Hi everyone, Something pretty unusual happened and I'm hoping you guys can help me out.
Yesterday I took Riley (8mo. today) and my 5yr old daughter to the coast.
We had a nice deserted stretch of beach. NO people, no dogs so I let Riley off lead and we all walked, ran, threw the ball, played in the waves etc.for over two hours. At one point we were in the water (maybe it's just me, but what a hoot to see your dog and child playing the same game in the waves, with the same entheusiasm. Very funny and cute) Anyway a couple of women walked past us, and Riley was busy in the water and didn't notice them. Then another couple walked by us with a couple of dogs, so I knew our alone time on the beach was pretty much over. I should have put him back on his lead but didn't since there wasn't anyone else
close by. My mistake, without doubt. We were all having a great time and he's so good about staying right with us -when there are no serious distractions- that I sort of let good judgement slip. Anyway we were walking down the beach and by now another couple was coming toward us but still at a distance and suddenly my pup who's so great at staying with us rushes ahead, ignores my call, stops but does not come back and get's that "posture." I don't know what else to call it, but the hair on his neck stood up. He didn't growl and I was able to get ahold of him before they got close. I snapped on the lead we had a quick "discussion"
about his reaction and then he was back to his eager playful self. But I was really surprised at the way he stood and the hair on the back of his neck going up. If anything in I would have expected him to run up to them hoping to say hi and grab a quick pet before I got there and put him on lead.
Other than all the things I did wrong (believe me, I know I blew it!) does anyone have any insight into what that was about? Was it a fairly normal reaction considering the situation or is that the first sign of aggression. This guy was bred for temperment. All the titles in his pedigree are a combo of obedience, therapy,cd,cdx,TT the breeder we got him from breeds first for herself then sells whats left. She is always after obedience and temperment. Which is why I chose to get a dog from her. I can't stand the idea of a poorly bred, ill mannered dog.
I'm really hoping someone has a good idea of what this behavior was about so I know if I really need to make some changes or was this just lax owner/adolescent puppy stuff
Thanks for your help,
Wendi