What Behavior is This?

[StateOfMine]

It occurred to me that Flint reacts to dogs the same way he reacted to this pig ear. This was the first time he saw one. I've heard some say this is fixation and others just say it's excitement.

He will get into the same posture and bark in dogs' faces. Eventually he calms down and will play, but understandably, other dogs don't appreciate this approach. As for the pig ear, if being unattached from its owner didn't make it deaf before, it is now. Flint eventually calmed down and chewed on it.


He does this with the dreaded vacuum and new chew items he isn't already familiar with. Just wondering what this actually is.

 

[Ravenbird]

I don't know if it has a name, but I like the behavior in a Doberman puppy. It's assertive questioning of any new object or like the familiar vacuum, saying they don't like it. Asha barked at everything as a puppy. I did correct it or re-direct her when she barked at dogs or people, but new objects I let her voice her opinion. With her it was outgrown by about a year, but I definitely used it to my advantage for her (I was hoping IGP training) hold and bark. The first thing she did this to was the Dremel. No bark the first time I used it, but when I brought it out the next time she went crazy barking at it while I was holding it, getting ready to do nails. So I brought it up to hold it by my chest, stood still and she sat in front of me barking and barking. I gave her a treat then we got down to business to do nails. She barked at the Dremel for months, but when she would stop when I got her into position to do nails. (and she's good at letting me do nails). And she does a great hold & bark in IGP fashion too! LOL

 

[LifeofRubie]

Rubie lost her mind in a very similar fashion as Flint over an ice cube when she was an itty bitty baby.

Even if your breeder exposed him to a lot of things, there are still a LOT of world for puppies to experience.

Moose, the lab, avoids stuff he isn't sure about by crouching low and slinking away (if it's safe - like a suspicious trash can - we'll encourage him to check it out to know it's nothing worth getting excited about). Rubie barks now and asks questions later. Seems like you have the latter on your hands

Edit: found it!

 

[StateOfMine]

When Flint was really little and first started going to work with me, we had a big burly man approach us and it was dark outside. The man was a veteran and just loved dobies and wanted to say hi.

I stood still and let the man approach, exchanging pleasantries. Flint barked like that then took a few steps back like he wasn't sure. I didn't say anything to him, just started moving forward to close the gap between us and the man.

It was like I flipped a switch. Flint went from barking and back-pedaling to focused and right by my side. I guess he saw me go forward confidently and he decided "Me too!" So I didn't think his barking was based on unsteady nerves, thankfully.

 

[Ravenbird]

Edit: found it!

That's priceless!

 

[Rits]

Frustrated barks, I love them lol.

 

[Kaiser2016]

Rubie barks now and asks questions later

Total Doberman style!

 

[Kswoodssue]

Yep! Sassy!