I have NO MEDICAL background. If your question pertains to a physical concern about your dog -- that is, you think your dog may be sick, whelping problems, trouble breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive urination, excessive drinking, heavy drooling, unexplained physical symptoms of ANY kind, etc -- YOU NEED TO GET OFF THE COMPUTER AND CALL YOUR VET IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT WASTE TIME WAITING FOR AN EMAIL RESPONSE!!! Your dog could be having a medical crisis!
I answer questions pertaining to training of all kinds, behavior, grooming,etc. I am qualified to address questions regarding basic training issues; crate training, housebreaking, behavior management tools, basic obedience skills.
You may be interested in visiting:
http://bad-dog-good-dog.blogspot.com/
www.housecalls-dogtraining.com
Experience Past instructor for Puppy and Behavior classes for the Humane Society of Missouri. Have been a trainer for over 10 years, both in private in-home sessions and in classroom situations. Have participated in obedience with one of my goldens, titling her with a Companion Dog title. Both of my dogs earned their CGC title and were certified as therapy dogs through two separate organizations. Currently involved in local golden retriever rescue. Am currently serving as an "expert" in the Golden Retriever, Dog Training, and Canine Behavior categories.
Organizations Dirk's Fund Golden Retriever Rescue, www.dirksfund.com
Education/Credentials Going on over ten years of private and public training; instructed with Humane Society of Missouri and South County Obedience.
Question i have a 8 month old dogue de bordeaux.(Vincent) He has been a wonderful puppy, loves everyone and everything, and has had minimal training issues. 3 weeks ago, all of a sudden, he became very scared of my boyfriend. my bf has a golden puppy the same age, and they come over at least once or twice a week. Vincent will not play with the golden if my bf is in the same room, he just goes and sits in the corner. Yesterday I was outside, my bf showed up, went to pet Vincent, and Vincent peeed himself. I do not want my dog to end up being a big coward since one of the reasons I got him was because I am single and live alone with my 2 kids. Plus, I want him to get along with my bf. do you have any suggestions? anything will help, hopefully.
thank you.
Answer It's very unusual for a dog to develop a fear of something for no reason at all. Generally, SOMETHING has to have occurred to make the dog fear the object, person, sound, etc, although the reason may NOT always be clear to US.
Did you take Vincent to puppy classes when he was younger? Did you get him out of the house a lot and socialize him well around different sounds, sights, etc? This is one of the most important things an owner can do to assure their dog develops into a friendly, confident dog.
Vincent peeing on himself is an obvious sign of submissive peeing. Are you able to think back to the very start of this behavior and recollect if your bf said or did ANY type of behavior that could have been frightening to Vincent?
I wouldn't necessarily categorize your dog as being a "coward" because
1. in HIS mind, he has some reason to be fearful of the bf
2. because of his full-grown size and demeanor, he will be intimidating to strangers even if deep down inside he isn't the bravest dog around.
How does he act around other people? If you take him around strangers, is he fearful of them as well, such as someone passing on the sidewalk when you're out for a walk? What if someone new wanted to pet him? How would he act?
I'm including some information on submissive urination that I hope will be helpful:
