what to do when your adopted dog growls & snaps ??

Question

I recently adopted a lakeland terrrier and he has become after 4 weeks agressive at times and growled and snapped. Im wondering if it is worth it to try to correct it, do i just scold him, or what. He is 2yrs old , he jumps all the time although is very smart and responds well to commands. I don't want to give him back but I need to know what to do when he does this , I also dont want to hit him, I need him to stop so I dont fear he will bite strangers, he seems rather friendly with people.

thanks

Answer 1

You should get help from some one who specializes in behavioral training.
They can give you some tips on how you need to react when he does this.
It is a problem and one that needs to be corrected at the time it happens.
You also want the trainer to look at the situation when it happens so they can tell you excatly why the dog is doing what it is doing.
Call the rescue you got the dog from and ask if they have anyone who works with them on this type of issues. Most rescues have atrainer that they will refer you to.
If you work one on one with the trainer and they can see when it happens the problems can most likely be easily fixed but get help as it will make it much easier for you and it will help the dog respond faster if they do not know the trainer.
I get really fast results most times as the dog does not know me and I come off really tought to a strange dog. Then I show the owner how to take the top position and the dog s get the message quickly. Most things are pretty easily solved with some work.
Good luck

Answer 2

First of all, obedience classes just teach basic obedience, which could be helpful in the long run and are mostly meant to train the human moreso than the dog.
What you have on your hands is an Alpha dog who has been let to rule the roost. - OR- the dog is doing this out of fear (fear biting). You do not know it's history and it might have been abused?
this is a serious situation, however, there are things you can try. It takes getting tough with the dog and may result in being bit a few times.
1) LEASH THE DOG!!! if it means walking around holding the leash for days, DO IT!!. ANY and EVERY time the dog shows agression, as SOON as it starts to, give a light but firm jerk on the leash and tell it NO!!!!
2) if it shows agression about food, start by holing a treat in your hand and cupping the food in your hand so that only a TINY portion is where the dog can get it. if it lunges or grabs at the food, pull hand back and command firmly "EASY!) slowly work up to doing this with the food bowl (saying MINE) too and do not put it down for the dog until it submits and only takes the food when YOU allow it to.
3) if it growls/snaps (it should still be on leash) do the above correction to stop the action, then roll the dog over, hold firmly around the chest and neck(but do not strangle it), pin it to the floor, look it straight in the eyes and tell it NO!!!!! but pinning the dog (and do this during play too without the command) you are showing the dog that it is not Alpha and that it must submit to YOU. (warning...this is the part where you might get bit).
I have had a dogs from both situations, (past abuse and Alpha) and these methods do work. However, do not expect great results within a week or two. It took time for the dog to get this way and it will take More time to correct it. the key here is CONSISTANCY!!!! and ALL family members should take part in this or the dog will still be that way toward others.
It's like teaching a child that no means NO!! no matter what.

Answer 3

Hey there. Please don't scold or hit your dog for warning people to back off. If he's not feeling good about people being around him, or with what they're doing, it's good that he's warning before he bites. But, this is also a signal that you need to do some work with him...a Google search for "dog resource guarding" will help a lot. Learn about what specific things are triggering the dog to growl and snap (fingers near food bowl? taking a toy away? asking him to move from a favorite spot?) Working with a positive trainer or behaviorist would be great for you too. The shelter where you adopted him may be able to help you with this - again, you don't want a trainer who would use punishments. Good luck.

Answer 4

I had a similar issue with a rescue mix this past summer. Because we have very young children, we decided it would be best for the rescue to take him back and place him in a home with older children, and people who were able to work on behavioral issues.

I would suggest seeking out a behavioral trainer to work on these issues with your dog. It's really best to get the assistance of someone who has experience and understands dog behavior well.

Answer 5

Enroll in an obedience class with your dog asap. Scolding and hitting will do no good and probably make matters worse. You need to learn positive ways of training your dog. Good luck

Answer 6

I would contact the shelter you got him from, and see if they can't point you to a good behaviorist or trainer. Try Petsmart as well, for training classes.

Since you don't know his background, be very careful with how you train him. Postitive training will do wonders and help the 2 of you have a good relationship.

Answer 7

i jst saw this on the dog whisperer. he's getting aggressive since he doesnt have enough exercise. try to get him on a tread mill or walk him often. also he thinks he's the alpha dog in the house.

if you get the chance, watch the episode with the mini dobe on there. he's the one thats aggressive and cesar millan showed the owner to correct him.

Answer 8

Go to pawpersuasion.com

Answer 9

Give him a ginger snap!