Possibly Spooked Puppy

[jazad]

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Hi

We have two whippet boys aged 5 months-ish (Huey and Marlo)- for the most part they have been great - no fuss at night, basic commands learned quickly etc. But we have run into a small problem with Huey.

He's always been the smaller, more emotional dog - he was the fussy eater and although he's genuinely a lovely dog - he is totally freaked by our neighbour. Like Katie we share the back (yard in our case) with our downstairs neighbour, John. The dogs spend short periods in the back unsupervised during the day - it's pretty empty and therefore relatively safe - the dogs mooch about and chase eachother and all is fine unless John is spotted by Huey - this causes Huey to bark like mad! John is only person Huey barks at, he does this less if one of us is with him - but will still bark. It's not an aggressive teeth baring bark - more of an "I'm watching you - stay away" bark.

Marlo is completely unfazed and just gets on but Huey really barks like mad. We've tried "introducing" him to John (John has tried giving him treats etc) - but Huey just shies away. If I pick him up and carry him over he is pretty impassive, no apparent fear or aggression - and John, bless him, is trying - but I'm sure it won't be long before he loses patience.

It's the only time either of them makes a peep - John just needs to be spotted through a window or attempt to go into the yard and Huey is off again - if John stays away they will play happily for half an hour or so with no problems. It makes no difference if they've been well excersised or not - I just don't know how to build the trust between Huey and this man.

Hope you guys can share some wisdom :b

zahra

 

[stormydog]

Poor Puppy. Time will sort him out. Remember this line which i always use in many aspects of dog training .....

SLOWLY SLOWLY CATCHY MONKEY

 

[jazad]

Poor Puppy. Time will sort him out. Remember this line which i always use in many aspects of dog training .....
SLOWLY SLOWLY CATCHY MONKEY

Thanks - I had a feeling that may be the answer - was just hoping for a shortcut LOL :-

 

[Seraphina]

I would ask John to totally ignore Huey. Tell him to play with Marlo give him treats and behave as if Huey was not there. If John would be able also to sit down on the ground it would work the best. Or invite John into your place, sit him on the sofa and ask him to play with Marlo. If Huey see that Marlo is being fussed over and given treats, he will start to feel neglected, and hopefully will approach John. He will most likely creep up from the back, and John has to pretend he does not know. Huey needs to come close in his own pace, needs to have a good sniff, and with bit of luck realise John is not a threat. John needs to be calm, not make any sudden moves, not to make eye contact and speak to Marlo in calm voice. Huey must be allowed to make the initiative, and only when he gets to be comfortable around John should John pat him

There are many reason Huey may not feel comfortable; Is John a large/tall man? Does he have facial hair, or voice deeper than other people that Huey knows?

 

[jazad]

I would ask John to totally ignore Huey. Tell him to play with Marlo give him treats and behave as if Huey was not there. If John would be able also to sit down on the ground it would work the best. Or invite John into your place, sit him on the sofa and ask him to play with Marlo. If Huey see that Marlo is being fussed over and given treats, he will start to feel neglected, and hopefully will approach John. He will most likely creep up from the back, and John has to pretend he does not know. Huey needs to come close in his own pace, needs to have a good sniff, and with bit of luck realise John is not a threat. John needs to be calm, not make any sudden moves, not to make eye contact and speak to Marlo in calm voice. Huey must be allowed to make the initiative, and only when he gets to be comfortable around John should John pat him
There are many reason Huey may not feel comfortable; Is John a large/tall man? Does he have facial hair, or voice deeper than other people that Huey knows?

Hi

Thanks for the reply - I don't think I can get John to do this - he is quite elderly and set in his ways...I don't think he would commit that much effort. Except for the favouring Marlo thing - which is possible (except Marlo is generally aloof).

You've made me wonder if getting them "introduced" on neutral ground would work? Or seeing if John would come for a short walk with us would help?

We're not sure what exactly it is that spooks Huey - but I don't think it's to do with John physically. He's fairly average in height, has no facial hair and not a particularly deep voice.