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Neil71
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Location: Leics, UK
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25-03-2015, 01:43 PM

My Spaniel is scared stiff of one of our employees...help needed

Hi

I wonder if anyone can offer some advice, we have 2 Cocker Spaniels - a 13 year old bitch and a year old male - George.

George is a brilliant dog, great with the kids and loves the usual stuff like walks and playing ball. We've had him from 12 weeks old and he and we couldn't be happier.

We bring him into the office for a few hours a day and he pretty much sleeps under my desk, after a long mornings walk, until its lunchtime whereby hes everyone's best friend when the food comes out.

BUT hes literally scared to death of our warehouse packer. Very unusually he shakes/shivers, cowers in the corner, produces a deep growl and we've no idea why - he gets on fine with everyone else!

I've tried getting the chap (whos in his 60s and not at all threatening) to offer him ham (which he refuses yet would normally gulp down) and biscuits but hes so scared he has no interest whatsoever.

Its been going on from the first day we brought him into the office and its a real problem. I dont really want to leave him at home during the day as hes quite happy apart from this.

So, any ideas, as we're baffled!

Any help very much appreciated

thanks

Neil
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Dobermonkey
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25-03-2015, 02:57 PM
Crikey.

Short of not allowing the dog to come into contact with the chap I would suggest a respected behaviourist and not letting them near each other until they have assessed the situation. You don't want to put your boy in a position where he will 'fail' ie feel he has no other option to bite or stress him uneccesarily.

We cant expect dogs to like everyone just as humans don't. It is possible that he had a bad experience before he came to you with someone who looks/smells similar (given its been from day 1 with no apparent reason)

Alternatively, there may be something wrong with the chap that he doesnt know about, dogs pick up on all manner of things.

My boy turned into a snarling beast one day when a disabled chap came round a corner (we were some distance away) and he walked with a different gait. It was startling the way my boy reacted even at a distance. He had never seen the chap before in his life but he was ready to take him out (hes usually a laid back kinda boy)
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Chris
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25-03-2015, 03:10 PM
Would he not stay in your office at lunchtime so that he doesn't have to come in contact with the guy?

There's usually a reason - the way someone walks, talks, smells - even if it's not obvious to us.
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Neil71
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25-03-2015, 03:35 PM
thanks for the replies. I think we might well need to go and see a behavior specialist. Its not possible to keep the person out of the office, as he needs to come in to get the picking lists for and delivery notes etc etc.

He has recently recovered from cancer, and even he suggested that perhaps somehow the dog is sensing this?

Other than than it must be down to either a bad experience as a pup with a similar looking or smelling person. Just how to best to resolve it?

very odd though - our 13 years old Bitch is absolutely fine with him!
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Chris
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25-03-2015, 04:12 PM
Interesting. We know that some dogs can detect cancer cells so maybe your boy is sensing something that relates to the previous cancer.

A behaviourist is a good idea as he will need gentle desensitisation if the guy is up to working with you and your dog. A good behaviourist will work at a pace your dog can cope with.
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Dobermonkey
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25-03-2015, 04:22 PM
can you have a crate in the corner of the office that is covered over so when he goes in it he cant see the chap when he comes in so feels safe? (in the meantime)

or equally a table outside the door you can put the pick lists on?
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lovemybull
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25-03-2015, 04:40 PM
I think the behaviorist is an excellent idea. Safer for your pup and the gentleman in question if you can work it out with a professional. I definitely have seen the effect certain people can have on a otherwise friendly dog. Callie is getting better with human males and has even made friends with the plumber. But hubby has a friend who no matter how hard he tries to keep to himself, Callie follows him around growling. Fortunately he doesn't have to come in our house or there might be a problem there.
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Lacey10
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25-03-2015, 04:40 PM
Hi Neil
Interesting.I watched a programme on tv about dogs being able to detect cancer.One part was about a lady who couldn't understand why her dog had suddenly turned away from, her,seemed almost depressed didn't want cuddles or to be held or be near the owner in any way.Previously they had both been really close,owner was devastated at the change of behaviour Had the dog checked by a vet to rule out any medical problems,was fine.She then decided she'd have herself checked by a doctor,turns out she had breast cancer.Had a lump removed,follow up treatment and everything went well.Her dog actually saved her lifeDog's behaviour went back to normal after that.Find it fascinating and maybe it's not what's causing your dog to be fearful,could well be something else.Its just interesting that you say your work colleague has also been ill.
Hope you manage to get it sorted,sounds like a great set up,being able to take the dogs into work with you
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Neil71
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25-03-2015, 05:19 PM
thanks all, really appreciate the replies. We've had a 'dog whisperer' recommended to us, so will contact him for help, as we need to get this sorted. George is such a happy pup apart from this aspect, which makes it all the more odd. Maybe he is detecting the illness.

I'll update you on progress once we start.

The dogs have always come into work with me (I guess being the boss helps )and either keep my chair/back warm by squeezing between me and the back of the chair, or my feet - its great in the winter! Usually tired out after a morning run around so they snooze most of it.
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