Change in protective beahvior at 1.5 years?

[Maddiesgirl]

My Madison is going to be 1 and a half in 2 weeks. In the last two weeks she has gone from barking at people near the house and then quickly stopping, to REALLY barking at people near the house. A big bark, as in "the reason people are afraid" bark. And she barks longer. She stops when I say "Thank you, that's enough", but her demenour about it feels different. Serious. She is also "patrolling" suddenly. Every hour or so she takes a stroll around the house and looks out every door.

Is this behavior something that comes with age, or I am inadvertant reinforcing the big barking somehow? She is still acting the same toward people inside and outside the house.

[TrishB]

Did something happen around your house two weeks ago? Did you have a service man in? Are there new kids around the neighbourhood? Was there construction? Is it possible she was teased through the window?

It seems strange that she suddenly feels that she needs to protect the house. It makes me wonder if something happened around your home (either when you were there or when you weren't) to make her feel that way.

When the big bark comes, calmly pull her away and give her some commands (sit, down, heel, etc.). Then praise her. I've always found that it was much easier to replace the bad behaviour with a good one than to only attempt to stop the bad one. Whatever your replacement behaviour is (getting a toy from her box - it's tough to bark with a toy in your mouth ;)), make it convenient and acceptable for you.

Best of luck.

[Mattweiser]

Yeah, something happened 2 weeks ago....

its called maturity

the changes are being brought on by a combination of the dogs maturity in direct correlation to it's percieved poition within the house

[TrishB]

Originally posted by Mattweiser
Yeah, something happened 2 weeks ago....

its called maturity

the changes are being brought on by a combination of the dogs maturity in direct correlation to it's percieved poition within the house

I don't doubt that - but (at least in my own experience) typically, you can see it coming. There tends to be a 'ramping up' period.

This just seemed to be quite sudden to me. But yes, it's possible that maturity has kicked into overdrive!

[Mattweiser]

Yes, there is a "ramping up" period.. but this is typically overlooked by owners.. no offense intended.. just fact...

while Trish may also be correct.. I would tend to look inside, before I started looking outside.. Just MHO

[Maddiesgirl]

Nothing could have happened to Maddie, she is gated in a second story room, so no one is teasing her except the cats, and they have consistantly demonstrated this is their god given right. So no changes there.

I found out from a neighbor who is home days that the groundpeople having been working, freshening up edging, re-mulching everything, and that Maddie was barking at them when they were stomping around in my flower beds over the last few weeks. So, while she is aggravated, I think she is also just "maturing".

I have probably encouraged too much outgoing behavior. She was a very quiet reserved rescue, coming from a house with a DOMINANT female border collie mix. As she has come out of her shell, I have probably let her get too far and now she is alittle too enthuisiastic. We have gone back to more training during the afternoon and more exercise int he morning. I have also had to close the windows (I used to crack them an inch so she would get scents - she loves that) and run the AC because she is more protective when the window is cracked - more pacing, patrolling and barking. Too many smells and sounds perhaps...

Saw the vet this week for a check-up and he said she's hitting her adolescence and is trying new "big dog" stuff out. She is healthy and the vet is happy, so I am just focusing on reasserting our routine. Over the weekend, she was still checking out all the doors, but stopped barking everytime I said, "That's enough". She is still growling at night when people are in the parking lot by my house, but I think that's not a bad thing (anybody know a reason why I should stop her?)
Thanks again! -Heather

[jesse2001]

Jesse is 14 months and has just kicked in the protective instinct the same way yours has. It has been 'ramping' up over the past month and now from being a dog that never barked at anything near or aroung the house she is much more aware, just like those little fluffy dogs ;)

[bailey's dad]

Yes I would agree my 1.5 yr old bitch is getting more and more protective of what takes place around the backyard. She always places herself between my children and what she perceives to be a threat. Really she's just acting tough. ;) She's doing exactly what I would like her to do..., she even looks back for reasurrance that she is doing the correct thing. Sometimes I have to step in and tell her to cool it with a sharp sssshhh... and she listens.:)

[German Vanegas]

Your dog is acting like a territorial watchdog or alarm-security dog, which is a good thing as you owe to know. However, your dog's true protection capabilities can only be determine by testing her for defense drive; there is where you know for sure if you have a protection dog.

[Maddiesgirl]

German- As always, your thoughts are much valued!

I'm amazed to have any sort of territorial watchdog!:) When I got my girl from her previous home she was off to a rough start. Now, when I see her at the door, nub up, growling as people approach the house, I am amazed. I brought her into my home as a companion animal and maybe a visual deterant because I live alone. Although I read every thread that advocated being Alpha, treating them right and the strengths of the breed will come forward, I thought, maybe not my girl...she'll probably be like a lab.

Now, we are spending about 2-3 hours a day on leash work because it has a direct effect on how quickly she listens when she is "ramping" up in the house. Eventually I'd like to have her evaluated. Right now, I just stand in awe of what she is becoming as she matures.

[German Vanegas]

Originally posted by Maddiesgirl
... Eventually I'd like to have her evaluated. Right now, I just stand in awe of what she is becoming as she matures.

I suggest you to read this thread ;) :)

http://www.rottweiler.net/forums/sho...threadid=14077

[Maddiesgirl]

German-
I read your thread. Thanks for sending the site, I had used the search earlier and come up with very little.

I reread what I wrote and don't like the way it looks. I don't have the need for a macho threatening dog, it is potentially disasterous for all parties, especially the dog. The amazing part is more in her growing up. She had a rough start. She was without confidence when I brought her home, cringing and too quiet. Gawky and pitiful sometimes. After some time and alot of work she seemed to come into her puppihood and became very outgoingly friendly and all paws.
I had some feedback on Madison this weekend. My brother came to visit from out of state, which he does at least monthly. He commented as he walked in the door that Maddie was different (and bigger!:) ) This was the first time he was ever barked at, and he wondered how she even knew, because he never knocked, but she came running from upstairs to be at the door. Once I openned the door and she saw him, she was all wiggly butt and belly rubs, but he said she seems less "doofy" and more like an actual rottweiler. A compliment from him, as he is a fan of the true qualities of the breed.
She has all the qualities I want, an excellent companion, she alerts me to people on the property, and she is gentle and mannerly to guests and when we travel. I am just surprised I guess that she is losing some of the puppy gawkiness...I really just thought that was going to be her personality!
Heather

[Hadoken]

Our Athena is starting to act protective. I use the word "act" because that what it is (she will wait for a bird or squirrel to move before she will proceed out the door.. a person gets close to her and she will begin the nub wag process after acting like she is tough)

Before she would greet everyone (including strangers) with a nub wag and no threatening behavior. Now she barks and acts tough.

I believe this is a normal part of the dog growing up. They start out accepting just about everything then begin to go in to more of a protection stage.

Someone mentioned the defense part of the dogs behavior. Some animals bluff and others will actually follow through. I haven't tested Athena to see how far she will go, then again she is still a baby at seven months and her behavior can and will change.

[German Vanegas]

Originally posted by Hadoken
Someone mentioned the defense part of the dogs behavior. Some animals bluff and others will actually follow through. I haven't tested Athena to see how far she will go, then again she is still a baby at seven months and her behavior can and will change.

It is a big mistake to "test" a 7 month-old puppy to try to find out how "far will she go." It can easily ruin a dog that young for life!

[JonandMichelle]

Also, just as a general statement:o Owners who wish to have their dog(s) tested should not only wait until the desired age but also please seek out a professional when doing so. The last thing that should be done is for the owner to attempt the testing. Testing a dog in defense is not a joking, knee-jerk matter. It should be done with knowledge, professionalism and seriousness.


Again, just for those who are reading and learning ;)