i have a 4month old staffie pup, he is always well behave until it comes to when u touch his toys or irritate him. He gets aggresive and growls. Any ideas how to target this?
2007-01-09 02:20:42 · 9 answers · asked by barba 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Get someone to take him for a walk and whgile he's out clear away all his toys and chews.
Its a dominance issue. Don't make a fight over it, be sneaky. Give him small chewsticks or carrot sticks only as a reward for good behaviour, so he eats them. Don't leave anything lying around for him to pick up and guard, turn out his bed regularly.
And get some advice on dealing with dominance, he must see you as pack leader.
Its essential he doesn't start guarding his food. He has to see you as the source of all good things, not a competitor. So when you feed him, put his bowl down and only put a small amount of food in it. Then add some more, and feed him like that so he sees the food comes from you. Either that or feed him shut away in another room, and take up his food bowl to wash when you let him out to go to the loo.
Don't try to take his food from him to 'show him whos boss' because all that does is encourage him to growl at anyone who comes near his food bowl.
2007-01-09 02:28:51 · answer #1 · answered by sarah c 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You must deal with this now, he is being possessive. You must establish that you are alpha. When you touch his toys and he growls, you must stand your ground, firmly tell him "NO" and take the toy, then give it back but first make him sit. Do this over and over, always, always take the toy-don't reinforce the behavior by giving in. Do this with his food too, put his food down, then while he's eating-reach down and pick up the bowl-do not let get away with growling or snapping. Give the food back, and repeat the process. Always make him work for his food. If your dog has something in his mouth-like your steak or something that could harm him you want to be able to take it out of his mouth without him putting up a fuss. You are letting him know you are the "lead dog" of this pack, not him. Watch the movie 8 Below-about a pack of sled dogs left in Antarctica-watch the behavior of the dogs when eating. I strongly recommend getting him to an obedience class. If you are feeling apprehensive about this process, talk to your vet, trainer or a animal behaviorist.
At age 4 months you can mold him into. what you want him to be, at age one year or older it is going to be much more difficult. Not to mention he will have all of his adult teeth. His adult canines will come in at 6 months. You need to address this now. I
check out www.dogbreeds.com/topdogrules.htm
2007-01-09 03:12:54 · answer #2 · answered by TommyGirl869 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a Staffie and when we move his toys he does get defensive, but not in a mean way. Usually he just wants to play and he'll try to take what ever toy I have in my hand. I think your dogs is looking for more attention, not being aggressive. When he gets crabby about you touching his toy, make it a game and play with him. I let my dog take the toy then chase him around, PLAYFULLY not like a "tear your house up" chase, but then he'll submitt and I rub his tummy. I really think you should try affection first, then if it dosn't work hit the books and learn about being the Alpha dog. Also try makeing a Toy Spot, like a box or a tote. This way there is a designated area for his stuff.
2007-01-09 02:58:29 · answer #3 · answered by Kattiey 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to take control of your pup as soon as possible by making sure that he knows that you're the packleader with regards to the toys. Ignore the growls, do what you want, and if he snaps or something, use a non-abusive method of disciplining him.
But why are you trying to irritate your puppy? He probably has a good reason to get ticked off if you're irritating him :)
2007-01-09 02:28:56 · answer #4 · answered by chrisatmudd 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would advise you strongly to seek the advice of a pet behaviourist as they know exactly how to deal with this sort of thing, your pup should not be being aggressive at such a young age.you can find them through your vets.In the meantime do not give him anything to play with that triggers the aggression and if he does show you aggression gently push him away and ignore him or put him in another room until he calms down.Please do it today!it could be a very simple problem to fix if you deal with it now don't leave it until hes an aggressive adult.
And it isn't as expensive as a lawyer !!!
2007-01-09 03:04:40 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pick up all toys NOW. If he has a particular toy that he gets defensive about, pick it up and NEVER give it to him again. The toys must come from you and he needs to realize that they are YOUR toys and you are GIVING them to him, out of the goodnes of your heart. This dog has a dominance issue and you need to deal with it NOW. Go to leerburg.com and listen to Ed talk about dealing with dominant dogs. Follow his advice to the letter and you may be able to save this dog. Make sure you have the temperament to deal with this.
2007-01-09 03:19:03 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Correct him when it gets aggressive and growls at you. Do not allow this to go on because he will develop bad behavior.
2007-01-09 02:42:13 · answer #7 · answered by Veneta T 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try and get hold of this book = it tells you how to deal with resource guarding.
2007-01-09 02:27:12 · answer #8 · answered by anwen55 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
...throw his toys outta his pram...lol..
2007-01-09 02:24:18 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋