Protective jelous dog?

[Lescoop77]

Pandy has always been very mild tempered since we've had her. She loved kids and would let them pet her and she would give them kisses etc. Now she is only 2 years old and barks at them, not just kids but anyone new w/ the hair standing up on her back.

When we go for our daily walks if someone even is on the same side of the street as us she barks and barks and barks and even lunges at them. She never did this before. People tell me she is becoming protective of us. Sort of like the "only child" syndrome. Anyone have any suggestions as to why this is happening? Should I get another dog so she can have a playmate?

[schteve_d]

Well, I had Buddy first and never had those kinds of problems with him, but he did chew stuff, etc. The day I got Tasha that all ended, instead of being destructive, they would play. Getting a second dog was the best thing I could have ever done for Bud! I have long said I will NEVER again have only one dog! If you think two dogs are twice the work, you're absolutely wrong.......two dogs are half the work of one dog as they entertain each other so much. Especially if Pandy is well-trained, she will "train" the other dog where to pee, etc. As you can tell, I'm a huge advocate of having dogs in (at least) two's!!

[bckrazy]

erm. . . I think some OB classes and talking with a behaviorist might be necessary. I don't think that getting another dog will stop Pandy from barking at strangers; it actually might encourage that behavior, since dogs tend to act more arrogant when there's another dog to back them up. You should definitely nip this in the bud, ESPECIALLY before taking on another dog. She might be protective, scared, or unsure around people. . . puppies generally like most people, 2 years old is when a dog really matures and their real behavior starts to come out. Try introducing her neutrally to neighbors and strangers. . put her in a sit, and have people offer her treats and pet her side/chin and verbally praise her, so she realizes that people are not bad. Barking shouldn't be accepted, she should be told a stern NO and make her sit until she settles down.

[jennifert9]

Duncan does the EXACT same thing!! It's become a real problem. We have tried tons of different strategies but since he is so large, it's hard to get anyone to cooperate with his training. What if he does bite someone? I can't take that chance, he will lose his life.
We tried 3 different professional trainers. 2 of them told me to put him to sleep! The third tried to help but honestly, not much has changed.
Hopefully Carrie or Candy will have some ideas. I have been meaning to post about these types of problems with Duncan but have been putting it off! I think I may be scared of the answer!