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My new foster dog is giving me fits. He's a 1 yr old Shar-Pei/? cross, about 45lbs. Spent most of his life in the backyard/shelter. I've had him one week.
For the first three days, Quiddich (Quiddy), loved everyone he met. Snuggly, happy, total social. Then he suddenly decided that everyone but me could go die. According to most people, this is just how shar-pei's are. I don't know, I've never dealt with one before. I know there are people here with them, so maybe they could offer some insight?
He's fine at home, and even at places like Petsmart/downtown, as long as people aren't looking at or trying to interact with him in any way. He'll walk right by them ignoring them. But when people try to grab and touch, he barks sharply.
This is not fear. He steps directly towards them like he means business. It doesn't even seem to be protection or me so much as it's just him not wanting to interact with people at all. I can do whatever I want to him with no issues.
Now, I do not expect him to act like a lab. I have no problem telling people not to pet him, because he is not stranger friendly. But I need to communicate to him that it is not appropriate to bark at them, and that I will decided who is friend and who is foe.
How do I do this? I've been rewarding focus on me and not barking.
It should be mentioned that he seems more accepting of women, and that he has reaccepted the entire female staff at work, and some of the men as well.
He's going to be seen by a behviorist next week, but what should I be doing in the meantime?
For the first three days, Quiddich (Quiddy), loved everyone he met. Snuggly, happy, total social. Then he suddenly decided that everyone but me could go die. According to most people, this is just how shar-pei's are. I don't know, I've never dealt with one before. I know there are people here with them, so maybe they could offer some insight?
He's fine at home, and even at places like Petsmart/downtown, as long as people aren't looking at or trying to interact with him in any way. He'll walk right by them ignoring them. But when people try to grab and touch, he barks sharply.
This is not fear. He steps directly towards them like he means business. It doesn't even seem to be protection or me so much as it's just him not wanting to interact with people at all. I can do whatever I want to him with no issues.
Now, I do not expect him to act like a lab. I have no problem telling people not to pet him, because he is not stranger friendly. But I need to communicate to him that it is not appropriate to bark at them, and that I will decided who is friend and who is foe.
How do I do this? I've been rewarding focus on me and not barking.
It should be mentioned that he seems more accepting of women, and that he has reaccepted the entire female staff at work, and some of the men as well.
He's going to be seen by a behviorist next week, but what should I be doing in the meantime?