I recently got a terrier puppy, and she is now 3 months old. I have never had a problem with her growling until yesterday. I gave her a chew bone when she went into her crate. As I always do, I petted her before leaving but this time she growled at me. Is this normal behavior? Is it best to "leave sleeping dogs lie" and never touch her while giving her a treat/food? We've never given her any reason to think we would take away her food, and she's never been like this before. Any suggestions? I just don't want her get into the habit of growling when I try to pet her, but I also don't want to agitate her.
2006-06-28 05:34:32 · 8 answers · asked by serendipity2004 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
a Lot of times they growl because they either want attention or they want to play. They eventually grow out of it and it is nothing to worry about
2006-06-28 05:38:47 · answer #1 · answered by maryeb77 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will need time to get to know your pup. They have defensive growls, but dog also have playful growls, happy growls and excitement growls. But, I would start giving her food or treats or toys and then take it away. If she snarls or snaps at you then, she is being possessive of the item, and this is a huge no no. She can not bite the hand that feeds her. I foster dogs for a rescue group, and I get many dogs that are food agressive, so it's simple, they only get to eat out of my hand until they get over it. Again, it will be getting to know your own dogs sounds and reactions. You have to remember, you are the boss, the pack leader and you can take anything away from her that you want at any time. You want to really work wiht her on this, as you wouldn't want her to snap at a child that might try to take something away from her.
2006-06-28 05:52:40 · answer #2 · answered by buggsnme2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Puppies,just like little children,learn as they grow. The growling may be a sign that the dog is scared or doesn't understand what is going or what it sees. First find out why they are growling and then you will see why they are doing it.
Example: if puppy sees an unfamiliar object or hears a strange noise they may growl. So show it what it sees or hears.
2006-06-28 05:42:08 · answer #3 · answered by Miss Smartypants 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My puppy tries to growl sometimes too. He's 2 1/2 months old. I take his toy away or whatever and tell him no. Pet him a little bit and if he doesn't growl or try and nip at you then say good boy(girl) and give them the toy back. Then try petting them again while they're chewing/eating or whatever. If they still growl, take it away and do it again. They'll learn eventually. I wouldn't put up with it though or it'll escalate into something worse.
2006-06-28 05:41:02 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dogs especially puppies can growl for reasons other than aggression. It is also possible that whatever you were doing appeared frightening to your dog, if that was the case your dog may have appeared apologetic after recognizing you. If this was a one time incident I would leave it alone.
2006-06-28 05:44:51 · answer #5 · answered by Huey from Ohio 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes the puppy is growling because she wants to play. But she will have to be taught that challenging your authority is not acceptable.
2006-06-28 05:45:22 · answer #6 · answered by Tigger 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a dog. Dog's are protective of their food. It's nature. Why people think dogs should act like humans, i'll never know
2006-06-28 05:39:09 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have alway's been told that you never want to walk up to a dog that is eatting cause they may bit you
2006-06-28 05:40:41 · answer #8 · answered by louann w 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋