[makesthesignoftheZ]

Tomarrow Z will be with us 3 weeks. Hes about 16 weeks old. The vet thinks he is a beguim shep/lab mix.

We have people in and out of the house constantly and he has always been very friendly. Has never shyed away or acted aggressive- Today something happened that made me concerned.

I had 2 fellas over to check out a tree in our backyard that I need to have removed. One of the guys came in the backyard and Z really didnt pay any attention to him. The other guy was trying to get a better view of the size of the tree and stood outside the fence. Zorro was focused on him.

Zorro began to growl and the hair on his back stood up! I only thought cats did that. He also began to breath VERY heavy through his nose in bursts. He was actually trembling. He stood firmly between me and the man behind the fence.I tried to sooth him and he did calm but never took his eyes off the fella behind the fence.

He has been very well socialized since birth and our house is constantly filled with people in and out- (2 teenage dds with their buddies!)

I was totally surprised as he rarely even barks! and am worried that he may be starting something new especially since I am having about 40 people over for a childs b-day party this upcoming weekend.

Hoping for your input and suggestions-

Thanks and sorry so long-

[EXBCMC]

i'm certainly no expert, but perhaps the guy on the other side of the fence was giving off some bad vibes. fear? or maybe he wasn't a very nice guy and your dog sensed it?

[makesthesignoftheZ]

Originally Posted by EXBCMC

i'm certainly no expert, but perhaps the guy on the other side of the fence was giving off some bad vibes. fear? or maybe he wasn't a very nice guy and your dog sensed it?

Thats what I was thinking as I never in the 3 short weeks have seen Z get so upset.

I know that pups can be protective but I didnt think at so young. He does start "puppy" school in a couple of weeks.

[luvmypups3]

Z looks like a great pup... I don't know but my three announce someone's presence and that started as they got a little older also. I like the idea that they let me know when someone is walking by the house etc. There is a difference ofcourse if they are bearing teeth etc. I always kid my buds about the dogs knowing evil... some people believe it or not are not pet lovers... and pets can tell!

[britishbandit]

I wouldn't be concerned about it personally. Dogs feel the need to warn and protect their territory and owners from strangers, even other animals. And it can start at a very young age. As long as he's not doing it when you are with him out with the "strangers". If he were growling at someone with you standing right there, that's something you'd need to work on.

[cshellenberger]

It sounds like a fear reaction. Next time it happens, take leadership by breaking his eye contact and take him in the house, where he will feel more secure.

[britishbandit]

Originally Posted by makesthesignoftheZ

I tried to sooth him and he did calm but never took his eyes off the fella behind the fence.

I forgot to bring up this part! Don't try and soothe him. Dogs take that as praise for their behavior, so if you don't want it repeated, don't do it.

[Durbkat]

I'm not familiar with you but if you adopted the dog from a shelter then maybe a man that looked like that guy abused him and he thought it was him again.

[Shalva]

Originally Posted by cshellenberger

It sounds like a fear reaction. Next time it happens, take leadership by breaking his eye contact and take him in the house, where he will feel more secure.

I agree wtih this ...... 16 weeks is a strange age for the pups and while they may do well in groups I have seen in my own dogs that if a single person approaches they can get a little fearful.... it doesn't sound like aggression to me... just fear.... I would do exactly what is suggested here and get him inside.... no coddling him just ignore the behavior itself.... and bring him inside to his crate or a place where he feels secure... he will likely outgrow this with proper management and socialization.....

another thing is if you totally trust the dog and the guy seems nice and calm you can give the guy a treat and have him give it to your dog... but you have to be able to totally trust your dog... I was able to do this a few times when I knew the people were dog savvy..... it really does help... I would always have treats in my pockets and when she acted fearful of a person I would give them a treat to give to her.
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[SammyDog]

Pretty much all shepherds do this when puppy's. I got half lab/shepherd and she does it to everyone. But when they walk up to her she kisses the people to death. I like seeing Mags hair stand up becuase its usually only 5 strands lol.

[makesthesignoftheZ]

Thank you all- I will bring Z in next time this happens.

We had a surprise visitor yesterday- an old neighbor from years ago- who just walked right out on our back deck with Z there. Z was fine as the man walked right up to him with hand outstretched to him- I grabbed a treat immediately for him to give to Zorro.

Pup was fine, like you said SammyDog, and smothered him in kisses-

Im glad to read that you guys feel it was not aggression. I was a little nervous as I am having ALOT of little kids here for a b-day party this weekend- Looks like they all get "puppy" treats for Zorro when they arrive!

Thanks again on your thoughts- you guys are the best!

[Shalva]

nope don't have zorro out during the party or when guests arrive... that is way to much for a puppy, I would put him in a comfortable room or his crate away from the commotion and have your party I realize that everyone is proud of their new puppy but you have to do what is best for zorro and that woudl be to have him in a nice comfortable safe secure place where he won't be stressed.
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[SammyDog]

I don't know, we keep our dogs out as puppy's when we have party's. Makes them less nervous when there older and around big groups, and its good to socialize your dog then.