I Took Lisl to Work Today

[MichaelE]

I cleared it with my boss today to take Lisl to work today to see how she would act around strangers coming into her 'territory' as it were, once she got used to being at work.

On my days off, I have walked her up to the shop and hung around for a little while, but as an observer, the customers priority was not the dog, but the shop service.

Today was a different, but I was a little disappointed.

She barked at almost everyone that came in. I didn't expect this out of her. Sometimes she didn't bark until they appraoched me, and sometimes she barked at them as soon as she saw them.

Now, to her credit, some of these barks were her 'please play with me' or, ' please give me some attention' barks, or an outright play bark. I only heard what I thought was an agressive bark maybe once or twice today, but I'm wondering if that was because I was having to ignore her at the time to help a customer.

This is not a busy shop like walking into a Wal-Mart or Sears Automotive shop.

Everyone that met her loved her after they got to meet her formally. That is, after I was there to intriduce both of them.
She never bared her teeth or growled at anyone and I am left wondering why she barks at everyone on what I guess she considers her turf.

She is a friendly puppy even after the barking, but she won't do this on someone else's turf, only at home or at work.

She doesn't want to bite any one, but she considers these people a threat until I get down on a knee and introduce them. I'm sure it doesn't help that most of these people are huge and hover over her while trying to be friendly while bending over to say hello and ask for a paw.

The more people I meet the more I love my dog.

[Mary Beth]

I took my Husky to work. She was 2 yrs old. She stayed in the backroom under a table with her water bowl. I walked her 2 miles to work - then walked her a mile at noon - then walked her back home, so she was plenty tired out and content to sleep under the table. You haven't said how old Lisl is, and from your description she sounds young. I suggest that you bring a crate and Lisl can stay in there preferably out of sight of the customers. My concern with your present arrangment is that Lisl is reacting as if this is her home and she is protecting it. Also that she is scaring some of the customers. When you have your break, you can take her out of the crate and walk her so she can relief herself and get some exercise. A kong in her crate would help also.

[MichaelE]

Lisl was 15 weeks today. I didn't take her to work to just be there with me, I wanted her to meet everyone that came in today.

She liked everyone that did come in... after she barked at them. When I walked her up to the strangers she sniffed them and allowed them to pet her, in fact she loved it. But, she still might have barked at them.

The little kids that were with their parents really loved her, and Lisl didn't bark at them and they were immediately friends. The little kids weren't hovering over her though, they were about the same height.

At the parts counter, she would stand with her huge paws while I was helping whomever, and they would pet her with no barks, or aggression, just like she'd known them forever.

I don't really know what to think and I'm confusing myself with all of the conflicting information I read about.

I've had five GSD's but never one this vocal. Especially towards strangers. Maybe she's just too young to be soaking in this much information in such a short afternoon. ???

[Mary Beth]

Yes, I agree with you that because she is so young, that it was probably too much for her. My Sting was very vocal as a pup and would bark and jump up when meeting new people. What I did was to have Sting sit and ask the people to stop when they approached. Then I would say gently "Sting do you want to meet them?" If he kept barking I would put my hand gently over his nose. Only when he was quiet would I let him then go up and make friends. When I was walking him, and he would bark when seeing someone in the distance - I would stop, and have him sit and be quiet, so that he would learn that not everyone is going to stop and give him attention. I would reward him with a treat for being quiet.

[MichaelE]

I'll try that. Thanks.

[Mooch]

Perhaps if you are allowed to take her in more often a crate will be a good idea (if she's crate trained) it will give her her own spot where she can be comfy and can watch but not interact.
Personally I like my dogs to learn to just ignore people, they can be aware of them but the strangers should have no value to them.
LOL Hex still acts like a goofball if he does get attention from a stranger that he got introduced to, he usually throws himself on the floor for belly rubs LOL.

I prefer to take my dog to work when I'm not rostered on that way I can fully concentrate on him and not have to worry that customers will get upset by my lack of attention LOL
I'll find a seat and just sit down out of the way to observe with the dog laying to siting at my feet. He's usually very exited when he first comes in but settles quick.
I do not let people approach him until he's calm (especially as he's mouthy when he's excited) and I will kneel down next to him when someone wants to pet him - that quite often makes the "stranger" do the same because they don't want to tower over you

Mary Beth makes a good point, it's important she doesn't get attention while she's barking at people - if she does that will reinforce that barking is good because she gets what she wants
BTW I think we need to see more Lisl Pictures

[Lilie]

Originally Posted by MichaelE

Lisl was 15 weeks today. I didn't take her to work to just be there with me, I wanted her to meet everyone that came in today.

I suspect she has found her voice and utilizes it to make herself seem bigger and more of a threat. She isn't sure if she should be afraid or if all should be well in her world.

At 15 weeks, she isn't being 'protective' she's being bossy.

Taking her with you is a great idea for socialization. But make sure you aren't overwhelming her and stressing her out.