Hi All,

So I've had Mr. B for a year and 2 months now and his stranger aggression is still pretty bad. I know it comes from fear, but he can appear pretty aggressive--barking and snapping (though he draws back when he touches skin) and even nipping at pant legs.

Because I've had him a while now I have been able to observe what works and doesn't when a new person comes into the house. I have tried getting stangers to get him to sit and give him treats and he will do so, and take the treat nicely, but as soon as there are no more treats in the person's hand he'll try to nip again if they try to pet him.

It seems the only thing that works is for people to COMPLETELY ignore him (no eye contact, no talking to him, and definitely no trying to pet him) for around 15 minutes. They also have to act relaxed and as if they own the house as much as I do. It seems that this confidence relaxes Mr. B and makes him feel as if he is inconsequential, i.e., not the center of attention, if you know what I mean. Then, once he calms down and approches the person they can pet him gently on the head and he will eventually even sit on their lap.

However, if the person doesn't do the ignoring thing and tries to pet him or whatever, it's as if all is lost and he will never trust them. The problem is, many of my friends think it's ridiculous that they should need to ignore him--that I'm indulging him and that I should be training HIM not to be this way. I just know from seeing different interactions that this is the best way to handle it. But maybe I am being indulgent? Do I need to be more assertive with my friends and tell them what they need to do (bear in mind, Mr. B was a rescue, is about 10 years old, and may have been abused), or do I really need to try different training tactics with Mr. B?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

With a 10-year old dog who has likely been abused... I think you are on the right track. I stopped caring a LONG time ago what other people think about the way I treat, don't treat, or train my dogs. They are my dogs and they must fit into my environment and lifestyle... and my goals for my furkids won't be the same as the goals others set for their furpups.

It's possible, but highly unlikely that you are going to change Mr. B at this point. Your responsibility is to protect Mr. B and to protect your visitors from being bitten.   If you want, you could try crating him when visitors come (is he crate trained?)... if this would make things easier for everyone.

Do what works for you... and what works for Mr. B to help him feel secure and loved, and pay no mind to what your visitors tell you. They aren't the ones with the dog... you are.

(now... ask me how I REALLY feel!!) LOL