I have a year old AffenPinsher (10 lb. laid back dog) and have a question?

Question

Just got the dog about a month ago and he is great with kids and has never acted aggresively even with my 4 and 5 year old boys. He attached himself immediately to my wife and follows her around. When we go to bed at night (I know the dog should have never been allowed to inhabit my bed, but he's so small I never notice him there) if my wife gets into bed first, the dog growls at me. If I say his name loud or advance to him, he cowers and jumps off and hides. It is possible he was treated harshly by his previous owner but I doubt he was abused. I've never laid a hand on the dog to scold him, haven't needed to. His reaction is more comical than frightening, he acts like he's annoyed when I come to bed with my wife but even with the growling, he is so afraid of me he shakes. Can anyone explain his behaviour? I can only assume he is annoyed that I am interfering with his being with my wife but don't pretend to understand dog logic.

mmcrobinson: I really don't think it was abuse, but the owner may have been too rough with him, the previous owner also owned a boxer.

goldengal: good advice, he has been neutered but you may be on to something.

Thanks to all for some great input!

Answer 1

Scott- I think your dog is just a bit irritated by you invading his space. LOL! I need to disagree with goldengal (I too bred and raised goldens for years). It is your house--your pets (family) should be allowed anywhere YOU allow them. (ie--A note to my guests "if you don't want to get dog hair on your clothes--stay off the furniture"). We had a beautiful 100# male golden who would come to bed--squeeze between me and hubby head on his pillow (per my vet--don't spoil your dog by allowing him to put his head on your pillows....we got Milo his own pillow) roll over so DH and I could both scratch his belly before we were allowed to go to sleep. He'd get off the bed after he got his belly rub--but if we didn't follow the 'routine' Milo would sigh in disgust.

I love dogs--most better than people!~

Answer 2

I'm only guessing the dog growls at you to attempt to get you to stay away. When you don't comply, he gives in immediately. That's a good sign. My guess is the dog is naturally submissive. Your assertiveness causes him to back away. If that's the case, your loud tone and aggressive challenge might be over the top. Next time, try approaching and giving him a calm order to get "off" the bed. If her doesn't comply, simply but calmly grab the collar and escort him off the bed. To be most effective, you AND your wife need to be on the same page with the dog training. You don't want to confuse the dog about the sleeping arrangements.

Answer 3

First, he is being protective of your wife in the bed because she is the Alpha female of the pack and he has bonded well with her, but he acknowledges you as the Alpha male of the pack. His fear may be that he was hit before or just over dominated. Most dogs want to be the Alpha so, it is a small challenge to you. He knows he can't be though that is why he always backs down.

Answer 4

This is an easy one. He's claiming your wife and your bed. You should not allow him on the bed and neither should your wife. You both have to be on the same page with this. He is showing dominance over both the bed and your wife. You keep putting him in his place and don't allow him on your bed.
This has nothing to do with being abused at all.
NOTE: you should get him into obedience training and if he's not nutered then call your vet and get him done soon.

Answer 5

The dog has a way better understanding of your family than u. Your an idiot. You can thank me now.

Answer 6

It is possible that he was abused when he was a pup....