[Agis]

We needed a new smoke detector; ours was old. They were supposed to come by today. This morning the Super knocked on the door, I answered and said 'Let me put the dogs away' (in the bedroom with a gate).

I go to let the technician in - all is silent from the dogs. Pretty good, I think, they heard me politely greet him. And me chatting with him.

I don't know if it's because we haven't had visitors in over a year, or because Agis got frustrated, but after a few minutes he started doing a growl/bark.

The guy seemed a bit concerned, which, I guess I get, but he's also gated off and not trying to get out. I kept talking to him (the technician) and he seemed more comfortable.

I doubt Agis was actually being defensive (of the home), but you never know I guess.

There was a guy last month outside wandering around without pants, rocking back and forth, and rolling on the ground screaming (we did call to get help for him). Dogs - including Agis - did not react. They watched him, but that was it. So I find it funny that Agis thought THAT was fine, but told off the smoke alarm technician. Too bad the Super didn't come in, he loves the boys.

 

[Camy]

I'd guess it was the lack of visitors made poor Agis a bit more wary of the "intruder" 😂

 

[Agis]

I think so. He gets to socialize outside of the home, but nobody has come over with COVID. He did have a dog walker come in once a week through the summer, but it seemed a waste with me working from home.

We will need to socialize him (in our apartment) with dog savvy people when COVID lets up. I think he'll be excited if we approach it right.

 

[big black dogs]

Good for Agis! Do you blame him for being suspicious? He's spent most of his life with little at home socialization...and it's something he's going to have to learn once we are out of lockdown (if we ever do?) On a good note...covid vaccines are finally ramping up...and hopefully by summer or early fall...we can all socialize and mingle again. I get my first vaccine May 7th ...yay!!!

 

[Agis]

Good for Agis! Do you blame him for being suspicious? He's spent most of his life with little at home socialization...and it's something he's going to have to learn once we are out of lockdown (if we ever do?) On a good note...covid vaccines are finally ramping up...and hopefully by summer or early fall...we can all socialize and mingle again. I get my first vaccine May 7th ...yay!!!

Oh I don't blame him - part of me was glad he was. I don't want him to be suspicious of welcome visitors, but it's nice to know he would be of someone breaking in (mind you we gate him in the second bedroom, so that's of limited value).

I told him it was okay, that it was enough, but I made sure not to tell him he was being bad.

He will have to get used to friendly visitors again. And a technician climbing on a ladder was probably obviously not a 'friend'.

That's great news about your vaccine!!!!! The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto starts vaccinating people with mental illness next week (it's an 'at risk' category, so I was also able to pre-register at the University Health Network). They open slots 7 days in advance, and I got one for next Thursday. I said to my boss it's the only time being bipolar has paid off. We got a good chuckle out of that. I am so glad you're getting yours though!

 

[Sophi]

Why do you hate him in a bedroom when your there?

 

[Sophi]

*Gate

 

[Agis]

We don't (unless a worker is in the unit) - we gate him in the second bedroom when we're not there (basically a giant crate, he can't get into trouble). But if someone broke in when we're not there, he'd be behind a gate is what I was trying to say.

 

[Sophi]

Which was why I asked you kept him in the bedroom when your not there. Not that it matters to me but he could probably escape if he felt threatened and wanted to protect home from intrusion. Does he cause issues while “crated” in bedroom?

 

[Agis]

No, he is fine when we're not there. I'm sure he could escape but doesn't attempt to. If someone really broke in, he very well might.

He was with the other two dogs in our master bedroom when the worker was over, which is not how he's kept when we leave (he's in the second bedroom on his own then).

 

[Sophi]

Thanks

 

[Dj86]

No, he is fine when we're not there. I'm sure he could escape but doesn't attempt to. If someone really broke in, he very well might.

He was with the other two dogs in our master bedroom when the worker was over, which is not how he's kept when we leave (he's in the second bedroom on his own then).

Bless him
Its the rotti in him and the socialisation aspect. When your able to work on this with him, im sure hell be fine and like you said will most likely enjoy it. Also doesnt sound like anything too bad anyway and he listens to you for guidence so thats great!

 

[Agis]

I bet a lot of it is the Rottie suspiciousness, but combined with it now being unusual. Thinking about it, he was fine when they came in and tested the alarms (and looked at the age and said, this needs to be replaced). I can't remember if I put the dogs in the bedroom or not. I suspect I did.

I've had similar with my German Shepherds - especially my girl, she was sharp and suspicious, WHEN the situation warranted it. She had very good judgement. She had hip dysplasia so I took her to a dog pool in a bad part of town. One night we were waiting for the streetcar when a homeless person came up, said 'I had a dog like her growing up' and with no warning launched himself into a hug with her, and he cried into her neck. She sat there eating it up, completely calm. Another time I was in the nearby park to my place at midnight while her and my male shepherd pottied, and a man entered the park in a mask (WAY pre-COVID), saw me, and turned and headed for me. She came from behind me barking and snarling at the end of the leash (which led my male to as well). The guy ran away. So she definitely could judge situations (the park incident freaked me out). I ended up doing threat training with her, she LOVED it.

I think with Agis the lack of socialization is relatively mild given how much I had people over pre-COVID to get him used to it. I sure hope so. He's smart and likes people, so I think he'll be okay. He's a good boy.

I was upset yesterday (about something silly) and crying at my work desk (aka the dining room table; I've been working from home for over a year now) and he came over and put his feet on my shoulders and licked my face until all the tears were gone.

 

[Dj86]

I bet a lot of it is the Rottie suspiciousness, but combined with it now being unusual. Thinking about it, he was fine when they came in and tested the alarms (and looked at the age and said, this needs to be replaced). I can't remember if I put the dogs in the bedroom or not. I suspect I did.

I've had similar with my German Shepherds - especially my girl, she was sharp and suspicious, WHEN the situation warranted it. She had very good judgement. She had hip dysplasia so I took her to a dog pool in a bad part of town. One night we were waiting for the streetcar when a homeless person came up, said 'I had a dog like her growing up' and with no warning launched himself into a hug with her, and he cried into her neck. She sat there eating it up, completely calm. Another time I was in the nearby park to my place at midnight while her and my male shepherd pottied, and a man entered the park in a mask (WAY pre-COVID), saw me, and turned and headed for me. She came from behind me barking and snarling at the end of the leash (which led my male to as well). The guy ran away. So she definitely could judge situations (the park incident freaked me out). I ended up doing threat training with her, she LOVED it.

I think with Agis the lack of socialization is relatively mild given how much I had people over pre-COVID to get him used to it. I sure hope so. He's smart and likes people, so I think he'll be okay. He's a good boy.

I was upset yesterday (about something silly) and crying at my work desk (aka the dining room table; I've been working from home for over a year now) and he came over and put his feet on my shoulders and licked my face until all the tears were gone.

Ah thats lovely, they definately know when somethings up. Your shepards sounded great too

 

[Agis]

Ah thats lovely, they definately know when somethings up. Your shepards sounded great too

Thanks yeah they were great dogs. So is Agis. He's really very sensitive, for all his bullheaded-ness.