Dog Behavior: What causes a dog to favor one owner over another?
In the heart of a typical British household, there is an unusual tale unfolding. Evie, a 7-year-old cattle dog, lives with her adoptive parents, Vicky and Richard. However, their bond with Evie is far from ordinary.
Evie, who was adopted when she was just 2, has proven to be a compassionate and loyal assistant, managing the household with discretion and care. Her dedication to the family's interests has earned her Vicky's trust and Richard's fondness. Yet, there's an intriguing twist to their relationship.
Richard, who suffers from a wonky back, finds solace in the living room floor, a place where Evie transforms and shows a softer side. This tranquil moment, however, is short-lived.
Evie's behaviour towards Richard outside of these moments is far from positive. She displays abnormal behaviour when Richard is away, moving about the house quickly and acting as if a chupacabra is lurking around each doorway. When Richard returns home, Evie reacts to the slightest noise or movement, and her behaviour remains anxious and aggressive.
This aggressive behaviour includes barking, chasing, and even snapping. Yet, there's a peculiar pattern - Evie's behaviour improves slightly after the initial greeting, allowing Richard to safely pet her.
Interestingly, Evie's behaviour towards Richard is not limited to certain triggers. It's a constant, regardless of the situation. Furthermore, there's no reported improvement in Evie's behaviour towards Richard outside of their home, suggesting a unique dynamic specific to their shared living space.
One possible explanation could be Richard's typical male mannerisms, which seem to act as a fear trigger for Evie. Another factor could be Richard's cologne, which Evie was repulsed by. The presence of Richard's cologne seems to aggravate Evie's behaviour.
Despite Evie's fondness for Vicky and her role as a loyal assistant, there is no indication that Evie has a positive bond with Richard. On off-leash hikes, Evie circles around Vicky and Richard, often looking back at Richard. This behaviour suggests a level of unease that extends beyond their home.
In conclusion, the relationship between Evie, Vicky, and Richard is a fascinating study of canine behaviour and human-animal dynamics. While the reasons for Evie's behaviour towards Richard remain a mystery, one thing is clear - their lives are far from ordinary.
