Insecurity? Long!

Hi guys

I dont know if I'm just being a bit nervy...

I've noticed that when I walk Luna off lead, she stays with me. She doesnt go further than 3 meters in front of me, and keep looking back to check I'm there.

When we meet other dogs bigger than her, she backs off. Tyson is a rottie, he must be 19 months now. When he was an ickle puppy, Luna just took a hold of his cheek and layed him down......

When Luna was 11 months old, she somehow hurt her mouth during playtime with Tyson. We went to the vet, she got anibiotics and painkillers. Since then she's been a nervy around him, as he's big and playful.

SHe wont really play with Bella (GSD, 19 months) outside anymore, as Bella is a bit wild and playful too. Bella is the kind of dog, who exercises herself. Which is all good and fine, but she has this tendency to run straight for Luna, and knock her down or grab her neck (Luna) (those 2 are good inside and can play bitey-face).

So she really doesnt play that much anymore. Which I find sad. We need to find dogs her own size I think. We doo know a lab named Jessie, but she's seldom here anymore Luna loved playing with her.

She wont really retrieve, yes once or twice, and after that its me retrieving I mean for christ sake, she's a retriever!!!!!

Do you guys think she's too attached to me? Lacking independence?

Oh and she only barks in the appartment, when I'm home... If she hears a sound on the stairs when home alone, no sound... But if I'm home, she barks at alll strange sounds

Can someone help?

J

sorry to hear you are concerned j and i dont really know what to say. however as a courier i know about knocking on doors and i find that most of the dogs on my round only bark if there owners are in. this may not be true of all dogs but it is of a lot round here. if the woners are not in it seems they dont feel the need to warn or protect or whatever but if owners are in they bark like mad. so she may be quite normal in that way. also max has not interest in retrieving at all he has not read the retriever rule book yet and he wont play with dogs bigger than him. i thought it was cos he was a wimp? i am sorry i am no expert but thats what i think. i am sure she is fine j

Jeanette I don't really think you have anything to worry about. As there are only the two of you Luna is bound to be very attached and protective, the attention is 'undiluted by others' if you understand what I mean. All dogs are different some play lots some are more reserved or a little more timid and as they get older don't want to play 'rough and tumble' games, sometimes it can be due to the socialising process they go through when very small. Amy is similar to Luna in that she always stops and looks to make sure I am still following when we are out walking and she gets bored with retrieving and looks at me as if to say 'do you really expect me to fetch that again'. With Lunas barking that is normal too and a good thing cos you don't want her yattering away when you are not there. Try not to stress about her and enjoy the individual personality that she is

I completely agree with Mini.

Luna is growing up and is naturally less interested in foolish puppy games. Her lack of 'playfullness' is sad only to you - she is not sad is she? So why worry? As for retrieving, just because she is a Lab doesn't mean that she must enjoy it. Most do, some don't, depends on the dog. I don't see it as a problem unless you wish to trial. Also I think you would find that most people would envy you a dog that doesn't wander more than 3 meters away when off lead

Relax and appreciate what she is rather than fretting about what she isn't.

Hi J.

As we chatted about last night there´s probebly nothing to be worried about

However the retreiving part can be tought... If you want to?
And if you feel the need to, you can train more exercises that will make her more independent.

I will try and make that plan for you soon

You have a glad, fine and welladjusted dog. And of top of that one with a beautiful colour
You should stop worring so much and enjoy being a owner of such dog :smt038

J
dont forget that dogs have different personalities just like children. Some are quiet and prefer their own company and some are very outgoing and love mixing with others

Thanks guys

Well see I knew I was just being silly.....

Yes I'm happy she doesnt bark or howl, when home alone ANd yes I have to remember she's growing up.

And yes I see, that she's happy and welladjusted and all that.

So that's me worrying over nothing (as usual)

Thanks for setting me straight (Yet again ) I love this place Would be a nervous wreck without ya

And Mini, I konow that look Luna has it too: "U dont honestly expect me to keep fetching that thing, just cos u cant hold on tight?" ROFL I love my girl

OOOh btw this morning, I heard her bark and growl for real. I think she got scared by a man waving his hand at her. So she was a bit scared, but still protective of me. Boy oh boy wot a growl my little girl has

I wish Star would stay near me like Luna does for you Jeanette.

Awww well then perhaps we should come to visit Then they can learn a bit from eachother

Star would lead Luna astray

Luna seems fine as she is Its not as if she does not get the chance to play with other dogs she does but she would rather be with you.