Scary greetings - Page 1

Nico is a fun pup, almost 2 yrs old. He is full of energy and very obedient, and very protective over me and our property.
When we get company over, I would have him sit and wait while they pull into the driveway. He is very excited, and just about shaking waiting for my release command. When I release him, he would charge at them growling and scare the ### out of them. He does not mean to harm them. It's just his way of saying hello. After a sniff or two, he is happy and ready to play. My friends are use to his greeting.
Is this common?

Nico's web page.

what you are doing here is not a good thing.  i recommend you cease these greetings immediately.  this will escalate out of control!  by capping his drive, as you are, and then releasing him - someone is going to get bit.  this is not cute.  its dangerous and stupid.
pjp

            I agree with with ziegenfarm about the greeting.....Your slide show is beautiful. Nico is a very handsome male.....                     

                                                  Deanna...: )

 

What happens if you let them walk up rather than releasing him from a distance?

you need to walk him up on leash, put him in a fuss postion, ask them to ignore him and shake hands with you.  Make him stay calmly at your side until you are satisifed with his behavior, then they can greet the dog.  They need to be calm about it and just  a light stroke, no patting him on the head.  Let him sniff them first etc.  After what you have let him get away with, this may be difficult but you owe it to the dog to get it done right.

What they all said!

Again, what they said.  You don't fix this you are going to have a problem.  I personally like a down compared to a sit because it is an even more submissive behavior.  Allow the people to get out of the car and he must remain in a down.  have them walk up to you or you walk up to them for a greet and make him stay down.  I would walk back to the dog and release with a tossed ball.  The dog has to learn you allow them to great people when you want.  Growling is not playful.  You are allowing him to control the situation.

Kyle