with nips on her ankle treats and an open welcome hello, glad to see you. She may be warmer to your friend is she is relaxed-your friend- and not carrying anxiety. Good luck.

Feb 26, 2012
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socialize
by: Vicky & Jonah (Az)

There are shows such as "It's Me Or The Dog" by Victoria Stillwell, "Good Dog U" Joel Silverman that help teach how to introduce strangers into ur dogs space. U can bring them up on the web or Animal Planet. It's like when ur dog is looking out the window & someone passes by & they start to bark. Then the person keeps on walking out of dog's sight. Imagine ur dog saying "Yep I did that I chased them away from my space". Have ur visitors walk in with a squeaky toy & then throwing it for ur dog. Same with treats so as they enter into ur dogs space they start to look at the visitor as a good thing. Good luck.

Feb 26, 2012
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One of my Cotons is also very protective
by: Kathy

She is 6 years old and has nipped at a friend of mine. I got her in 2005 and this friend moved in with me about 2 years later. My friend was very energetic and wasn't a dog person.

When neighbors walk their dogs around the neighborhood, I have to be sure that she cannot get out of the fence or is on leash. She will go after the dogs (not the people) no matter how big they are. And as scary as that is, I have to laugh. She barks all the way up to them and when she is about 2 feet away she turns and starts yelping. She scared herself. Everybody (except me) thinks the big dog hurt her. But I explain that the big dog didn't do anything. It does usually scare the big dogs too.

A couple of years ago, I took her to a boarding kennel. The lady is a dog behaviorist. She thinks Daisy is a very anxious dog. Last year I got two Coton puppies, and they are not like this. They act like the other dogs I've had -- licking strangers and wanting the attention. They might bark at first but get over it quickly.

With Daisy, what I've learned over the years is that if I hold her when a new person is coming into my home, she won't bark. And, if I know them well enough, I give them a hug (while holding her). She is getting better at meeting new people -- not friendly like the puppies, but not attacking either.

Still -- though -- I watch her around new people, but I think the puppies have helped her understand that its ok.

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