Help!! How can i stop my dog from growling?

Question

he is a very large dog, a great pyr, and a very sweet dog that wouldn't hurt anyone but lately he started growling when he has his outside bones and his rawhides in this house. if i scold him sayin no, he gets louder and snarls at me. i can tell him to leave it and he will listen, drop it and get up but as soon as he goes back to it when i give him the release comand or if i touch him while he's chewing on it he growls again.
i'm afraid he might hurt someone when i'm not watching him closely. he just recently turned 3 and i'm at a total loss with what to do, any other time he is the most gentle dog. i just feel very limited because of his size, he is about 140 lbs and when he snarls i well... uh.. get a lil scared and he is never like this otherwise.
he has never bit me and i can take the bones from him even though he growls but i then count my fingers and don't want him to growl...any suggestions?

Answer 1

You also don't want him to NOT growl either, which could result in a warningless bite. Keep working on the leave it command, some dogs just need constant training. Is he raising his lips at you while he growls, too? Some dogs are just very vocal and he might just be moaning. It does, however, seem like he's being possessive of his toys. Try making a "trade" with him. If he's good, with no growling, trade him a treat for his toy. The Great Pyrs that I know all just seem a little too protective of their stuff. Good luck.

Answer 2

a lot of dogs have food agression issues but they should never growl at their family because that displays dominance. there is something you should do. he may be afraid you are going to take his treat away which is within your right as "top dog" make sure he is getting enough regular food, sometimes the larger breeds need more than recomended. If your dog shows any aggression towards you you should practice what is called the take down to submissive position. you stand above your dog while he lays down then grab the sides of the neck and gently but forcefully push pull him over to his belly up position. that is the submissive pose. stare diectly into his eyes he may growl or be shocked because he thought he was in charge. tell him no if he shows aggression then when he looks away hold for a few seconds and then abruptly turn and walk away do not talk or look at him for a couple minutes then do a come or sit command and when he obeys give praise. he will want to do as you say. I used the take down with all my dogs and it works and is not mean it is a pack behavior and gets them to see you in charge. sometimes with sweet dogs we take for granted and they slowly get dominance this usually doesn't need to be done but every few months. i would start doing it a few times a week until you can take the bone away(I would then give it back like practice dominance) hope it helps.

Answer 3

To begin with you have never established alpha over your dog. Your dog is in charge not you. The bones belong to him and he is alpha and you are not getting the bones. I'm sure the dog displays alpha behavior in other areas as well such as, when the dog is occupying a place you want to occupy does the dog move or do you resign yourself to letting the dog have its way? My suggestion is to not spot treat this behavior, even though growling is very serious but to enroll yourself and the dog into a quality dog obedience class. They will teach you about dog behavior, how to be alpha, and how to teach your dog.

One answerer suggested squirting your dog, never ever do this. If that works it is only because the dog fears the water and by association will fear you. Your never want your dog to fear you. I'm amazed by the number of really harmful, to the dog and you, answers that are supplied on this category.

I see another answerer suggested what is commonly know as the "alpha flip". This is only to be done by an expert and certainly not for the behavior your dog displays, as this can be easily corrected. If the "alpha flip" is done incorrectly it can result in a "broke" dog. This is a dog that will be fearful of you, and everything else for the rest of its life. I never mention this maneuver as it should only be done by an expert.

Answer 4

CHRIST. STOP. Stop giving him bones and anything that he`ll relate to being HIS and trying to take authority and sense of territory of what is his. You are on a call for trouble if he does not realize what he is doing (trying to protect something from you) who are the owner. Next thing around its his food, or where he sleeps, or when hes sleeping and does not want to be bothered or touched. Hes too big an animal to impose himself like that. If hes doing it somehow hes already placed himseld above you. PLEASE. Call for someone to train him. These people know exactly what to do.

Answer 5

This could be a dominance issue find a good trainer. In the meantime keep food and chews outside

Answer 6

Water bottle. This is a very dangerous situation as he is treat aggressive. You must never take the treat away. You must make him leave it. If you tell him to leave it and then squirt him in the face if he growls. If this does not work call a trainor because he is dominating you and it could lead to worse.

Answer 7

There are two books i can recomend: Its me or the dog and the dog wisper, both of these should tell you how to solve the problem without taking away his bones!

Answer 8

Don't allow the bones in the house. Before he comes back indoors, check his mouth, and if he has a bone, tell him to drop it, before he's allowed back indoors.

Answer 9

1st, have him checked by the vet

2nd, get a dog trainer... not a local pet store trainer, but a specialist. askthe vet.

you need an animal behavorist

Answer 10

FOOD AGGRESSIVE = do not give him any bones or rawhide to chew on..... unless he is in his kennel alone...