Help - Crazy Protector

[GSMDMurphysMom]

So Murphy is used to being it just me and him at home. Even when my ex was in the picture he would bark when he would kiss me. Well, I invited my new guy over to meet Murphy last night and he was a complete and utter disaster! Murphy liked him at first letting him pet him on the head snuggling up, I thought he had passed the test. Then we went to go to bed and Murph lost it (barking, panting, whining). What can I do? Any suggestions? I had my guy give him a bone (which Murph loves) before we went to bed but its like he knew adult things were about to happen and he starting the barking and protecting. No biting just jumping around like a crazy. I need help!

[MuttleyCrew]

I would love to offer sound and sage advice
but my "Smuttley" little mind won't let me type a decent word so I'll keep my thoughts to myself and defer to the adults here on the LOTD board.

[sam.i.am]

With Oliver, I had to take things slowly with a new person (especially male). He was an LGD and used to protecting me and our home. I would suggest backing up a few steps and letting Murphy get to know this guy a bit and spending time with him and also doing some minor training.

I would need to do the same with Milton -- probably to a greater degree, even, as he did not accept that our house-guest was "OK" for the full 3 weeks he was here if Milton thought I may not be aware of the house guest's movements toward me.

[Delynnr]

Sounds like things went a little too fast for Murphy! First thing he knows a strange guy shows up, which was okay, then the guy pets him, still okay (he is probably used to strangers doing this), but then the guy DID NOT LEAVE! And worse? You shut Murphy out and went into an enclosed environment with the stranger, where in Murphy's head you were in DANGER.

Dogs have good ears and noses - you probably freaked him out. Poor little innocent dog. Think of how horrified you were when you first realized your parents had to have sex for you to be there. Murphy just went through that same step

[mezmerelda]

OK, you're going to have to start calling me Smuttley too. All I'm getting is that you are having a friend stay the night.

[Hounds_N_Leo]

I would crate the dog or put him out if things were urgent. You can take the time neeed for them to bond another time. But if I wanted somethin somethin at a given time, no dog would stop me. I come first in this house...and y'all can take that anyway you want.

[SapheraGirl]

Murphy was just making sure you were practicing safe sex.

[GSMDMurphysMom]

Haha, thanks everyone. I guess I should have had them meet a few times before an overnight stay. The barking didn't bother me but he felt bad. He is super sweet. And, I do live in a condo so probably not the most neighborly to let him get super upset. I have to figure something out so it doesn't continue.

[Yeti_Girl]

Well, the barking covered up other noises your neighbors would have heard.

[Hounds_N_Leo]

Yeah I just meant that there are probably less intense times to have them bond. And start as you mean to go on. If he is always allowed in your room then acclimate him to NOT be, at other times...don't make all the changes JUST be about the man. That's how dogs get resentful or to acting out. Change happens, vary up his patterns and let him know that you got this, he needn't worry about change. You'll make it easy

[dogsDearly]

This conversation is cracking me up!
(Sorry. I'm positively useless...)

[Lora]

Try the calming cd (through a dogs ear) seems to work for everything else so why not this.

[GSMDMurphysMom]

Try the calming cd (through a dogs ear) seems to work for everything else so why not this.

What is this? I have never heard of it before.

[Truman's Mom]

Here's the thread about it

http://www.loveofthedog.com/showthre...A-Dog-s-Ear-cd

[mezmerelda]

Well, the barking covered up other noises your neighbors would have heard.

You almost got me to spit my coffee out there.

[sam.i.am]

LOL, Amy.

The calming CD is very helpful. We play it at random times (so they don't associate it with something they might consider stressful).

I was trying to explain that I'd set up a positive relationship between the guy & Murphy. I think that's important for Murphy to understand that the guy can have a very positive role (especially if the guy can take him for walks that he enjoys, etc.) so Murphy trusts him and enjoys his presence - then you won't have to worry about resentment. And, that will also allow Murphy to learn to listen to the guy, etc. I think that'd make things easier for the longer run.

good luck

[kasmith]

I, too, am absolutely useless. Perhaps it is my lack of sleep, but the idea of "Through a Dog's Ear" playing in place of Barry White is cracking me up this morning. Yup, I definitely need sleep.

[bren]

This entire thread makes me laugh.

Tek did sort of the same thing when Orion started hanging around more. One time we went back to the bedroom, and I guess Orion left his wallet in the living room somewhere (maybe in his pants, LOL?) and Tek chewed up every single thing that had his picture on it. And only the picture. I mean, that's strange right?

Tek also peed on my bed one night, which he had never done before, and I think it was all the adjustment of having a new guy around. Orion made an effort to give him treats, say "hi" to him with petting, playing, etc., and evenutally they just got used to each other. Tek did a lot of the whinning, scratching, etc. ... it just took a little time. It probably helped that Orion started bringing Morgan over and they got along really well, which I think helped both of them cope.

So, maybe get Murphy a sister??

[Lora]

I, too, am absolutely useless. Perhaps it is my lack of sleep, but the idea of "Through a Dog's Ear" playing in place of Barry White is cracking me up this morning. Yup, I definitely need sleep.

OMG hilarious!!! I just spit my tea out!

[Hounds_N_Leo]

Our cats always start fighting and yowling when the hubs and I practice making more babies (and it's ONLY, practice)...it's frustration on the male cats part no doubt. He is probably yelling at her as he chases her down "WHERE ARE THEY?? I KNOW YOU TOOK THEM...WHERE ARE MY TESTICLES DAMN YOU!"...

Human pheremones definitely affect animals of all kinds. When we get frisky on the couch when the kids are in bed and we get to loud? Cleo always MOANS in a long suffering way to remind us to GET A ROOM.