Posted: Wed Nov 08, 2006 2:01 pm Post subject: House guest tonite-dog not good with strangers
My OH has sprung an overnight guest tonite on me. Bessie is totally rubbish with strangers, she barks, growls and can be aggressive. Whilst she has calmed down in the past after about 20 mins when another friend came round to visit about a month ago, he luckily has an affinity with dogs and wasnt fazed by her behavior. In the end they were great buddies.
My OH and friend will be going out then coming back again later, so she will have to go through the whole experience again and also he will be here when she wakes up in the morning. I am not sure whether to keep her in the bedroom so she doesnt see him, I would stay with her or let them meet and tell him just to ignore her. What I dont want is her being stressed and maybe going for him or for him to feel uncomfortable. She is an abused rescue with little socialization so shows fear aggression to most people, mainly men and other dogs.
Can anyone suggest how to deal with this.
Thanks
Sara & Bessie Boo
Charlie, who I have had from a puppy, shows fear aggression sometimes too. I can't say know where it comes from, as he has always been a loved and treasured pet. All I can think of is that either when he has popped out of sight on one of our walks someone has given him short shrift and I haven't seen it, or he is simply wary by nature.
I know how you feel about visitors to the house, as Charlie tends to also act this way towards ones he doesn't know although he is fine with family and children.
If the visitor is going to stay for any length of time perhaps have Bessie on a lead and headcollar (so you have more control of her head in case she lunges). Keep hold of her, and keep her at a distance that is within her comfort zone. Have a plate of her favourite dog treats ready, and advise your guest to toss one onto the floor in front of her every so often. Not go up to her, just gently toss it onto the floor in front of her. Over time she might then start to relax, but the thing is to be honest with your guest about things. Make sure neither of them approaches the other until Bessie has relaxed and keep an eye on her for lunging etc.
If it becomes absolutely essential then you will have to put her into another room, but it is a shame to miss out on a much needed socialisation experience, if you manage it carefully.
My Doobs is the same, and he was in the same situaltion as your Bessie. But now I know how to handle it I don't stress now (and Doobs is better for it too). I always say to people, no eye contact, ignore all of Doobies behaviour, and no going to him. Only takes a few minutes and Doobie is best friends with that person. The worse thing people is do is stare at him so he feels threatened (and old people who hold a hand so he can sniff their hand - lol!!) or think they know better!!!
I would, personally, have Bessie up with you for the night making sure Bessie isn't the first downstairs so she doesn't get a suprise in the morning!!! Tell guest to do the same thing, ignoring with no eye contact. I am sure everything will be fine though. But try not to stress out too much yourself as this really does show.
Last edited by Sonia on Wed Nov 08, 2006 2:38 pm; edited 1 time in total
The main thing is for all to feel comfortable with the situation, remember dogs can sense te change in blood pressure and heart rates, so if you show nervousness then the dogs will pick this up.
Ask the person entering your home to completely ignore her, have her on a loose lead and collar. Have her sit by your side, give her a reward if she shows no outwards signs of agression, you are rewarding her for wanted behaviour, you may find that she shows no interest in the guest and this is fine too, sometimes we expect all dogs to be loving and exhuberant to all humans, I am afraid it doesn't happen. Once she realises thet this friend is no threat she should be fine, but each time they meet up, he must go through the ignore routine.
____________ Natalie x
LAB LINK RESCUE Co ordinator and Forum Administrator for my sins
Jack, Molly & Maia, watched over by Tara Banana from the Bridge
Hope it goes well, Sara. Don't expect too much of her, and always warn your guest in advance.
Obviously you have to be watchful and ever ready, but shutting her away in other rooms can just reinforce her idea that there is something to be fearful of. I only do that with Charlie now in the case of delivery men, who only have a few minutes to make their delivery and do not have the time to go through a whole rigmarole with a dog. Otherwise, I work on getting him used to the person, but never unsupervised and always ready to act if necessary, as he can become confrontational quite quickly.
Also, as Natalie says, it is important for the guest to be appearing outwardly to ignore the dog - no eye contact. Some people are better at doing this than others, but it is still important.
Helen.
Last edited by Topseyt on Wed Nov 08, 2006 4:00 pm; edited 1 time in total
Just wanted to say thank you girls. (Sonia, Helen, Sarah & Littlelab) Did as you suggested, initially she barked like mad, he fed her intermittently, when I let her loose, she kept running up to him and barking then running away, she got her Kong, was barking with it in her mouth, then after about 15mins she stopped barking and literally was all over him and pinning him down on the sofa and wouldn't leave him alone. She did bark when they came back in later and this morning but only for a few seconds. They are now best buddies and I thought he would have to take her home with him as they were joined at the hip.
I am so proud of her and again a big big thank you for your tips, you gave me the confidence to give her a chance.
Sara & Bessie Boo
Thought of you today and wondered how it went, so glad it worked out. I reckon if she's running up to people with her kong it's got to be good, mine only takes his toys to people he really likes!
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Though I didn't really help!
