Quote:
Originally Posted by Jaada  Hi there- I am a bit perplexed by my dog’s behaviour with one particular person that has been by a few times since I first got him.
Whenever he comes by my dog greets him but then will eventually go to his room never to be seen again unless i go look for him.
When others come over, male or female he inspects them and tries to play. If he settles down he will either do so on his bed in the room or come back and forth periodically between my (well now his!) bedroom and the living area.
He has never growled at this person (which he does to people he does not like and all children) and doesn’t seem especially frightened.
Should I take it that he just doesn’t like him? Anyone else had this experience? |
Is your dog a rescue? How old is he? Has he been neutured?
Likely there is some smell or mannerism about this person that worries your dog and he just prefers to absent himself from his presence. The guy might harbor a secret fear or dislike of dogs that your dog is reading, doesn't understand. You might try explaining that to the guy and get him to take up a supply of high-value treats you've left by the front door, offering one to your little guy any time your dog looks at him or even takes a step in his direction, whether he full on approaches or not. You will likely have to watch your dog yourself for the high-signs that he's looking, took a step toward & alert the guy to "treat time". Or, if your dog is not food driven, you might leave a couple of new squeaky toys or tugowar toys by the door for your visitor to use to bait your dog with.
If the guy is really into trying to help, he could sit or lie down on the floor, placing a few of those choice treats very near him and even on his chest, legs, etc., to encourage your dog to come near him and partake in his favorite treats. Should be a good ice-breaker unless this guy just doesn't like dogs. If that's the case, or he has a latent fear of dogs, it likely won't work out unless he's more determined to overcome it than live with it.