Dog Community

problem with roommate's dog

Posted : 7/22/2006 10:05:00 AM

Hi,

Last Saturday, I started renting a house with two friends, Ben and Selina, who own a two year old female schitzu named Molly. Before, when I would go visit them, Molly would be somewhat OK with me after barking a little while. So I knew from the beginning that she wasn't comfortable with me, but I thought that when she was around me more often, she would become more comfortable. What actually happened was the exact opposite. She barks like crazy at me every day when I come home from work. She usually does what she can to avoid me, and sometimes when I in the living room on the couch, she'll stand in the hallway and growl at me. When I manage to scoop her up (or when someone brings her to me) I'll pet her and talk to her, and she'll usually be better for a while. But, when I come in the next evening, it's like all of my progress has been stripped away.

So, here are the main issues working against me:

-Because it's Ben and Selina's dog, I have no real "authority" over her.
-Ben and Selina are students. Selina takes a summer class for one hour a day and Ben works his pharmacy externships 4 hrs a day, 4 days a week, and they spend all day with her. So, when I come in, I think that Molly thinks of me as an intruder.
-I don't know if this is significant, but Ben and Selina broke up 2 weeks ago

Is there anything that can be done? What am I doing wrong?

Thanks a bunch and have a good,
Andrew

Christi

Posted : 7/22/2006 10:09:41 AM

Andrew,
Maybe they could let you feed her for awhile or you could be primary giver of treats. See if she'd like to go for a walk with you and give her praise and treats on the walk. If she associates you with good things, she will be more likely to be excited to see you rather than thinking of you as an intruder. Also, is she getting enough attention during this 'breakup,' if not, you could go out of your way to play with her. That will help build your relationship too.
Good luck!

jones

Posted : 7/22/2006 2:38:50 PM

Since it's only been a week, I'd say if you just continue to try to build a relationship with her, you should see some progress after a while. It will take her at least a couple of weeks to realize that it's your home now too, and maybe a couple of weeks after that to sort out where you fall in the family or "pack" structure. I agree with Eskiemom that if you feed her one of her meals or even be the main treat dispenser (I would do that in the context of simple obedience work, sits and downs) that would be helpful in strengthening your relationship with the pup.

luvmyswissy

Posted : 7/22/2006 5:03:16 PM

IMO it would be best to ignore the dog for now. Just walk by him and don't acknowledge him at all, no words, no touch and eye contact. Pretend he isn't there until he approaches you. I would slip him a biscuit and say good boy and feed him his dinner when you can. Just don't push yourself on him and let him come to you when he is ready.

nfowler

Posted : 7/22/2006 5:32:15 PM

Oh, why don't more people do that? It would be so great if they did. Just speaking from personal experience . . .