My dog is overly protective, how can I stop this ?

1. 51

   Arusso231posted 10 years ago

   My dog is overly protective, how can I stop this ?
   
   My dog is a year and five months old she is very protective of me and my daughter.... I correct her but I need more advice !! I don't want her to be !! She's been well socialized meets lots of new people, ?????

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2. 84

   M. T. Dremerposted 10 years ago

   You need to show the dog that you disapprove of what she is doing. There are a number of ways to do this. You can physically crowd the dog out by facing them and sort of herding them away from the person they're going after. You can attempt a fake 'bite' using your fingers to correct the dog when she is doing this behavior (to snap her out of it). Or you and the person visiting you can ignore the dog entirely in an attempt to show her that she will get no reward or affection for such behavior (and definitely don't let her sit on your lap while she is doing it. Shove her off if she tries to do that). I highly recommend watching the Dog Whisperer television show as it helps to understand the best way to communicate with dogs.

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   1. 51

      Arusso231posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Great thank you, so far that is what I've been doing she is an american bulldog and she knows she's not suppose to do it. So I will keep trying!!

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3. 94

   alexadryposted 10 years ago

   Correcting with physical methods only teaches that there is real reason to fear having people around and increases the levels of stress and anxiety. Soon, through associative learning, the dog risks starting associating people coming near with the corrections. Anxiety piles up and makes a dog prone to becoming victim of trigger stacking. This explains why these methods don't work and why they may actually exacerbate problems. It's important to change the dog's emotional response towards having people approach. I would suggest you find a dog trainer/behavior consultant that is familiar with desensitization and counterconditioning and can help you work with your dog under threshold.

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4. 46

   datahoundposted 10 years ago

   I agree with alexadry.  Get help from trainers that have dealt with these issues.  Perhaps there is a dog club or dog obedience club close to you that you could contact.  Ask your Vet for referrals as well. 
   I have been seriously training my two dogs for over a year with some very good trainers who practice operant conditioning.  A seasoned trainer can give you feedback and help you more than any book, video or half hour television show.

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