archie (15 wks, mini dachs, still a little timid of some people but generally v good) goes to work with my husband richard everyday. he loves the people in the office apart from one guy who is very big, very loud and very scary if you are only 8 inches off the ground!

well i just had a call from rich who said that ravi (the scary man) had found a poo in the back room and really really shouted at archie - chased him away and generally scared the living daylights out of him. i am obviously furious - this happened well after archie had done the deed so he has no idea what's going on. guess he'll never go near ravi again and i don't blame him.

but richard said when it happened archie was so scared all his hair stood on end and he ran to richard and wouldn't leave his side. he also said (i've finally got round to the point of the story!) that archie let out a really strange smell that he hasn't smelt before - has anyone ever heard of dogs doing this? i've never seen it mentioned anywhere and was wondering if it is a normal reaction...?

on another note - how annoying is it when people do really stupid things to your dog, like scare them, feed them titbits etc!

Deleted due to duplication.

It could be that poor Archie was so scared that his anal glands exuded. I've known this happen before when dogs are bullied - it's like being scared sh**less. Poor pup - what a horrible man

thanks for the info! my poor baby i can't wait to get home and comfort him!
am still furious with this guy although to be honest he probably thought he was helping but still!

Must admit that it is a bit risky taking a young pup into an office environment. Much as I love dogs, I would be a bit upset if someone brought their pup to work with them and it pooed near me
:( My husband's colleague takes his JRT to work, but it is an adult dog and knows how to behave.

Daisy

I agree Daisy, that I'd be miffed if a dog had pooed near my 'territory'. However that wouldn't mean I was entitled to scare it into the middle of next week! :(

Yes - but we can't expect all people to know how to behave towards a pup, particularl if he isn't happy about the pup being there in the first place :( - hence my comment about it being a bit risky taking a young pup to work.

Daisy

Perhaps a puppy pen might be a good idea for work, particularly when Richard is busy and can't keep an eye on him?
:)

Hi

I have been dealing with dogs for many years yet recently I came across a dog that was fear aggressive a cross yorkshire terrier.

As soon as you walked in the house it attacked your feet and was extremely noisy and aggressive, this is not just a mild nip it really means it. I have come across this behaviour numerous times before.However what was so strange is that the smell emanating from it was almost like a skunk. This smell only comes from it when it attacks or is scared. This is the first time I have come across this Phenomenon.

I believe as was mentioned by jeangenie that it is an overactive Anal gland (it actually appeared to squirt out) that is stimulated by fear or aggression. However I have asked a couple of Vets for their opinion and am awaiting a reply, when I receive it I will post it for you.

As I said this is very rare and the first time I have encountered this type of occurance.

regards

Doglistener

I agree, was probably an anal gland smell, I have had a dog do this in the past when scared by another dog. I take my pup to work and she was in a cage for the first six months, it gives them security and teaches them how you want them to behave. At 10 months I can now leave the cage door open, but find she goes in there most of the day anyway.
Sandra

I think it's an anal thing as well - never had it from my dogs though - my cat meeko - if i ever told him off for sommat - he would really reek, and more from the back end, took quite a while to wear off as well.

Nikki xx

hi guys....losing the anal glands is fear based only....not aggression based....you must start traing the little doxie quick,don't comfort him that will only feed the fear you must appear calm and confident...you must build up his food drive or dirve for treats....it will be a scary world to live in if he gets that scared of people

hi guys, thanks for all the info - am glad other people have experienced this, thought maybe i had half a dachs, half a skunk!

i'm not worried about him being frightened generally - he is a great little dog and we made a big effort to socialize when we got him and we still do. he has always been a little nervous of this particular guy, i think because he is VERY big, VERY loud but i think all our good work on resolving this has been undone which is sad cos the guy adores him. what he actually did was pretty terrifying - i would have been scared! so i don't think we have a fear problem.

i do appreciate your comments tho about having an animal in the office, it pooing near you etc! the office is part of our house and only small, 5 people, family run and we did make sure everyone was happy about the pup so it's not quite like a normal office, i couldn't have him in my office for example :(

Oh yes, that's different! If the office is part of your house (your business too, I suppose) it's a different kettle of fish!

One problem with a pup getting scared by a particular person is that it may forever associate people who resemble that person as being scary. It could be a uniform, or a hat, or a skin colour, or whatever. If you know any people who physically resemble this scary man, but who are quiet and friendly, get the pup to be friends with them and all will probably be well.
:)

that's a really good point, thanks for mentioning it. on our evening walk tonight i shall keep my eyes for peeled for tall, fat scary men!

it has made me realise tho, how much i expect people to immediately know what to do with / how to treat pups which is not good, on the other hand, i wouldn't expect anyone to do what this guy did!

I always look out for tall, fat scary men! Then I run the other way!!! :D