Sprocker growling!!

SpottyTB

SpottyTB

Well-Known Member
Joined
15 August 2010
Messages
5,139
Location
Cornwall
Visit site
Hi all, not sure why but our 18 month sprocker has a real issue with my OH's grandparents!

He growls and barks at them and won't approach them at all! I can't understand why it is!

Everytime one of them talks to him, stands up or comes into the room he starts! They have both had several dogs over the years so its not that and neither the gsd or jrt are bothered!

Has anyone got any ideas about what we can do or what it is!

They are 80 and its so embarrassing when he does it! We've tried telling him off and we've tried taking him over but nothing works!

Stb
 
Generally, perceived aggression is a simple matter of "fear". The dog fears his visitors.

How to get around it? Plan A. Could the APs be persuaded to take him for a week? Could you bare to part with him?

Plan B. when they visit you, and when the dog's doing his stuff, IGNORE him, completely. Have the AP's feed him. No contact, not a spoken word, NOTHING. ;)

You CANNOT explain to the dog that he has nothing to fear, but by simple SILENT and NON-EYECONTACT demonstration, he will (hopefully!) come to understand.

Sometimes the greatest rewards for us, are when a dog accepts that fear is a bit pointless. Dogs can learn that there is nothing to fear, but fear itself. Just as we can.

The biggest mistake that we make with a fearful dog, is when we offer comfort. When we do that, we reward the dog. The dog must learn, and learn that reward isn't the answer.

Alec.
 
He's not aggressive with it, it's all vocal and he backs away from them and goes all wishy washy!

Its like he can't bring himself to say hi but He wants to (2 steps forward "waggy tail" 4 back growling and so on!)

It's so bizarre, they are not bothered and understand its not aggressive and once everyone settles He is fine! Just like initial meetings and when they get up from sitting down!

Bizarre! He's so lovely with everyone else! Can't understand it!

Luckily, they only visit occasionally but next time I'll try your plan b Alec! Wise words!

Thanks :)
 
Spaniels can be surprisingly sensitive little souls sometimes. They'll go barging in at times like they're invincible, then other times they'll take exception to the oddest things! Mine was in the kitchen the other day with me, half asleep while I was cooking and listening to music. A Sammy Davies Jr track came on, upon which Henry jumped up and scuttled out with his tail between his legs:confused: I had been ignoring him and doing nothing out of the ordinary and nothing else seemed to have changed so either he'd smelt or heard something beyond my comprehension, or he'd taken against Sammy:rolleyes: Frankly, it wouldn't surprise me, he can be an odd little dog on occasion:D

Alec's advice to ignore him is probably your best bet. The more they try and make friendly overtures, the more he'll feel under pressure and defensive.
 
Is this behaviour something new or has he always been so inclined with the OH's parents? Have you had him from a pup or is he a rescue?

Sometimes the posture and way of moving of the elderly can be perceived as threatening by a dog....especially an insecure one. The elderly don;t always keep their balance well; they may shuffle rather than walk; they may stagger when getting to their feet after sitting for a while; they may use a stick/zimmer frame or other aid that the dog can be angsty over.

Tell them to TOTALLY ignore the dog; don;t make any attempt to interact with it......certainly do not allow them to attempt to encourage it to them. Just pretend the dog does not exist.

Try and keep calm yourself; don;t be embarrassed....the dog may well feed off your angst.

If you can, pop him behind a dog gate so that he can see the comings and goings, but is out of the way. This may give him a feeling of greater security and places him out of the way so that you carry on with your guests at ease.
 
Beg an old coat or other discard from OH's parents and put it in the spaniel's bed. Scent is very important to dogs and that might help to familiarise the dog to what it perceives as the smell of a stranger and an intruder. I'm serious and with experience of similar problems that indicate that it might work. At least, it would cost you nothing to try.

As has been said, otherwise ignore the behaviour.

I wonder if getting your OH's parents to feed the dog would help? Feed rewards always work best with a dog that is hungry!;)
 
Its funny actually because when they last visited (its grandparents rather than parents), he was around 16weeks and he didn't like them then! (Same behaviour shown!) and actually thinking about it, he's similar behaved towards a work colleague who has had a hip replacement! So maybe it is about movement!

Luckily they went home today! But will try all techniques when they return!
Thanks

Stb
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top