[johnnyoops]

So this morning before I left for work, the dogs were in the backyard doing their business and I heard Jazz going bonkers, barking, hair raised, etc. Turns out she was barking at my next door neighbor who is rarely seen by my dogs. They hardly ever go out into their backyard so anytime they do, Jazz goes crazy because it's out of the ordinary. So I ran outside to quiet her down and it wasn't easy. He decided to come closer to the fence and Jazz's behaviour got even worse. By then, she was jumping, barking aggressively and really trying to get at him. This is the first time I've ever seen any human aggressive behavior from her and it's been bothering me all morning. I couldn't even wait to post this because my mind is just racing. Of course, I don't want my neighbor to think I have this mean dog because she's really the sweetest dog and I've never had a reason not to trust her around people but this has caused me some concern. She sits at the fence wagging for all of my other neigbors (kids, adults, old people) just waiting for some lovin' but this neighbor is the complete opposite.
I'm wondering if her reaction was due to the fact that she never (very rarely) see's anyone in that yard and she sensed danger? How should I go about correcting this? I thought maybe I'd buy some biscuts for the neighbor to give her so she can learn to trust them??? Any other ideas/suggestions would be appreciated.

[screamin'eagle]

I think that it is a threat response, and not human aggression so to speak. She probably couldn't see (do you have privacy fencing?) to identify who, or what he was and was barking and carrying on as a warning. Have him meet her under different curcumstances. Like in the front yard where she can see him coming, and guage her reaction again.


Many, many dogs will bark etc, and if the person ever gets close enough it was all a bluff...

[Michele]

If it was me, I'd invite the neighbor over to meet the dog. Give the neighbor some treats for the dog. Then, with your dog, walk with your neighbor into their yard. Have your neighbor give treats.

[johnnyoops]

I'm not sure it was a bluff though because he came closer and was even going to let her smell him and the neighbor got scared because she was going nuts and her mouth was open like she wasn't going to tolerate him sticking his hand over. I was especially shocked because I was out there assuring her it was okay and he wasn't a threat and she didn't respond much. I don't have a privacy fence yet (that's my plan for the summer) so she could in fact see him but I still don't think he's ever greeted Jazz before so maybe a proper introduction is due. I'm planning on going over there when I get home from work to let them know that's something I've never seen from Jazz and assure them she's not human aggressive.

[airwalk]

I would take care assuring her that everything is okay, I know this is counter-intuitive (I have to remind myself of this with my Poodle on a regular basis) but sometimes the dog will perceive that as you rewarding them for misbehaving.

I like, and have used, the have your neighbor come over (put her on a leash and make her mind her manners) then walk her to them, but when she is acting up and you have given her the command to stop and she doesn't, then I would respond just like any other time she doesn't pay attention.

That way she is reminded that even in the back yard, and even if she perceives a threat, you are the one that decides what her reaction should be.