Successfully Met New Dog!

[LucNesbitt]

Moab crossed a big obstacle today! Our best friend's recently adopted a full size greyhound (Sammy) and we've been leary of introducing her to Moab b/c Moab hasn't been the best about meeting new dogs. Well, we took him over to their house today, which he's very familiar with and loves. It didn't start out well but in all fairness to him, I think DH and Kris (his friend/Sammy's dad) pushed him too far too fast. By the time we left, the two were chasing each other around the back yard, playing and being normal dogs, which I haven't seem him do with a new dog in months. We plan on having a couple more introduction sessions before letting them play for an extended period of time.

Here's the kicker though ... I could not be present in the back yard. Moab was doing fine with my husband and Sammy but when Sammy came towards me and Moab was in front of me, he went into aggressive mode. He didn't seem to mind Sammy coming up to DH, just me. He also didn't seem to mind when I played with Sammy on my own. It was only when I was the one holding Moab's harness and Sammy approached that he got aggressive. Once I went inside, he settled down and DH was able to successfully introduce them and get them playing.

Any idea why I would be such a pivotal factor in his behavior and what we can do to make sure he's able to continue having positive experiences with Sammy whether I'm present or not?

 

[ELubas]

Good job Moab!!!! Sounds like your boy made a friend today-how wonderful! As far as him acting out when you are there sounds like he thinks he "owns" you, instead of the other way around and is guarding you Are you tense at new intros-I know I am with my dog aggressive girl. We have worked alot on obedience so she will know to look to me for guidance but new introductions still go better with my friend and her dog walker, who is very calm and confident. So I find I need to work on me as much as her. But do not forget to be proud of your boy for his good job today!!

 

[LucNesbitt]

I'm very proud of him ... he's passed out asleep on the ottoman of my chair, which also means he's putting my foot to sleep but i hate to move it and disturb him!

He's always been a bit protective of me, putting himself between me and strange people until he knows I've accepted them, patroling the house when we're home alone if he hears a strange noise. I've never thought anything about it other than feeling safe that no one was going to mess with me when he's around.

DH and I have known for a long time that Moab's a different dog with me than with DH. With DH, he's more the lazy boxer. With me, its all about play time and affection. If I need to work, I must take him outside for 20 minutes or so of dedicated play time before hand or he won't let me work or get on my laptop. DH doesn't have to do that ... Moab just roams the house or chills until DH is ready to play. Its gotten much better and I'm very strict with him. We only play on my terms and when I say so. He's stopped throwing temper tantrums b/c it doesn't get him anything but separation from me.

Sorry ... this is getting long. To answer your question .. yes I do get a bit nervous but I try to stand away from the actual meeting and observe more than interact. Also, if he thinks he "owns" me, how does that play into needing to guard me?

 

[K8IE]

I think that your own demeanor and level of comfort or lack thereof has a lot to do with how any animal in your care reacts. I think of working with dogs much like I do with horses. For example, when I am riding a horse and know there is a spot in an arena or on a trail where a horse could spook and end up hurting me or her/himself and I tense up, the horse can feel it and will be totally on edge waiting for something bad to happen... Not good... It is much the same with dogs. If you are nervous, especially if you are touching them or have a tense hold on a leash, they will sense it and think "Oh, Mom's nervous, I should be too!"... and they are immediately on edge, waiting for something to happen, or a reason to freak out. Likewise, if you are relaxed and confident, your dog will be as well. A lot of times, I think, having physical contact (holding or leashed) with your dog while trying to introduce them to another dog makes it very difficult because they will possibly feel protective over you and sense any tension in your body, and they can't walk to greet the other dog like they normally would (from the side and walking around sniffing eachother) if they are being held back in some way. I think that next time you take Moab to play you will probably be more relaxed, and he will too. It is good for him to make friends and learn how to interact with others.
**I wish that Cooper could play with our friends two new Greyhound rescues, but they DO NOT do well with other dogs. :(

 

[ELubas]

Sorry ... this is getting long. To answer your question .. yes I do get a bit nervous but I try to stand away from the actual meeting and observe more than interact. Also, if he thinks he "owns" me, how does that play into needing to guard me?

You are his to protect-you belong to him. He will guard anything he believes to be his and that includes you. My boy can be the same way