VERY leery of strangers / protective ... THIS Young, really?

[Courtney]

chelle- I appreciated the honesty of your update insight & reflection can be a powerful tool.

Good for you & your on the right track with your boy!

[Angelina03]

Very encouraging update. Thanks for sharing.

[Shaina]

I had actually never read your response to my comment and apologize that you took it offensively. I have a genetically flawed lab when it comes to his temperment, and after working with dogs for so long Ive blurted out terms that should be said softer to owners. I guess since I dont take it as harsh when trainers tell me my dogs nerves are flawed I figure others dont either!

Im so glad he is doing better now, you have done a lot for him and deserve it!

[wyoung2153]

I really had no idea that it was a "genetic flaw" when your dog barks at strangers and is slightly fearful of them. This was a very insightful trhead!! My new girl is a little barky at strangers/strange things on walks. She is getting better and i assume it's because she had never been on walks before. She barks at the person until they come up to her.. then she LOVES them to death! haha. So I'm not sure if that's the same thing. Hope I'm training her right in that area!

[Kittilicious]

I've got a big smile at this update, it gives me so much hope with my pup as I'm going through the same thing right now!!

[Shaina]

Originally Posted by wyoung2153

I really had no idea that it was a "genetic flaw" when your dog barks at strangers and is slightly fearful of them. !

And I guess my main point when I made that comment was that it wasn't something that Chelle had done wrong or something that could have been prevented - sometimes a dog is just born with that bit of fearfulness that you have to work very hard at to get rid of. I feel terrible that it was taken badly and had angered her!

[wyoung2153]

Originally Posted by Shaina

And I guess my main point when I made that comment was that it wasn't something that Chelle had done wrong or something that could have been prevented - sometimes a dog is just born with that bit of fearfulness that you have to work very hard at to get rid of. I feel terrible that it was taken badly and had angered her!

Well I think now she understands don't feel bad. It just makes me wonder in my girl is genetically fearful or if it's a breed thing. Last night she displayed some very fearful behaviors toward me and I wasn't too happy with it. When we were outside, she wouldn't come when called just tail tucked to the door, and if I went near her she would run from me. She was much better if I crouched down then called her, almost as if me standing was threatening her. We didn't go inside until she came to me when I called a couple times. While we were inside she wouldn't come to me when I called just sunk her head low and ran into her new crate, which she isn't too thrilled about. She has never been THAT bad. She has had a few fear issues. She was shipped to me from Utah. The breeder spoke praises of her while she was there, adventurous, investigative, pretty much the exact opposite of right now. Now sure how to handle it. If I have treats she usually will come right too me.. but even last night she would come close to me but not to me and reach to take the treat then run back to her kennel. I am not sure what happened.

[cliffson1]

Chelle, Thanks for your update and I think it is very helpful...first Kudos to you for the exhaustive and extensive work you did to get to where you are. This is one of the reasons that a few of us on this board are so hard on weak nerves and breeding practices that have been proven to lead to physical and mental illnesses(weak nerves), in the breed. Most people don't have the time nor diligence to do what you did. Nor should they have to!!!! Most people just like you want to get a dog that they can take with them anywhere and it is enjoyable for both. Time and time and time again we are reading about dogs that are genetically weak in temperament resulting in extreme behavoirs like undue shyness or indiscriminate biting. This has reached epidemic porportions in the breed, and is really sad to us that know that mental soundness as well as physical is what makes this breed so enjoyable. Good Luck and again Kudos to your travels!

[Zoeys momma]

I actually truly really appreciate your post. I have learned things from what you shared. Zoey is doing this really strange behavior this week. I saw her twice in two days display utter fear and not happy, licky, tail wagging behaviors others say puppies are to exhibit. This is why I began looking for post tonight on this very subject.

She to me is absolutely showing fear to people walking in our home. What to do...other then keep socializing her and having these strangers give her treats.

I know I may hear things you had to hear from others if I take my story to a seperate post. I too would take some defense to - and yet...whatever people may say- genetic, not...whatever..doesn't change what it is. So iam glad u posted this a month ago and the update.

I have learned a few things more to try with zoey when strangers come into the home or on the property.

The hasn't exhibited it off my property yet..I say yet..errr

But I absolutely understand what you may have been feeling when you first posted. I too can't help but think..
I don't want a liability dog.... Or really a dog showing signs of fear agression...etc

Thank u so much for your update
Xoxox

[katdog5911]

I am wondering now about Stella and her barking, lunging and growling at other dogs we meet on our walks....(she is fine at doggie day camp). I know she is not wanting to attack..she wants to play but I don't think that is how it looks. If the other dog is bigger and comes over, even in a friendly way, she starts crying like a banshee...and hides between my legs. I have to say she is making progress in her obedience class as far as reacting to other dogs. On walks I have tried treats, just ignoring and turning the other way. I thought things were getting better but today was a nightmare! She acted this way with every single dog we walked by!