Protector or momma's little pup?

Question

Took my 10 mo puppy out for his nighttime potty. Something rustled in the back corner of the yard (guessing raccoon?). He started barking and growling then came back to me and stood there growling and barking at the unknown until I brought him inside. I wasn't sure if he was scared and coming to me for comfort? My husband thinks he was coming to protect me? Any ideas on this?

Answer 1

I think he was returning to his pack.  Safety in numbers, you know.

Answer 2

He is looking for protection, not giving protection. You are the pack leader (at least I hope) and therefore he runs to you for comfort. Many people get the wrong idea about this behavior. Had he been "protecting" he would have stood his ground, leaned forward into an agressive stance, and piloerect (bristle) the hair on his back and tail. (though ridgebacks have that opposite grain hair on their spine which makes them appear to always be piloerect). Even then, what he is usually "protecting" is himself. But if he came back to you and then turned to the scary thing and growled/barked, he was coming to you to feed off of your security and be comforted, while "warding off" the bush zombie with a bark. This is a good thing, it means he trusts you to bring him comfort in an unstable situation. Use it to your advantage, so that when he is scared or unsure of something he will look to you for guidance. But be careful as to how progresssed the behavior becomes, because many dogs can learn to display fear aggression to things you'd never want them to be aggressive towards, like children or other dogs or peole. Just make sure he is well socialized and that should never be a problem though. Good luck with your pup! Hope I helped a little.  

Answer 3

i think he was trying to protect you.

im not sure.

Answer 4

He was definitly protecting you.. You are his human. The alpha female.. and he loves you!! i think it is sweet. Wait til he starts bringing you "gifts" of field mice and old bones lol

Answer 5

its natural for your dog to bark at anything they are unsure of. he came running back to you because he felt safe with you, he was just unsure.