Porter's Page!

Porter, for the most part, is a totally normal dog; It's just this seemingly irrational initial fear of strangers that we haven't quite figured out...

 

You know what? Now I wanna go back in again!

 

@ColoradoTJ

Any idea why Porter could be so anxious?

 

labs are high energy family dogs for sure mine wants to be my Left arm 24/7

 

I'm a black lab fanatic! He's a beautiful looking boy. He has a nice head. I just can't imagine anyone being a douche bag to ANY dog but especially a Labrador. They're such incredible animals in intelligence and typical disposition.

I've trained a few from starting through to finished but mine have all been young pups of pretty stellar lineage of gun dogs. I've not done correctional work to the degree you need. It's going to take a significant amount of time to break these behaviors. I'd start with unconditional love and positive reinforcements all the time. He's got to know his place in the pack, though.

How is he with basic obedience? Sit, place, lay down, shake, etc? Before ANYTHING, he must have these basics absolutely nailed down before he can move beyond that. Even for behavior correction. Dogs need that structure and discipline and you have to be consistent. He's literally at teenager stage at this age point. That makes it harder since he's new to you guys.

I'd definitely shop for some outside help. Talk to your Vet and see if they have any recommendations on trainers that might lean towards behavioral issues. Do it now! Screw the covid BS. I know trainers out here that are still going at it and working dogs.

Goodluck with him....He's really a handsome boy!

 

@PennSilverTaco

You’re around Philadelphia right?

If you’re willing to get a trainer for your dog I can inquire and find you a trainer. Just let me know.

 

He’s going to need time. When a dog has a rough beginning, it can take a lot of time to remake that behavior. It may never get to exactly where you want it. The most important concepts are to guide him into success and that everything positive in his life comes from you. Never use harsh responses or consequences for negative behavior from your dog. Your dog has to trust and respect you. Some of that behavior may be the result of him not knowing who is in charge in your home.
Generally, dogs want your attention and should learn to gain it by behaving the manner you want them to. Don’t reinforce fear-based behaviors by consoling the dog, it prompts them to think that behavior will result in your attention. Some of that behavior might be reshaped by simply giving a “No” and turning away. Don’t shout it, or go on, or engage in talking such as, “ No boy, you have to be nice to...”. All he hears is blah, blah, blah... and thinks he has gotten your attention. You have to meet him on a dog level, not expect him to meet you on a human one.
When I work with our dogs, I minimize the use of language. Dogs communicate largely by body language so I keep commands to simple, single, words and gestures. Simple and consistent is the key.
Your dog first needs to understand you are in charge. If you are not confident, not the alpha, your dog will know and will not follow your lead. You also need to dedicate time to him and establish a routine. Dogs thrive on routine and structure. I keep to a routine each day with feeding, toileting, sleeping, walking, and practicing command basics (sit, stay, down, go, etc.). Labs are smart dogs and need structure, mental tasks, and physical tasks. They are working dogs and need to be busy. You probably cannot exercise him enough. Walks/hiking, fetch/find, and swimming are all good activities.
One of our dogs, an APBT/Catahoula, came from the shelter. It was his second time there, he was four years old, completely unsocialized, and had been abused. Not an ideal dog, but he really needed a break. It took a long time for him to trust me and for him to become properly socialized. Today, he sticks to me like glue and looks to me for cues about what to do. Right now, he is snoring away in his crate.
Consistency, structure, an even temperament, and leadership are core. It’s really like raising kids. If you’re a spazoid, or your life is a wreck, or you lack self control, or an ability to lead, it will be harder and you will see limited success.
Your dog is counting on you to be the person he thinks you are.

 

Yup, he’s a handsome boy! Labs are smart, loyal, and very trainable. I’ve had several blacks, a chocolate, and a yellow. They have such a great disposition. I hope there is a special place in Hell for people who mistreat dogs. I just don’t get that.

 

Rescue, surrendered by puppy mill to rescue organization at 5 months old; Not physically abused, but definitely neglected.

Has no problem chasing after animals ranging in size from Gwyn's domestic chickens all the way up to deer he sees in our backyard, but is scared of inanimate items like Amazon packages.

 

Sure; Bucks County

 

That's not the part we are concerned about; He has a very un-Labrador-like fear of strangers and unfamiliar objects.

 

A real, actual dog trainer is needed. My guy trained air force and police dogs. These people that really know their shit will talk dog phycology withou bef9re meeting, and most likely won't be cheap. But it would be the best thing to help your pooch.

 

I would continue to socialize him like it seems you are.

I would maybe consider small training snacks and keeping them in you all the time for rewarding good behavior and maybe have any “stranger” or person not of the household give him a training treat for positive reinforcement.

start in small circles for his comfort zone and slowly enlarge his comfort zones circle.

it will probably take some time..good luck!

I love dogs..they are amazing animals!!

 

Yesterday, I spent all day at a friend's house and when I came back home, Porter was standoffish with me. He wasn't barking or growling, and his tail was wagging, but it took him several minutes to cuddle with me and act like I was the guy he follows around 99% of the time. It was totally different than when a stranger comes into the house; He just kept backing away from me when I tried to pet him. My guess would be that he smelled something from Ryan's house or Anna's house that he didn't like; Ryan has two Golden Doodles and Anna has a Yellow Lab. Porter loves other dogs, so I don't think smelling three different dogs cause this odd behavior.

 

Right now, he's contentedly sleeping in the basement while my dad works out and I watch TV down here...

 

Are these recent behavior changes? Or have they been present since day 1?

Hard to diagnose without witnessing his body language.

 

@zippsub9 I hope you don't mind I tagged you on this. You're a probably too far away to personally help. But wife and I still remember you and your dog that came to the house to deliver the sliders. And we just got a new rescue dog too. Maybe you can point these folks in the right direction. (Ya'll He trains dogs BTW awesome dude)

 

Not since day 1; He was normal as a puppy, and then I'd say in the summer of 2020 he went into "stranger danger" mode. He eagerly approached anybody he's known since he was maybe 7 months old, and anybody with a dog.