Something interesting happening here

[mom2two]

I have a 5 year old female bichon who is a "runt" that has napolean syndrome. We also have a full grown 2 year old male bichon. Gidget (female) is beginning to socialize a little better to new people. Saturday we had company and I gave them treats to give her when they came in the door, and then she went to get her ball and played all evening with them. Dexter (male) never had any problems with people, still doesn't. We socialized him a lot more than we did with Gidget as babies.

I know this sounds silly or strange but it made me feel good, that she is adjusting to people. I have little treats ready now in case people she is not familiar with stop over. I think this is something good, right? Once she gets to know you then she doesn't need the treats.

What do you think?

 

[gapeach]

That's not silly at all, I would be glad too that Gidget decided to give strangers a try! She'll find out that it can be fun.

 

[Renee750il]

It sounds like you've found a good way to overcome her defenses around strange people.

Personally, I don't like my dogs learning to be willing to take food from anyone else, but mine are out patrolling the pasture, etc. and it's a completely different situation. I lost my Buffy to someone poisoning her intentionally. I think you're doing a good job of getting Gidget over her unsocial behaviour.