Ben Curtis
Well-Known Member
Enzo is great in public meeting strangers. He doesn't go out of his way to meet anyone, but will greet people on command, and will let people pet him.
At home is a different story. We recently had two deliveries, and my daughters new boyfriend over, and he growled the entire time they were there. All gave him prizes. All seemed confident with dogs, and none did anything to provoke or make Enzo uncomfortable.
His growl is a low rumble. If I would make an interpretation of its meaning it would be "I don't trust you" is what he is trying to say. A few weeks ago I think this behavior was out of fear, but now he is becoming confident. In the past the growl would end shortly, and I was fine with that. Now it's not ending, and I can see this becoming a problem, and I'm not sure how I should handle this.
Looking back I probably should have done more socialization at home, but I figured meeting people out and around at different places would be enough, but I seem to be wrong.
What would you recommend?
I've been telling people to let Enzo approach you. We have been giving new people prizes to give Enzo. Telling strangers not to pat him until he seems comfortable, and not to reach for his head at all. I would say he has had no negative experiences to date.
I'm thinking of telling him "quiet" and rewarding him if he stops growling to try and make it into a command.
I know I need to start having a steady stream of people coming over.
Thanks,
Ben
At home is a different story. We recently had two deliveries, and my daughters new boyfriend over, and he growled the entire time they were there. All gave him prizes. All seemed confident with dogs, and none did anything to provoke or make Enzo uncomfortable.
His growl is a low rumble. If I would make an interpretation of its meaning it would be "I don't trust you" is what he is trying to say. A few weeks ago I think this behavior was out of fear, but now he is becoming confident. In the past the growl would end shortly, and I was fine with that. Now it's not ending, and I can see this becoming a problem, and I'm not sure how I should handle this.
Looking back I probably should have done more socialization at home, but I figured meeting people out and around at different places would be enough, but I seem to be wrong.
What would you recommend?
I've been telling people to let Enzo approach you. We have been giving new people prizes to give Enzo. Telling strangers not to pat him until he seems comfortable, and not to reach for his head at all. I would say he has had no negative experiences to date.
I'm thinking of telling him "quiet" and rewarding him if he stops growling to try and make it into a command.
I know I need to start having a steady stream of people coming over.
Thanks,
Ben