Not sure if this is adult behavior emerging, a phase, or what.
Barley used to be exceptionally friendly with strangers. He'd let anyone pet him, and got all wiggly-butt when someone approached.
Just in the last week or so, this has changed. No unusual incidents that would be causal, but whenever a kid or adult says, "can I pet your dog?" i allow them, as long as they come down to his level. Yesterday, he backed away again from a neighbor girl, the mail lady, some random guy, and a teenager. He doesn't snap, but actively avoids them by backing away, standing behind my legs, etc. He looks uncomfortable.
Is this his inner chow coming out? Any insights? Should I continue letting people pet him? Try to modify?
Barley used to be exceptionally friendly with strangers. He'd let anyone pet him, and got all wiggly-butt when someone approached.
Just in the last week or so, this has changed. No unusual incidents that would be causal, but whenever a kid or adult says, "can I pet your dog?" i allow them, as long as they come down to his level. Yesterday, he backed away again from a neighbor girl, the mail lady, some random guy, and a teenager. He doesn't snap, but actively avoids them by backing away, standing behind my legs, etc. He looks uncomfortable.
Is this his inner chow coming out? Any insights? Should I continue letting people pet him? Try to modify?