We bought him as a 2 year old and he never growled at me. He started out by growling at my husband only when he would go to hug his neck and now after 8 months he growled at me the other day when I hugged him. He had never growled at me for that. Now it's worse with my husband, he is even growling at him when he reaches across the fence to pet him. He acts worse when my husband has had a couple of beers. If anyone knows a solution please help. We love this dog so much.
2006-11-19 10:47:17 · 18 answers · asked by horsecrazy 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
The first order, may be to have him neutered. This isn't a guarantee fix-all, but is more likely to help than not. If you email me your area, I may be able to find you a good behaviorist..
2006-11-19 10:54:15 · answer #1 · answered by Chetco 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If a dog growls when his neck, head, on the top of his body is petted it may be a sign of dominance. Making sure he knows that you're boss, not him, might help. Eat before the dog, don't let him charge through doors before you, make him do something before he gets fed, walked, petted etc. You could also consider getting him checked over by a vet to make sure he's not suffering any pain in that area, too. If I were you I'd try to get this problem solved immediately, before it gets any worse. Good luck.
"Roll him over on his back with your hands on his throat (dont choke him but do hold him in this position) until he averts his eyes or looks away.Be consistent.This is what happens when the Alpha is in control"
NO! DO NOT DO THAT! Google the term "alpha roll" and see exactly why that's the worst thing you can do to a dog! A dog only ever does this to another in order to kill it. No alpha does this to a subordinate. Your dog will feel like it's life is in danger, and it is perfectly likely that you'll get savaged and your dog mentally scarred. Think how close your face is to it's teeth in this position. All this can do is damage the trust your dog has in you, and would you ever forgive someone who tried to kill you? The people who wrote the book who originally advised this have even changed their minds now - PLEASE don't do it.
2006-11-19 10:58:04 · answer #2 · answered by Emily 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There are many reasons that a dog may growl at you. Wanting to maintain alpha status may be one of them. He might be afraid you'll hurt him, so he's growling to keep you away from him (check for sores around his body where you come in contact with him when you hug him). Distrust towards your husband when he's drinking could lead the dog to growl to keep your husband away from him. There are a plethora of reasons your dog is growling at you. I would contact an animal behaviorist for more help.
2006-11-19 10:57:53 · answer #3 · answered by caninepawprints 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm so sorry that your dog is acting this way! I hope I can help you.
Make sure that your dog knows that YOU are in charge, he seems to be experiencing some Alpha control issues. Since he's still young, I'd reccomend taking him to a trainer before he learns that he really does have some sort of control over you. Taking him to the vet to make sure that everything's okay wouldn't be a bad idea either. The vet will also have some good tips for how to deal with this.
I have some good websites that I pulled up some research on... hope they help! :)
http://wcco.com/petcorner/local_story_131124949.html
http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/training.html
http://www.paw-rescue.org/dog_guide.php
Good Luck!
2006-11-19 11:02:15 · answer #4 · answered by Lee 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you bought him at the age of 2, it sounds like he has had prior issues before you got him. It could either be from being abused, or another thing is dog`s instinct to one another is to go for their neck. Maybe he is feeling threatened and instead of hugging him around the neck hug his body or let him learn to trust you. I definitely would`t let him growl at you, because that shows he is dominant over you. Good luck!
2006-11-19 10:59:17 · answer #5 · answered by jules 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
part of the problem is that you are invading part of his personal space when you give him a hug. some dogs don't like it when you get in their faces. I know I don't like it if someone gets in my face!!! The over the fence thing, well he is protecting his yard. this dog may have had an abuse issue you don't know about from his past. I would reccomend a dog trainer before someone gets bit. sounds like he is the ruler of the roost or the alpha in the house and not you and your husband. find a trainer, things should be ok. good luck
2006-11-19 10:56:48 · answer #6 · answered by cattledog_vinnie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to nip this in the bud and show him that growling is NOT tolerated. Since you are already afraid of him I recommend that you consult with a professional trainer. NOW! Before it gets worse.
2006-11-19 11:08:11 · answer #7 · answered by msnite1969 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can't say what I would do. You've got a big problem on your hands.
I have never in my life laid down a bowl of food for a dog that ever raised a hackle at me or even growled in my direction.
Or much less... owned a breed that I didn't know enough about its characteristics.
2006-11-19 11:56:28 · answer #8 · answered by woooh! 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Wow! Get professional help immediately. Your family is being dominated by a pack leader. Get some training ASAP.
Good luck! In the mean while keep an eye on the kids!
2006-11-19 11:07:13 · answer #9 · answered by Teresa V 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would certainly consider contacting a Veterinary Behaviorist in your area to help you with this problem before it gets worse and someone gets hurt. If you are in the New York State area, I can certainly recommend one that I have used in the past.
2006-11-19 11:25:23 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If he's not nuetered make sure that it gets done. That's usually the first thing people think of when you talk of aggression in a dog. Also, find a behaviorist and trainer. It needs to be done ASAP.
2006-11-19 11:42:56 · answer #11 · answered by mushroompumpkin 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋