how can we change our dogs ways?

Question

we had a terrier cross in march 2006 from a kennels, about 5 days ago he started being nasty towards me n not my partner, his been growling at me.
i havent done anything wrong to him but when i stroke him or talk to him he growls but when my partner speaks to him or strokes him she gets no problems from him..
i dont know what to do can any1 help..??

Answer 1

He doesn't see HER as a threat to his "Alpha Male" status... you on the other hand...!?!

You need to let him know that YOU are the leader of this particular pack.

Your partner should NEVER feed him; that must be YOUR domain from now on. He must learn that YOU are the provider.

If he growls at you, grab him by the throat and shake him. (I saw my Brother-in -Law do this to one of his hounds and was horrified!!! He explained about the alpha male thing.)

Once he's used to you feeding him - sometimes take it off him before he's finished - then return it to him - he needs to learn to accept that - as the alpha male - you can take and give when you want !

You have a member of a very tenacious breed here and if he is allowed to become the dominant male in the pack - he will NEVER back down.

Ask your partner to take a back seat and only give him attention when you are present - this will enforce your "Alpha Male" status in his eyes.

It's not going to be easy; but - if you and your partner are strong - it could be quick - terriers ain't stoopid!

Good Luck.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Yes - a dog behaviorist, a trainer from the APDT, or even a vet visit to check for thyroid problems. Many times, a sudden change in behavior like this can be chalked up to hypothyroidism. No need to panic, there is medication for this to make your dog's life easier!
In the meantime - do not hover over your dog (literally - don't bend over him, this is threatening to a dog). Do not be confrontational by staring at him - hard stares are also uncomfortable for them. You may not feel that you are doing anything wrong, but canines have a very different body language than we primates do, and if your dog is showing that he's uncomfortable with you, it's in your best interest to read a little bit about canine calming signals and body language.

*edit* : If you want to get bitten, you should grab your dog by the throat and shake him. This would be an extremely stupid thing to do. Dogs are much quicker than we are - I guarantee you won't see that bite coming. Please don't be confrontational with this dog.

Answer 3

You dont say how old the dog is or whether it is neutered so I am guessing he's full male and adult (or recently become adult)
He sees your partner as 'top' female and himself as 'top' dog!
If (going by your name here) you are trying to attract his attention away from her then He sees that as inappropriate behaviour from a lesser female and is warning you away. The top (or Alpha as they are called) pair in the pack are very loyal. and are only seperated when one is too weak or old to fight off a challenge from a rival. Dogs see us as the pack too and dont understand when we behave in ways that in their eyes we shouldn't.
If he was neutered he would be less likely to behave this way.
If he is neutered then I suggest when he growls at you, your partner steps in and corrects him. She should say No in a firm voice and then you should try again. If he repeats the behaviour again then she should take or send him from the room and make him stay away for a short while. It may take several attempts but it is the only way he will learn that SHE is the boss and you are higher in the pack too. I really hope this helps..

Answer 4

baically what the person before me said. Got exactly the same problem with one of our dogs. If it isn't seen to, im afraid it can only get worse. Our dog (whom we have problems with) was also from a shelter. It might be a particular dislike towards a certain sex (a man) who he/she may have had abuse from previously. to get to the root of the problem before things get any worse, you need to search for a behaviourist. And don't just think that the problem is with you- the dog will still show aggression to other people eventually- you need to build on trust and establish a relationship with him so he does not see you as a threat., hope this helps!

Answer 5

The best advice you will get will come from a dog trainer. My experience has shown me that when it comes to aggression like that to avoid trainers who subscribe to only using positive-reinforcement training. This sounds like a dominance issue so I would look for someone that can show you how to interact with your dog in a way to re-establish your dominance (since he's biting you, he is either fearful or dominant) and that still builds and maintains the trust between you and your pet. Good luck!

Answer 6

It sounds like the dog is protecting her...I had the same thing happen. My boyfriend and I got a new puppy, and it was so nice to him, but if I came anywhere near him, she would growl and even bit me in the face a few times. It just took time for her to realize that there was enough love for everyone... Be patient with the dog, but don't let him bite you. He still needs to have limits. He will love you eventually.

Answer 7

Okay I just thought of many possible things.
1. did you accidently step on his tail or anything? that could have made him angry toward you.
2. Is it fixed? If it isnt he may be getting hormones in and he is overprotective of your wife. He may be trying to take you over and get your wife as a mate.
3. or maybe he has a brain problem or something that needs checked out.

Answer 8

Some thyroid disorders can be cured, but many require lifetime treatment. Learn here https://tr.im/RUKBH
For example, sometimes early stage thyroid cancer can be cured by surgery to remove the thyroid gland, but you will need to take thyroid hormone medication afterwards for the rest of your life. Goiters can also be surgically removed and do not always recur after surgery. In most cases, thyroid disorders need treatment over a lifetime. However, with treatment most people with thyroid disorders can live normal, healthy lives.

Answer 9

Try to get help from a dog behaviour therapist. Something has triggered it - sounds like the dog is looking at your partner as the alpha female and sees you as a threat. xx

Answer 10

Sounds like he might be protecting her. You adopted this dog? Maybe he was mistreated by a man before you acquired him. It 's a very real possibility. It might take awhile before he warms up to you. Just try to get down to his level, kneel down, offer him treats so that he see's that you are offering him something good. Be very gentle with him. He sounds like he is just still scared. Be positive and nurturing to the little guy.