guarding behavior?

[Kara Haines]

Hi all,

We just returned from a road trip with our dogs.  It was a wonderful trip, but our doodle Sherlock was exhibiting a new behavior. 

 

While traveling if someone would approach our car he would go ballistic, barking and growling.  While walking on the leash he would be agressive toward people approaching.  It wasn't consistent.  Sometimes he would allow people to approach and other times he was agressive.  He was ok with children approaching.   While staying in the cabin he would growl and bark at any strange noise. 

 

We have had him for about 6 months and have not seen this behavior before.  We are very concerned as this is new. 

Any suggestions?  We are going to call a trainer tomorrow to start working on this behavior. 

 

Thank you,

Kara & Pete

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

That was my thought, too. He may have been disoriented by all the new places and people and feeling a bit vulnerable. The fact that he was okay with kids points to that, too. But I do think it's a good idea to talk with the trainer and make sure you have a method of dealing with reactive behaviors to strangers.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I agree with what the others have said. It was certainly related to being away from his home environment. But it did give you an opportunity to realize that he reacts this way to new situations and will give you a chance to help him with that issue.  Let us know what the trainer has to say! Good luck!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

So far, my dog has never shown guarding behavior but does bark when someone approaches our car.  Every time. Or course, he barks when someone arrives at our home too.  Certainly, I expect him to bark and let me know.  One of the many reasons I have a dog.  He is my ears and he does his job.  But I let him know, thank you, I can take it from here.

 I  think this falls more in the line of territorial behavior.  Protecting the homestead.  A common trait in many dogs.

You did say you were traveling and at a cabin.  He is out of his normal surroundings.  He is either going to become very shy or more forward.  I think both are normal in this situation also.  Just my opinion.

See if he becomes more relaxed when you return to the day to day routine. Also, socialize him some more. Every chance you get.

[Kara Haines]

Hi all,

Thank you for your replies.  I think you are all correct.  He was out of his comfort zone.  I don't think he has been socialized enough.  I am going to take him to dog obedience classes next week.  He definitely had some training before he was put up for adoption. 

 

Kara :)

 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Your best bet for socialization, in addition to classes, is just to get him out into the world. My guy was 14 months old when i adopted him, and we attended a training class for adopted dogs where we had an assignment to take the dog to public places at least 3 times a week. Pet supply stores, farmer's markets, outdoor shopping malls, auto repair shops, walking in strange neighborhoods past playgrounds, tennis courts, schools,etc. Really helped a lot.

[Ginny Nightingale]

My male doodle does this too--but especially with other dogs. We have been working with a trainer and I have had to make sure I am in charge and that he does not feel that it is HIS JOB to keep us safe. I have to use techniques to keep him focused on me which is very hard as he is constantly trying to keep tabs on everything around us. Having training treats helps and it is really a matter of learning new ways to get his attention and keep it on you when these situations arise. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I think this is pretty common with intact males, though. I think in Rio's case it's more about testosterone than fear or undersocialization.