My Dog Growls at Men!@!

[acrowe]

I have a 7 month old Beagle named Emma. She has become the love of my life. I got her in August from a Beagle breeder. She came home with us (me and my fiance) that day and became a part of our family. I wanted to start her off right so we went to puppy school for six weeks and she has learned basic obedience and a few super fun tricks. Except this one thing....She (on certain occasions, which I will explain) barks at men.

She has barked profusely at my father when he tried to enter my house as a guest. The barking went on for at least ten minutes, until I was too embarrassed to keep her inside, then proceeded to let her out. The second occasion was tonight. I was at my grandma's house and was taking Emma out to potty. My mom and step dad drove up and Emma began barking at ONLY my dad (while gently licking their grandson on the hand). Again, the barking went on but this time probably for 20 minutes. I picked her up after a huge squirming battle and she reluctantly sniffed my dad and I thought she had decided everything was alright until I let her down. She proceeded to bark for another 10, directed only at him. My dad and step dad aren't around often because they both live in Arkansas and I live in Texas. I see them only when we visit each other. She never does this to my Fiance, who adores her and sees her on a daily basis. My dad and step dad both have and love dogs of their own.

As far as I know, she has never been abused by a male. And certainly not by her mom and dad. Im not sure what happened at the beagle breeders before we got her, but normally, she is very friendly with an even temperament. She has never attempted to bite anyone.

In the midst of all the barking, she often expresses her anal glands and she ignores all commands she has learned, making me look like a terrible doggie mom. I am perplexed and embarrassed when she acts this way. Is there anything I can do to correct this nuisance behavior.


(Also, it only seems to happen if they are visiting us. It never happens when we come into their house)

[Renee Premaza]

Hi there!

Please refer to one of the articles that we have on this forum which explains how to introduce strangers to a fearful dog. You can implement these ideas when men come to your home.

The fact that she's expressing her anal glands during these incidents tells me that she's very stressed and anxious when men come to visit. Some of this could be from fear, and some of it can be that she's being a bit protective of her environment with men.

I think putting her on a re-socializing program would be very helpful. Another article on this forum is called, "Socializing the Fearful Dog." You might gain some insights into how to go about re-socializing her with men by reading that article. Also, I'd suggest that you get a book called, "The Cautious Canine," by Patricia McConnell."

Put her on the Nothing in Life is Free program ASAP so that she learns to trust your leadership skills. Often, dogs will become nervous in certain circumstances because they think they have to make important decisions for themselves. Teach her that you're capable of protecting her and keeping her out of harm's way in all situations. This will eventually help her to feel more relaxed at these stressful times.

Hope this helps!

I have a 7 month old Beagle named Emma. She has become the love of my life. I got her in August from a Beagle breeder. She came home with us (me and my fiance) that day and became a part of our family. I wanted to start her off right so we went to puppy school for six weeks and she has learned basic obedience and a few super fun tricks. Except this one thing....She (on certain occasions, which I will explain) barks at men.

She has barked profusely at my father when he tried to enter my house as a guest. The barking went on for at least ten minutes, until I was too embarrassed to keep her inside, then proceeded to let her out. The second occasion was tonight. I was at my grandma's house and was taking Emma out to potty. My mom and step dad drove up and Emma began barking at ONLY my dad (while gently licking their grandson on the hand). Again, the barking went on but this time probably for 20 minutes. I picked her up after a huge squirming battle and she reluctantly sniffed my dad and I thought she had decided everything was alright until I let her down. She proceeded to bark for another 10, directed only at him. My dad and step dad aren't around often because they both live in Arkansas and I live in Texas. I see them only when we visit each other. She never does this to my Fiance, who adores her and sees her on a daily basis. My dad and step dad both have and love dogs of their own.

As far as I know, she has never been abused by a male. And certainly not by her mom and dad. Im not sure what happened at the beagle breeders before we got her, but normally, she is very friendly with an even temperament. She has never attempted to bite anyone.

In the midst of all the barking, she often expresses her anal glands and she ignores all commands she has learned, making me look like a terrible doggie mom. I am perplexed and embarrassed when she acts this way. Is there anything I can do to correct this nuisance behavior.


(Also, it only seems to happen if they are visiting us. It never happens when we come into their house)