Hello! New and need a bit of advice

[bertness]

Hello everyone. I am new to this site. I would like to ask advice on my JRT, Bert, aprox 15 months old, neutered. I'll try keep it short. I have had him for a year and he was rescued and missed out on his early socialisation. When he came to me he was scared of everything but over time with patience love and hard work he has done amazingly. He is a clever little soul and has been a pleasure to train. One thing that I'm concerned about is his occasional running up to strangers. Mostly men, he will run around them barking and looking as if he is butting their legs with his nose, I cannot tell if it is fear agression or play. His hackles aren't raised, his tail is out straight and wagging and he is not showing his teeth. The other day I asked the man to stand still and went over to him and gave him a treat to give Bert, Bert was very warey but took it then continued the above behaviour. This has happened maybe 3 times since I have had him. Any advice? thank you.

[nick_j007]

Always tricky when something happens very rarely like this. Some dogs will 'have a go' at certain people that fit a certain look or profile...maybe a bad memory and so on.

I am relatively black and white about such behaviours. The dog could get itself (and you) into hot water with such behaviour so you'll need to get in fast and correct the dog when it is barking and pushing another person. Only his size makes this 'excusable' in that he is probably not too hard to physically manage.

I very often resort to a 30' training line (made by Mikki) and allow the dog to drag this behind him for a time. This will allow you to stand on the line should it be needed and to recall the dog to you and regain control quickly. Naturally, once the dog is back with you and calm you can treat and reward him lavishly.

[bertness]

Hi Nick, thank you. He is on a long line at the moment only that day I had stupidly not put it in the car! He has been having some chase recall issues and I have been using the long line and teaching the leave it command. Today he was on his long line and approached a man and i caught the end whilst saying leave it and he returned to me. It always seems to be men with some kind of different footwear or trousers on. Ie wellies with socks over the top, knee length socks, very flappy trousers that kind of thing. It is hard because I want to see his reaction but can't risk him behaving like this as it does worry me especially as it is so rare and not with all men. i mean, when will I know he is ok with them? I have not seen any signs of aggression in him whatsoever but he can be a fearful little soul which I know can lead to aggression. Just shows what missing out on socialisation can do.