Why does my dog do this??
85- Tracy Mason
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I rescued a springer spaniel about 2 years ago from a lady who wanted to put her to sleep just because she didn't want her any more. Since having Holly in my life, she has been a fantastic companion and is like my shadow. She loves everyone and everyone loves her...apart from my 19 year old son...he likes her but she starts to act very strange when he comes to visit. If I am, say, sitting at the computer and my son walks into the room, Holly will continually nudge my hands off the keyboard, or try to get between my knees to jump up on my, panting hard all the time. If Im relazing infront of the TV she will pounce on top of me trying to sit on my shoulder, again panting all the time. I push her down, telling her NO but she is straight back up doing it again until either my son and I part company. She is fine with my 17 year old daughter and even my sons mates of the same age. My son loves animals, there is no question about it, he would never have hurt her, I just cant understand this behaviour. Can anyone shed some light on it?
85- mistywild
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she is trying to claim dominance in the household, it seems to me. my boxer did that for a while.
- 85
- Tracy Mason
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Thank for the reply, how did you manage to stop your dog from doing it?
- 85
- mistywild
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clicker training. when you make her get down tell her good girl, a rub under the chin and a click.
- 85
- mistywild
- 1893 posts
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she could also be jealous of your son getting attention from you.
- 85
- Tracy Mason
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Ok thanks I will try what you said. She is very obedient the rest of the time, just not when he is around. Thanks for the advice
- 85
- mistywild
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Tracy Mason wrote:
Ok thanks I will try what you said. She is very obedient the rest of the time, just not when he is around. Thanks for the advice
no problem, I have 4 dogs myself, good luck, treats or a clicker is the way to go for sure.
94- rebekahELLE
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hmmm, does your son interact with the dog, petting her, playing with him?
maybe afraid of him?- 85
- Tracy Mason
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He tries to, but she growls if he comes near her
- 85
- Tracy Mason
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it isnt a nasty growl...she growls and wags her tail, she isnt sure what she feels I dont think
Tracy Mason wrote:
I rescued a springer spaniel about 2 years ago from a lady who wanted to put her to sleep just because she didn't want her any more. Since having Holly in my life, she has been a fantastic companion and is like my shadow. She loves everyone and everyone loves her...apart from my 19 year old son...he likes her but she starts to act very strange when he comes to visit. If I am, say, sitting at the computer and my son walks into the room, Holly will continually nudge my hands off the keyboard, or try to get between my knees to jump up on my, panting hard all the time. If Im relazing infront of the TV she will pounce on top of me trying to sit on my shoulder, again panting all the time. I push her down, telling her NO but she is straight back up doing it again until either my son and I part company. She is fine with my 17 year old daughter and even my sons mates of the same age. My son loves animals, there is no question about it, he would never have hurt her, I just cant understand this behaviour. Can anyone shed some light on it?
MartyZ wrote:
Tracy Mason wrote:
I rescued a springer spaniel about 2 years ago from a lady who wanted to put her to sleep just because she didn't want her any more. Since having Holly in my life, she has been a fantastic companion and is like my shadow. She loves everyone and everyone loves her...apart from my 19 year old son...he likes her but she starts to act very strange when he comes to visit. If I am, say, sitting at the computer and my son walks into the room, Holly will continually nudge my hands off the keyboard, or try to get between my knees to jump up on my, panting hard all the time. If Im relazing infront of the TV she will pounce on top of me trying to sit on my shoulder, again panting all the time. I push her down, telling her NO but she is straight back up doing it again until either my son and I part company. She is fine with my 17 year old daughter and even my sons mates of the same age. My son loves animals, there is no question about it, he would never have hurt her, I just cant understand this behaviour. Can anyone shed some light on it?
Dang I am new here anf I keep messing this up but here i am trying again. I have a 3 yr old mini schnauzer that I have trained to be my service dog. She is almost perfect except when my 23 yr old son would come home. She would pull on the cuffs of his pants and yell at him every time he would come home. She would be fine if we met him somewhere else. I realized when we were at home he would tease her some (not being mean just trying to get a rise out of her.) I also know that at home she tends to be more territorial than when we are out.
Now when he comes home I put a lead on her and give her a mild reprimand when she gets pushy with him. I also have special treats for him to give her when she is behaving and they are beginning to like each other. Also I told him NO MORE teasing the dog even when you think it's funny.
Anyway good luck
Marty- 85
- Tracy Mason
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Oh bless you for continuing to try and welcome to hub pages. My son does tease her sometimes, but she seemed to enjoy it, she didnt seem stressed by it. However she would then back away and do all that strange stuff...I will try getting him to give her treats and see if that works...thanks for taking the time to reply. I shall look forward to reading your first hub.
- 94
- rebekahELLE
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Tracy Mason wrote:
it isnt a nasty growl...she growls and wags her tail, she isnt sure what she feels I dont think
I'm not skilled in understanding dog behavior, but it sounds like there may be fear on both ends. your dog senses your sons hesitation? a dog usually senses fear or a bad feeling, like an awareness. I have read that tail wagging can be a sign of conflict, your dog unsure how to deal with her emotion, the excess energy her body is feeling.
have you talked with your vet about the situation?
I don't know what to tell you to do other than try to have your son continue to warm up to her and respect her space. - 85
- Tracy Mason
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Thank you so much for your reply Rebekah, I never mentioned it to the vet, didnt think he could help. I just hate seeing her stressed and jumping all over me. My son doesnt seem scared of her, but he is 19 so probably wont admit it lol...
- 94
- rebekahELLE
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Tracy Mason wrote:
Thank you so much for your reply Rebekah, I never mentioned it to the vet, didnt think he could help. I just hate seeing her stressed and jumping all over me. My son doesnt seem scared of her, but he is 19 so probably wont admit it lol...
your vet could help you understand what it may be. maybe a phone call might help. we have a new pet this past week, so I've been going to dog websites trying to brush up on what to do when you bring home a new dog. I really like cesarmilans site and there is a hubber here also that knows a lot about dogs. maybe she will see your post.
http://www.cesarsway.com/
maybe you can find some answers at his site. good luck!
- 85
- Tracy Mason
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awwww cheers for that...I will check it out, everyone is so kind..thanks everyone x
Tracy Mason wrote:
awwww cheers for that...I will check it out, everyone is so kind..thanks everyone x
it could also be a flashback to her interactions with men from her previous life (unless of course she's only behaving this way with your son and not other men).
who knows, rescue dogs sometimes have had a bad go of it. with patience, discipline and love she'll outgrow it. i rescued an australian shepherd who was a terrible barker, so bad that all previous attempts to find a home for him failed. it took almost 18 months, but for the most part it's under control, now barking on signal when cars drive up.
although some might disagree, look at cesar's way for practical advice in common sense 101. you'll do the dog a huge favor by understanding its language.- 85
- Tracy Mason
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Thank you for your reply, she isn't like this with other males just my son, I thought maybe a teenage boy was cruel to her before I had her but she is great with my sons friends of the same age. I certainly will look at Cesar's site in my quest to get to the bottom of it. Thanks again
