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Loves people Hates dogs
by David
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
DISCUSSION:
Hi, Lexie sounds like Monique--- 1 year old Saturday. she loves people, but she does not like babies. She wants attention from any human coming into our home, but growls at babies--I think they steal her attention!! We keep her away from any babies that come to visit and still wonder what to do about the way she demands attention from the adults. Maybe it's just their nature!
Joy
Hello David. Sunny is the same way. I went to my first obedience training class and I asked the trainer why he did this. She said that it wasn't an aggression problem, but because he wanted to go near them. I thought about it and the times that I did let him go near them he sniffed and was real quiet but as soon as I pulled him away he would start back up again. I also thought he didn't like other dogs, but I guess now it makes more sense. But, I can't always let him go near other dogs. I've tried yelling no and tugging on his harness collar and everything. Nothing works. So I decided on taking him to school. I've never tried using the training collar because I thought it was pretty cruel but after going to the first class it also makes a lot of sense. Some people may not agree, but I will give it a shot. It's not like I would have to use it forever. Hope this helps.
Charlynn
Yes, I have the same problem with Maggie. She is also 2 1/2 years old. She has never liked other dogs. But, like you said, she loves all people. We tried to get her to like other dogs, but it is of no use. We even had friends come over with their dogs and Maggie would crawl up onto our bed and hide under the pillows. It just depressed her too much for us to keep trying to get her used to other dogs. We figure that she is around other people more then she is dogs. So we kind of gave up on her with the dog problem. She loves us, and we love her very much. I don't really have a solution for you, but I just wanted to let you know that your little one is not the only one out there. Good Luck! I hope you have better luck then we did.
Jennifer
Yes, Sophie loves people, especially men. She enjoys being cooed at and hugged by women, but when she gets attention from a male, she is extra generous with her kisses and wags of her tail. She gets us into lots of trouble when walking or out someplace. She thinks she's a ferocious monster when barking at rottweilers, german shepherds, great danes and the like. Then, of course, they start after her! We have enrolled in obedience classes that begin three weeks from now. I am keeping my fingers crossed that this will work because one of these days both she and I might end up being lunch for these larger dogs because of her instigating and barking!
Carrie
David, your not alone, Taffy is like that with people and dogs, but has to get to know the person, then she's alittle better. I think she is very protective of me! Good question, and I also would like to read the responses that will help me too!
Margaret
David, my Baxter loves little dogs, but big dogs are a real problem and I blame it on the puppy kindergarten we attended when Baxter was only about four months old or so. Baxter was the only toy breed there. All the other pups were large breeds and all were already quite big. The trainer had "play time" and we were supposed to just let our puppies loose to intermingle and socialize. Baxter was very shy and cautious to begin with and I just dreaded that part. Well, when the trainer said to let them loose, every damn dog headed towards Baxter and I was just so scared, but the trainer just kept saying to leave them alone and that they have to go through this. They were swarming around him. They nuzzled him, some poked him with their paws and, in general, it was a terrifying experience for poor little Baxter. I listened to the trainer because I figured he knew what he was doing and this was "good" for Baxter. My heart was being ripped out. Poor little Baxter couldn't hide. He just tried to get as close to our legs as possible. He even peed himself. I will never, ever forgive that trainer for that experience. The next week (yes, we went back) we explained to the trainer that we didn't want to repeat the previous week and maybe only one or two of the more gentle dogs could socialize with Baxter when the time came. He agreed but made us feel like we were over-protective. Well, we went through that class and never went back. To this day, the picture of poor Baxter being pushed around by the big dogs and him being so scared just breaks my heart. So now I have a baby that flunked kindergarten and hates big dogs. He has grown to 10 lbs and his size has given him enough confidence to want to tear every big dog he meets apart. They remember abuse from people and I'm sure they remember abuse from other dogs too.
Marie
David, I believe your Lexie is fearful, not aggressive. She would benefit greatly from *proper* (not the kind Marie's Baxter got) socialization. She needs to be around other small dogs (puppies as well as older ones) and supervised. Marie's trainer was partially correct in that they need to play and interact together w/o our holding their paws! However, I don't ever reccommend off-lead play with larger dogs in a group situation or with dogs you don't know. The larger ones don't mean to hurt, but because of their size, they can. And anytime there's a group, they can get into that *pack* mode! I doubt if Marie's trainer had a toy breed of her own. Many trainers have larger breeds and think some of us let our toys become *whooses* (spelling?). I know.
Get Lexie together with other toys ina a park, a class, a friend. Ask your vet to reccommend some others. Let them alone but supervise. They may growl, but remember that's how they communicate.
anne
Anne, thanks for responding to my post. The trainer of which I spoke was a male, not that it matters. I've read your posts and really value your input. You would not have let that scene take place, I just know it. I wish someone would have classes strictly for smaller breeds. This guy tried to apply his large dog training to our situation and it was a waste of $70. Baxter didn't need to know how not to jump on counters or steal food off the table. I didn't need to know what type of leash wouldn't burn my hands from Baxter pulling on it. If I could design a class, it would teach grooming, nutrition, manners for small dogs, how NOT to spoil, etc. I had asked this trainer if we could be in a class with other small dogs (at least one) and he said it was more imortant that Baxter get in sooner than later before bad habits are formed. I partly agree, but that whole experience really turned me off! Marie
Marie
Puff also had problems with other dogs (particularly male dogs). I believe it was partially male agression/territorial agression (we didn't get him neutered until he was about 4), partially improper socialization (he is an only dog and spoiled rotten), and partially our own reactions to other dogs (particually my Mom, who is afraid of large dogs). I eventually consulted a trainer and it did get better. Neutering aslo probably helped a bit in our case. He doesn't exactly love other dogs, but he's a lot better now. He is otherwise one of the most friendly and loving creatures you have ever met. I'd say talk to a professional trainer, and consider a few private sessions followed by a group class.
Aimee