Shocking Behavior

We saw a side to Bentley today that we never thought we'd see. Being novices, (even though we are in our 70s), we've loved our "baby boy," as I call him, to pieces and he has reciprocated 100%. He has had little interaction with other dogs with the exception, occasionally, of our daughter's Bischon. They get along famously, chasing one another until one gets tired and flops down to rest, then up and chasing again. I offered to dog sit my friend's Shih Tzu for 2 days but she was afraid her dog would snap and growl at Bentley because hers doesn't really appreciate other dogs. Consequently she brought him over for a trial run. OMG! Bentley went nuts before they even came in, growling and barking through the glass door, scaring the other dog to death. They were both on leashes and it was all I could do to keep Bentley from eating him alive. He even nipped at his rump. Obviously, I won't be dogsitting poor Tanner anytime soon. I just didn't think Bentley had it in him to behave this way. icon_devil

Its interesting..iv only seen maggie act out like that once. a couple weekends ago..we got her together with her sister.. and although they play fight..tackle etc..they got into a REAL REAL REAL fight.. one of htem got mad the other started humping her...lol and just lost it...they were barking..growling..going at eachother in a way that they never did during their play fights. we had to pull them apart.


Its too bad that bently didnt get along with your friends dog. I wonder if slowly introducing them might work (maybe not for this time around but another time..or even just to get them over it?)
poor little guy!!

We had this with Leo last summer. We were at my brothers for a BBQ, the lady next door has a cavalier and when we tried to introduce them my soft cuddly ever loving Leo turned into Cujo!

I was mortified as he's never been like this before (and never since). I dont know what caused it, maybe it was because the other dog as a male...Leo isnt neutered so I can only think it was a dominant thing or maybe Leo thought he was invading his space. What ever it was it was frighteing and upsetting to see him so angry.

It just shows you ALL dogs can be unpredictable what ever the breed and normal temperment. Thats why I get so cross when people say "Oh my dog would never attatck he's not like that" Because you just dont know.

Was your friends dog a male....maybe thats why Bentley didnt like him

This is not an uncommon reaction but to be honest -- and given your description of Bentley's relative isolation from other dogs -- you will probably want to immediately do something to address this or he will likely become worse -- and potentially more dangerous to other dogs. This can be a very serious problem indeed because if he attacks and harms another dog in most places, the dog wardens can demand the dog be put down. But even if things do not reach that serious a level, it is not much fun to have a dog that constantly mist be managed around other dogs. Even by this description, he is now a dog that may need to be muzzled on walks if he cannot interact happily with new dogs on walks? (the Baskerville muzzle is the best and allows dogs to easily drink and breathe but the owner needs to train the dog into being comfortable wearing one).

It is vitally important for all dogs to regularly meet other dogs (meaning NOT just the same few dogs in the house or friends' dogs, but new strange dogs, every week or every day). When dogs do not get properly socialised, and then remain socialised regularly (daily, ideally, on walks) to new dogs, they can become gradually more and more withdrawn from being any part of a dog world, and worryingly and even dangerously aggressive (which is a sign of anxiety due to lack of socialisation -- this is not very pleasant for the dog or the owner). Because they either don't meet enough dogs when growing up and/or remain well-socialised to a new dogs (never only just the household dogs or the same friends' dogs) dogs can fail to know how to interact successfully and sometimes even to know how to read normal canine meet-and greet signals. They can become aggressively protective of their owners, home or items, and for the dog, life becomes ever more narrow and limited when they do not have the chance to interact happily with other dogs. The broader worry too is that they then do not have good self control towards humans either as they don't have or slowly lose the built-in good level of, say, natural bite inhibition they should have, which is what in turn makes them know good bite inhibition around humans. Dr Ian Dunbar and all good trainers are very adament on these important interactions and need for at least weekly interaction with other dogs over a dog's lifetime.

If Bentley or anyone's dog, has been limited in who he sees, and you have had this alarming reaction to a visiting dog, I'd want to work with a good trainer to see if this can be addressed as it will make him and you a lot happier and enable you to enjoy walks without worries and have friends visit with their own dogs (all part of the pleasures of having a dog ). It may be as simple as starting by taking a group obedience class where he can gradually lower this level of reactivity. I'd look on the CCPDT website for a qualified trainer doing classes in your area, as a good starting point, or asa second choice, the APDT website for same.

I would not leave the situation as it is. If there'd been a serious fight this would have been distressing at best and potentially disastrous. Someone who is not a family friend may not be as understanding, and things could end up in a very difficult spot.

I do know what this is like as my Lily (who came from the pound) is reactive to new dogs (though not actually aggressive) -- have had her evaluated by qualified trainer friends because of this and also took her to numerous classes, starting with sitting on the edges. She gradually had her reactivity levels drop way down and she is regularly in home boarding where she is fine with other dogs though can be rude initially... but well socialised dogs just ignore her. But she is a pain on walks and I have to manage her -- as owners can be offended and also, a poorly socialised dog might interpret her as aggressive and go for her. It can help enormously to get involved with a good trainer and the dog will be so much happier, better able to interact normally.

It is so much easier for any dog owner to socialise puppies very well -- at least 100 people in their first 12 weeks as Ian Dunbar advises, and other dogs as soon as they can do daily walks, and vaxed older dogs from the start, in a safe place. Then to keep a dog well socialised through classes and walks and visits. Trying to fix a problem due to poor socialisation after the fact, as I know from having Lily, is far, far harder. Sometimes it is not possible and then the responsible owner must manage the problem dog safely around other dogs as a result, which is no fun.

Your little angel turned to cujo! I think Karlin gave really good advice. We expect cavaliers to automatically love other dogs but really they need to be socialized and obedience trained like any other breed to be a good doggy citizen. If you have time you can enter him in an obedience class, just make sure they are positive reinforcement based. And that they let your bring and reward with treats. Never let a dog trainer jerk the leash or roll your dog over for a correction. Cavaliers are soft dogs and respond best to distraction and reward techniques vs corrections.

We took Bentley to obedience class at PetSmart when he was about 4 months old; he was so happy and easily distracted by all the new sights, sounds and smells that he didn't participate very well. In fact, I didn't take him to "graduation" because I knew we would never be able to lead him through the store without his going berserk with excitement. He truly loved all those other dogs, but that was 2 years ago.
What was so weird yesterday was that my friend's dog, who has had successful obedience classes, boarded while they vacationed, etc, has never really appreciated other dogs, but this time he was the recipient of this kind of behavior.

Unfortunately, socalisation isn't simply a matter of a single class or occasional boarding -- it is everyday encounters, all the time, throughout the dog's life. A class only lasts a very short period, and from then on the owner has to make sure the dog meets lots and lots of other dogs. A dog that isn't socialising well in a puppy class should be getting extra attention from the instructor in a good class, and the owners lots of advice. Unfortunately a lot of trainers have no real training in training, so to speak -- it's why it's such a good idea to work with trainers who have extensive training not just in basics but to a high certification level in behaviour, psychology, developmental history etc. I truly believe this makes the difference in spotting dogs that need extra time and attention and targeted exercises that help them become full canine citizens. I highly recommend CCPDT or APDT certification.

In puppy classess, dogs should not be expected to either pay attention constantly or just be learning basic obedience. The point is socialisation -- primarily, playing in a relaxed way with other puppies. Shy puppies should be helped along by the instructor to grow more confident. Bullying puppies need special focus too. It really saddens me when I hear of puppy classes where puppies got left out, left behind, or left to boss others around, and where owners were not fully involved and having a blast along with their puppy. Such a class should never be disappointing and stressful for puppy or owner! It is so frustrating to hear when they are.

Cavaliers, puppies or adults, should never be shy, but outgoing, confident and eager to meet and play with dogs and people. As should any puppy of any breed -- Ian Dunbar says, there's a problem with any puppy that isn't absolutely confident and eager to rush to see new puppies and people at 8 weeks. Puppies who do not socialise well are the result of 1) poor socialisiation by the breeder or 2) breeding dogs with little regard for temperament or ) a medical problem. There really are not any alternatives. The issue at that point will lle with the breeder, who has now passed the problem onto the unsuspecting new owner. Owners often have no idea this is even an issue. For a puppy to then go to a puppy class and not have this immediately spotted by a trainer, or to have a trainer not reassure an owner that a distracted, happy puppy is a *normal* puppy who will really benefit from focused fun play and games in the class -- is a travesty . It's why I wish dog trainers had to all have recognised certification. And the most important part of obedience class is the fact that it is a class -- lots of other people and dogs, all strangers, excellent for puppies and adults.

For all dog owners, doing further fun classes is extremely rewarding throughout the dog's life. I really recommend to everybody, some fun basic agility, or flyball, or 'nose classes' (really fun, require no athleticism of us poor owners, and creates really fun games for a dog to do at home in the house or outside). It's so much fun watching dogs have the time of their lives! And games like this exhaust a dog in a short time, compared to other exercise like a walk -- perfect for a rainy day or a really active or smart dog needing distraction.

I always find it less stressful for the dogs (and humans) if they meet in a neutral setting. When my sister came to visit with her dog I had her meet me a few houses down and we both had our dogs on a lead and went for a walk together. If they seem interested in each other let them do the typical greeting and allow them to sniff. Look at their body language and if you see any aggressive type behaviors such as tails high or teeth showing just have them keep their distance and start walking. By performing a task together often helps them get accustomed to each other. Plus if they see the humans relaxed and just gabbing together it transfers to the dogs.

Dogs will often feel threatened if another dog just waltzes into their home or yard. Who wouldn't, it is a stranger to them.

Karlin gave some great advice. It is always best to socialize when they are young but it is never to late to start. Dogs are very adaptive as long as you have the time and patience.

wolf23 said:

I always find it less stressful for the dogs (and humans) if they meet in a neutral setting. When my sister came to visit with her dog I had her meet me a few houses down and we both had our dogs on a lead and went for a walk together. If they seem interested in each other let them do the typical greeting and allow them to sniff.

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Yes great point. That's a good basic start for all introductions.

Also all the above said: some dogs simply do not like each other, just as some people don't, from the get-go. I am sure we all know particular dogs our own really like, too, often from first meeting. It can be odd! Mine generally really dislike boxers and some terriers -- have NO idea why... :lol:

After reading all this I asked my husband if, when he walks Bentley around the neighborhood, does he come in contact with other folks walking their dogs. He said that yes, occasionally, and Bentley is interested and excited but doesn't show the aggression that he showed yesterday. I wonder if he could've picked up on the fact that the visiting dog dislikes other dogs? (Although yesterday he was a real coward around Bentley, which was rather funny, actually.)