Hello all

Advice please - Teddy is now 8months (bless, where does the time go?!) and apart from masturbating furiously (sorry, i know that's gross to mention) his behaviour has been great and improving all the time.  He's great with other dogs/children and women.  However, in town the other day a man went to stroke him - he's always fine with this - however for the first time he starting barking madly and clearly wasn't happy with it.  I shushed him and then he settled.  Then, a Dad came round to mine to pick up his daughter - Teddy was tired after a long walk in the park, so he was lying by the door on his own relaxing.  The Dad had been in the house a few minutes, then Teddy started growling (like he meant it) and barking furiously, i thought he was going to "go" for this man. 

Is this normal protective behaviour?  I suppose a gap in my socialising of Ted has been men, as they aren't often around, though he's never been like this before.  Should i correct this behaviour and if so, how?

The reason i mention his masturbating is i wonder if these are connected ie him getting more aggressive/cocking his leg all the time, even if he doesn't wee!

Thanks in advance

More likely fear aggression, very common at this sort of age, and it's far more common with men than women as, like you say, most dogs tend to meet more women. You absolutely don't want to tell him off, what you need to try to do is get an assortment of men (not easy, I know!) to calmly offer Teddy treats so that he learns they're nothing to worry about.

Ah, okay, i can certainly introduce him to some more men (unfortunately not handsome available ones, struggling with intros to them myself!!) ie my Dad and friends husbands etc.  Thanks MarianneB, interesting that i don't correct this behaviour but reward when he doesn't do it.

Its one way to break the ice between you and some handsome fella isnt it, walk near an unsuspecting and when he grumbles, try and settle him down and explain to the man that hes frightened. Your just socialising and could you sit with him? Flutter flutter?

Brilliant plan!!  Will employ technique and report back!!