Re: My over protected dog

In Reply to: My over protected dog
Category:   Aggression
Posted by:  Linda A. Callei-Fraioli
Posted on:  October 31, 2002 at 13:45:28

: My four year old JRT, Tiger, actually has a fitting name. My question is, when he is lying in bed with me at night watching tv, no one, and I mean no one, can enter the room, he growls, and charges at my kids if they have to ask me a question, or my husband as he enters the room, however, when not in my bedroom, he is very friendly to the kids ages 22 and 18, he plays with them, etc. He does not let strangers near any of us, or anyone in my house. He's a nut, one minute hes playing with you, the next he's chasing my kids with teeth showing and growls. Why? He did not do this until about 1 year ago. I did have two other dogs that he would not let near me either, however, they were both put to sleep within six months apart. What should I do

Response:

Dear Linda,

Based on the information in your post, I suspect that "Tiger" has always been over protective of you as well as over protected BY you. Since you are the human who obviously has the most influence over him, you need to change your attitude before you can change his behavior.

I apologize if this sounds harsh but Tiger is not a "nut" nor should you consider his name to be "fitting" for his behavior. Either by your actions (or inaction), he learned that his job is to protect you. The thing is, Linda, it's OUR job to protect our terriers...not the other way around.

I suggest that you contact your vet/breeder for a referral to a behaviorist who can observe Tiger and recommend specific training methods to help you, and your family, fix the problem.