I have two Golden retrievers, a neutered 22-month-old boy, Teddy and nine-month-old Lola. Lola is a total darling and is super friendly to everyone. I would have said the same of Teddy, until two months ago when we had new neighbours move in. They are friends of ours and their children play at our house with our children.
I'm writing this as, for the third time Teddy has growled at or snapped at the children. Each of the three children have now had a bad reaction from him and I'm stunned. Teddy is a very calm dog, typically soft mouthed, well trained and obedient. He isn't a push-over submissive dog but he is not aggressive.
The first reaction happened when Lola was being fussed by the children and the 10 year old girl came over to Teddy to give him a stroke. Teddy growled at her. The second time was when the seven year old boy petted him. Teddy made a snap at him. I thought this may be because Teddy and Lola had been play fighting and the lad moved suddenly towards Teddy, when the 'game' had just finished. The third time was when I had hold of Teddy's collar and the seven year old girl stroked his head as she walked past. Teddy snapped at her hand. My own children are 15, 13 and 10 so the dogs are used to children in the house.
I'm really perplexed as to why this is happening and I'm really disappointed too. Teddy barks at the door bell when the children arrive but scrambles to greet them when they get in. I can tell the children to ignore Teddy and I can keep him away from them but I'd really like to know why he is reactig like this. He's not protective over Lola - is he protective over me? I have been standing by his side each time this has happened and he is a mummy's boy.
Any ideas?
Thanks
Sam Young
Karen Wild, Canine Behaviour Counsellor, says...
It certainly sounds as if Teddy is not comfortable with the children approaching and petting him. The safest option is for you to immediately seek professional help and at present your suggestion is correct, do not allow the children to approach or pet Teddy for now. Ask your vet for referral to a behaviour professional such as an APBC member www.apbc.org.uk who will be able to help you teach Teddy to learn some safer habits. A growl is a clear warning that a dog is not happy with a situation and the more 'history' a dog has of the same reactions the more likely they are to repeat the same behaviour, escalating it each time (hence the snapping behaviour you witnessed on the third occasion). I can understand your feelings as it can come as a real shock to see your beloved dog behaving in this way. Try to think of it in terms of Teddy communicating his unease in the only way he knows how. If these warnings go unheeded, he has no option but to take it a stage further each time. This does not mean he should be branded as a 'nasty' dog - it sounds like he sees some things as a threat and would rather keep his distance. Owners often tell me their dog is not 'aggressive' but truly, most dogs that bite are often out of their comfort zone but are lovely pets the rest of the time. His reaction in this case could be for many reasons so do take that first step - contact an accredited behaviourist who will help you - and Teddy - to regain that level of confidence again.
This is so sad. Could it be he is protecting your children by keeping the others away from you? Does he do this to them when you are not there? Have they been tormenting him when you are not around? Does he bark at them when they are in their own garden? All things to consider. Of course the first thing to do is to get him checked over by your vet to make sure there is no underlying health issue. You might have to ask a behavourist for help if nothing obvious comes to mind. Good luck with this and I hope it works out for you all. Do let us know how things are going. xx
ReplyDeleteHi- Behaviour isn't fixed for life, it changes as dogs grow and mature. My partner is a Dog Listener and I've lost count of the number of identical scenarios she has been called to help with (2yrs old, was very friendly etc.)- successfully. You can't deal with this piecemeal, such approaches don't work - you need a long term solution - can I suggest in the short term you don't let children (or anyone for that matter)just go up to him, but to call him to them and if he doesn't come, just leave it for a while. If you read "The Dog Listener" by Jan Fennell you will find out exactly what's happening and how to address it. If you need help then a search of Jan's website will give you a Dog Listener close to you who will be happy to talk to you, but the book will equip you with everything you need.
ReplyDeleteOh dear. Dog Listeners always blame the owner for the dog's behaviour, and if it doesn't improve, well, that's the owner's fault too for not following the method correctly.
ReplyDeleteWhen children are involved it's always best to get someone qualified in to assess the dog, because following internet advice can cause more problems. That someone should insist on a vet check first to rule out any physical causes.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments. These are the only children that Teddy has ever reacted to. I have 3 children of my own, their friends visit and we encounter children out on our walks. Teddy will sniff, be stroked or ignore-no unwanted behaviour.
Teddy barks at the noise of the neighbours in the garden but stops when he sees its them. The children don't taunt him and I don't leave the dogs unattended in the garden or on their own with the neighbours children in my house so I'm around to see what's going on. I don't interpret his behaviour as guarding my children.
Sam
I agree with Mina, this problem needs more than just internet advice and the first step is a visit to the vet.
ReplyDeleteA good behaviourist will visit you in your home and ask many quaestions before siggesting a programme. You say your dog is used to children because he is fine with yours, but a dog that is socialised with 10 year old girls for example, may not be comfortable around 10 year old boys or 5 year old of either sex. By growling and snapping Teddy is warning the children to back off and that is a good thing. I would manage the situation by keeping Teddy and the children apart until you have some good solid advice. This website should help you find someone suitable http://www.capbt.org/
I agree with Mina, have him checked over by a vet and then ask for a referral to a good behaviourist.
ReplyDeleteI'd look for a behaviourist via an organisation such as the APBC: http://www.apbc.org.uk/ so you should find someone who is fully qualified and who uses positive methods. I think you definitely need someone to visit your home and assess him in person.
I'd also suggest reading this press release too and avoid "trainers" using these sorts of methods as they could make things worse:
http://www.apbc.org.uk/APBC_Continues_to_Challenge_Cesar_Millan
In the meantime, I would keep him away from visiting children.
Hope things can be resolved,
Angela
I agree with Mina, too. Have him check by a vet or go to a qualified behaviorist to assess him. We really have to take precaution when we are dealing with children. Did your dog undergo dog training, too? Coz' my dog have attended obedience classes with the dog trainers in Las Vegas. When there are children at home, it's important to have the dogs undergo dog obedience training. Las Vegas dog training centers are experts in dog training.
ReplyDelete