Hi, I've been lurkin' here for a couple of months, and would like to ask for
a bit of advice.

I have a 2 1/2 yr Great Dane F (Gretchen). She is 136 lbs. 34" at the
shoulder.

She is very well behaved, listens well to commands, affectionet and gets
along

well with small animals and children.

Here's the issue: About a year ago I developed a debilitating illness. I was

unable to do much work with her, or even take her on walks for several
months.

During this time Gretchen became very over protective of me, particularly
with strangers.

I've recovered considerably now and we have resumed most of our previous
daily

regiments.

But now when we encounter people outside of the pack she is very wary of
them,

raising her hackles and barking. This generally only happens when they try
to engage

her in some way, and only lasts for a few minutes, 5-15, and then she
relaxes if they

completely ignore her. This happens at the vet, the park, you name it.




Any suggestions?

Peter




Gretchen pics

http://oslofleamarket.com/GRETCHEN/

Peter said in part.....
Here's the issue: About a year ago I developed a debilitating
illness. I wasn't able to do much work with her, or even take her on
walks for several months. During this time, Gretchen became very
overprotective of me, particularly with strangers. I've recovered
considerably now and we have resumed most of our previous daily
regiments. But now when we encounter people outside of the pack, she
has become very wary of them, raising her hackles and barking at
them..................
_____________________
Peter,
I am just offering my thoughts, based on what you posted, and the fact
that I have had dogs all of my life. I have no training in dog
behavior.
I am guessing that due to the fact that you and Gretchen were fairly
isolated while you were ill, that she became very posessive of you.
Also, at age one, she was still in the stage of learning to socialize
with the outside world, that socialization time was halted due to your
illness. I believe that an obedience class is a good place for her to
learn or re-learn those skills.
The only other suggestion I have to offer is that at age one, a dog of
that size is certainly not mature, and if she was going to have
behavioral problems of any kind, they may not have occured until she was
mature. (now) I would continue to do what you are doing, taking her for
walks, taking her to the dog park, provided you have complete control of
her. I certainly would not allow her off leash at the dog park while
she is exhibiting this behavior. I know you said she calms right down
after 10-15 minutes.
Keep in mind the above is my opinion, it does not make me right. One
thing I am sure of is that you must be in complete control of a dog
exhibiting behavior like that, as it could escalate. Perhaps you should
seek out a behaviorist. Good luck with Gretchen, and good health to
you.


Be Free.....Judy

"Judith Althouse" wrote in message
...
Peter said in part.....
Here's the issue: About a year ago I developed a debilitating
illness. I wasn't able to do much work with her, or even take her on
walks for several months. During this time, Gretchen became very
overprotective of me, particularly with strangers. I've recovered
considerably now and we have resumed most of our previous daily
regiments. But now when we encounter people outside of the pack, she
has become very wary of them, raising her hackles and barking at
them..................
_____________________
Peter,
I am just offering my thoughts, based on what you posted, and the fact
that I have had dogs all of my life. I have no training in dog
behavior.
I am guessing that due to the fact that you and Gretchen were fairly
isolated while you were ill, that she became very posessive of you.

Undeniably. She does not behave this way with any other pack members.

Also, at age one, she was still in the stage of learning to socialize
with the outside world, that socialization time was halted due to your
illness. I believe that an obedience class is a good place for her to
learn or re-learn those skills.

Excelent advice. She is pregnant right now, so it will have to wait a few
months. My wife and I are planning to keep one of the pups and would like to
take them to classes together eventually.

The only other suggestion I have to offer is that at age one, a dog of
that size is certainly not mature, and if she was going to have
behavioral problems of any kind, they may not have occured until she was
mature. (now) I would continue to do what you are doing, taking her for
walks, taking her to the dog park, provided you have complete control of
her. I certainly would not allow her off leash at the dog park while
she is exhibiting this behavior. I know you said she calms right down
after 10-15 minutes.

I live in a *very* small town (pop. 300, including Gretchen), so we don't
have a "dog park" as such, just a regular park. Fortunately the edge of town
is 2 blocks away. Plenty of open country to run. But I like to take her into
town with me, Petco, the vet or doggie daycare if we've got shopping to do.
She see's the same people every time at daycare and she exibits this
behavior
every time, but only if *I* am with her. Very frustrating.

Keep in mind the above is my opinion, it does not make me right. One
thing I am sure of is that you must be in complete control of a dog
exhibiting behavior like that, as it could escalate. Perhaps you should
seek out a behaviorist. Good luck with Gretchen, and good health to
you.


Be Free.....Judy

Thanks for the kind response.
Peter

On Feb 5, 7:29*pm, "Peter" wrote:
"Judith Althouse" wrote in message

...





Peter said in part.....
*Here's the issue: *About a year ago I developed a debilitating
illness. *I wasn't able to do much work with her, or even take her on
walks for several months. *During this time, Gretchen became very
overprotective of me, particularly with strangers. *I've recovered
considerably now and we have resumed most of our previous daily
regiments. *But now when we encounter people outside of the pack, she
has become very wary of them, raising her hackles and barking at
them..................
_____________________
Peter,
*I am just offering my thoughts, based on what you posted, and the fact
that I have had dogs all of my life. *I have no training in dog
behavior.
*I am guessing that due to the fact that you and Gretchen were fairly
isolated while you were ill, that she became very posessive of you.

Undeniably. She does not behave this way with any other pack members.

Also, at age one, she was still in the stage of learning to socialize
with the outside world, that socialization time was halted due to your
illness. *I believe that an obedience class is a good place for her to
learn or re-learn those skills.

Excelent advice. She is pregnant right now, so it will have to wait a few
months. My wife and I are planning to keep one of the pups and would like to
take them to classes together eventually.


I would consider having her do some overnights with some of your
friends that she knows and likes. She hasn't had enough exposure to
the world.

I would also be very careful about puppy placement. She doens't sound
like a particularly sound dog and probably shouldn't be reproducing.
So be sure to disclose her behaviors to people who want pups so that
they can choose whether they want to take on a potentially iffy dog of
such a size.

"lookingaround" wrote in message
...
On Feb 5, 7:29 pm, "Peter" wrote:
"Judith Althouse" wrote in message

...





Peter said in part.....
Here's the issue: About a year ago I developed a debilitating
illness. I wasn't able to do much work with her, or even take her on
walks for several months. During this time, Gretchen became very
overprotective of me, particularly with strangers. I've recovered
considerably now and we have resumed most of our previous daily
regiments. But now when we encounter people outside of the pack, she
has become very wary of them, raising her hackles and barking at
them..................
_____________________
Peter,
I am just offering my thoughts, based on what you posted, and the fact
that I have had dogs all of my life. I have no training in dog
behavior.
I am guessing that due to the fact that you and Gretchen were fairly
isolated while you were ill, that she became very posessive of you.

Undeniably. She does not behave this way with any other pack members.

Also, at age one, she was still in the stage of learning to socialize
with the outside world, that socialization time was halted due to your
illness. I believe that an obedience class is a good place for her to
learn or re-learn those skills.

Excelent advice. She is pregnant right now, so it will have to wait a few
months. My wife and I are planning to keep one of the pups and would like
to
take them to classes together eventually.


I would consider having her do some overnights with some of your
friends that she knows and likes. She hasn't had enough exposure to
the world.

Another good idea. I'll give it a try, thanks.

I would also be very careful about puppy placement. She doens't sound
like a particularly sound dog and probably shouldn't be reproducing.
So be sure to disclose her behaviors to people who want pups so that
they can choose whether they want to take on a potentially iffy dog of
such a size.

While I appreciate your advice, whats been written here hardly gives
you enough information to make such a diagnosis. I certainly wouldn't
have bred her without her vet having OK'd her for breeding. Aside
from this one issue, which really seems quite minor to me, she is an
exceptional example of the breed. She hasn't lunger or behaved aggresively
towards anyone, just very wary.

Thanks for your response,
Peter

"Peter" wrote in message
...

"lookingaround" wrote in message
...
On Feb 5, 7:29 pm, "Peter" wrote:
"Judith Althouse" wrote in message

...





Peter said in part.....
Here's the issue: About a year ago I developed a debilitating
illness. I wasn't able to do much work with her, or even take her on
walks for several months. During this time, Gretchen became very
overprotective of me, particularly with strangers. I've recovered
considerably now and we have resumed most of our previous daily
regiments. But now when we encounter people outside of the pack, she
has become very wary of them, raising her hackles and barking at
them..................
_____________________
Peter,
I am just offering my thoughts, based on what you posted, and the fact
that I have had dogs all of my life. I have no training in dog
behavior.
I am guessing that due to the fact that you and Gretchen were fairly
isolated while you were ill, that she became very posessive of you.

Undeniably. She does not behave this way with any other pack members.

Also, at age one, she was still in the stage of learning to socialize
with the outside world, that socialization time was halted due to your
illness. I believe that an obedience class is a good place for her to
learn or re-learn those skills.

Excelent advice. She is pregnant right now, so it will have to wait a few
months. My wife and I are planning to keep one of the pups and would like
to
take them to classes together eventually.


I would consider having her do some overnights with some of your
friends that she knows and likes. She hasn't had enough exposure to
the world.

Another good idea. I'll give it a try, thanks.

I would also be very careful about puppy placement. She doens't sound
like a particularly sound dog and probably shouldn't be reproducing.
So be sure to disclose her behaviors to people who want pups so that
they can choose whether they want to take on a potentially iffy dog of
such a size.

While I appreciate your advice, whats been written here hardly gives
you enough information to make such a diagnosis. I certainly wouldn't
have bred her without her vet having OK'd her for breeding. Aside
from this one issue, which really seems quite minor to me, she is an
exceptional example of the breed. She hasn't lunger or behaved aggresively
towards anyone, just very wary.

Thanks for your response,
Peter


Although I don't have any advice for you on how to change or defuse the
current behavior better than has already been suggested, I think I
understand what you are describing. My Gracie was in a number of foster
homes, some that were basically just a place to keep her alive until a home
could be found for her. By that I mean, she was in situations where she was
one of a number of dogs being cared for, fed, etc., without any sort of
*bonding* with humans, just basic care.

When we got her, she bonded with me almost immediately. She was a bit wary
at first, but as soon as I laid down on my bed and patted the place beside
me, telling her to 'come on, come up here with me', she jumped up and
BONDED. She couldn't place her body close enough to me. Kept crawling
closer and closer to me, until she had finally wedged her head right under
my chin, burying her face on my chest. She settled in, sighed hugely, and
within a short time of me petting her and talking to her, she fell into a
deep, sound sleep, snoring loudly. It was so bittersweet, as though she had
been looking for somebody to love for such a long time.

Other than being closely bonded with me, I detect no other lack of
*soundness* in her. When I read your description, of having spent a good
number of months incapacitated and alone with Gretchen, it reminded me of my
Gracie. Perhaps it will simply take time for her to gradually be weaned
from her attachment to you, as it took awhile for that attachment to grow as
it has. I'm thinking she sensed that you *needed* her for so long, it will
take her awhile to learn/understand that you no longer have such a
vulnerable *need* anymore.

Please keep us updated as to Gretchen's progress, and I would love to know
when the puppies are born and see photo's of them.

td

"Peter" wrote in message:

I certainly wouldn't
have bred her without her vet having OK'd her for breeding.

Vets would okay any dog for breeding that has functioning reproductive
organs. It doesn't mean that they *should* be bred.

from this one issue, which really seems quite minor to me, she is an
exceptional example of the breed.

An over protective Dane is more than a minor problem. Have you had
independent verification from breed-savvy folks that she has the right type
of conformation and temperament for a Dane? Has she been health tested?
Standard would be OFA Hips, Elbows, Thyroid, Heart, and CERF.

There are A TON of Danes in rescue. My local rescue has taken in 9 homeless
Danes in the month of January, and there are 3- 4 more waiting to come in,
but can't due to the lack of foster space. The advice to take great care in
placing these giant dogs in Dane savvy homes, stands.

Suja

"Suja" spoke these words of wisdom in
:


"Peter" wrote in message:

I certainly wouldn't
have bred her without her vet having OK'd her for breeding.

Vets would okay any dog for breeding that has functioning reproductive
organs. It doesn't mean that they *should* be bred.


I concur with this.
from this one issue, which really seems quite minor to me, she is an
exceptional example of the breed.

An over protective Dane is more than a minor problem.
An overprotective bitch will only become MORE overprotective if she has
pups. Why would you anyone breed this bitch?

I would discount the bitch as a breeding prospect on that point by it'self.
Have you had
independent verification from breed-savvy folks that she has the right
type of conformation and temperament for a Dane? Has she been health
tested? Standard would be OFA Hips, Elbows, Thyroid, Heart, and CERF.
Just in case you are wondering what kind of documents she's talking about,
there are a certain SET of documents that breeders (good responsible
breeders, anyway) will REQUIRE before breeding.
http://shell2.lomag.net/~moosedog/Tuck/health.html
These will vary according to breed.

There are A TON of Danes in rescue. My local rescue has taken in 9
homeless Danes in the month of January, and there are 3- 4 more waiting
to come in, but can't due to the lack of foster space. The advice to
take great care in placing these giant dogs in Dane savvy homes, stands.

Suja


Great advice Suja!

But now when we encounter people outside of the pack she is very
wary of
them, raising her hackles and barking. This generally only happens
when they try
to engage her in some way, and only lasts for a few minutes, 5-15, and
then she
relaxes if they completely ignore her.

From this description, I would say she is not very sound. Generally
sound dogs don't raise their hackles and bark at strangers. Hopefully
you can help her to overcome this behavior and it was just caused by
her lack of socialization, but I still suggest the pups only go to
very experienced dog owners and that they are aware of mom's
tendencies.

"Suja" wrote in message
...

"Peter" wrote in message:

I certainly wouldn't
have bred her without her vet having OK'd her for breeding.

Vets would okay any dog for breeding that has functioning reproductive
organs. It doesn't mean that they *should* be bred.

Well, duh.

from this one issue, which really seems quite minor to me, she is an
exceptional example of the breed.

An over protective Dane is more than a minor problem.

Well this is really a subjective determination which would have to be
determined
through direct interaction with the dog, which I have and you do not. So
I'll continue
to treat it as a minor problem unless it escalates.

Have you had
independent verification from breed-savvy folks

Why do you assume that I am not breed savvy? She is my 5th Dane after all.

that she has the right type
of conformation and temperament for a Dane? Has she been health tested?
Standard would be OFA Hips, Elbows, Thyroid, Heart, and CERF.

Once again the only response to that is well, duh. Quit assuming you're
talking to an amateur.

There are A TON of Danes in rescue.

Yes, I've had the pleasure of rescueing 4 of them myself.

My local rescue has taken in 9 homeless
Danes in the month of January, and there are 3- 4 more waiting to come in,
but can't due to the lack of foster space.

Where? I'll contact them and see if I can be of any help.

The advice to take great care in
placing these giant dogs in Dane savvy homes, stands.

Good advice for any breed, thanks,
Peter

Suja