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Question: My eight month old Chow will not let anybody pet her but me. She growls at people that try to pet her. I'm worried that she will get more antisocial as she gets older, and I'm also worried that she might become aggressive! Any suggestions?
Answer: You are quite right to be concerned that Phydeau's antisocial behavior may increase. At this age you can compare her to a human teenager!
This is common behavior for a Chow. They do tend to be one owner or one family dogs. Regardless, no one has a constitutional right to pet your dog. As protector and pack leader you have the responsibility to deflect these people from Phydeau. If you don't, she will protect herself the only way she knows how. WHAT IS PARTICULARLY BAD IS WHEN PEOPLE RAISE THEIR HAND HIGH AND BRING IT DOWN ON TOP OF HER HEAD. This is extremely threatening to anyone, not just dogs. Also, if Phydeau backs off from someone and that person continues to approach her, she will interpret this as aggressive, threatening behavior.
But you do need to train out this behavior with gentle, positive methods as much as possible. It's OK to speak to her in a reproving tone of voice but avoid brutal collar corrections as much as possible. Harsh treatment will teach her that when a stranger approaches, she is about to be hurt.
One thing you should NEVER do is try to comfort her. Many people think that their dog is afraid and try to reassure the dog: "It's OK, You are fine, etc." The dog understands this as praise for the aggressive behavior. You might teach Phydeau to associate the word "friend" with people who are not too threatening to her. She will begin to understand this as a command to accept strangers.
You don't specify if this is a problem with members of your family or total strangers. Wouldn't it be nice if it were always easy to teach family members to respect a dogs wishes?
Try to desensitize Phydeau gradually: Have a non-threatening person approach in a circular path. Turn sideways and avoid eye contact. Lay down a GOOD treat (chicken, hot dog, hamburger, steak) and leave. Gradually work up to the point that Phydeau will take the treat from the person's hand. (Phydeau doesn't snap at treats does she?) Later associate the command "friend" with the stranger giving the treat. The command should be given in a matter-of-fact tone of voice, as should ALL commands. Here are some more thoughts about
desensitization.
In formal obedience, we train the dog to "stand for examination" whereon the obedience judge touches the dog briefly.
My own Chow does not like to be petted but will allow strangers to pet him if I squat down by his side and gently touch him.
Good luck,
Mark and Bruno
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