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If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

My dog and people coming into the house

3 replies

woodington · 25/05/2021 20:10

Hi all. My lovely cockapoo (nearly two and I absolutely promise not from a puppy farm) is aggressive towards strangers coming into the house and/or delivery drivers etc.

If it's somebody he knows, we're absolutely fine. If not, we are definitely not. I have no doubt that he is not just warning people - he would attack if given the opportunity.

In all other circumstances he is great. No problems out and about, no problems off the lead in the park, or with other dogs. It's just if someone he doesn't know comes into an enclosed space - and in fact, that doesn't have to be our house. It's happened when visiting others although he seems fine with some people and not others.

Our next step is to muzzle him whenever there could be a risk which is really devastating but necessary for everybody's safety. But how on earth do we train him out of this? Is it possible? If so, how?

I am obviously really sorry it has come to this - I do blame myself though I do wonder whether it's because of course nobody has been coming in and out during lockdown so he's really not used to it. For background, he's also being quite teenage at the moment - a bit defiant, a bit of a dick, at times. He's not been neutered yet - also a lockdown thing, but will be at the end of June.

Any thoughts/advice?

OP posts:
Happenchance · 25/05/2021 22:19

Hi @woodington, it sounds like you need to consult a qualified behaviourist. The APBC is a good place to find one: www.apbc.org.uk/

Muzzling him isn’t devastating or a failure on your part. In my opinion, all dogs should be taught to wear a muzzle, however, they do need to be conditioned to willingly wear one. If you put one on him without muzzle training him then he may associate the negative (wearing the muzzle) with your visitors and his behaviour towards them could become worse.

Whilst you work with the behaviourist, can you limit the number of visitors to the bare minimum and keep him away from any visitors that you do have? For example, you could shut him in another room with a kong whilst you answer the door to a delivery driver.

Happenchance · 25/05/2021 22:24

A behaviourist will be able to advise you about if/when to have him neutered. If his behaviour is fear based, neutering could make his behaviour worse.

Twoforthree · 25/05/2021 22:24

Our 10 month old puppy has been really well socialised outside - but of course nobody has been in the house. We are having a similar reaction. He’s ok if they are sitting down but as soon as they move, he’s barking his head off. I don’t think he’ll bite, but we are having to keep an eye on it.
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