my great dane puppy growls and snaps when we wake him up especially if we pat him on his hind what do youthink

Answer 1

Handle him more. He's trying to dominate you. Don't let him or you'll regret it for the rest of his life.

Answer 2

I have a Great Dane / Lab mix that is just now a year old. Great Danes are very affectionate and needy at the same time. They love attention and have a need to be right up next to you. They love to hold "hands" and "lean" on you all the time. It sounds like your dog may be a bit possesive/protective and because of his size he may also realize that he can easily overpower the kids. You need to supervise interaction and show the dog who is boss by reinforcing good behaviors. Don't let him "paw" or push kids around and begin obedience training immediately through a 4H club or Puppy Kindergarten offered through your City. Another thing is that this dog is part of your family "pack" and he sees the children as competition. Instill the "pecking order" mentality when it comes to even letting the dog in the house. People enter first while the dog waits outside, then the dog comes in when you give the signal. It is very important that the dog understands that he is lower down the list than the kids. Don't ever hit the dog or you will end up with a submissive dog that cowers and pees when a hand is raised. This is a sensitive breed that will respond to your voice.

Answer 3

This sounds like an example of your puppy exerting dominance, and possibly also being startled.

Try waking him by speaking his name first, and/or gently stroking his shoulder with your hand. Patting his rear may be too startling to him, & approaching from the rear is going to make him want to protect himself. Give him a few seconds to recognize his surroundings & separate from his sleep state before you begin to love on him.

If however, he wakes from your voice & is still growly/snappy, that needs to be nipped in the bud (pardon the pun). This is a sign of dominance & he needs to understand that he cannot be top dog over you.

If this happens, immediately admonish him verbally. Once he stops (he probably will right away out of surprise), change to a happy happy voice & tell him what a good puppy he is.

If he continues after this to growl/snap at you, put him in a 'time out' for 3-5 minutes, so that he understands that his behavior will not be rewarded with attention.

Continue that each time you wake him, with plenty of praise for positive attitudes. Be consistent! Within a week or so, he should be coming around.

Answer 4

Maybe he is sensitive on his hind or had a bad experience. Number 1 - don't pat him on his hind. Some pets are quirky and have their own personality like this. Maybe he just needs more sleep. Nobody likes to be woken up when they haven't had enough sleep.

Answer 5

I think your puppy doesn't understand the hierarchy.

Google 'dog training no free lunch'

Also, try 'dog training nothing in life is free'

The methods you learn about are simple, but they do require you to be consistent.

Great Danes are smart creatures. They will take advantage of you, if you let them. Nip it the bud. Now.

Edit: Google 'NILIF' This stands for 'nothing in life is free' I had to search for this acronym. He is exhibiting an aggressive behaviour by growling and snapping. He needs to learn his place in the home.

Answer 6

some dogs don't like their hind end messed with. stop doing it. by growling at you and snapping, he's telling you he's doesn't like that. my german shepherd is like that. she'll growl and bare teeth if you touch her hind end or back legs at all. he also might do it when you wake him up b/c he's still tired. puppies spend most of their time sleeping b/c they're still growing and too little sleep makes a baby crabby.

Answer 7

I've known people who growl and snap when they wake up. And I wasn't even the one who woke them!

I think the issue might depend upon the age of the dog. It would seem the action might be more of a playful thing. Is it?

Answer 8

Don't pat him on the back. Seriously, watch a few episodes of "The Dog Whisperer" on A&E. Use two fingers to simulate a "bite" on the back of his neck and make a hissing sound. In the dog world, that's like telling him "NO! Not acceptable! I'm the clan leader and I don't like that!". Show your dog who's boss, the Cesar Milan way. Check out his show , or check out his books!

Answer 9

he might have a bug bite or a tender spot on that leg. I would get him calmed down with a bone or something and try to get a better look. watch the dog whisperer he's amazing

Answer 10

The hind reaction makes me think that he is remembering dominance competitions from his puppy litter days. He is likely mistaking you for one of them, trying to mount him to assert top dog position. Just reassure the dog as you do with your voice nice and calm and it should go away, i think...