Growls out of fear

[Kashon]

Hi everyone,
I'm wondering if any of your boxers growl out of fear - and if so, how to handle it. We got our boy in March when he was just over a year old and at first he growled at everyone who came into the house. He'd crouch, his mouth would go flat and he'd growl and back away from people. He NEVER tried to bite or snap, even when people would try to touch him (which we told people NOT to do, we asked everyone to simply ignore him and it worked - as long as they didn't try to approach him, he'd eventually get a few sniffs in and then be fine to the point of face licking and butt wiggling!).

He's come a long way, we've been socializing him and have had a lot of people over to the house. When the doorbell rings we tell him to sit and only when he's calm do we allow him to approach our houseguests. But, there are still a few times where he'll growl, especially towards men. Do you have any suggestions to help us help him - to show him that he doesn't have to be afraid or is this something that will be with him forever? (he's extremely skittish...although getting a lot better than he was!) The breeder we got him from says he was scared during a puppy class by a man who created a loud noise at a very vulnerable age - 8 weeks. Yikes.

 

[ELubas]

Sounds to me like you are doing a great job! I would just continue to socialize and reward him when he warms up. Those growls are very important as they are telling you (and the approaching thing) that he is uneasy and not ready to meet yet. I had a timid girl and over time found she warmed up quicker and quicker as long as I let her set the pace. I am not a big fan of Ceasar Milan but I do like his no touch, no talk, no eye contact for timid dogs. Good luck

 

[Lola's mum]

My Lola doesn't like men much either and has growled a few times but that was when house guests have carried on trying to 'win her over'
We know of no reason why Lola's like this, we've had her since a young pup but she's nearly 3 now and still is wary of men. After a while she settles down and approaches them, especially if they've completely ignored her then she's fine with them.

 

[ELubas]

My Lola doesn't like men much either and has growled a few times but that was when house guests have carried on trying to 'win her over'
We know of no reason why Lola's like this, we've had her since a young pup but she's nearly 3 now and still is wary of men. After a while she settles down and approaches them, especially if they've completely ignored her then she's fine with them.

I think they just are who they are My last sweet girl I got at seven weeks and she came to me timid so who knows... But I think we underestimate the power of letting a dog decide when to "greet" To me, as a person, nothing is worse than those in your face, overly familiar people who want to hug me the first time they meet me-so I guess I can relate to your Lola

 

[Kashon]

Thanks

Thanks everyone, it makes me feel better that this is somewhat "normal" and that we've been handling it the right way! And, you're right, I don't especially like people hugging me when I first meet them either! ha.

It's hard sometimes because I've found that the more Kash backs away, the more people move toward him to try to get him to like them. I have to tell people to repeatedly simply ignore Kash and that if they do, he'll warm up much more quickly...I guess in terms of training, it's our houseguests who need it too, not just Kash!

 

[ELubas]

It's hard sometimes because I've found that the more Kash backs away, the more people move toward him to try to get him to like them. I have to tell people to repeatedly simply ignore Kash and that if they do, he'll warm up much more quickly...I guess in terms of training, it's our houseguests who need it too, not just Kash!

So true. With my last girl I wouldl actually get between her and the well meaning poeple and say, "Please, just give her time and she will come around". That usually worked as people do not want to scare the dog, once they realize that is what they are doing. I still remember my sweet Ailis poking her little head between my legs to get a sniff