A good thing?

[AdamsBunch]

I'm not sure if this is a good thing or a bad one but either way it's slightly embarrassing to discuss on a forum but I think I can get the best advice from you guys. Ok, so last night the BF and I were getting "close" (PG rated forum) and Oscar started growling and barking at us. He used to bark whenever the BF and I would play fight but now he does it at other very inappropriate times. Is he just being protective of me or the BF or what? Is this something I should correct or worry about? Anyone else have a similar issue?

 

[gmacleod]

It may be a sign that the dog believes himself to be the alpha male in the household. Dog packs always have an alpha male and an alpha female (the only two allowed to mate, btw). Not suggesting your dog has any inclination to mate! Just a suggestion that the problem may be that he is, or is trying to be, the alpha male and physical closeness by or between anyone he thinks is lower in the hierarchy than him isn't something he's going to be thrilled about. Simplest answer is to put the dog out of the room, or off the couch, anytime he thinks it's OK to get uppity about things. It's a clear signal to him that he's got the hierarchy backward (i.e. he's not the alpha, and the post isn't open). Don't overlook the less overt behaviour such as pushing between the two of you - he shouldn't be dictating who sits where at any time Beyond that, a general NILIF regime would be good to implement.

 

[ELubas]

Those males My boy would gladly have claimed me and relegated my husband to second fiddle had we let him. One thing that helped was making hubby "keeper" of all good things-meals, walks, toys, cookies. I just had my husband take over for awhile and Fraze got it pretty quickly. A nice stuffed kong and a little crate time works too! Gotta love 'em Good luck

 

[AdamsBunch]

I could understand it better if I had been with him from the start but I've only been with Oscar for a year. He has always been a daddy's boy so I don't quiet understand his reaction. But then again, I am the one that feeds him and praises him and takes him on special trips. Hmmm.... Thanks guys.