Dog Training & Health

[anusha]

Hi,

I do hope that someone can throw light on my problem.

I sense that I am beginning to have a problem with my one year old lab. She has always been friendly and playful but I find of late she tends to get aggressive towards people that she suddenly comes across. For eg. when I take her down in the elevator and it happens to stop at a floor and someone tries to enter, she gets upset and starts to bark with her shackles raised. Even when I walk her its the same story. She is relaxed until she comes across someone walking or another dog walking. But when I slowly introduce her to the dog or person, she immediately calms down and she is back to her friendly ways. I can't seem to figure out what exactly is upsetting her . She responds well to most commands except 'come' and 'quiet' and gets distracted very very easily. But I know that she is extremely intelligent but at the same time very willful. How can I go about making her feel more secure and stop the aggressive behaviour especially towards children?

We just moved to a new apt so I feel that maybe she is trying to settle down to all the new sights and sounds coz we previously lived in a house. But it still doesn't explain the behaviourial change.

Anxious to hear your views.

Thank you
Anusha

[meezermom]

Hi Anusha. Your lab is now becoming a mature adult dog. Not all the way there but you get the picture! You moved to a new place and she is upset with the new strange smells somewhat. Give her some time to adjust to them however, in an elevator, she must learn proper behavior. She should be in a sit/stay at your side and as you are riding down, you should be able to feel if she is relaxed or tense. If she is tense, do offer her a tiny treat. If not, reassure her you are right there and will handle things. If the door opens for someone to come in with you, remind her to stay focused on you, relax and place your hand gently on her head to remind her you are there and will handle things. If there is any sound from her that is negative, correct her calmly and quietly. No one wants to hear a loud dog correction in an elevator! If you have time, practice riding up and down so she can accept it easier.

How much training has she had? You should have had her in a puppy socialization class as well a first level obedience class. If not, get her into training. Also, read NILIF here on our site and put it into practice. This way you will learn how to be the alpha member and teach her to follow you as you are in charge!

And yes, this change in her behavior is easily explained by moving from a house where she could go outside and run and play and had room to an apartment where she is more cooped up and has much less room. She may need a great deal more exercise too....In the meantime, do not permit anyone to approach her without your permission. That includes children! They too must learn to respect your dog's rights. She is uncomfortable right now and does not want kids running up to "pet the doggy" so you need to stop them. Your dog has rights too and you are in control of the situation. Simply step in front of your dog to prevent a child from coming up to her and do not be afraid to speak out to a child or parent that it is unwise to allow their child to run up to a strange dog. Then offer to introduce your dog the right way IF you feel she is comfortable, otherwise just say she isn't ready to meet new people yet. And don't worry about what they say. It's their problem, not yours!