Dog Community

New problem with old people.

Posted : 10/2/2006 4:34:13 PM

I don't know I would call this aggression or what but I just discoved a new fear that Gizzy has. Shs is not confortable with older people, especialy thoes with beards. I took her to the little park in the Plaza the other day and was walking her around when she saw an older guy with a white beard, she just stood in place and let out a little growl. The old guy started to walk towards me and Giz ran behind me and hid. The guy held his hand out and Giz quickly licked it but wanted nothing to do with the guy. I have to admit I thought the guy was somewhat creepy looking as well but it didn't bother me a whole lot. Now any older person we walk by will scares Giz. She was never this way before the run in with that guy. She normaly is great around all people and kids, she has a problem with other dogs but never before with people. I don't want this to become more of a problem so how I deal with this problem now before it gets worse?

Vinia

Posted : 10/2/2006 4:53:02 PM

Do you think maybe Gizmo was picking up on your discomfort/reaction to the old man the first time?

I don't really have any brilliant suggests except

erhaps doing the same thing as you would do with dogs/children (e.g. watch me and treat from a distance, gradually getting closer)? Do you have any friendly elderly folk that could help you with that? Or maybe you could practise near an old people's home?

Hopefully someone else will be around soon with better suggestions..

Xebby

Posted : 10/2/2006 4:57:42 PM

I really thought that maybe it was my fault but I didn't even notice the man untill I noticed Giz acting stange. The older man was wearing bicker pants and looked a lot different then any person she has ever seen. I just got over the whole dog in the mirrow problem and now this.

Vinia

Posted : 10/2/2006 5:18:20 PM

I'm sorry that you have another issue to deal with now, just after you've dealt with the dog problem- it must seem like it's neverending!

I wish I could give you some better advice, but haven't really had any experience with this sort of stuff.

spiritdogs

Posted : 10/2/2006 7:32:12 PM

Easy - borrow some old people LOL. Arm them with Gizzy's favorite food (real meat or cheese perhaps), and have them toss it to her on the ground as they walk by. Tell them not to look at her, just toss her some roast beef. Soon, she will think Q-tips are cool. At that point, you can opt to let her go up and take food from someone's hand. Tell them not to reach toward her, just let her take it. If she is still leery, you can put a 10' training leash on her. That will allow you to walk away from her, stand next to the elder, and call your dog to you - you have liverwurst or some other stinky treat, which she gets if she is brave and comes to you. (Most scaredy dogs think it's safer to stay with you than out there all alone where you left them LOL). Again, tell the person who is helping you not to stare at the dog.
her to say hello.

Xebby

Posted : 10/2/2006 7:34:39 PM

I'm really thankful for your reply. With Giz it's a never ending list of problems but I still love her all the same. She never seems to amaze me, always something new but has really helped me learn more about dogs then I ever knew before.

labcrab

Posted : 10/3/2006 12:49:12 PM

ORIGINAL: spiritdogs

Soon, she will think Q-tips are cool.

heehee! lol