I have a 7 month old dogue de bordeaux bitch who is becoming increasinly fearful of people.We attend weekly local dog obedience training classes.She seems to be ok when we are walking thought she may try to take a wide berth around some people but she doesnt growl or bark.If someone approaches us she will not allow them close to her.If we are stationary ie sitting at a cafe eating etc etc its like she is on guard all the time.She doesnt relax,and eyes everyone who passes making sure they do just that....pass!!If they stop and say "oh what a cute puppy" she will often get upset and bark.She is in particular fearful of men.I dont have any residing males in my home.I have a 5 yr old retriever who is a very calm boy,loves people and dies to have anyone pet him.I try to get her out as often as possible walking in different environments but obviously more is needed to get her relaxed and comfortable around people.I know the brred can be aloof with strangers etc which is fine but I do draw the line and barking/growling at anyone!
HELP PLEASE!!!

1. If the class goes the way I imagine (anxiety, skittishness, etc.), I'd stop the class.

2. Stop forcing her to sit in public cafes in crowds of people.

I'm sorry, and not everyone will agree, but this dog is not ready for that.

QUOTE: If someone approaches us she will not allow them close to her. END

Exactly what does this mean? Please describe. Does she hide behind you? Does she snarl at the passing person? Passes by how close? At what distance does she not react?

The more detail, the better, including exactly what you do when each kind of incident happens and what kind of basic ob work you have done so far.

And welcome to the board!!

P.S. How long have you had the dog?

P.S. #2
You have come to the right place. Don't worry. MANY people on this board will have great help for you.

When I say "she wont allow anyone to come close to her" I mean if and when someone stops to look at her (which is ALL the time as we do not have many DDB's here in Australia) she will attempt to hide behind myself,my oder dog or pull on the lead in the opposite direction.I have read that being on the lead in such a situation may make her feel trapped.

I do make her sit at the table as its what I expect from my other dog.CONNIE-Are you saying dont take her out when I eat or let her stand if she so chooses??

When this does happen I try to remain calm/relaxed and not acknowledge her fear.I dont know if this is the right course of action.Is she does growl or bark I check her with her check chain and give a shhh kind of sound.

Many people dont have very good "dog etiquette"!I have had people come from behind and place hands on top of her heads and try to pet her before I have even had a chance to say no!!I have had people question why shes not "friendly" etc etc and that I should not allow her to dictate who pets her etc.(some people have some odd ideas).

She her basic obedience is coming along well.Sit drop stand stay in both sit and drop,she heels well,focusing well on my leg movements. Apart from stand for examination obviously.

I dont know what other info will be of help.Im sure if its needed you'll ask!

sorry connie,to answer more of your questions,she doesnt snarl as such she might make this half bark weird type noise,depending on how close they are.....and it really does vary.If they are looking directly at her,if thet have sunglasses on etc.The distance if prob 2-3 mtrs away before she'll react.Depends if they are looking at her or not.Like I mentioned people will STARE as they dont see many like her.

Sam,
I wouldn't be correcting the dog at all when it's exibiting fear behavior. And would go out of my way to keep her out of the conditions that cause it, meaning I wouldn't force the issue.

You say she's comfortable with people at about ten feet or so? I'd work with her around people no closer then that, and then a little closer in, etc. untill she became ennured of people altogether.
In order to keep people away from her I'd get a vest for her to wear that says in big letters DOG IN TRAINING. It'll keep all but the numbest of idjits away.
Hopefully as people ignore her and she becomes more comfortable around strangers maybe you can set up some direct approaches to help her learn that people (for the most part) are okay. But you'll probably never have a pet me pet me love me love me type of dog. You'll probably need to always watchout for the wayward child or the random 'all dogs love me' idiot.

With patience you should be able to help her through what may be just a growth stage, or at least medigate what could be a fear biter in developement.

If my dog isn't learning, I'm doing something wrong.
Randy

What are your plans for this dog?
Is this a companion/pet dog, or do you have different plans?

I ask because the solution varies depending on what you want to do with this dog. There are some things I would recommend for a pet dog, that I would not suggest to a sport/working dog owner.

 Quote: Connie Sutherland

P.S. How long have you had the dog?

Also, how long has she been acting like this?
What is she like when people come to your home?
Is it only certain situation (i.e. crowds, or when there is just one or two other people around, etc)?

She was bought as a companion animal only.
We have had her since 10 weeks.
She has been always been a bit aloof with strangers but the barking when they come close has been maybe the last 3/4 weeks at the most.She seems to be ok with kids as long as they are quiet!I guess that may be a conditioning thing??When we pass a screaming child she seems to once again take a wide berth around.

When people come to my home she will of course bark when the door bell rings(both dogs will do this).I will say enough,make them stay 2 or so mtrs from the door and invite whom ever it is in.After she observes them for a few minutes she usually has a sniff.I have intoduced treats for my guests to give her without looking at her and she seems to be taking them.

It seems to happen when we are stationary.Not with everyone,it may seem random to me,but Im sure its not.

RANDY_- Are you saying dont correct her if/when she barks at strangers?

Sam,
The way I read your posting is as fear aggression from the dog.
Quote: 'When this does happen I try to remain calm/relaxed and not acknowledge her fear.'
And: 'someone stops to look at her she will attempt to hide behind myself,my oder dog or pull on the lead in the opposite direction.'

I was saying don't put her that kind of situation.
If it's not to be a permanent issue, this is the time to address it, and I wouldn't force it on her. No matter what you plan to do with the dog.

If my dog isn't learning, I'm doing something wrong.
Randy

PS.
Yes that's what I was saying, I would not use any correction on a dog when it's in fear of whatever.