My Samson being vicious towards my brother Inlaw but only him, any suggestions?

[carrie]

Hi my names Carrie and I have a golden retriever named Samson, he is a gorgeous boy who is 16 months old, but we just have one problem Sam has a real thing against my brother inlaw, he will growl, bark, and show real aggression towards him, problem is is that my brother inlaw Jeff is just as petrified, he most certainly never done anything to Sam to make him be this way. Today we have had Jeff her and Samson inside with him and he started growling and slinking as soon as he seen him he also peed!
I tried to get Samson to just lie next to me but Jeff couldnt even move without Samson growling, I feel so bad for jeff as he is really scared and was even to scared to move, I have thought about taking Samson with Jeff to the likes of the dogpark, river or somewhere where Sam likes to go!
Does anyone have any other suggestions for me and help would be much appreciated
Thanks Carrie

[Tim&Ellie]

Maybe Samson is allergic to something your brother-in-law wears. A different body aroma that the rest of the family doesn't have. Or it could be that when he visits the pecking order in your household changes and Samson cannot understand why. These are probably silly reasons but I will continue to think about it.
Tim

[mia]

Yes Tim, I was also thinking about maybe a scent that sets him off. I have had Goldens all my life and have never experienced any aggression from any of them. They would more likely lick and kiss you, never bite.

What I would try Carrie is have your Brother-in-law come in and have "no" eye contact with Samsom, tell him to just come in like Samson is not even there and carry on your greeting with him and talk and just ignore Samson. Jeff has to get over his fear first though because dogs sense that. Sounds like Sam is trying to protect you.

Good Luck, Let us know how it is going.

Mia

[Deaf Dogs]

I would have Jeff carry really high value treats that Samson only gets when Jeff comes over. Have jeff not ever make eye contact with the dog. Jeff can drop a treat every time he moves, stands up, whatever. have him drop the treat then move away, so the dog can go get the treat. It's weird that Jeff is the only person your dog doesn't like, but maybe Samson is picking up on the fear that Jeff is exhibiting. Have Jeff give some calming signals, yawning is a great one. have Jeff yawn every time Samson gets growly, then walk away. It may be best to keep Samson on a leash, incase things escalate.

[Sarah]

I always say to pay attention to your dog, when it comes to people. If your brother in law as done nothing to Sam, you may want to take a look at what kind of person is he. Does he abuse your sister, have a negative attitude about life, sell drugs.

All these things that are mentioned are clues about your brother in law that you dog senses, and you don't. Goldens' are very docile dogs, but they are used for search and rescue. Searching out drugs, guns, etc...

If your brother in law is a stand up guy, then I would allow your brother in law to "feed treats" to your dog, but if he is not a stand up guy, praise your dog for letting you know there is a not so good person in your presence.

My Rottweiler would do the same thing when people were not so good... He would pounce around them. to let me know to be careful of the person.

[Lee at Delayre]

I agree with Sarah. Dogs are very intune to character . When I have people come to see my puppies they must pass muster with my
official greeters . I watch their body language and if they are aloof or worse I back off on a sale . Also if a person drinks especially beer
dogs will quite often react aggressively or shy away The person can be OK but many dogs do not like the smell of liquor or beer .

[carrie]

Thank guys for your suggestions, we think we have figured out a big part of the problem of which Samson and jeff gave each other a fright when they had him for the night, we have tryed taking Samson for a walk with jeff and to begin with Sam was really worked up but he then started walking beside me weary but kept looking at Jeff when we got home I decided to let Sam off and see what his reaction was and he was nervous but not growly I will keep yas posted
Thanks so much
Carrie

[DawesPaws]

Hi my names Carrie and I have a golden retriever named Samson, he is a gorgeous boy who is 16 months old, but we just have one problem Sam has a real thing against my brother inlaw, he will growl, bark, and show real aggression towards him, problem is is that my brother inlaw Jeff is just as petrified, he most certainly never done anything to Sam to make him be this way. Today we have had Jeff her and Samson inside with him and he started growling and slinking as soon as he seen him he also peed!
I tried to get Samson to just lie next to me but Jeff couldnt even move without Samson growling, I feel so bad for jeff as he is really scared and was even to scared to move, I have thought about taking Samson with Jeff to the likes of the dogpark, river or somewhere where Sam likes to go!
Does anyone have any other suggestions for me and help would be much appreciated
Thanks Carrie

that sentence alone tells me the dog is afraid of him, sounds like youre doing the right thing, lots of positive interactions, dont force the issue, and be very patient