Protecting

There's a few weird scenarios going on in my house. First is DH and I haven't been sleeping together b/c he recently gained some weight and is snoring really bad so I've been sleeping in the guest room with our Lab and 1 Shih Tzu. This has been going on for about 3 weeks.

DH had his Lab before I entered the pic 3 years ago and Jackson loves and favors me now b/c I take care of him. DH never walked him before I entered the pic. Now he goes to dog parks and gets daily exercise.

Anyway, the last 2 weekends, DH would come into the guest room to wake me up and as soon as he walks through the door, Jackson perks up and starts barking at him. He then hoovers next to me, getting as close as he can to me sorts like he's protecting me. It's really weird. I was wondering if anyone has any insight as to whats going on here?

DH yells at Jackson sometimes when he eats the other dogs food but that's it. DH never hits him. DH does play rough with him though and I sometimes think Jackson doesn't like it. Jackson will be 7 this year.

Message edited 6/10/2009 11:52:36 AM.

Re: Protecting

Could possibly be a slight dominance issue? Kind of like he "owns" you now, where he's the alpha & you're part of his pack (instead of the leader). I'm definitely not an expert, but that's my guess right now.

Re: Protecting

Sounds to me like you've become the Alhpa and he's protecting you.
Misty can be like this to me...not with DH but with visitors and I know it's because she considers me the Alpha.

I would say that unless you really start training the dog not to be aggressive, there isn't much you can do. You could try to get DH to do more walks with him, but since Dan has been walking Misty for weeks now and I'm still the Alpha, I don't think it will change much.

I don't think the rough play has much affect...I think it's more the lack of feeding and/or interaction.

Good luck!