Dog Getting Grouchy?

[Kowai]

Alright.. Heres my story

I've had Zach since he was a pup and he's always been socialised, trained etc. Infact I'd take him every day to see his doggy friends at the park!

Last year I moved down to Melbourne. While I lived with housemates, we didn't have any other dogs, and this was the first time Zach had lived without other dogs. I also started dog obedience last year and I noticed Zach, while I had him on lead, would become grouchy towards other dogs that came up to him. I've noticed it gradually getting worse now. Before it used to be if a dog was especially boisterous and would jump on him. Understable I suppose.. However now its if a dog comes up to him, really close, and is more forward rather than submissive.

The other dogs never show any sign of aggression. Zach's "grouchyness" usually includes a quick snap at the other dog and a show of teeth, however I'm afraid it's getting worse than that. I don't think he would attack another dog, however I don't want to risk that and want to stop this issue before it gets any worse.

I'm not sure if this is because of the shock/stress of moving combined with limited socialisation with dogs last year. It pretty much only occurs while he's on leash with myself. (I'm not sure if he'd do this with anyone else because usually only I walk him) So possibly he's 'protecting' me?

Just wondering if anyone could give me some advice or techniques I could use to nip this problem in the bud :cool: I have limited experience in this as this is the first time Zach's shown anything like this behaviour and of course I don't need a dog doing this! So far I seperate him from the other dog if it happens, by his collar, and give a good growl at him/ tell him "NO", and make him sit away from the other dog. However while he's safe because he's seperated, it doesn't stop it happening again later on.

--Edit--

If you needed to know, Zach is 6 years old now.

Edited November 22, 2007 by Kowai

[sheree_e4]

It sounds to me that he just wants his space,my girl does not lke others coming up to her while on lead also but offlead she is fine.

dogs natural instinct is to either 1.Flight 2. freeze 3.fight It sounds like as he cannot run away from the situation he is resorting to letting everyone know he is not comfortable with them that close.I would not be telling him off,rather treat him when he is calm.

I have to say though I personally do not like everyone I meet so I don't see why my dogs need to like everyone they meet either,and added to that if someone came up into my face and I could not get out of the situation I too would not be happy about it.

[Kowai]

It sounds to me that he just wants his space,my girl does not lke others coming up to her while on lead also but offlead she is fine.

dogs natural instinct is to either 1.Flight 2. freeze 3.fight It sounds like as he cannot run away from the situation he is resorting to letting everyone know he is not comfortable with them that close.I would not be telling him off,rather treat him when he is calm.

I have to say though I personally do not like everyone I meet so I don't see why my dogs need to like everyone they meet either,and added to that if someone came up into my face and I could not get out of the situation I too would not be happy about it.

Thanks Sheree for the advice :D

I'm just concerned because he never used to do this and also because he is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The last thing I need is people assuming he's dangerous He's actually perfectly fine with people, loves them to death. He also loves all the dogs in his life that he's lived with or known for ages/become friends with. Its just new dogs..

[RachelleBuck]

Don't worry kowai, my oldest Koolie is like that too, not real friendly on lead but love people and just wants to be everyone's friends. She is great with dogs she has know for a while too. I like to think she is just shy meeting new doggies and doesnt like them in her face. She is just telling them she needs personal space. Ask Ruby&Axel about my girl Kelli and her boy Beau. They love each other to death but not great with other dogs so we guess they must understand each other!!!!

[Cosmolo]

What is he walked on- collar/ harness/ headcollar? And does he pull on the lead?

[Kowai]

Thanks Rachelle :D

What is he walked on- collar/ harness/ headcollar? And does he pull on the lead?

Zach was walked on a harness however its broken recently. (Too many trips to the beach I think) At the moment I walk him on a flat collar. He usually walks out infront of me and pulls only slightly when we're on casual walks. (He trots at the full length of the leash) If theres a body of water around, and he knows it, he'll pull like mad to get to the water. (He loves to swim)

However at dog obedience he will heel beside me and is actually quite often too slow and lags behind