Lucy the lovely big golden girl who's loving, aggressive and a bit nuts...

[Kurt]

I have only one problem with my Goldendoodle which I'm seeking ideas or suggestions about...

 

Lucy likes almost everyone and even most dogs - although she constantly tries to be the leader of the pack when she meets any dog big or small. That's not the issue.  The issue for me is when she meets people.  We have been through training and she no longer jumps up on people - well most of the time.  My problem is with certain people she becomes very strange.  Tail down between her legs, backs up, barks and basically for whatever reason just acts very different and clears out from the situation.    I am taking her to Pets Smart and Bass Pro shop to walk around and meet people but she doesn't pay anyone attention unless they are super nice to her.  She just basically rushes pass them or tries to pull to get away from them.  Is this common to this breed?  This is also my first big dog so I have to admit I don't trust her 100%.  She's fine with me but I get nervous she's going to take a chunk out of someone's hand or leg- she's never bit anyone.  What else can I do?  She seems troubled. 

 

I've taken her to dog parks and for the most part she gets along with everyone there but again she'll flair up and go after any dog in the park that rubs her the wrong way.

My biggest issue is with people.  I want her to like / get along with everyone.

 

Any ideas or training tips would be appreciated.

 

Thank you -Kurt

 

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

For what ever reason, she is not trusting of some people.  I would speak to a trainer about this, it is beyond my realm of expertise.  And no, this is definitely NOT common to the breed.

  You can not force her to "like" everyone, but you can certainly teach her what is except-able behavior when out and about. 

[Sally S Miles]

Completely agree with Ro and would like to add that if you are nervous, the dog knows it. It doesn't help.  Something has spooked her along the way and should be gently, but firmly handled.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

How old?   Is is one of the fear stages?

If you think it is then dont push it but help her through this stage.   You job is to protect your girl. She in turn, will take care of you too

[Ginny Nightingale]

No mention here of positive reinforcement when saying Hi to people--you should have treats and should be making it a training opportunity--she needs to associate something positive when a stranger is nearby--do not force her to go up to people, but if you are in the store and there are people around and she is acting nervous, start having her sit calmly and hand out the treats--say "good say hi" so that she will learn the phrase " Say hi" when there are people around and will learn that treats are involved in that!
Get some training classes in to help you--this is just the tip of the iceberg--there is a lot you can do to make this a better experience for both of you...

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

I agree with Ginny. You can find opportunities to have her sit calmly and let a stranger offer her a treat in a nonthreatening way. Don't let them crowd her. Do it in different locations. If you explain that she's in training it makes it fun for you and others. I found that training isn't just a class…it's finding different ways to help your dog over hurdles to build confidence and trust. One step at a time.  You didn't mention how old she is or how long you've had her but that could make a difference. I  used to use treats, especially with children. A group of kids jumping and screaming wanting to pet Finn made him nervous even though he loves people. Everybody had to calm down. I'd pass out treats, and one at a time, they could give him a treat and pet him.  Now he works weekly with special needs kids and they can pet him, hug him and roll around with him and he's just great with them. Also, your dog needs to have confidence that you're in charge so she doesn't have to be. A good trainer can help you with that.  Good luck!  It will be worth it!