Sudden change, Protective instinct or Nerves

[Gene]

Question for the group, at what age should Brodie start to develop that protective instinct?

This is why I ask, I love to see how Brodie has developed from a pup who was so excited that he bit and tasted everything including my youngest sons fingers.  To a larger pup at 5 months who lays on and  hugs everyone now including my youngest.

Three days ago I noticed something that was out of the ordinary from our normal routine of poo & pee in the morning and evening.  At night when we were beside the house in his restroom area a couple walked by with a smaller dog and he began to bark (deep and really impressive for age I must say) and I had a time getting his attention;  (Back to work on the watch me and leave it commands we go).  The next time was during the day when my other neighbor across the street was walking his little dog only this time Brodie knows the dog but not the man (he came in from sea).  Again he started barking but this time I was ready, I waved a piece of jerky treat in front of his nose to get his attention and told him to sit & stay while I conversed with the man.  He still tried to get up but a quick "Ahh-No!" kept him on the ground and silent.  

Now here are the pros: Brodie loves people, children seem to be his favorite he doesn't have a tail so he shakes his entire but when they come around.  I was able to socialize him quite well around humans so for now he is good to go.  

Conns: I was less successful at socializing him around other dogs, there is not a high supply of others in the area, though i have started to take him out to the base kennel where other are.  Tomorrow I am taking him to play with a bigger dog (for now) a boxer approximately 90lbs.  I took him there last week and you could see he was nervous I almost think that is what caused the sudden change around other dogs.

What are your thoughts?

[Lisa Tiro]

I think he's being territorial, not dog aggressive. My boy loves other dogs but if a strange one is being walked by my house he will charge and bark "This is my house!" lol....I would be careful with the boxer. If he is too rough with your boy or scares him that could cause him to become fear aggressive so just be cautious of the signs of stress from him and don't let the play session get too rough. Good luck!

[Gene]

OK now that makes sense, he has only done that in the back and side yards.  I took him for a short walk around the  block yesterday and met a new dog for the first time and was playfully excited.  Head down, wagging tail up and jumping all over the place he couldn't control his excitement.

Thank you for the input.

 

[Lisa Tiro]

Happy to help! ;)

[Leah]

When Mabel came of age (1.5 to 2yrs old) she suddenly had a hard time meeting unknown dogs.  We had socialized her her whole life and this came as a shock to us.  She is intolerant of very hyper-strong breeds (i.e. american bulldogs, boxers).  We are still working on this and looking for a dog trainer in the area.  All the dogs that she knows that live on our block she loves so we know she is capable of making friends.  Very frustrating.

I hope your play date with the boxer goes well!

Leah

[Lisa Tiro]

Leah, my female did the same thing. When she reached a year old she started randomly freaking out at other strange dogs. This progressed to the point that I didn't feel comfortable walking her anymore and if I did she wore a muzzle, at least with me. My son could handle her better and wasn't as nervous as I was so he continued taking her for walks. It is very unsettling. I worked so hard to socialize her and still she turned out this way. She was also aggressive with guests in my home so I had to keep her locked away when I had visitors.

[Leah]

Hi Lisa,

Thanks for your response and I am so sorry to hear about your struggles with your female.  Will keep you posted if we find a solution.  We want to have a pro teach us to work with a vibrating collar.  I have to say, female BB's seem way more vigilant and anxious than males.

Best wishes,

Leah