Territorial

bzajic · Posted: Fri Nov 02, 2007 9:49 am Post subject: Territorial

Hi! My husband and I are fostering a 18 month old weim for awhile. We pick her up today! She is awesome, really sweet and extremely gentle.
The shelter says her only problem is that she is territorial. Does anybody have any suggestions on how to work with her? She is also pretty skittish. Any ideas on how to build her self-confidence?

Thanks in advance for all your help!

weimdawgs · Posted: Fri Nov 02, 2007 10:07 am Post subject:

You will have to see what they mean by territorial. Dogs express themselves in a lot of different ways.

Silkie is protective of her personal space while Jake protects the perimeter of the property. Scout is wary of anyone new coming in his home or yard.

Either way it is a matter of whether you find the behavior acceptable or not. If she is a gentle dog, you shouldn't have a problem correcting her.

As far as building her confidence I would suggest letting her get used to you and your home for a few days....then exposure to as many different places, people and things as possible. Always with lots of encouragement and praise when she is a good girl. Start with something simple, like a quick trip to Pet Smart for a treat or toy.

Good luck and thank you for giving her a good foster home!!

anne · Posted: Fri Nov 02, 2007 5:16 pm Post subject:

Are you working with Diane?

bzajic · Posted: Fri Nov 02, 2007 8:25 pm Post subject:

Yes we are working with Diane.

This dog is incredible and beautiful!

bzajic · Posted: Fri Nov 02, 2007 9:51 pm Post subject:

Thanks Weimdogs for your advice.

After I picked her up from the rescue one of my manufacturer reps needed to meet me. I didn't want to leave Cali alone so I asked my rep if I could take her with us. Anyways we went to a restaurant with a patio that allowed dogs. This dog was so mellow. She just laid next to me and slept. This nice man kept trying to get her attention and Cali would look up at me as if she were asking permission and when I didn't say ok she would lay back down and ignore him. The only time she would pay any attention to him was when I said ok.

I wonder what the catch is with this dog!