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Ruby hates her mommy! Why is she barking at ME?
Our mixed breed puppy, Ruby, was abused and abandoned before she came to live with us. She has been with us about a month, and does not like visitors (runs, hides, cowers when introduced), but seemed comfortable and loving enough with us.
She has recently taken to barking at ME, totally unprovoked! Once when I was changing my clothes in my bedroom, once when I was sitting on the bed, watching TV, she ran up, barking in a very vicious manner, and ran away from me when I stood up and said her name in a loud, stern voice.
I am the "Alpha" in our family, and the one who is home interacting with her most often. I have NEVER hit or shouted at her, I am assertive in a dominant manner and thought I understood dog behaviour reasonably well. My boyfriend comes home and she is fine, absolutely babies up to him, and never barks or runs from him! What have I done to her?
I am shocked and hurt. She ran away from me and growled when I got home today! Help!
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Member 831654
on Apr 29th 2009
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she has to get used to you first, and learn to trust you.
yelling only makes her more afraid, that is probaly why she is barking she is afraid, toss some chicken to her and then walk away.
It is not going to help by reacting to her behavior that is reinforcing it more. You have to put your feelings to the side, she is not trying to hurt you or make you mad, she is afraid because she is not comfortable with you yet. Food that is very good is the best way to start, sit on the floor at her level and feed her by hand, and let her decide to come to you first.
Dieta
answered on 4/29/09.
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She has a shady past, this will lead her to get nervous around any actions that may have led to abusive behavior in her old home. She will get used to you in time. At this point, pushing the dominance thing too far may frighten her. This can lead to fear aggression. Be gentle, and understanding. Talk to her calmly, and always try to act reassuring. It will take time, but she will get used to you if you don't scare her.
The best way to be "alpha" is to control her resources.
Cookies 'n' Creme (1998-2011)
answered on 4/29/09.
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You say that Ruby was abused in her previous home. Was she abused by a woman? That could be part of her problem.
Just be patient and try not to react to her barking. That will only reinforce her fear and barking.
One month is a such a short time for her to adjust into the "perfect" dog. Especially with such a crummy past. So, be patient and talk to a behaviorist and find out the best way you can get her to trust you. If she doesn't trust you, you won't come around.
I adopted a 1 1/2 yr old dog and he came to me without any emotional issues and I expected him to be the perfect dog right away. Well, here we are 6 months later and I can now see he is really starting to trust me and be the dog I really hoped for. But, it's taken patience and being really calm. So, find out ways of getting her to trust you and in time she'll come around.
Member 768404
answered on 4/30/09.
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