I adopted him 3 weeks ago. And except for the growling when I scold him I think he is great. He is 6 years old and he was raised with 2 other dogs bigger than himself so I understand he had to be very defensive. The growling when I play with him does not concern me. But I am very concerned that he does it when I scold him because he bares his teeth. I do not back down but I wonder if he will actually attack me or if this is just a front. He has not been nuetered and I am wondering if this would help[.
2007-03-23 03:49:30 · 5 answers · asked by kay b 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
You probably want to get him nuetered, as un-neutered animals can have aggression problems due to hormones. Plus, it's just healthier for the animal anyway. It's good that you don't back down, too. You never want to be cruel to an animal, but they do need to know that you are the "top dog", so to speak. You may want to have some obedience classes with him at some point, too.
And as a side note, it's my understanding that Dalmations are prone to deafness. That may or may not contribute to any aggression problems you're having with your dog. They startle easily because they often can't hear you approach from behind.
2007-03-23 04:02:07 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please do not scold your Dalmatian! As the previous and future owner of a beautiful Dally, I can tell you that they are very sensitive dogs. He may have been punished by his previous owners and he obviously doesn't like it. You don't need to scold him if you train him properly! A lot of Dalmatian's now are from aggressive bloodlines due to the old "101 Dalmatians" fad.
Neutering MAY help but I doubt it. It will however make him much healthier and he will live a longer life if you neuter him.
2007-03-24 08:00:03 · answer #2 · answered by Elena 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He's unsure about you still. Make sure your tone of voice is gentle when you speak to him normally and different when you scold him. Perhaps they used to just shout at him before? He'll settle down, perhaps feed him by hand without to strengthen that bond with him, he'll settle quicker. You have to be firm though, otherwise he thinks you belong to him and not the other way aorund. I had a rescued Rottie do the same thing, we just continually gave him lots of love, and he got all curious about us, and realised he wasn't getting half as much attention when he growled as when he didn't.
2007-03-23 11:38:50 · answer #3 · answered by Unicornrider 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take dog to vet. He may be in pain if he is growling when you pet or scratch it. Could be some underlying illness.
2007-03-23 10:57:24 · answer #4 · answered by motherofcats 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dalmations are on drugs. They are nut cases. Lovable, but dumb as a box of rox, in my experience. My friend had one that would smile, like a human, and howl when fire trucks went by.
2007-03-23 10:54:08 · answer #5 · answered by All hat 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋