A One Person Dog?

[Justontime]

I don't have cats but a friend of mine does, and they definitely have their own attitudes about things.

I have two cats, they are very different, but both are have one main person that they identify with. One is like my daughter's shadow and he doesn't bother with anyone else - but he graciously allows me to feed him!

[butterjack]

I have a one person dog problem. We just got an 8 month old mix breed, we think she's chihuahua/terrier/something. We wanted my 11 year old daughter to primarily bond with her so she took charge. We were a little too successful. After only 4 days, she loves my daughter and barks at anyone else that comes near her. She is not trying to bite or anything and will let us pet her, but the barking is out of control. Anyone have any suggestions?

[McMegan]

Yup, both chihuahuas and various terrier breeds can become quite territorial and defensive of anything they deem "theirs" (such as their favorite toy, sleeping spot, or small human). She may also be feeling a little uncertain in her new home, and be reacting out of fear or caution (not, obviously, paralyzing fear, just a sort of discomfort). In the long run, you can help your new dog feel much more confident and comfortable in her environment if the whole family works with her in a consistent and cohesive manner. It may help you to have a professional trainer come to your house and show everybody some techniques for working with the dog - asking her to perform behaviors for rewards, training behaviors that are incompatible with barking and lunging, desensitizing her to movement and approach, and so forth.

Best of luck!
Megan

[brendi]

It's very strange, because dogs do not have emotions developed, I believe that it depends on the type of dog litter. several stories I read searching through internet I found out that people mention that society want these dogs and want the other dogs around