Protective of only one of us?

Something finally occured to me, Atlas has been displaying periodic leash-aggression and I didn't really pinpoint until now- it is only when my girlfriend is present. In fact, even when he was a puppy he would bark at people when the three of us would walk together but not when it's just with me.
I don't think it's that he's posessive of her, because for all intents and purposes he is "my" dog (rather than hers). He's my shadow at home, if he was going to be posessive of anyone it would be me. But he only shows aggressive tendencies when she's out with us.
Thoughts?

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Permalink Reply by Roger/Laurie on August 31, 2009 at 1:51pm

He could be protecting her. When Roger takes Chepstow and Tenby out for a walk or a ride in the golf cart everything is fine. When the four of us are walking or in the cart Tenby will bark and act nasty to everyone we pass. When I am alone with Tenby he is even worse. Chepstow doesn't seem to have a problem..but we have decide that Tenby is just extra protective when I am arround.

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Permalink Reply by Bev Levy on August 31, 2009 at 2:41pm

I am guessing but if you don't mind an amateur shrink I wonder if he sees her as a sibling and he is in charge so he is protective. You are probably the pack leader so he feels like you are in charge when you are together. Or he might be picking up on your vibe! I would tell him no firmly when he does this and encourage your girl friend to have a leader role with him such as feeding and controlling resources. Either way you should let him know that this behavior is not wanted by you.