Grumbling at male friend

[LE Wilson]

Alas, Teddy has finally pulled a no-no.

A male friend came over Friday night to visit. Teddy has interacted with him on at least 4 prior occasions and has never had a problem with him. Each time he's come over he's greeted him with his wagging nub and lots of wet kisses. Everything seemed fine. The doorbell rang, the friend came in, Teddy greeted him, smelled him, allowed the friend to coax him several times. When Teddy decided he had gotten enough attention he left the room. The friend and I continued to stand in the kitchen and chit-chat. A few moments later Teddy appeared around the corner with his ears up looking at both of us. I told him to come in and visit. He then looked at the friend and proceeded to grumble in a very low tone. I was caught completely off guard as he has NEVER EVER done anything like this before. My friend has a female Rott so he his experienced with the breed. He called Teddy into the room. Teddy again very softly grumbled and stood there. I then told him to come, which he did. My friend then proceeded to coax him again, as well as myself, and he then seemed fine, everything was normal again.

My question is this: WHY WOULD HE GRUMBLE AT THE FRIEND?

In my house it's just me and my furry children. Was Teddy jealous of this person? Did he perhaps feel threatened by a man in the house? I'm stumped.

Teddy has had basic obedience classes and is very obedient and mindful. He is also a well-socialized dog. We (Teddy, O'Malley and myself) spend several hours a week at the dog park with other dogs and humans, both male and female, we go to PetSmart, we walk in the neighborhood, we go to granny's to play with his Labrador sidekick. We are very active and have always had nothing but positive experiences.

If this was aggression, this was his first display of same. I would appreciate some insight and any and all suggestions on what to do to curb this behavior should it ever happen again.

Thanks.

[Judi W]

Well, personally I'd have told him in no uncertain terms to "knock it off mister" "who do you think you are anyway"!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This business of coaxing him simply builds anxiety if that is what he was expressing. Likewise if he was expressing "this is my house and I've decided I don't like you here" it reinforces his opinion that the whiney people are lesser than he.

Regardless, whether a dog will repeat something depends upon the response it gets. If we praise a dog or stroke a dog rewarding it in some way the behavior is likely to be repeated. If a dog is corrected whether verbally or in some other manner, it is less likely to repeat it.

It was the first time, however this is likely to repeat itself at some point. Be ready and remember, if he was being insecure or if he was being bossy, either way he was usurping your ownership of the house and/or expressing a lack of respect for your choices of whom to have as a guest. Don't give him the impression of your approval by baby talking and coaxing him. If he was indeed insecure and fearful you also risk a bite by forcing him with the coaxing to close with the person. Tell him to knock it off, send him across the room and put him in a down. Get him back in obedience to reinforce that you will give him the lead on his behavior.

[LE Wilson]

Thanks for your advice, Judi.

Again, Teddy caught me completely off guard. However, if it should happen again, which hopefully it won't, I will be better prepared to deal with the situation. In no uncertain terms, he will know who the "boss" of the house is.

Also, when I called him back into the room and he came, I did make him sit for a few seconds and told him "no". As soon as he complied, we then began to coax/pet him. I've read enough of your threads to know that I should never "baby-talk".

Thanks again. Your advice/comments are ALWAYS appreciated.

[Judi W]

Good. I know you were surprised and I just wanted you to be ready for the next time as there most likely will be one.

[LE Wilson]

Judi [or whomever wants to comment]--

Was this a sign of "aggression" on Teddy's part of was he just being a snot?

[Judi W]

Without seeing the dog in its entirety and in its relationship with you and also watching the body language and so forth, one cannot say, but as I suggested it doesn't matter. He was wrong and disrespectful of you and your decisions as to who is a welcomed friend in your home. Until he pays the bills it is not his decision.