redangel Posted September 3, 2009 Share Posted September 3, 2009 I have two poodles. !5mths and 4 mths. I live a quiet life, we have only a handful of visitors. When people come to the house the older dog backs and charges around....she will not go up and greet people. All the barking and fuss...I crate her to bring me some peace... after a time she will approach guests, though warily. Today we went for our normal walk and encountered a teenager who was obviously fearful of dogs (ie she screamed) my older dog decided she was going to bark and fuss....I scolded her and walked away from the focus, she cowered and followed me gingerly. I am seeking to understand how to break this (she is very affectionate once she gets the initial pat) as I do not want this behaviour and definitely do not want to younger dog to pattern her. These are the 6 & 7th poodles I have owned- I have never had this problem, my other dogs would have cuddled anyone any time of day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted September 3, 2009 Share Posted September 3, 2009 I think you need to take your pups to a training school or similar- where they can meet&greet dogs and people... Do you hav friends who are dog savvy.. who can visit your home? Crating/scolding are , IMO only going to make this behaviour worse, as to me it seems a fear based thing What training do the pups get to boost their confidence? perhaps ,when you owned the previous poodles, you were more social in their early months??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aidan Posted September 3, 2009 Share Posted September 3, 2009 In a quiet, neutral location I (as a stranger) clicker train the dog to touch my hand with their nose. I then introduce new people. If there is any chance of a bite I will use a target stick instead, it makes very little difference (I don't know why, I think it's just that the dog makes the choice to approach and the outcome is predictable and safe). If necessary you can have visitors do the same, but I do not exaggerate when I say that within a couple of sessions many shy dogs just get over whatever problem they had with strangers. If Koolietas is following this thread she might vouch for that, having seen it happen at least a couple of times in my classes. In other cases I use an approach/retreat protocol, but that would not be indicated by what you have described. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redangel Posted September 3, 2009 Author Share Posted September 3, 2009 Thanks for the imput. The older girl has been doing obedience for just over a year. She has passed the first 2 levels and is approaching off lead work. She has walked to and from school with the kids, I take her many places. She has not had a 'bad 'experience with people. She does enjoy other peoples company as long as they get past the initial pat. She is very confident on lead but loose in the house she is nervy when people visit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tilly Posted September 3, 2009 Share Posted September 3, 2009 I personally never "ask" my dogs to greet strangers or visitors. I leave it up to the dog to decide if they want to greet the person. They understand from my body language and a marker word that the person is a friend etc - so it is then up to them if they want to go forward for a pat. You said she was confident on leash - how about trying her on leash and then leaving the leash on but you releasing it for her to drag around (not held). Build up to a short leash and then no leash... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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