Change in Behavior - Need some advice please!

[Theresa & Duncan]

Hello everyone,

I was hoping to get some support and advice regarding some new (and not not nice) behaviors. Duncan has always been very social and friendly, and we have enjoyed taking him different places. But over the past several months, I've noticed some changes that have me puzzled. It's hard to explain, but he gets very "upset" sometimes when a stranger comes over to pet him. And by upset, I mean he starts barking at them in a way that is clearly telling the to back off, and it can be scary for the person on the receiving end. I know this isn't completely unheard of with dogs in general, but what has me upset is that he never used to be like that. Now when we are in situations when there are lots of people around I feel like I'm on edge because I no longer know how he is going to act. In fact, I am hesitant to put him into situations beyond our daily walks. If this is just how he is now I will accept it and love him anyway and be careful not to put him in situations where he will react. But I am really hoping my sweet, people-loving guy is still essentially there and that there is something I can do to get him back on track. Has anyone experienced this before? Or does anykne have thoughts on how to handle this?

[Kris and Sawyer]

I'm not a trainer (it's always good to consult a trainer)... But a couple of things come to mind: We always had treats on hand for any new person to give Sawyer. People who came to the door, on walks, at the park. I wanted him to associate new people with something good! Making that positive association helps a lot. Also, dogs are very sensitive to your energy. So if you're anxious, he's going to be anxious. And anxious dogs become fearful. I'd say you need to really keep a light, upbeat vibe at all times. Confident and happy. Just my two cents.. I'm not an expert! :-)

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I think this is a great point.  Dogs absolutely pick up on our energy.  He may sensing that you are uncomfortable which makes it even more important (in his mind) for him to protect you from the stranger.  It kind of becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.  I checked your page, and I believe that Duncan is now three.  If this is correct, and this is a totally new behavior, you may want to talk to your Vet about conducting a full thyroid panel.  Also can you think back to when this behavior first appeared and whether there were any incidents that may have triggered it?  You may want to go back to some desensitization training.  Take him to a place where there are people and just sit and watch (keeping a distance at first).  Stay totally calm and give him praise and treats for staying calm....then get closer and closer.  The minute you feel like he is getting stressed (or you are) leave and do it again another day.  Good luck and please keep us posted.

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Theresa - You might find this article interesting - Puppy Stages.  When I brought Charlie home in 2011, a friend printed this off the IDOG Group site.  I am not sure how old Duncan is - depending he may be going through a fear stage, or maybe he is the leader of the pack (and thinks he needs to protect). I have this file in an pdf file.  Friend me, send me your email address. It covers stages from puppy through 3 plus years.

[Rachelle and Olive]

Hi Linda! I am really interested in the article as well if you don't mind.

[Rachelle and Olive]

I am experiencing this exact same thing with my dog Olive who is 10 months. She was always so friendly and now she acts timid around strangers. She warms up very quickly, but she doesn't like when people approach her the wrong way or pet her on top of her head. In the park though, she has all the confidence in the world. I will be following this discussion :)

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Here's a link to some more good information about fear periods in dogs.  There is conflicting information about whether or not there is a "third fear period" later than 14 months, but I believe based on my experience that there may be.  I also think that some dogs go into a fear period and are never able to totally get over it.  I have one of those Doodles, and I believe we will always be desensitizing him. http://alexadry.hubpages.com/hub/Dog-Behavior-Understanding-Fear-Pe...