Advice On New Rescue - Page 2

stevieb · ‎03-10-2010

I have very limited experience with dogs, being more of a cat person, but two things worth considering: when expecting a guest, let the guest enter with the dog in a closed room. Once the guest is settled then let the dog out. The other thing I've seen done is for the owner to hold the pet until the guest is inside and settled. Over time, the dog might learn all is well and not react as he has been.

In my pantry with my cupcakes...

Tori3569 · ‎06-27-2010

@geezerette wrote:
You say he was interacting with others at the adoption event. Does he only exhibit this barking and biting behavior in your home? Since you and he have bonded so quickly, do you think he may be protecting/guarding you?

We have rescued numerous dogs over the years including a 147# Akita mix. @geezerette @Is 100% correct in my opinion. A 4 year old dog may have had a few different homes and who knows how he was treated.

He is probably terrified that someone coming in may be taking him away. Sad, sad, sad. But I'm sure he will start to realize he's staying eventually. A trainer coming to your house may be very helpful. There are also a few websites that offer behavioral advice over the phone. We've used both.

Congratulations and thank you for saving a precious life. ☺️

Bonkers1 · ‎07-29-2012

Thanks for your post. I have had a rescue for 5 years and she still doesn't like strangers in the house. I put her in her crate because I am sure she would bite somebody. I didn't know that a professional might be able to help her. Any opinions would be a help.

DSD2 · ‎01-09-2016

@Mersha congratulations on your new family member!

It sounds as though the behavior might be a territorial reaction. Also, we never know the entire history of what our new fur child might have had to endure in the past.

An evaluation and training sounds perfect. Except for the biting, he seems to have adjusted well. Please keep us posted on his progress.

Mersha · ‎03-10-2010

@geezerette wrote:
You say he was interacting with others at the adoption event. Does he only exhibit this barking and biting behavior in your home? Since you and he have bonded so quickly, do you think he may be protecting/guarding you?

@geezerette He was very subdued and sweet at the adoption event. Little ones were coming over to pat him with no problem

When my son entered the house, the dog ran to him and barked. He bent down to give him a treat with open palm and the dog bit his hand.

He may just be trying to protect me although he tends to bark at people outside also.

"My desire to be well informed is currently at odds with my desire to remain sane."

geezerette · ‎03-16-2010

@Mersha wrote:
@geezerette wrote:
You say he was interacting with others at the adoption event. Does he only exhibit this barking and biting behavior in your home? Since you and he have bonded so quickly, do you think he may be protecting/guarding you?

@geezerette He was very subdued and sweet at the adoption event. Little ones were coming over to pat him with no problem

When my son entered the house, the dog ran to him and barked. He bent down to give him a treat with open palm and the dog bit his hand.

He may just be trying to protect me although he tends to bark at people outside also.

@Mersha

Were it me, I would do something similar to what @stevieb suggested--either put the dog in another room before the visitor(s) enter and then let him out once they are seated and calm, or crate (or leash) the dog in the living room while the visitor enters.

Keep the dog crated until everyone is seated and calm and the dog has calmed down. Then let the dog out and instruct all visitors to ignore the dog. No petting, no talking, no treats. Let the dog go to the visitor on his own terms.

Once the dog accepts the visitor(s), then they can slowly make friends. That might take time and patience.

If the dog still bites with no provocation, you have a more serious problem and I would definitely consult a good trainer.

ETA: I would also keep an eye on the dog even with people he seems to accept, especially children. If they make any sudden moves, he could bite.

Good luck! The little guy is very lucky to have found you.

NYwoman · ‎03-09-2010

How does this dog react when on a walk with you? When you are walking him, and someone comes up to talk to you, is he still trying to bite that person and barking?

Gabidog · ‎04-21-2010

Terriers have a tendency to bark. You could try distracting your rescue with toys or treats. Practice using a command word. Remember he is in a new home with new rules and patience and practice are key. As people enter your home they too might need to change how they enter. How does he react when you enter? I hope all works out but you can always seek a professional. I remember going to a neighbors home several times and being nipped by their Westie. Then I tried entering their home and completely ignoring their dog and he stopped nipping. They are all different and you have to try different tactics.

gardenman · ‎03-09-2010

@geezerette wrote:
You say he was interacting with others at the adoption event. Does he only exhibit this barking and biting behavior in your home? Since you and he have bonded so quickly, do you think he may be protecting/guarding you?

Dogs are pack animals, and he considers you part of his pack. He doesn't consider others part of the pack, so he tries to drive them away. At the event, he was packless and on his own, so he was fine with everyone. Now he's adopted you and is guarding "his person." Some dogs (as well as some people) get very possessive. Professional training could help if you can afford it. It's not always something you can train out of a dog. As long as he views you as "his" person, he's likely to behave in such a manner. In his mind, you belong to him, and others are trying to steal you away, and he won't let them. "No! She's mine! Go away!" He's behaving as an alpha dog in pack would behave.

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