I've had my Golden Retriever for over 9 years now, and within the past year or so, he has gotten really protective with his bones. If I even pet him while he laying near his bone, he'll start growling. Also, I used to take him for car rides, but now he won't get out of the car when we get back to my house. He gets really stubborn and growls when I try and pull him out with a leash. He has never bitten me. He is a great pet. But has soon as he has something he thinks I want, he gets mean. We have never mistreated him. I give him love and attention all the time. I don't understand why he is doing this, especially being a breed that is known for their kindness. How should I fix this problem?
2007-01-12 12:59:48 · 10 answers · asked by cheese_nip 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
ever geard of ceaser millan? what your doing is getting is
affection-affection-affection
your dog is pack-leader, I suggest getting the book "cesars way" and reading it. what your dog needs is a hour long walk every day follwed by disipline then affection, you need to let him know that YOU are pack leader not him, a dog is a dog, not a furry human, they don't think the same way poeple do. also watch dog whisperer on the national geographic channel every fridays at 8 pm
2007-01-12 13:05:34 · answer #1 · answered by meatismurder90 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The thing with the bone is called "resource guarding" I believe, and it should not be tolerated.
I've heard of putting your dog on a leash and putting the thing it "guards" in front of it. When you go for it and they growl or snap you tug the leash and firmly say no!
There is a dog whisperer episode where Cesar rehabilitates a dog that resource guarded. Maybe do a search for it on the internet. Cesar Millan is a very good dog "rehabilitator" and his shows are very informative. I have the book also and it can clear things up if you're really confused.
Before we had to put our golden retriever down(he was about 9 or 10), he didn't like going up and down stairs or getting in and out of the car because his hips were horrible and it hurt him to go up and down stairs/to get in the car. It could be a pain issue like others have said and just to be on the safe side I would take him to the vets.
Hope that helped!!
2007-01-13 10:36:28 · answer #2 · answered by jackie_smackie_2009 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An unexplained change in behavior could signal that your pet is not feeling well. A vet vist may be in order. If it is purely behavioral, do not stand for the growling protectively over toys/bones. When this happens, take the object away and out of sight for a good while and give it back only after your dog exhibits good behavior (a command to sit, etc). That way your dog knows that you are alpha and you control access to bones and toys. Be consistent!
2007-01-12 13:08:03 · answer #3 · answered by mel 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's probably his ways of saying I will, I can, I am, I won't, because I can, or I don't want to until I'm ready. I have a 12 yr' old golden retreiver and I'm noticing her getting a little jealous of other animals or humans. I believe it is age. They do tend to take a bit longer to do things as they age. Mine too growled at me about 6 months ago and that was the 1st time she's ever done anything like that. I would say old age causes them to react differently.
2007-01-12 13:15:22 · answer #4 · answered by pami 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There could be many reasons depending on your dog's general state of health, however, you mentioned your pet was at least nine years old. That equates to about 63 human years old. When an older animal's behavior changes dramatically, often it is because the animal is in pain or, sadly, may be going senile.
2007-01-12 13:11:57 · answer #5 · answered by kit_roamer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to let him know, that you are the pack leader. One way to make sure he will get the message is look him in the eyes and hold the stare until he looks away. He believes he has taken over your home and is in charge now, for a large dog, that is not good behavior, you need to be his leader, he will be much happier.
2007-01-12 13:06:19 · answer #6 · answered by mimi 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
he is probably in pain somewhere you dont know about. i would go to a vet and have x-rays done..i dont want to scare you but the same thing happened to my german shepard and when she got x-rays they found..uh something like a tumor but different...they had to put her down...but it could be that he isnt getting the attention he wants or maybe hes just bein a cranky old dog man hehe
2007-01-12 13:09:41 · answer #7 · answered by K-Rad 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think he has a serious health problem. You need to called your vet and talk to him about this.
2007-01-12 13:28:57 · answer #8 · answered by Trumpetgirl913 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your dog is getting old and cranky. don't forget your dog is now 63 in people years
....1 dog years
..x7 people years..... your dog is now 9x7
2007-01-12 13:12:22 · answer #9 · answered by Wicked 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
maybe it has a disease
or somethings wrong with it
take it to the vet?
2007-01-12 13:02:42 · answer #10 · answered by storage b 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋