Mickey is starting to guard us...how do I stop it now??

[Marissa and 'Mickey']

On our last walk of the night, yesterday, Mickey, the flashlight, and I where on our street. A couple around my age were walking by us. They stopped to say Hello, and say how beautiful Mickey was. We chatted for a few minutes about Mickey, where they lived etc. Mickey was a little timid about stopping but we are trying to accumulate him to the world. We try not to coddle him with reassurance. I just try to show him through example that not everything in the world is scary and bad. It is very obvious that Mickey was not socialized properly, if at all. As we all know the first few months of a puppies life as crucial for socialization. Puppies but experiences into categories, what is a good thing or a bad thing. Unfortunately, Mickey wasn't able to do that. His shadow scares him. My husband and I are trying to expose Mickey to as much as possible. Anyway, so last night the woman asked if she could pet Mickey. I explained that he needs to go to her and that he is cautious little guy. She bent down and he growled at her. I think she got nervous. She asked me if he bites, I told her he is harmless. He did it again and I said our goodbyes. I now know that if Mickey can't really see a person not to introduce them. I guess I should have known, that seems like common sense. Thinking about the situation later, I realized I had never heared him make that sound before. I wonder if Mickey was trying to protect me? He even did it with Seamus, this morning when Seamus father stopped by. Growling is unacceptable especially the way and situation he did it in. I guess my question is, "how do you stop your dog from aggressively guarding you." No, he hasn't gotten aggressive, but making that noise to me was. I just don't want this to become an uncontrollable issue.

[HANNAH 8/2/07 & HONEY 7/2/08]

Best book you can buy and read is Scaredy Dog, by Ali Brown. Ali Brown is a fantastic animal behaviorist from Pennsylvania.
Copied from her book and website:
"Understanding And Rehabilitating Your Reactive Dog

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When dogs growl at other dogs, lunge at people, and bark at everything it's often mislabeled as “aggression.” But behavior that looks like aggression is often fear-based and should be treated as such. The appropriate term for this constellation of behaviors is “reactivity.”


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This book helps dog owners and trainers to understand the reactive dog and help him change for the better. The process is easy to grasp, and once the changes begin to take shape, owners become so encouraged that improving their dog's behavior suddenly becomes fun and exciting!

If your dog can't pay attention to you in public places, doesn't behave like a good member of the family when guests visit, and looses control when other dogs are nearby, this book has a lot to offer.

All training methods and classroom techniques are non-force and based on developing a ‘working relationship’ with your dog. Easy to read and understand, 125 pages, with over 50 photographs and illustrations to help you improve behavior and solve problems."
This book is a great investment, will help you a lot to understand what Mickey is going through.

[Kevin Poole, Penny & Ozzy]

I was going to comment with my opinion here, but then I read everyone's comments and it seems very well covered, especially PJ's contribution. Good luck!

[GBK]

"Growling is unacceptable especially the way and situation he did it in"

From all that I have read and trainer's advice, growling is a warning that our dogs are uncomfortable in a situation, may take the next step and bite, or trying to communicate to a person or dog not to advance toward them. When Mickey is finally comfortable in many situations he will no longer growl. I do not correct my dogs for growls. Buddy growls and air snaps at other dogs in the dog park he Does Not want to play with. He does not fight, just gives off his message and they leave him alone. He also growls at young bratty puppies and they get the hint right away! Kona is my more reactive dog with people. If the person looks strange ie:spiked hair, big beard, wearing a wide brimmed hat, she would growl, then go off barking and try to chase the person :) She is two now and has pretty much grown out of most of this as we worked on my wearing wide brimmed hats in the house around her, and watching for those things that we know will set her off. She is told what a good girl she is when she is calm and walks by these people and it has worked nicely. Children used to upset her too, now I praise her for being a "good girl" as we or the kids approach, I give the kids a treat to give to Kona and it has worked really well.
Keep up with your taining and see what your trainer has for suggestions, great advice given here too, good luck Marissa Mickey is a cutie :)

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Joanne,
I have always have had big dogs - none with Mickey's history - and when asked if they bite, my answer would always be 'don't really know, she has never been put into a position for me to find out - yet'. I did that just in case anyone decided if our home was ripe for robbing.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

You have received great advice already. I agree that this was more of a "keep away, I'm very shy" warning.

Many of us on DK have read the article He Just Wants to Say Hi. I am not saying the people you met last night are rude, like the ones in the above story but many insist on petting dogs when they meet them. Not all, but a few find dogs find this as getting to close to soon. They think it's rude. It's not a bad thing to be shy. I learned this the hard way. For example, I have a very shy son who at two years old would hit someone if they approached him in the store. I was horrified and insisted I would socialize him. Still, my oldest and friendly child, walked away with a couple in the store because he said everyone is his friend. There are shy people and shy dogs. It is not a bad thing to be shy. It is his protection. He may or may not grow out of this. But in the mean time, respect that he is shy and may not be the happy wagging tail greater type of puppy but he is a good dog.

IMO never tell anyone your dog does not bite. A better answer may be, I don't know if he bites. You can add here, that he hasn't bitten anyone yet, if you want to clarify your first statement. People think I'm crazy to say this, but it protects you and the visitor, while also allowing your dog some time to adjust.

[LuvMyAbby&Kaela]

I agree with all the others. Also I want to add that a bending down ,in your face, introduction like the lady did is very intrusive in the dog world. This will register as a need to be "on guard" for Mickey. I can totally relate. Keep doing as you are, asking the people to please be nonchalant - that he needs to get used to strangers little by little and an enthusiastic fawning over the dog will just overwhelm him.

We all love Mickey! He will be an awesome dog! Time, love, understanding and patience. He is a lucky little dood!

[Karen & Lucy]

I have never exp. this Marissa, but reading PJ's suggestions sounds really doable and what would work for Mickey. He has exp. alot in his short life and I can just imagine that he does not have a lot of trust with strangers yet. Take it slow. He will do fine. Just keep up the good work. We love you Mickey!!!!!!

[Adina P]

I've never been guarded, so I can't say from experience. But I know what one doodle owner/experienced rescue person would do with a VERY shy, nearly feral, dog she had was to always step in FRONT of her dog and not allow anyone to try to pet it or talk to it. Mickey's not quite that scared/feral, but I think this gave the dog security knowing she didn't have to respond in any way. For a scared dog it seems others need to pretty much ignore him and truly letting the dog 'come to them' would mean the strangers don't initiate contact but merely are open to it, if they are lucky and the dog comes to say hello.

I think you can do more if it is set up and the humans have amazing treats sprinkled near them. I vaguely remember someone being advised to sit on the couch and dangle their arm (not looking at the shy doodles) with their hand open and some cheese in it. The doodles eventually would get closer and closer...but no attempt was made to touch them.

In the meantime actively working him in obedience (as I think you've started with classes) and moving that obedience practice to new situations will help him learn to cope in those situations. Setting him up with do-able challenges where he gets lots of opportunities to be rewarded will be great for him.