Charley has started Guarding my Niece
I just wanted to check to see how concerned I should be about this new behaviour. Charley seems to have taken on a guardian role with my 3 year old niece, Chloe, who was staying over this week-end... On Saturday, my boyfriend tickled Chloe, who made that 'Happy Kid' shriek kind of noise and Charley started to growl. The BF continued, and out came Charley's teeth. At this point, the dog was removed from the couch for less than acceptable behaviour. Once on the floor, Charley placed himself between BF and the niece, giving the BF the evil eye... Once BF demonstrated he wasn't going to make the child shriek, Charley relaxed and got out of the way... For kicks, I tickled her and that didn't draw the same reaction from Charley...
So, is this something I should worry about? And what is this an indication of, Charley thinks he's higher in the pack than the BF, or my niece, or maybe even me (because he feels I can't protect the kid ?!)
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