Quote:
Originally posted by chuss
I've also started feeding her a bit less, maybe this could have something to do with it.
I believe that's what they do to guard dogs, they starve them and it makes them more ravonous (spelling?) and crazy.
Any thoughts on this would be interesting. |
Probably not why she reacted like that...starving a dog doesn't do anything except make that dog hungry. We've got a 3ish yr old mixed breed at the local shelter who is emaciated (yet healthy!) and all this dog wants is love! He'll leave his bowl if I walk into the kennel simply because he wants attention. I can push every button this dog has (hand in bowl while eating, fingers in ears while eating, push away from bowl, etc...) and he does nothing except eat...same pace..until he's done...then he looks to me for more! He needs to gain about 20 pounds before he's ready to be adopted, but he's one happy dog.
On the same token...I have a well fed, well adjusted, very well socialized 4 yr old male. He is very protective of me, without any training at all except obedience, if I feel uncomfortable about any situation. He will stand between me and whatever I am not sure of, and rarely do I have to say anything to him. If I'm OK with something, he's OK with it. If I'm not, he'll get right there in front of me, and once in a while, he'll back into me to make me back up further away. It's just his nature to protect the one who protects him, feeds him, shelters and loves him. He's protecting the Alpha of the 'pack' - ME.
Same thing when we're at home. He'll bark when someone pulls into the driveway and will stand at the door until I tell him to 'leave it'. If I do not know the person at the door, he's right by my side. That person isn't getting in the house because Ben will not let me get to the door(tough when it's the UPS or FedEx guy!) If I do know the person at the door, once they're inside, they know they're about to get a rottie wiggle butt and kisses!