DogzRule Posted April 8, 2012 Share Posted April 8, 2012 (edited) Hi guys I am looking for some advice. "molly" is my 9 month old desexed female cattle dog pup. She has the most gently nature and she adores me, my husband and my grand daughter. So there lies my problem. We are the only people she has decided to tolerate. Anyone else comes to visit she is out of control. She barks fiercely and has even snapped at the odd person. Before I go on, nothing has ever happened to her to mistrust anyone... She is very protective of us three, when attend obedience, she is tolerant, but mindful...we walk the crowded streets, she is wary, maybe a bit anxious..but tolerant, until they get too close I need her to learn the difference between friend and foe lol. Our visitors offer her treats and she will stretch her neck out so far to take it Im thinking she will bust a vertebrae. She takes the treat then retreats to behind my legs. I have asked visitors to ignore her and just pay attention to my 8 year old Border collie who just loves everyone, doesnt make any difference So.... here I am looking for some advice, I really want friends to see what a beautiful clown of a pup she is and not the ogre she becomes when people come over Any advice would be greatly received Many Thanks Edited April 8, 2012 by DogzRule Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nekhbet Posted April 8, 2012 Share Posted April 8, 2012 where did you get her from? Has she always been that way? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DogzRule Posted April 8, 2012 Author Share Posted April 8, 2012 where did you get her from? Has she always been that way? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tralee Posted April 8, 2012 Share Posted April 8, 2012 Hi DogzRule. :) I think its too early to write your dog off as "aggressive" Once through obedience is not enough for some dogs. You should continue to socialise the dog with people and other dogs. She takes the treat then retreats to behind my legs. This is a security seeking reaction, very understandable for a pup just nine months old. For what its worth, my charming big dog did not 'mellow out' until about 3 years old. He had much the same reaction and Robert Holmes, the dog behaviouralist, gave me some good advice. "Give your dog heaps of mouth stimulation" By the same token, your dogs personality is something you will have to get to know and accomodate. If he is going to guard his territory and family then that is something you will have to learn to manage. Good Luck Px Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DogzRule Posted April 8, 2012 Author Share Posted April 8, 2012 A lady had her and siblings advertised in the local paper. I went over and met mum, dad and aunty as well as most of her brothers and sisters. Barked at when I approached, but once I was inside all was ok and the ball was located for a quick game. So I was satisfied with her upbringing. Well looked after and cared for So I dont think it was an issue The problem starting about 2 months ago Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tlc Posted April 8, 2012 Share Posted April 8, 2012 (edited) How old was she when you started obedience? Have you had her from a pup and did she have much socialisation as a pup. You have just described a friend of mines dog (a little younger) scared of anyone but his family but he has never been socialised apart from the odd visitor to the household. It sounds like you are doing the right thing in getting visitors to ignore her, trying to win over a dog that is timid/fearful is futile and generally makes the problem worse in my opinion. If this hasn't always been a problem she may just be going through a fear period and it could pass. I think there is a pinned section somewhere about fear stages etc, I will see if i can find it. Edited April 8, 2012 by tlc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DogzRule Posted April 8, 2012 Author Share Posted April 8, 2012 How old was she when you started obedience? Have you had her from a pup and did she have much socialisation as a pup. You have just described a friend of mines dog (a little younger) scared of anyone but his family but he has never been socialised apart from the odd visitor to the household. It sounds like you are doing the right thing in getting visitors to ignore her, trying to win over a dog that is timid/fearful is futile and generally makes the problem worse in my opinion. If this hasn't always been a problem she may just be going through a fear period and it could pass. I think there is a pinned section somewhere about fear stages etc, I will see if i can find it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tlc Posted April 8, 2012 Share Posted April 8, 2012 (edited) Have a look HERE the second fear period for pups is between 8 - 16 months. Edited April 8, 2012 by tlc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nekhbet Posted April 8, 2012 Share Posted April 8, 2012 (edited) This is a security seeking reaction, very understandable for a pup just nine months old. for a well rounded, well socialised pup no this is not a normal reaction, particularly cattle dogs who are meant to be confident dogs. What you then worry about is the other reactions she is showing, the guarding and being snappy - they are a breed with no worries using their teeth and she's not even mature yet. There is fear period and then there is just swinging way too far on the behavioral pendulum. I own one of the most moody, difficult breeds there is and one of them changing to this degree would be setting the old bells ringing for a thorough check. Quite a serious change of behavior firstly warrants a good health check, particularly bloods and hormones. Then I would be enlisting the services of a very good trainer/behaviorist to assess her if nothing shows from the health tests. I will put money on the fact that some of this is genetic, but you still need a professional to fund the root cause of her behavior in order to have a safe and happy dog long term. Edited April 8, 2012 by Nekhbet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DogzRule Posted April 8, 2012 Author Share Posted April 8, 2012 Molly came to live with us at 8 weeks, started puppyschool and then obedience at 4 months She is totally different to my gentle soul border collie, a full on dog I just want our friends to see how beautiful she can be Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huski Posted April 8, 2012 Share Posted April 8, 2012 (edited) Hmmm I agree with Nekh, a behaviourial consult is definitely in order. I wouldn't consider that normal at all. Whereabouts are you located? Edited April 8, 2012 by huski Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jumabaar Posted April 8, 2012 Share Posted April 8, 2012 My boy showed similar behaviour and ended up being fear aggressive. Go to a behaviourist now and nip it in the bud before it progresses!! Speaking to someone was the best thing I ever did- I just wish I had done it earlier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nekhbet Posted April 8, 2012 Share Posted April 8, 2012 she very well can be dogzrule :) she just needs a bit of help at this delicate stage. I train a lot of dogs like yours and there is nothing to say she cannot be a social dog, but the fact it has lasted 2 months says she needs more then just riding out a developmental change. I have a cattle dog in my classes that is similar with other dogs, its only taken her 4 classes to give up on panicking around other dogs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DogzRule Posted April 12, 2012 Author Share Posted April 12, 2012 ok......consultation with Behaviour specialist(?) booked for Tuesday...Vet says she is the picture of health, wish me luck guys lol Huski..."molly" and I are located in the shoalhaven NSW South Coast Also many thanks for all your help xxx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megan_ Posted April 12, 2012 Share Posted April 12, 2012 Did the vet take a blood test? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juice Posted April 15, 2012 Share Posted April 15, 2012 I would be going to someone recommended here, there are way too many "behavoirists" who havn't a clue out there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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