My 11 month old Rott/ shapeard mix seems fearful when seeing new things I am worried he may become aggresive.?

Question

When we approch new people only certain people and things seem to scare him he growls, barks and his fur stands up. He backs away. I am not sure if he is afraid, nervous or what. He does not do this with most people. Examples strollers, skateboards, adults carrying children, people unsure of him. I have tried telling him no and doing the Dog whisperer technique of poking him with the shh sound as soon as i notice he is getting tense, but it still happens. If the person is patient we can get him to relax and he will be ok with that person for that time but if we walk away the next time we see them it is the same thing. Most of these people don't want to help me reassure him so I don't know what to do or what the REAL problem is. Is he anxious, afraid, aggresive? He does not go towards the person while barking or growling he backs up. He will try and sniff them while laying down or almost cowering. But his fur and tail are up. He has been socialized well with other dogs and alot of people. People who approch him with confidence are his buddies. He is neutered.

Answer 1

Get him into a training class to help build his confidence, and help him experience new things.  Look for a training facility that focuses on CGC certification...as usually these types of classes, they will have them become accustomed to all different items such as wheelchairs, crutches, and all different people.

Answer 2

You can try desensitizing him to people and strange objects. Start with an object that is new and is not too intimidating (e.g. leave a skateboard on the floor). If he shows any curiosity and starts moving towards it, praise him and treat him. Continue until he is nosing it, then praise him and treat him well. Once you have done this with some less intimidating objects, you can start raising the difficulty slowly (start moving it a little). Make sure not to push him too fast and spook him. Keep sessions short and always try to end on a positive note.

You are definitely doing the right thing in trying to desensitize him to people who are willing to help you out. You may also give them treats to toss to your dog so he will associate people with yummy food. For the other people, especially people with bad energy (afraid of him), I would create as much space as possible between you and them, and stand between them and your dog, and just pass them by with as little fuss as possible. This helps to build up neutral experiences, so that your dog learns that he doesn't need to get stressed because we just pass by the people and nothing happens. I would keep greetings as low key as possible and only meet people who will follow your instructions during the greeting.

You can also get a positive reinforcement dog training book (Other End of the Leash is pretty good) and start doing obedience training sessions with him every day. This will help boost hid confidence, and help with the bonding process.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

The Real Problem is the vicious spiral that's been created. A Rottie is big, powerful and a bit dim; he's bred for a serious guard dog. Many incidents that involve this breed get a lot of publicity, and people are wary of them in consequence.

Well, a nervous person will put out a smell that dogs find offensive; I've smelt it myself a few times, it's a bit like tinned tomatoes that have been left open and gone off. Also a dog can hear your heartbeat, which also tells him a lot about your state of mind; to him, worry sounds a lot like fear or aggression.

Skateboards & strollers? To a dog, that's people walking funny accompanied by a lot of irritating supr-sonic mechanical squeaks - oooh, scary!

Mums carrying babies will be tense around a Rottie, just from all the bad press they've had about attacking kids for no reason.

So your poor dog gets a bit confused - he doesn't know whether to attack or placate strange people.

You have to establish that you're the boss dog, and that you - and you alone - say when and how the pack members react to any situation.

He needs a lot of non-violent but very disciplined training, even if it's to do silly tricks - that's better than having him attack someone. Try getting him to stop and "Give paw" to everyone he meets, friend or newcomer, and praise him lavishly when he does so.

And don't ever leave him alone with a child.

good luck.

Answer 4

i would make sure to get him around as many people/other dogs as often as possible before he becomes aggresive

Answer 5

Well it sounds to me as if he is just afraid. But that could turn into agressiveness later if it isnt fixed. Maybe try enrolling him in obediance classes or even taking him to your veterinarian to talk to them about different options. But I think that with a little more training he will be fine.

It sounds like you are on the right track with trying to socialize him more, so keep up the good work!