why is my dog growling when pet or picked up?

Question

i got a new dog about 6 weeks ago (he's 4 years old). in last 2 weeks, my dog has started growling when pet or picked up. he recently went to vet to have some infected teeth pulled, so don't know if this means he's still in pain? the vet seems to have no clue why he's doing this. any ideas why or how to stop this? thx!

Answer 1

He is trying to establish himself as boss dog. The growling will eventually be biting and other demanding behaviors if you don't nip this in the bud. No pun intended. ;-)
You need to do some obedience training with him as well as "tell him who's boss". Leash walks at the heel, and making him sit for you before you feed him, and he only eats after you and the family are done with your meals, will establish you as boss dog. Also, don't stop picking him up and petting him. Picking him up is dominant behavior, which is why it pisses him off and why he growls. Petting him without his "permission" is also dominant behavior. Don't quit, ignore the growling and hold on to him (don't say anything to him) until he relaxes and licks his lips (sign of submissive behavior), then when he calms, praise him and put him down. Repeat a few times a day until you can pet him without him growling.
I highly recomend obedience training. Either a class or get a book. Also, consider getting a book on rehabilitating rescue dogs. Sometimes it's not as straight forward as you may imagine. The agency you adopted him from may offer advise and classes at no or reduced charge.
Good Luck.

EDIT
Yelling, hitting, scolding will re-inforce the behavior. Dogs don't care that it is negative attention, to them, any attention is good attention. Ignore the behavior you don't want, and praise the behavior you do.

Answer 2

Okay I am no dog expert but two things come to mind off the top of my head. 1.) Could she have been injured in some way without you knowing it? If so that might explain why she doesn't want you to touch her now when she was okay before. 2.) Is she fixed (I mean Spayed)? If not maybe she is pregnant and that could account for the sudden strange behavior. Anyway since you indicate that this is unusual for her and she is normally sweet I really think you should take her to the Vet very soon. That way the Doctor can examine her for any injuries or even pregnancy. Also she could be sick and depending on her age who knows maybe if none of the other things I suggested are her problem she could have even developed a Tumor. I know of a number of pet owner's both cats and dogs that have had problems like that. If it is a tumor it could be causing her pain when you touch it so that would explain why she growls at you. Well anyway I hope that is not the case but get her checked out just to be on the safe side. Best wishes!

Answer 3

Something is definitely wrong. He could be in pain or scared. Dogs love to be petted. If he's growling and you're trying to pick him up is it when he is eating or has a treat or a toy he doesn't want anyone else to have. Have the vet check his mouth again maybe he still has a problem or some lingering pain. Good luck.

Answer 4

There could be many reasons why the dog is growling.

He could be in pain, but that wouldn't explain why he doesn't want to be pet.

He could be feeling dominant over you. Do you rub his belly? In the wild, dogs will rub the undersides of those dogs who are dominant. By rubing his belly, you can be telling him that it is okay to be aggressive.

The dog may naturally be aggressive. The new home enviroment could have made him timid and now that he is ajusted, he is showing you his true nature.

Does he growl at everybody? Maybe there are just certian people or types fo people that the dog likes and dislikes. Some dogs prefer men and others women. Also some dogs don't like children.

It is hard to say why the dog is being aggressive without seeing him, so it is hard to tell you how to fix the problem.

I can tell you that any aggresive behavior should be thought of as unacceptable. You should scold the dog so that knows that his behavior displeases you.

Good Luck

Answer 5

Do you know his history? Was he ever abused?
Since dogs don't talk, growling is one way to communicate.
Is the dog eating? If so, then the mouth can't be too painful. Be sure it is getting enough water. Does it go out and make good dog doodies? (Constipation can make a dog growl)
I hope you and dog feel better soon.

Answer 6

If this has started since the dental work, one would assume it is as a result of it.Since you can't ask if he's in pain you have to be a detective. How is he eating, does he chew bones or toys.Is he on any pain meds. Or is it a behavior issue. If it were me I would make sure he has some pain meds give him a little space and make sure he is healing properly. When you're beyond a reasonable healing period, if this persists then approach it as a behavior problem.

Answer 7

He probably is not certain if you are friend or foe since he is new and then was shipped off to have some painful dentistry done. I know you did the right thing in taking care of his teeth, he just doesn't understand that yet.

You need to prove to him you are his friend and mean no harm. Don't pick him up and only put out your hand and speak lovingly to him, don't pet. He will slowly warm up again, give him time and love.

Answer 8

Since this is something new for him, I would say there is some pain somewhere. Maybe from the infected teeth, or from the sore gums from the infected teeth and from having them pulled. Hope he feels better real soon.

Answer 9

There is a possibility that your dog still has a pain issue or just doesn't feel well. Your vet will know or at least he can check it out.

Answer 10

Training he is asserting his dominance. He is ruling the roost.

Basic training class

Watch Cesar Milan The Dog Whisperer on the History Channel