My 18month GSD will raise his hackles, and posture at people and dogs. He has done this since 6months old when he came to live with me. It doesn't seem to matter if he knows the people or not.
He is very inconsistent. Today, someone might pet him without his objection, and tomorrow, the same person might be given a low growl.
When he bristles up, and is allowed to approach the person, he will sniff, lower his hackles, poke them for treats, then ignore them, or occasionally go into play mode.
He will also raise the hair along his lower back and tail when he chases the ball.
He is obedience trained, but is not proofed in these situations.
Which way to go???? Firm corrections, or relax and let him get comfortable?
Mike J Schoonbrood Webboard User Reg: 04-30-2005
Posts: 2784
Loc: Toronto, ON
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Relax and let him get comfortable. He needs socialization. That doesnt mean everyone has to pet him, but he needs to get out and about around alot of people.
I would probably not let people pet him unless they understand how to approach a dog like this. Most people will just march on over, tower over the dog and stick their hand out. People need to have a very submissive stance with him. No eye contact, no squaring the body to the dog, no reaching out to the dog, no moving forward to approach the dog etc.
Corrections could make it worse, especially with a prong.
Mike J Schoonbrood Webboard User Reg: 04-30-2005
Posts: 2784
Loc: Toronto, ON
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Just like to add, he is 18 months old and "coming into his own." He is starting to be more weary about people. The fact he lowers his hackles and accepts people with an introduction is why I said what I said above. If there is any question about him biting instead of sniffing then take the neccesary precautions, such as a muzzle of some sort. But from the sounds of it, he just needs to realize that not everyone is out to pick a fight with him.
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Hackles raised: fear or agression????
#190363 - 04/14/2008 01:05 PM 
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Re: Hackles raised: fear or agression????
[Re: georgia wells ]
#190371 - 04/14/2008 01:22 PM 
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