Stranger Danger

[Anonymous]

Our dog seems suddenly fearful of people he doesn’t know and will bark at them. This is on leash outside and in the house.

We aren’t sure what to do.

[Anonymous]

How old is the dog? Was he recently neutered?

[Anonymous]

Dog is two and no neutered a while back.

It’s just so strange, I can tell he is afraid and that’s what is driving the barking. And it’s not like the bark a dog does when someone knocks on the door, it is sustained barking at someone and he is not a small dog so people get afraid.

Sometimes he tries to hide behind me. Admittedly we haven’t had a ton of people in the house during Covid and now we are having more but he never had a problem with the few people coming in or out or people wanted to stop and pet him on the street.

He is very lovable toward us and relaxed. And other people he knows he is relaxed around.

[Anonymous]

Lots of treats and positive reinforcement when people come around and possibly talk to your vet about trying Trazodone. Trazodone is nice because it isn't something you have to give everyday, just when you need it. Also, additional obedience to help your dog gain confidence.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the suggestions, will talk to the vet. I just feel so bad because he is such a sweetheart but I don’t know what suddenly made him so wary of people he doesn’t know

[Anonymous]

leash aggression / guarding owner

you need to say "no" and redirect him immediately, either get him to sit and praise him for that with your back to the people passing, or try to distract him with whatever smells are nearest (and in opposite direction to people passing)

[Anonymous]

Did something happen to the dog? I once brought my dog to a groomer who was an older woman and he went to lick her hand and she smacked him across the face right in front of me. She claimed she though he was going to bite her. We left (obviously I want going to leave him with her) and from then on he was afraid of older ladies.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Did something happen to the dog? I once brought my dog to a groomer who was an older woman and he went to lick her hand and she smacked him across the face right in front of me. She claimed she though he was going to bite her. We left (obviously I want going to leave him with her) and from then on he was afraid of older ladies.

This. Has he been around groomers or walker or anyone without you he may have hurt him?

Also for the sake of your guests please put him upstairs in a room so they don’t have to deal with the fear of him barking or hurting them.

[Anonymous]

Nothing happened that I know of. He doesn’t get professionally groomed, we bush bathe and brush him at home. He’s a Vizsla so short haired. He does occasionally have a dog walker but he runs right to her, tail wagging.

Someone told me it is like a little kid who suddenly realizes not everyone is good/safe to talk to. That they happily go to everyone when they are toddlers but start to understand “don’t talk to strangers”

It definitely doesn’t happen all the time. Lots of people pass and nothing happens. Sometimes people come in the house and nothing happens. He is very clingy which I understand is a characteristic of the breed, so I guess I could see him being afraid or certain people and want to guard me. How likely is it that a dog who is doing this will actually bite versus just trying to warn?

If the dog is afraid is it still ok to say No! while he is barking? I try to redirect him with a treat but if I say no! And give him a treat isn’t that confusing to the dog?

[Anonymous]

It's just temperament. Our dog did the same and it was hard work to deal with - you just have to be vigilant and work on it constantly. It's not something you can fix quickly or easily and unless the dog has a brain tumor it's not physiological.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nothing happened that I know of. He doesn’t get professionally groomed, we bush bathe and brush him at home. He’s a Vizsla so short haired. He does occasionally have a dog walker but he runs right to her, tail wagging.

Someone told me it is like a little kid who suddenly realizes not everyone is good/safe to talk to. That they happily go to everyone when they are toddlers but start to understand “don’t talk to strangers”

It definitely doesn’t happen all the time. Lots of people pass and nothing happens. Sometimes people come in the house and nothing happens. He is very clingy which I understand is a characteristic of the breed, so I guess I could see him being afraid or certain people and want to guard me. How likely is it that a dog who is doing this will actually bite versus just trying to warn?

If the dog is afraid is it still ok to say No! while he is barking? I try to redirect him with a treat but if I say no! And give him a treat isn’t that confusing to the dog?

Usually for fear related behaviors it's best to stick with positive reinforcement. I would have a trainer come and give you some pointers. At the very least it's someone new coming to your house that your dog will have a positive experience with. Puppies and young dogs do go through fear phases, but 2 years old is a little late for that, especially for a Vizsla.