Meeting strangers

[Jennyt0319]

Hello! Ok so a couple months ago, my now 10 month old dutch shepherd, Kora, decided that she has to warn us about almost every stranger she comes into contact with. The situation varies, for example, inside the dog park she does great but still keeps her distance from some humans; outside dog park, on side walks, she knows to ignore them unless they are about to attack us; at home or any family members' home she will bark at new people. I can see her being protective of the territory but when i give her a command to be quiet/calm she should do immediately, but most time just goes into a low growl. It doesn't sound aggressive. It sounds like warning, I'm not sure of this person. Here comes the tricky part, she doesn't act that way towards every stranger. Its like she sensing their positive/negative vibes. My fiancé's friend might come in and she will take an hour to calmly sit with him, next time my brother's new girlfriend comes in and its her new best friend within five seconds.

---What should i be doing? What am I doing wrong/right? Any suggestions?
Thank you!

Kora (this was taken month ago or so) is on the right. On the left is the family pup Gracie a 15yr Malti-Poo.

[Dutchringgirl]

First I want to note... your fiances friend, a man, and it takes her an hour, your brothers GF, a woman, and she is fine. Many dogs have a male/female thing where men they act one way and females they act another. That could be something to look at. What I do is put a leash and collar on when I know I will have visitors soon, I dont want to do the leash and collar when they are here so they dont associate puting on the stuff with commands. Then you can train them to do what you want when someone comes to the door. Ill put them in a down and put my foot on the leash. I also like marker trainer ( or clicker if you want). Bark - "quiet" no bark - mark.

[Stacy_R]

Another thing to remember here is age. This is normal... Dogs go through a second fear period anywhere from 6 - 14 months (give or take). Reactivity, defensiveness, and territorialness can all increase. Lisa's advice is great. The leash exercise can be used inside as well as outside the home and allows the dog to self-correct.

Using the leash, counter conditioning, marker training....all very helpful. Just be consistent and try not to get rattled if she doesn't listen. Cool, calm, collected....that's you.

[Jennyt0319]

Thank you so much for your replies! I am glad to hear it is normal! Comparing past times, her positive/negative reaction seems like a good mix between the strangers being female/male. She could be feeding off the vibes I give off toward the visitor like annoyed or enjoying their company. I can see that being a connecting pattern almost now that i think about it! Thank you again! I will definitely try the leash training!

[Dutchringgirl]

OH yes, the period where they will defend you against a leaf, water shut off knob, piece of paper on the ground, shadow........ Very normal. And YES, she is defiantly feeding off your vibes!! Dogs read your body language very well and a pup may over react since they are just learning the ropes. So the calmer you stay , she will see you are calm and that will help her.

[Stacy_R]

OH yes, the period where they will defend you against a leaf, water shut off knob, piece of paper on the ground, shadow........

Lisa, reading this reminded me of something Tyson went through recently...logs. Big, scary logs that were by one of the walking trails we frequent. I wish I would have gotten it on video...it was truly hysterical.

[Dutchringgirl]

It was pee in your pants funny when sadie would stand in the middle of the kitchen barking, hackles up, I would have no idea, so I would follow her stare, she was barking at the shut off knob behind the sink in the bathroom. Or she would do that, slow move towards something, put her nose to it and then jump back... and it was a piece of paper.

[Raven]

I think Sadie is a savant.

[Stacy_R]

HAHAHA!!! I think we could go on about these experiences all day!!!

that, slow move towards something, put her nose to it and then jump back... and it was a piece of paper.

This was raised sewer lids for Tyson....and scary lawn flags - the ones put out by yard maintenance companies.

[Dutchringgirl]

I think Sadie is a savant.

I still havent figured out what Sadie is, Thalie has but we wont go there.

[Jennyt0319]

OH yes, the period where they will defend you against a leaf, water shut off knob, piece of paper on the ground, shadow........ Very normal. And YES, she is defiantly feeding off your vibes!! Dogs read your body language very well and a pup may over react since they are just learning the ropes. So the calmer you stay , she will see you are calm and that will help her.

Thank you! I love hearing other owners' experience ! Its great to know this stage is normal!

[Sugars Mom]

Oh ya, its normal!!