My dogs don't trust someone

[Inuneko]

Alrighty, I've tried talking to a behaviorist to try and sort out my dogs' reasoning but that came out rather uneventful.

The only time my dogs bark at someone is if they're knocking and the dogs can't see or smell who they are. They seem to usually like people after they've been to the house at least once. Yes, they're socialized... but there's one thing...

There's one person that's been here a few times, though he doesn't come often (he apparently knows my mom and stepdad)... but there's something about this guy that the dogs just don't like.

He doesn't even have to be IN the yard and they can be in the house and when he comes around, it seems like they 'feel' him around and they just go nuts and rush the window to see him (it's low so they can see out it without having to jump up) and start barking and snarling like they want to eat him alive. And of course, when he actually comes in the house, the dogs have to be penned up for obvious reasons that they actually tried to bite him.

I've been patient with this behavior and even though I act unconcerned about the fact the guy comes around, they still act out and let us know they don't want him around. He is the ONLY person they do that to... and needless to say... I feel that if the dogs just don't trust the guy, I shouldn't, and make sure he never comes by again.

 

[planet molosser]

In most cases dogs sense something we can not.
years ago I was showing in the same group as a Fila guy named JACK.

When I beat him he asked if he could show Coz our Therapy dog in the BIS ring. I said sure went to hand the leash over and COz was like HELL NO.
Only time he raised his lip to a stranger.

Never did that before since we worked hard to get a CGC TDI etc etc.

A Year later he was busted at the border for trying to cross for a dog show. And his charges of child molestation came up.

Never heard from since and the kicker was a month before this he got a shock collar for his Fila . When the dog would not listen zapped him and the dog took off his face.

Think his own dog knew what a scum bucket he was and was waiting for the right moment or last straw to tell him so.

One for Fila and innocent kids -

 

[~Tucker&Me~]

I agree Planet Molosser.

If it's only this person there's probably a reason for it.

I would trust my dogs over a stranger.

~Tucker

 

[Fruit bat]

I agree. Sadie is friendly so if she were to single someone out to act aggressive towards I would do some thinking about whether they should be around.

 

[jess2416]

Agree with all the above^^

 

[squirtsmom]

Ditto.

 

[mrose_s]

i trust my dogs judgement, he's wary of all strangers but i've walked past a few people that he just clearly didn't like on bit, i avoid them.

your dogs are probably ding you afavour by making you aware.

all our dogs are fine with people, a long time ago when we had daisy, but not mac or harry. we walked them all down to the river, on the way we past a man, not just sophie stared him down but so did daisy and buster. i think if one person can get buster to not like them so clearly just randomley, then he knows something i don't

 

[Doberluv]

I think dogs might have a sense about things and know things we don't know....to be sure. But I also don't think it's fair to jump to conclusions if our dogs don't like someone and assume they're a child molestor or felon. (fascinating story, btw PM)

One of my GSDs loved everyone....was very aimiable but there was one guy he growled at. The guy was kind of a sleeze, but wasn't a really bad person (at least, to my knoweldge) but was terrified of dogs in general. He was extremely tentative around dogs. Rebel's bed was under the kitchen table and when this guy walked past, he gave a low growl. Rebel didn't do that to anyone else. (unless they got too close to my horse when I was riding...lol, another story)

Lyric is concerned about people who are very nervous and worried about him. So, I think that can make dogs get weird too. They know something is wrong, but don't know what it is....just that this person is afraid or nervous or something.

I mean....it would be awful to conclude that every person our dogs growl at or act weird around is some horrible person because it might not be true. LOL. Can you imagine having that person say, "Why is your dog growling at me?" And you have to say, "Because he growls at child molestors and felons. There must be something about you that is off because my dog senses these things." LOL!