Should I be concerned ?

[JaniceH]

I took Teazle (now 13 months old) down to London for the third time this weekend. We go by train and the journey time is 4 hours.

The trip down went like a dream. She was sooo good. People passed her, climbed over her, trod on her (whatever safe position I tried to keep her in, she insisted on having her bum or paws jutting into the aisle) and petted her. I secured her safely and went to the loo and she just sat in the aisle and watched for me. She never showed any resentment to anything and settled calmly and quietly.


On the jourey home all was going really well until this drunk man came and sat in front of us. He smelled quite strongly and had taken his socks and boots off and Teazle seemed fascinated with him for some reason. Then I realised he was teasing her with his hand so I pulled her away and asked him to stop. The man got up and stood in front of her. (he was very tall) He muttered something and was staring at her. She decided she didn't like this and started to bark at him. He laughed at her saying typical female..never understand them. I pulled her closer to me and told her to cut it out, which she did. But after that he kept moving up and down the carriage and although sometimes Teazle couldn't see him, she sensed he was there or coming and turned around to face him, watching intently all the time. I couldn't relax after that.

The girl who he sat next to before he moved, actually thanked us because she found his smell and banter offensive. However, I felt guilty because I have never seen Teazle react like this and although a couple of other men nearby said I had a good dog there I felt uncomfortable at her reaction. She had loved all other people in the carriage, including the other men, but I was surprised and taken back by this little show of hers. There was no aggression in her bark (well I knew that but others may not recognise it the same) just a "keep way I am not comfortable with you". Anyway, I apologised to him later, but I think he was too far gone by that time as he had a few miniature whiskeys in his hand. Just as I was about to get off the train a lady stopped me and said "your dog has done you proud...it has been a long journey for her". I didn't know whether I agreed or not. Teazle didn't have a tantrum, but she was a bit hyper after the incident with the man and didn't sleep. I had to keep her occupied and relaxed and she was still happy for any one else to gently stroke her. On the final train home which was only about 15 mins, she did eventually sprawl out and go to sleep for a few minutes.

Do I need to concern myself with this behaviour ? Teazle's hackles did not go up and the man passed on several occasions after that. All Teazle did was watch him but she didn't bark again, but then neither did he eyeball her again and I was more vigilant.

[tugger5000]

To me, it sounds like she did what she was supposed to do. She perceived this guy as a threat, issued a warning to you (and the guy) and you acknowledged the warning. It doesn't sound like she was out of control, but she was on alert while this guy was on the train.

[SABELLESMOM]

She seems to have behaved exactly as she should, at a first time meeting like this. This man was not behaving in a fashion she has seen before and she was wary.

She stopped when you asked and kept watch. After that, and I do mean after...she picked up on your cues. You were not able to totally "ignore" the man and neither was she? And even that's not necessarily bad.

[Ilovemypuppy]

I agree with the others here, I think she acted exactly as she should have..she was alert but calm and listened to you very well. I would say from this experience, she has a fine temperament and sounds like the two of you have a very good relationship. That's quite a trip for a young dog..I would be very proud of her.

[Sargeant_C]

Don't dogs read off of our emotions? So how were you when this guy was misbehaving? Were you nervous? I would of been. I think your dog performed wonderful and you have no need to worry.

[JaniceH]

Thank you for your re-assuring replies. I can see where you are all coming from and I now see that she actually behaved well under the cirumstances.

I was definitely uncomfortable with this guy as were other people in the carriage. I realise now she will have picked up on that, even though I thought I was more concerned in keeping her relaxed more than anything.

Come to think of it, once he moved after the barking, he also stayed quiet apart from getting up and walking up and down the carriage which he had done previously anyway, so I suppose she did everyone a bit of a favour.

Thanks again.

[Birdie'sMom]

Teazle behaved appropriately. The drunk was the inappropriate one here!

[Carol Burke]

She behaved exactly as she should. She is obviously very astute, confident and a very good girl!! You should be very proud of her.

[Luvs]

I agree that Teazle behaved appropriately and the man is the one who did not. She listened to you the entire time even tho she may have kept an eye on him, and really who can blame her. You should be very proud of how well behaved your girl is! You have obviously done a great job with her!

[fbkeays]

The only people Misty has ever not acted friendly with have been drunk men. I wouldn't worry about her behavior. She did her job. She let the drunk know that his attentions were not welcome and then did a wait and see to make sure he didn't try anything.

[JaniceH]

Thank you everyone.

I just feel silly now for having doubts and asking the question. What you all say makes sense and I should have thought about it more, rather than worry about it. I suppose I am a little negative sometimes and worry about whether I am bringing her up as I should. She has been hard work at times (and can still be a little monster).

So thank you all for putting my stupid mind at rest.