Dark men aggression

[Krista, Angel, and Toby]

Ok, I need help with nipping this issue in the bud before the bud blooms into something ugly.  Angel and I were walking today, but the whole walk seemed off.  From pulling constantly, to lunging, this walk was a disaster almost from the get-go.  I have no idea why.  But what concerns me is the fact that she lunged, growling, at two different men, both of whom were of a darker complexion.  I've seen her bark and act aggressively toward others of a darker hue as well, especially our next door neighbors, who are middle eastern.  Angel barks and growls at them every single time she sees them.  My neighbors made the comment that they thought she would be used to them by now, and they're right.  They have just as a reliable schedule as I do, so Angel sees them regularly.  I don't know what to do about it, as I've tried many different techniques both positive and corrective; I've also brought it to the attention of my trainer, but her techniques haven't worked. I'm running out of ideas, so much so that  I'm seriously considering one of those vibrating e-collars (not the shock collars!), but I don't know if that would be appropriate or even helpful.  I would appreciate any help anyone can offer.  Thanks!

[1xar0x2rcx0li]

Have your neighbour give your pup some beef jerkey. She may fall in love. I have a neighbour that our dogs didn't like, not for any visual reason like yours but they still barked at him all the time. I gave him some beef jerkey to feed the a few times and now they run to him wagging their tails like a helicopter.

[Dan, Judi, & Timbow]

I think this would be a good idea too! If Angel is like the rest of her relatives by being food motivated, this could be perfect! :)

[Noble Vestal Labradoodles]

Sounds like she missed a key part of her early socialization process. This is really important... socialize socialize socialize

There are some wonderful books and websites that talk about socialization. I do not know how old your dog is but age plays a big role in how you go about working with her.

[Krista, Angel, and Toby]

First of all, I have invited my neighbors to offer her food. They won't do it because they're afraid of Angel. I can't blame them because as sweet and innocent as she looks, a barking, growling dog, especially one that's not yours, can be highly intimidating. Besides, Angel is only wishy-washy about food treats. She likes them if that's the only stimulus on offer. If a dog walks by, forget it. If there's a squeaky anything, forget it. If there's a black man, forget it. And that goes for every type of food, from Zukes to freeze-dried liver, from cooked chicken to McDonald's hamburger patties.

[Deirdre]

Watch and see if anyone she shows this behavior to is wearing a hat or anything on their head, I had a GR that did the same thing towards head coverings. She raised my children and all the neighborhood kids and 2 cats but no matter who you were when you entered our house the baseball cap had to come off. Electric co could walk into my backyard and read the meter and she'd great them with a smile, one day he wore a hat and all H broke loose, he took off his hat and she was fine. Just a thought.

[Pat & "Tucker"]

Your neighbors don't have to get close to your Angel. Take her on a leash outside and have them throw the treats to her. Toys work well too but you'll have to coax them into doing it on a regular basis for awhile. Are there other neighbors nearby? Does she do this to them? If she is not crazy about treats- hot dogs work well for training, she may like that better or a toy.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

We're in the last phase of Guinness's therapy dog training. We have realized that he behaves very well in familiar surroundings...the training center, our neighborhood, familiar stores. But now we need to take him into very unfamiliar situations for the next month to finish his training. So, we've started to take him into Hartford (our closest "city") where he is experiencing much greater ethnic diversity and all different types of stimulation (bikes, scooters, wheel chairs, skateboarders, etc). We took our first "road trip" this week to a "city park". I did notice that he was no where near as "laid back" and obedient as normal. It was much more of a challenge to walk him through groups of people. He did bark and pull on the lead (which he normally doesn't do). I think it speaks to the socialization comment. We had socialized him, but it a pretty bland environment. He needs to see all kinds of different people doing all kinds of different things, and be comfortable with that. I'm thinking the more you can expose Angel to people of varying ethnicity the more comfortable she will get....they will become like everyone else and not generate fear. I'm certainly no expert, but this has been my experience with Guinness. We're bringing the puppy along to, so hopefully we'll train him this way from the beginning.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Jane this is a good idea for us all to remember. Peri doesn't have any socialization issues that I know of, but we do go to many of the same places and although there is some ethnic diversity, not much. I mean, I am in Nashville....
We need to explore more!
Krista, good luck with Angel....maybe ask a new trainer for some help? They all have different ideas. When I take Peri to her agility this summer (still trying to schedule), I will ask our trainer, she is certified behavioralist and all that jazz. We love her.

[Marianne *OZZY & ZOEY]

Wow, Zoey has the same problem too! I have tried everything and nothing is working...She does not like funny hair either..hair that is teased or wild she goes crazy...good thing she is a mini and I can pick her up and stop that behavior. I don't know if the hair thing is she thinks it is another dog....only Zoey knows and she won't tell me...If you find the cure I would like to know....
Thanks