[earroyo10]

My dog only barks and growls at men. I don't know what to do. I usually give any man entering my home a treat to give him and he calms down and then gets upset again. I want to be able to have company. Any suggestions? Thanks

[bushg]

Buy a special toy and let men visitors play with your dog a few minutes after giving the treat. Do not allow anyone to use it other than the men visitors.

[RubyPitbull]

Is your dog a male? If so, he views himself as the dominant male in the household and men are a threat to his position. In any event, male or female, try bushg's suggestion. If a few minutes later the dog goes back into bark/growl mode, direct him to the down/stay position. He needs to understand that you are in charge and this is not acceptable behavior. Do not allow him to be on the couch with you and your gentleman friend. Do not allow him into your lap. Make sure that he is down on the floor or a doggy bed when you have guests over and direct him to the down/stay position. You reestablish your leadership position by always placing yourself at a higher level than the dog. He will be more inclined to listen to your direction.

[labman]

The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts. Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at Raising Your Dog with the Monks of New Skete For more on being top dog, see Establishing and Keeping Alpha Position, Letting your dog know you are the boss