More of a discussion than a question...

Angelina-M

Yes I think she has a bit of a confidence problem. When I let people in the house she often sits by me and does a long deep growl as though to say, you may be in my house but one false move and i'll bite you. At this stage people often move in on her to stroke her and she backs right away from them (usually behind my legs)

Justie

Angelina-M wrote: »

Yes I think she has a bit of a confidence problem. When I let people in the house she often sits by me and does a long deep growl as though to say, you may be in my house but one false move and i'll bite you. At this stage people often move in on her to stroke her and she backs right away from them (usually behind my legs)

then you need to educate your guests into ignoring her completely until a time when you are ready for her to meet them (you need to ignore her too and not reinforce the scared behaviour) - then they can call her to them and have her sit and be given a treat so that she knows that new people are good. Until then it's just someone new invading her safe space.

We had a very insecure rescue when he first arrived he would do the same thing (especially with men who smoked so we can only guess that he's had reason to be unsure of someone in the past). We always told people to ignore the dog - some did some didn't :rolleyes: - and once they're in and settled he would then approach them and be happy and friendly but to have them come straight up to him was too much to begin with. Now he's secure and settled he greets everyone who comes to the door with a wag and thinks that everyone's his friend but it took time, patience and effort from us to control his environment for him.

Shambler

Sounds like a lovely dog

To help with strangers make sure you always give visitors to your house a few doggy treats (not to eat!) but just to have on them.

Now and then they could drop a treat in the dogs general direction, or if the dog does come over they can feed it one from the hand.

Make sure the visitor never makes eye contact with the dog, this can be threatening and if the dog does go over to meet them make sure they don't stand up suddenly, try to keep on the dogs level but don't stare at it.

Also if they stroke the dog, make sure it is on the shoulder/back and not the head since touching the head is a dominant gesture.