This only happens when we remove him from the furniture (rare) or instead of bearing his teeth, he will offer a belly grumbling type of growl. He has never bit but has offered a jerked head like he was going to nip. He is very independent, yet extremely affectionate and playful with toys and games. I am concerned that he will bite, and if he does, it will be bad because he has a real power bite.
2006-07-13 10:43:42 · 14 answers · asked by diamond 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I think you kinda answered your own question "This only happens when we remove him from the furniture (rare)" notice the Rare part....You are not asserting your dominace over him he needs to know you are the boss....Check out this training technique it is called NILF (Nothing in life is free) it will definitely help you with the problem!!
http://www.pets.ca/articles/article-dog_nilf.htm
2006-07-13 10:53:18 · answer #1 · answered by Kelly + Eternal Universal Energy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
At 2 years old your dog has probably just come into its full "manhood" even though it was already "grown up" now it feels like it is the "big dog", not you. So it is ready to challenge you for it.
In the wild this is actually for the good of the pack, it means the stongest, smartest, most agressive animal is in charge. In a family situation it is a timebomb you have to deal with ASAP.
Huskies are especially independant dogs. They were bred to make life and death decisions about where to take the sled without input from the person way in the back. They are well loved because of their wonderful personalities and intense loyalty also needed for their worklives.
The issue is definitly about dominance. He thinks he has it. It can be hard for some dog owners to assert themselves in a way the dog can understand, because it seems so mean/rude. But the dog needs/want boundries. Dogs are EXTREMELY unhappy when they don't know their place in the pack. It creates a lot of anxiety. The sooner things are settled the better.
If you are not an experienced dog handler you will need to take your dog to obediance training. For your safety and your dogs. If you dog is not able to respond to comands without question he is in danger.
The most loving thing you can do is train your pet well. When an unfamiliar situation occurs your pet will turn to you for guidance as the alpha, not attempt to investigate himself. This can prevent run-ins with other animals, or car accidents. Or God-forbid, you animal bitting a child.
My parents (Mom really) had some trouble with dominace over their 80 lb dog. Some things that helped get things straight again were: Never let the dog enter the room before you. Never feed the dog before you eat (not even a bite). Make the dog "sit" before letting it out or in. Randomly make it "sit", or "come".during the day.
When you play with the dog it has to be by your rules:
If it tugs on the leash stop walking, make it sit until you are infront.
Don't let it "force you" to pet it. If it brings you the ball to play catch, make it sit before you through the ball.
Do not play tug of war. If the dog bites at anytime, yell "No!" and walk away. Do not give the dog any further attention even "Bad dog" for 10 minutes.
Good Luck.
2006-07-13 11:25:23 · answer #2 · answered by Crystal Violet 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just to let you know before hand huskys are mischievous. I have 7 huskies and I live in California! You can't exactly "trust" your dog to not bite, because he's a dog. Get a cover for the furniture if thats one of the reasons why your concerned. He may just be growing up, dogs may not always be cuddly and play full. If he is an obedient dog tell him very firmly NO, and gently but firmly bop him on the nose. If he does bite, isolate him from the room and completely ignore him. He will want attention. Just be carefull. If he growls at you, IMMEDIATELY tell him NO!
Good Luck!
ps. try not to move the furniture
2006-07-13 10:59:31 · answer #3 · answered by lulu 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My sister has a husky, right now they are down to one, that would exhibit this behavior.
Earlier on, they made sure he knew who is the boss. He still made noise and barred his teeth, but he never bit or reacted violently. He was just expressing his disappointment. Huskies are very vocal and make a number of weird noises. He's just tying to communicate with you.
I have heard that if still exhibits this behavior, if you bite him on the ear. Hard. You are "talking" in his language that he is not the boss and you call the shots (I have never done this)
2006-07-13 11:26:00 · answer #4 · answered by Naomi Joy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This could be a territorial issue if your husky has never been fixed. You do have a right to be concerned after being bitten because some diseases can spread through animal bites. If he isn't fixed I would get him fixed ASAP. He will not only become more vicious to you but to your house guests and other animals.
2006-07-13 10:54:52 · answer #5 · answered by freedom_03_18 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like he's getting older. I noticed a few years back that my dog started to growl when he didn't want to be moved. I call that getting "Crochitty". When you make him move in a firm voice tell him don't growl at me "name of dog". Give a quick pat on the hiney. If he decides to bite you, Bite him back. It may sound like a "hairy" situation, but once he realizes that he can't just do whatever then he won't.
2006-07-13 10:55:16 · answer #6 · answered by Gia S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you think there is ever a chance that he might bite, then it may be time for him to become and outside dawg, or the property of someone else who doesn't have kids, once he does bite he will realize you are afraid of him and then he will be more willing to become even more aggressive
2006-07-13 10:47:29 · answer #7 · answered by elmobeta12 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He's being protective of his territory- the furniture.
You probably need some training- even your local Petsmart obedience refresher would probably help.
2006-07-13 10:51:14 · answer #8 · answered by ladders_to_fire 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He might think of the furnature as his own personal bed. You might want to ask your vet if there is something you can do, or a personal trainer. He might be thinking that it's his property instead of it being yours.
2006-07-13 10:47:34 · answer #9 · answered by Jacci 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to do something before he bites. Show him you are the pack leader.
2006-07-13 10:46:17 · answer #10 · answered by gentle giant 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋