Rey27 83 Posted August 26, 2010 Report Share Posted August 26, 2010 My dog is a Patterdale Terrier bitch, she is 2years old. great working dog & watch dog. great with Me, the Misses and Our Kids, infact good with anyone she Knows.... BUT, if a stranger goes to pat or stroke her, she will back away, sometimes even snap at them and growl... no matter how many times i get people she doesnt know to come up to her to and nice and calm, shes ALWAYS unsure, and it doesnt changer her attitude towards people she doesnt know until shes met them a few times (Even kids) ANY IDEAS? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jac 12 Posted August 26, 2010 Report Share Posted August 26, 2010 give the stranger a dog treat to hand to your dog,(somthing realy tasty) and ask the person to only touch the dog under the chin do this enough times and he shoud settle down Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mrs A.R.D 53 Posted August 27, 2010 Report Share Posted August 27, 2010 firstly ask the person not to approach her, wait for her to come to them because she odviosly feels threatend. when she's more relaxed about them it will be safe to follow Jac's advise. Dont back her into a corner most terriers will come out fighting when they feel too threatened. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
gotPatterdale? 1 Posted August 27, 2010 Report Share Posted August 27, 2010 (edited) Might not be easy to change. That is why proper socialization is important from an early age. Some shy dogs will always be that way. Unacceptable for me as an owner. The advice here is on point but realize your dog might be too old or possible just the way your dog is. Regards, B Edited August 27, 2010 by gotPatterdale? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
erik 71 Posted August 27, 2010 Report Share Posted August 27, 2010 (edited) keep it that way ,good against dog thiefs Edited August 27, 2010 by erik Quote Link to post Share on other sites
skycat 6,173 Posted August 27, 2010 Report Share Posted August 27, 2010 If a dog hasn't been socialised with many different people before it gets to aabout 15 weeks of age you have lost that learning window. Personally I don't mind if my dogs don't go to strangers: in fact I prefer it that way. If your dog was socialised early it maybe just doesn't 'do' strangers patting it. How many children are expected to put up with being patted on the head by aunts, parent's friends etc. I hated it when I was a kid and I'd have probably snapped if I'd been a dog LOL Just as a matter of interest....why do you want the dog to accept being stroked by strangers? Like has already been said: too many dog theives about. My dogs will tolerate being handled by the vet as long as I'm holding the lead but none would allow a stranger to get near them if I wasn't there. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
scothunter 12,609 Posted August 27, 2010 Report Share Posted August 27, 2010 keep it that way ,good against dog thiefs alll dogs i have ever owned are like that encouraged by me,might not be proper training but i dont let strangers wander up and clap my dogs. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rey27 83 Posted August 29, 2010 Author Report Share Posted August 29, 2010 Cheerz guys!! i dont have a problem with her being like that towards adults, its there problem if they get bitten (especially because i always say "she bites" ) but its when kids just run up to stroke her thinking she is a pup cos shes small. i dont want her biting a kid, thats all Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.