Carolina Dog barks only at 1 person

Question
Jackson is a 1 1/2 year old Carolina Dog (American Dingo). He was adopted into our family of 2 adults and 2 children 5 months ago. He interacts well with all visitors to the house except my mother. When he sees her he barks quite aggressively and non stop until we put them in separate rooms. We have tested this numerous times and his reaction is consistent. She wears no scents, and doesn't have to make eye contact or get near him to elicit his response. Theories?


Answer
Dear Katie,
Thanks for the question. Since your mother does nothing that we know of to trigger his responses, it really doesn't matter if we ever "figure out" what trait(s) he finds uncomfortable. The bottom line is that he reacts when your mother is nearby and you want to teach him to relax when your mother is nearby.

I find it interesting that Jackson only reacts to your mom and not to strangers or visitors. Is there any possibility that Jackson could be mimicking emotional responses from your body language, tone of voice? Have you used corrections to stop his behaviors? If so, that could explain the fact that he only reacts to her.

Dogs often have no idea that their behaviors are responsible for our corrections or "attacks". They learn that we only attack when XYZ is present, therefore (from their perspectives) XYZ is responsible for our attacks, therefore they try to drive XYZ farther away by barking.

If you used punishment (scolding or leash corrections), you have inadvertently taught Jackson to associate your mom with unpleasant events. Punishment will increase, not decrease his distasteful perception of your mom. If he associates her presence with punishment, naturally he will try harder to drive her away.   

Secluding him an another area of the house after your mom comes over could also be irritating the situation. It depends. Is he ever secluded in other situations, such as when no visitors are arriving? Is he secluded before or after her arrival?

If he is only secluded when she visits and his seclusion always comes after he knows she has arrived, he will associate her arrival as a predictor that he will be secluded. Naturally he will try harder to drive her away.  

First, read and follow the advice in the following article about changing the owner-pet relationship. This is the first step for solving any behavioral problems.

http://www.vin.com/VINDBPub/SearchPB/Proceedings/PR05000/PR00470.htm

Here's some thoughts.

How does he react to your mom when he is outside or on neutral territory? You might have better luck fixing the problem if you work at your mom's house or in the park.

It sounds like he is interpreting her as a threat. If your mom makes any efforts to be friendly, his brain may not be processing information correctly. Helping these dogs requires lots of patience and bit of knowledge about animal learning and behavior.

I suggest that you contact a local trainer that has experience working with fearful dogs.

In the meantime, place Jackson in another room or the back yard well before your mom arrives. Place him in the back room sometimes when no one is arriving. Give him something good to chew when he is secluded.

In addition, you can get out the special treats whenever your mom comes over. Make your mom's arrival a "signal" that Jackson will get some special treats or will get to play with a special toy - after he goes to the back room.

Never tell Jackson "It's OK". It's not OK, is it?

Next time your mom comes over, see if you can get Jackson to play fetch or to do anything except bark and lunge. If he barks and lunges, take him outside or into another room and ask him to sit or down. Pay him well for obeying the commands.

Does Jackson know any obedience commands? You'll need to teach, practice and master basic commands like Sit, Down, Stay - before you actually start working with him when your mom is nearby.

How much exercise does he get? Taking him on a couple of 30 minutes walks / training sessions each day would be helpful.

The root of the problem is Jackson's perception of your mom. Never use corrections. Corrections do nothing to change the dog's perception.  

Buy the book, THE CAUTIOUS CANINE,
by Patricia McConnell. Even though you might not think he is a cautious canine, the treatment she explains will be effective.

Happy Training!

Alan J Turner

Owner: How's Bentley, Memphis, TN
http://howsbentley.com

Editor: Animal News Network
An animal digital resource
http://animalnewsnetwork.org