Now I know what is means when a dog raises its hackles.

[squirtsmom]

Last night Erika, Lola and I, along with Baby, went for a stroll at the riverfront park where we live. Beautiful cool night, etc. Baby was well behaved, not growling or barking at passersby, and in general behaving herself. She did bark once or twice at other dogs, but not bad. Anyway, we were on the bridge and coming towards us was an older man with his hound. Looked fine, but Baby started growling, and 'raised her hackles,' if we hadn't had a good hold of her she would have gone after them I am sure. She has never acted this way before. We went to the car and she was fine the rest of the night. What gives? I have never seen her so defensive, and ready to pounce. Any opinions? A nd yes, I would like to hear them, any of them.

 

[squirtsmom]

Except for a few people, noone eveer posts on my threads. I am invisible. I am unloved.

 

[JFrick]

Maybe the hound the man had was a female and was possibly in heat....
I really don't know.....

 

[bubbatd]

Awwwww I see you !!! I think she was just protecting you .........does she get around many dogs ???

 

[Charliesmommy]

How can you say you're unloved when you know the secret handshake?

Anyway, Charlie has done the same thing with certain dogs - there are just some he doesn't like!

 

[mjb]

Maybe he could sense something about the pair that wasn't friendly?

 

[squirtsmom]

I don't know, she has never ever acted that way. She is 6 months old, and usually pretty laid back and mellow. she is a great pyrenees.

 

[Xerxes]

I've said this before on other threads...I trust my dog's judgment. If he doesn't like someone, then I am immediately suspicious. Dogs read body language better than we will ever hope to.

Since you've got an LGD, you may want to ask others that have them for tips on socialization-I know it's typical for them not to like strangers, but I've got little to no experience handling those magnificent creatures.

 

[noludoru]

Hey, Squirt.. I always read your threads. I just haven't been posting much lately.. well not as much as usual..

and happy almost 3,000th post.

 

[BostonBanker]

In my opinion, hackles up means "I am uncomfortable with this situation". Meg's go up a lot, and it is very obvious with her short coat! It is generally on greeting with other dogs, since she is very uncomfortable with dogs invading her space, but I've also seen it a few other times, like when we walked past a hot air balloon being blow up.

 

[squirtsmom]

You are right Xerxes, she is not big on strangers, but usually she is just a little stand offish when meeting them, then warms up. This guy had no chance. And you are right. After that, I packed up Lola, and we went home. No good taking stupid chances.