He loves our daughters ages 9 & 5, but when their friends come over he growls and barks. He does not do this with strange adults just children. We do practice the pack method in our home and I am beginnng to wonder if he is trying just to show his dominence. I never want him to harm a child so we just put him in his kennel when they have friends over. Any ideas or has anyone ever had this problem. I know the breed is known for it's love of children.
2006-09-13 11:49:32 · 8 answers · asked by jgj1835 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
When the children come over, have him on a lead. When he begins to growl 'pop' him with the leash. Meaning, just jerk the leash quickly and say no. This works best with a choke chain or a pinch collar. But be sure it is a quick release and your not choking your dog. Tell him no.
Let the dog smell the kids. He wants to know who is in his house. Tell the kids not to talk to the dog and just ignore it. Maybe try rolling him on his back into a submissive position and have the kids stand by him. Agian, the kids ignoring the dog. If you are not confortable with this action, then consolt a professional.
Also, make sure the kids are not afraid of him. If they are, the dog can sense it and will act accordingly.
You can also take him to Petsmart or Petco and have kids pet him. Just make sure you know for a fact he isn't going to bite.
But be sure to stop this behavior before he gets any older or bigger. He may be just very protective.
Good luck.
2006-09-13 15:45:08 · answer #1 · answered by announmous 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When he barks and growls reprimand him immediately. He needs to learn this behavior is not ok now. He may now associate kids with going into his kennel (you do not want to use the crate as punishment either, if you are crate training him) which is the opposite of the effect you want. When he behaves around children, reward him.
At this age you really need to make sure you and the other people in your house let the dog know YOU are the alphas in the pack. If he isn't already neutered, do so, this may help. They will often try to take the alpha position as they get older, just reinforce you are in charge not him.
Best of luck!
2006-09-13 12:10:45 · answer #2 · answered by Nikki T 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You really need to stop putting him in his kennel when kids come over - you're teaching him that kids mean he gets put away from his family!
Yes, he is trying to show his dominance. Does he obey your kids? Can they give him commands and he respects their authority? If so, that's great - good start!
Try this - have him on a leash when kids are coming to the door. When a strange child comes in, the child needs to stand still while your puppy comes up to him and sniffs him. They are not to talk to, try to pet or make eye contact with the puppy. When the puppy's done sniffing, have the child go in the living room and sit down. Your puppy will probably want to go sniff them again. If he initiates contact, they can talk to him, if he seems amenable, reach out their hand so he can sniff it.
If, however, he growls you need to give him a good tug on the leash, tell him no (don't yell, you need to stay calm or he won't calm down). Put him in a sit stay until he's quiet and try again.
You're right, bulldogs usually really love kids - I think it's partly his age, and if he's not neutered, that might help too.
If none of this helps, you might try a dog behaviourist.
2006-09-13 12:29:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
at the same time as a canines can go into warmth later than 6 months, it is not counseled to attend too long to get this appeared at...woman canines that are no longer spayed could have a situation noted as pyometra. Pyometra skill pus interior the uterine hollow area-and that's deadly if no longer caught in time. So, i might def have your vet verify it out... by utilising the way, anybody is unintelligent...the respond some up from me the place it says people do no longer % basically about all those canines, it is thoroughly untrue. American Bulldogs are a ok enjoyed and properly mannered breed of canines. they are very common and that i be responsive to assorted people who very own them and are very inspired with the intelligence and gentleness of the breed. assorted the consumers and the puppy well-being midsection I paintings for love the breed, so pay no interest to the unfavourable comments! good luck!
2016-11-07 06:39:03 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When it comes to puppy behavior & socialization, the key is starting early. You generally have about a year from the time the dog is born to teach him how to act around anything (cats, other dogs, children other than your own, men) and your window to teach him how to treat these things is closing. You need to hire a dog trainer (one who only uses positive reinforcement) and ask for some help very soon or you will be seeing a dog who is unable to be around other children without wanting to eat them. And no, seeing your children is not enough. Your dog has learned the difference between your children and other children. I really suggest hiring a trainer before your dog bites or seriously injures a child
2006-09-13 12:18:45 · answer #5 · answered by Amandayeah 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Was your dog well-socialized and obedience trained at a early year cause that might be the problem since they are so protective.
2006-09-13 11:54:53 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The dog whisperer
2006-09-13 11:53:06 · answer #7 · answered by t(-_-)y 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just make sure you have PLENTY of good insurance......
2006-09-13 11:51:35 · answer #8 · answered by MC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋