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As some of you know, I have been having some problems with my puppy Jackson and his behavior towards strange people and dogs. I have continued to socialize him and things seemed to be progressing well, but today things just took 10 steps back...
For those of you who don't know...
Jackson is almost 5 months old. His personality is confident around the house, he is a hard dog, and very serious for a puppy. It's impossible for anyone but me or my husband to get him to wag his tail or engage in play. Towards strange people and dogs he melts down, more so with people.
Things were going well with us. We socialize anywhere from 2-4 times per week, new places, people, dogs. Last week we had our first visit to the dog park and he did BETTER than normal with other dogs, but when my friend tried to approach me, Jackson barked, hackled, and growled at her.
When he does this, the trainer, breeder, and fellow members instructed me to ignore his behavior, praise him when he allows someone to approach, and never force him.
Today, I was walking with my dad for over an hour with Jackson. He was doing great. My dad walked ahead and approx. 3 minutes later, Jackson and I went to find him. When we got to him, Jackson froze, growled, barked at him. He did this for probably about 5 minutes and it was impossible for me to even get near my dad without him melting down. It's like he didn't "remember" or recognize him only after a few minutes of being away.
Later on friends were at our house. Jackson spent 3 hours hiding behind chairs, or behind me. He was completley unapproachable. Barking, growling, and hiding. If anyone made a simple move as to 'walk by' he freaked out. People couldn't simply act their "normal" selves without him being totally scared.
He has NEVER been abused or had any bad experiences with anyone, I am totally confused and VERY upset. What am I doing wrong? PLEASE, if anyone can help, please let me know. He's getting bigger and his problem is NOT getting better. I am afraid he could bite someone if approached wrong, espeically as he matures. In fact, he is getting WORSE with his behavior as he gets older.
For those of you who don't know...
Jackson is almost 5 months old. His personality is confident around the house, he is a hard dog, and very serious for a puppy. It's impossible for anyone but me or my husband to get him to wag his tail or engage in play. Towards strange people and dogs he melts down, more so with people.
Things were going well with us. We socialize anywhere from 2-4 times per week, new places, people, dogs. Last week we had our first visit to the dog park and he did BETTER than normal with other dogs, but when my friend tried to approach me, Jackson barked, hackled, and growled at her.
When he does this, the trainer, breeder, and fellow members instructed me to ignore his behavior, praise him when he allows someone to approach, and never force him.
Today, I was walking with my dad for over an hour with Jackson. He was doing great. My dad walked ahead and approx. 3 minutes later, Jackson and I went to find him. When we got to him, Jackson froze, growled, barked at him. He did this for probably about 5 minutes and it was impossible for me to even get near my dad without him melting down. It's like he didn't "remember" or recognize him only after a few minutes of being away.
Later on friends were at our house. Jackson spent 3 hours hiding behind chairs, or behind me. He was completley unapproachable. Barking, growling, and hiding. If anyone made a simple move as to 'walk by' he freaked out. People couldn't simply act their "normal" selves without him being totally scared.
He has NEVER been abused or had any bad experiences with anyone, I am totally confused and VERY upset. What am I doing wrong? PLEASE, if anyone can help, please let me know. He's getting bigger and his problem is NOT getting better. I am afraid he could bite someone if approached wrong, espeically as he matures. In fact, he is getting WORSE with his behavior as he gets older.