We have a 2 year old black lab. We came back from a vacation, got a new dog, and we started to notice that the lab was showing her teeth at me. She is my boyfriend's dog, so I was thinking that she just needed to get used to me living there too. It's been over a month since then, and she is still doing this. Occasionally, she does accompany showing her teeth with a snarling sound. Is it that she needs to adjust to the new situation or what? Any suggestions?
2006-10-22 18:32:42 · 11 answers · asked by dre4889 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
She is showing dominance. She is trying to show that she is dominant over you. You must realize that in her mind you have been introdused into her pack. And she is establishing her dominance within her pack. Which before you and the other dog came along there was only your boyfriend and her in the pack. So when there are any new additions to the pack dominance must be re-established within the pack. I'm guessing that she does not do this to the boyfriend? The reason for this is that he has already established himself as the alpha leader of the pack when it was just him and the dog. Now what is happening is that there is still a pecking order being established between you and her and the other dog. You must establish yourself as one of the dominant leaders of the pack by not showing fear towards her. How you do this is the next time she displays this behavior move towards her and in a deep based tone (Not Yelling) utter(NO!) she more than likely will start to move away. When she does neal down and give a soft tone ( Good girl) and see if she comes over to you. If she does give her (Good girl) and calm praise and pet her on the head. If she starts to growl and show her teeth as you do this.? Repeat (NO).your boy friend needs to be preasent during this entire exercise. And if she continues to try and show dominance he emediatly needs to do an alpha roll on her puching her to the floor by the scruff of her neck until she submits. When she submits she should be let back to her feet and calmly praised ( Good girl) and gently strocking the head by both you and him. If she does it even still again you do the alpha roll to her untill she submits. And then the same think. Let her to her up after showing submission give the same praise. What this will do will let her now first of all that the boyfrienfd being the alpha will not tolerate this behavior from her. And 2nd will start to establish you as being higher in the pecking order than she is. And after awhile she will be able to respect you as a more dominant member of the pack than she is and ultimately gaining her respect and loyalty. The reason the praise after the submission is so important is that by giving praise after she submits is (Possitive Re-enforcement). This is considered in the dogs mind as a reward for the proper behavior(submiting) and will help create an understanding and bond between you in stead of a fear of you. And the dog will that improper behavior will not be tolerated but proper behavior means praise and effection. And this will help the dog learn this lesson faster.
2006-10-22 20:49:41 · answer #1 · answered by Dogman 5/O 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes dogs are smiling at you when they do this but the snarling kind of alarms me. The Dog Whisperer show is awsome about answering these type of questions. I've learned just tonight that my dog has a behavioral problem and I have to do something or he will take over. Labs aren't normally aggressive so watch her body language and check to see if her tail is wagging or her ears are laying down. Good luck. Btw, my dog hated my boyfriend when he moved in and only year later is he getting used to him.
2006-10-22 18:56:57 · answer #2 · answered by bcooper1975 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am glad you didn't punish your dog for his behavior. He would not have understood at all. You did a couple of things you shouldn't do with a dog: first, you should not feed your dog table scraps, second, you should be careful giving treats when there is a strange dog present-it upsets the pecking order, and never stick your hand out to a dog who is concealed under something. His behavior was natural under the circumstances. You gave him some food-he saw competition, so he ran to a safe place to eat it. Then you tried to take it away. He naturally tried to protect what you had given him. To avoid this behavior in the future do not give your dog table scraps or treats when there are other dogs around, and never reach under something to take food away from your dog. A very Good way to be bitten, and you should congratulate your dog for having the sense not to bite the hand he loves.
2016-03-28 04:40:47 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is not good.... dogs are pack animals & you need your boyfriends help on this one. He has made it clear that is is leader of the pact. As far as the dog is concered, the #2 spot is still up for grabs. He has to make it clear that the dog is not #2 (with you at his side for the 1st couple weeks) & then you reinforce the message when he is not there & alone as time wears on.
This does not mean being cruel or violent. Pets are like childern & can be corrected/scolded, while still being loved.
2006-10-22 18:40:29 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
well there can be many reasons for this kind of attitude. first if ur the first person the dog has shared a place with her and her owner, then shes trying to tell u, u dont belong there, the dog is showing u that its her tarritory not urs.
she'll get over it, just play with her, and let her kno who is boss. make sure ur boyfriend lets the dog kno that she cant act that way.
2006-10-22 18:36:44 · answer #5 · answered by hellbound-angell 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The better to BITE you with my dear!
You bought a new dog into the territory of an established dog.
Sounds like the dog is a bit miffed at you.
I think you should consult your vet for a good reliable training class before Fido starts biting !
Good Luck
2006-10-22 18:36:25 · answer #6 · answered by donamarie_1 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Dogs show thier teeth as a warning, or a show of power (I've done this to my dog and she just barked at me... just too funny!) so just make friends with it and let it know your a FRIEND. Good luck!!
2006-10-22 18:37:51 · answer #7 · answered by Noelle 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Seriously if your dog do that to you, she dont like you, try to show her that you are the boss be rough, if she moves her tail is ok, if she barks you, put a bullet in her head!!!!
2006-10-22 19:18:21 · answer #8 · answered by fercristernag39345 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
well if the new dog is a girl then your dog wants its tarritory back.
2006-10-22 18:44:42 · answer #9 · answered by puppypurple301 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe she does not like you and she is jelous. Try to become her friend by caressing her.
2006-10-22 18:37:35 · answer #10 · answered by Luis A 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋