Is it because of his age?

IceyBlueSibes · 01-12-2005, 02:04 PM

Okay, I've been noticing a little bit of a change in Sarge lately.

He's getting up there in age, going to be 7 this May. When I first got him he was very over protective, nearly to the point of flat out aggressive. Well my mom and I worked with him and he finally got to the point where he ignored people, and if they wanted to say hello he'd walk up and wag his nub. Well lately when he sees someone, he starts with his "huff huff" again. And he will raise his ears, then runs to the nearest tree to mark it LOL Anyways, but if I'm walking with the kid I baby sit (he's usually on a scooter or something) and someone goes near Jason, he starts growling and I then have to walk across the street. But I've been starting back with making him sit when he sees someone, and telling him "enough" or directing his attention elsewhere.

Could he be doing this because he's getting older? I know there could be a possibility of pain, but he's fine any other time. I'm just a little concerned with his "huff huff" again and looking at other people as if they're going to threaten me. Could it be because I'm spending more time with him than usual? Just seeking a little bit of advice.. I'm going to start working with him again.

***Carrie*** · 01-12-2005, 04:41 PM

Boy Icey...I, for one don't really know. You wrote: "Could it be because I'm spending more time with him than usual?" Well, I thought about it and you know...it could be that. Maybe he's more attached to you than ever after all these years and all.

I noticed with my Lab as she got older she got a little more crotchetty with other dogs. (she's never ever been aggressive toward people) When she was young, she was quite dog aggressive, picked fights...just a witch. When she hit middle age, she really mellowed out. Then she got to be like a grandma age and she got 'witchy' again. Of course, she's too old to do anything about it, but it could be an age thing.

Maybe when dogs get old, they're like people. They use to be productive members of society, had good jobs, were vital, made an important impact on the people around them... and now they are losing all that. Maybe he wants to get one last hoopla in before he retires. Who knows????

Hopefully someone else will have a better idea. Sorry...not much help. I can't tell what they're thinking most times.

Rip's Girl · 01-12-2005, 05:27 PM

I think it sounds more like possessiveness than protectiveness.. JMO. I'd guess that when someone approaches Jason, his reaction is more like "Hey! That's my kid, don't touch him!" Does Sarge show any aggression if someone reaches out to shake your hand, or hug you, even if you look comfortable?

I don't think it's because of his age, I think it's because you stopped working with him on it, and he's gotten back into his old habits. Same thing happens with Ripley.. If he starts doing well with his aggression issues and I stop working with him for a while, several months later he will go back into his problems. I have to stay on top of his training. I think working with him some more will definitely help.

***Carrie*** · 01-12-2005, 05:55 PM

I agree with you Rip....working with him should help. Sometimes giving the dog a job makes him feel more confident and maybe that will help him lighten up a little out on your walks.

Rip's Girl · 01-12-2005, 08:36 PM

A job, exactly Carrie.. That hadn't even crossed my mind until you mentioned it, but I think it'd be a great distraction for Sarge.
Right now, Sarge thinks that his job is to prevent anyone from touching "his" people. Redirect that focus of his into doing a job you want him to do!

Something that worked wonderfully with my Shiner girl, who had a problem with overprotectiveness/possessiveness was the "hold it" command.

Teach Sarge to hold a small toy or stick in his mouth (For Shiner, I used a soft nyla-bone, because it was easier on her mouth)
I do this by putting a toy in their mouth, saying "hold it" and placing one finger lightly underneath their chin, so their mouth stays closed around the toy. Say "goooooooood hold it!" after a couple of seconds, release (I say "OK!") and give the dog a treat. Gradually work up the amount of time that he needs to hold it, without dropping it, in order to earn a treat.
After he's holding it reliably, fade out the use of your finger to keep his mouth closed.. No treat if he just lets his mouth hang half-open and the toy rolls out. He needs to have a firm grip on it.
When he is reliably holding the toy for longish periods of time without your finger under his chin, put a leash on him and have him walk while he holds the toy. Say "Let's go!" and walk ONE step. When he takes on step, say "Goooood hold it!", release, and give a treat. You get the idea, just build up the amount of steps he takes while holding the toy, until he will hold it for an entire walk. Of course, periodically during the walk, release him, give a treat and let him rest (it's tiring for a dog to do all that!) and then back to work..

This worked wonders with Shiner, it gave her something else to focus her attention on.. It might work well with Sarge too..

flyndog · 01-13-2005, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rip's Girl

I think it sounds more like possessiveness than protectiveness.. JMO. I'd guess that when someone approaches Jason, his reaction is more like "Hey! That's my kid, don't touch him!" Does Sarge show any aggression if someone reaches out to shake your hand, or hug you, even if you look comfortable?

I don't think it's because of his age, I think it's because you stopped working with him on it, and he's gotten back into his old habits. Same thing happens with Ripley.. If he starts doing well with his aggression issues and I stop working with him for a while, several months later he will go back into his problems. I have to stay on top of his training. I think working with him some more will definitely help.

I agree with Rips. I would just add that if you decide you want to "give him a job" be sure that you aren't actually reinforcing his aggressiveness by giving him a toy.
Kit

IceyBlueSibes · 01-13-2005, 02:57 PM

Thanks all. He became very comfortable with people, and I've always taken him around to socialize while out on walks. Just one day he started his "huff huff". If I approach someone, he just watches them attentively and he has to say hello first. If they go to hug me or anything, he will look up and then mind his own business. Unless someone tried to rough house with me, that's a different story (my brothers friend threw me over his shoulder, boy did Sarge not like that).

That'a good suggestion Rips. At first I saw you saying giving him a toy or stick to hold.. and for a second I was like "Eh, he's not much of a toy dog outside", then I saw you explain to hold his mouth closed till he learns to actually "hold it". But one distraction that I know of, that gets his attention away from anything is "Squirrel!" in a really high pitched voice. He immediately stops and looks around trying to find the squirrel.

I'll start working with him again, and look for something that I can get to "do" while we're out walking.

Thanks again..

01-12-2005, 02:04 PM	#1 (permalink)
IceyBlueSibes Eyes = Mirror to the soul Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Jupiter, Fla. Posts: 7,831 Blog Entries: 1 Rep Power: 276	Is it because of his age? Okay, I've been noticing a little bit of a change in Sarge lately. He's getting up there in age, going to be 7 this May. When I first got him he was very over protective, nearly to the point of flat out aggressive. Well my mom and I worked with him and he finally got to the point where he ignored people, and if they wanted to say hello he'd walk up and wag his nub. Well lately when he sees someone, he starts with his "huff huff" again. And he will raise his ears, then runs to the nearest tree to mark it LOL Anyways, but if I'm walking with the kid I baby sit (he's usually on a scooter or something) and someone goes near Jason, he starts growling and I then have to walk across the street. But I've been starting back with making him sit when he sees someone, and telling him "enough" or directing his attention elsewhere. Could he be doing this because he's getting older? I know there could be a possibility of pain, but he's fine any other time. I'm just a little concerned with his "huff huff" again and looking at other people as if they're going to threaten me. Could it be because I'm spending more time with him than usual? Just seeking a little bit of advice.. I'm going to start working with him again.
	__________________ Sheiba, Denali, Ike, Nitro (Siberian Husky), Kelso (GSD x), Lugar (Boxer/Pit x), Willah (Shepherd/Husky x), Tibby, Cheech, Chong (Chihuahua), and any foster we have in the house! 9 Kitty cats!

01-12-2005, 05:27 PM	#3 (permalink)
Rip's Girl Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Arizona Posts: 2,580 Rep Power: 144	I think it sounds more like possessiveness than protectiveness.. JMO. I'd guess that when someone approaches Jason, his reaction is more like "Hey! That's my kid, don't touch him!" Does Sarge show any aggression if someone reaches out to shake your hand, or hug you, even if you look comfortable? I don't think it's because of his age, I think it's because you stopped working with him on it, and he's gotten back into his old habits. Same thing happens with Ripley.. If he starts doing well with his aggression issues and I stop working with him for a while, several months later he will go back into his problems. I have to stay on top of his training. I think working with him some more will definitely help.
	__________________

01-12-2005, 08:36 PM	#5 (permalink)
Rip's Girl Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Arizona Posts: 2,580 Rep Power: 144	A job, exactly Carrie.. That hadn't even crossed my mind until you mentioned it, but I think it'd be a great distraction for Sarge. Right now, Sarge thinks that his job is to prevent anyone from touching "his" people. Redirect that focus of his into doing a job you want him to do! Something that worked wonderfully with my Shiner girl, who had a problem with overprotectiveness/possessiveness was the "hold it" command. Teach Sarge to hold a small toy or stick in his mouth (For Shiner, I used a soft nyla-bone, because it was easier on her mouth) I do this by putting a toy in their mouth, saying "hold it" and placing one finger lightly underneath their chin, so their mouth stays closed around the toy. Say "goooooooood hold it!" after a couple of seconds, release (I say "OK!") and give the dog a treat. Gradually work up the amount of time that he needs to hold it, without dropping it, in order to earn a treat. After he's holding it reliably, fade out the use of your finger to keep his mouth closed.. No treat if he just lets his mouth hang half-open and the toy rolls out. He needs to have a firm grip on it. When he is reliably holding the toy for longish periods of time without your finger under his chin, put a leash on him and have him walk while he holds the toy. Say "Let's go!" and walk ONE step. When he takes on step, say "Goooood hold it!", release, and give a treat. You get the idea, just build up the amount of steps he takes while holding the toy, until he will hold it for an entire walk. Of course, periodically during the walk, release him, give a treat and let him rest (it's tiring for a dog to do all that!) and then back to work.. This worked wonders with Shiner, it gave her something else to focus her attention on.. It might work well with Sarge too..
	__________________

01-13-2005, 02:57 PM	#7 (permalink)
IceyBlueSibes Eyes = Mirror to the soul Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Jupiter, Fla. Posts: 7,831 Blog Entries: 1 Rep Power: 276	Thanks all. He became very comfortable with people, and I've always taken him around to socialize while out on walks. Just one day he started his "huff huff". If I approach someone, he just watches them attentively and he has to say hello first. If they go to hug me or anything, he will look up and then mind his own business. Unless someone tried to rough house with me, that's a different story (my brothers friend threw me over his shoulder, boy did Sarge not like that). That'a good suggestion Rips. At first I saw you saying giving him a toy or stick to hold.. and for a second I was like "Eh, he's not much of a toy dog outside", then I saw you explain to hold his mouth closed till he learns to actually "hold it". But one distraction that I know of, that gets his attention away from anything is "Squirrel!" in a really high pitched voice. He immediately stops and looks around trying to find the squirrel. I'll start working with him again, and look for something that I can get to "do" while we're out walking. Thanks again..
	__________________ Sheiba, Denali, Ike, Nitro (Siberian Husky), Kelso (GSD x), Lugar (Boxer/Pit x), Willah (Shepherd/Husky x), Tibby, Cheech, Chong (Chihuahua), and any foster we have in the house! 9 Kitty cats!

01-12-2005, 04:41 PM	#2 (permalink)
*Carrie* Super Moderator Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: north panhandle of Idaho Posts: 7,551 Rep Power: 292	Boy Icey...I, for one don't really know. You wrote: "Could it be because I'm spending more time with him than usual?" Well, I thought about it and you know...it could be that. Maybe he's more attached to you than ever after all these years and all. I noticed with my Lab as she got older she got a little more crotchetty with other dogs. (she's never ever been aggressive toward people) When she was young, she was quite dog aggressive, picked fights...just a witch. When she hit middle age, she really mellowed out. Then she got to be like a grandma age and she got 'witchy' again. Of course, she's too old to do anything about it, but it could be an age thing. Maybe when dogs get old, they're like people. They use to be productive members of society, had good jobs, were vital, made an important impact on the people around them... and now they are losing all that. Maybe he wants to get one last hoopla in before he retires. Who knows???? Hopefully someone else will have a better idea. Sorry...not much help. I can't tell what they're thinking most times.

01-12-2005, 05:55 PM	#4 (permalink)
*Carrie* Super Moderator Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: north panhandle of Idaho Posts: 7,551 Rep Power: 292	I agree with you Rip....working with him should help. Sometimes giving the dog a job makes him feel more confident and maybe that will help him lighten up a little out on your walks.

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