Jen
Well-known member
Abbey's been acting really possessive when she's on my lap and another dog comes over---she'll growl at them and kinda lunge.
We often have our friends over with their dogs for play dates in our backyard, and this is where it usually happens; when I'm sitting on the patio holding her. It happened a few times at the dog park as well, when we were sitting on one of the benches.
Last weekend, she was on my lap and a friend's child came over to pet her. Given she's afraid of kids, I offered the kid a bit of cheese to give to Abbey. Before I could do so though, I noticed Abbey was tensing up. Once the cheese was offered, she relaxed. During the few seconds before I had the cheese to give the kid, I was totally freaked out that Abbey was going to growl at her like she has been with other dogs.
I don't know if it's a jealous thing or a possessive thing, but when she does, it, I tell her no in a firm voice and then put her on the ground. She whines and tries to get back up, but I don't let her. Anything else I should be doing?? This is just not acceptable behavior, especially if she's going to start it with kids/people.
We often have our friends over with their dogs for play dates in our backyard, and this is where it usually happens; when I'm sitting on the patio holding her. It happened a few times at the dog park as well, when we were sitting on one of the benches.
Last weekend, she was on my lap and a friend's child came over to pet her. Given she's afraid of kids, I offered the kid a bit of cheese to give to Abbey. Before I could do so though, I noticed Abbey was tensing up. Once the cheese was offered, she relaxed. During the few seconds before I had the cheese to give the kid, I was totally freaked out that Abbey was going to growl at her like she has been with other dogs.
I don't know if it's a jealous thing or a possessive thing, but when she does, it, I tell her no in a firm voice and then put her on the ground. She whines and tries to get back up, but I don't let her. Anything else I should be doing?? This is just not acceptable behavior, especially if she's going to start it with kids/people.