Ok, so here's the story. I have a 3mo Rottweiler. She has just learned that she loves to play fetch with a tennis ball. The thing is, I will throw the ball across the room/yard and she's runs after it with all her might. But, when she's ready to bring it back she growls at me the whole way (not a mean growl, just a low pitched warning, i say). Anyhow, then when she reaches me she stops growling. She listens to my commands, drop it, sit, and then we go again and she growls again. Does anyone know why she does this or what it might be. She doesnt get mad when I tell her Drop it, and she never bites me during this game. I'm just worried it may get worse as she gets older. Any advice would be appreciated. And I don't hit her, so I don't want any answers like that please. Thanks again!!!!
2007-07-27 04:01:07 · 10 answers · asked by Independence Baby - 7/4/09 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Thanks for the answers so far.....She doesnt shake the ball when playing fetch, so it sounds like she might be playing. She has yet to go to obedience classes, but that only because she does not have her full series of shots. I will enroll sometime after Aug. 10 when she receives her final shots and rabies....
2007-07-27 04:26:31 · update #1
She also doesnt stop in front of me, she literally jumps into my lap when she brings me the ball back and I have to push her off me to go for another round.
2007-07-27 04:35:50 · update #2
My wife and I bred Rotts for 22 years. We've had nine of our own.
This is not uncommon. Some Rotts are known as "talkers". We've had two that were that way.
When they're happy, content, whatever they simply grumble.
You would only be worried if the dog was exhibiting other aggressive behavior. Ears back, head down a bit, teeth bared, that type of thing.
2007-07-27 04:05:35 · answer #1 · answered by Dogjudge 4 · 7⤊ 0⤋
Dogs will growl when playing. I have two that sound like they will tear each other apart when they are playing. A lot of dogs have a real growl and a playgrowl, so learn what they sound like so you can figure out the difference. Like Dogjudge said, just watch for other signs of aggression or if the growl sounds more serious than her play growl.
There is no harm at all if a dog is vocal while playing.
2007-07-28 03:45:23 · answer #2 · answered by Shanna 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She's playing, that's how puppies play.
When Rosie and I are playing tug, she growls something fierce, and I growl back, but we are not serious and when I say the game is over what I say goes.
That said, if you are not experienced with dog communication you would probably be best to enrol her in a class with an experienced instructor so that you can learn to tell when she is serious and when she's just playing. Obedience training will also help you communicate with her.
You might also wish to start Nothing In Life Is Free (NILIF) http://k9deb.com/nilif.htm
http://www.goof.com/~pmurphy/NILIF.html
to establish early on who is the leader.
There are many good articles on understanding dog communication and how they think on this site.
http://www.flyingdogpress.com/artlibreg.htm
2007-07-27 11:12:47 · answer #3 · answered by DaBasset - BYBs kill dogs 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Is it a play growl or a real growl? Some dogs growl during play but the pitch is slightly higher and their body language usually reads that they are playing. My goldens when playing with each other use a series of growls that sound tough but if you watch them, it's clearly part of the game.
It sounds like you are working on hard on training her. Have you taken her to obedience class or worked with a trainer? If you have, give them a call and ask them what they think. If not, I might get a consult on this one if you think she is serious. Real growling (as opposed to play growls) should never be taken lightly and you are right to be concerned.
2007-07-27 11:07:27 · answer #4 · answered by ? 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Hi, my hubby and I have a 9 month old lab/staffy mix. When we play catch with her, she growls as well. We throw the ball and when she runs at top speed and halts to pick up the ball she growls. I think some breeds are just more vocal than others. I would not worry about it!
2007-07-27 11:22:43 · answer #5 · answered by Kelly 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your concern is warranted. Rottweilers are one of the most commonly reported dog breeds involved in dangerous attacks (along with pit bulls), and three months is very young to display any dominance or aggression. Only a dog trainer can really assess why she is growling, but I wouldn't mess around-- see a trainer. She's going to grow to be very big and powerful and as dog owners we have a responsibility to our families, the community, and our dogs to make sure they are safe.
2007-07-27 11:14:17 · answer #6 · answered by xosidhe 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Sounds like she is just showing her appreciation...my uncle had a rottie who would growl every time you would pet him, all the while wagging his little stub!! He just liked to "talk" and some people were afraid of him; if you knew him, though, you knew that he was just a big baby!
2007-07-27 11:31:18 · answer #7 · answered by dizzybee15 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
hmm my cousin's chihuahua does the same. im not 100% sure but she can be growling in a playful way.
for example if you put 3 puppies together they start playing with eachother.
bite, growl, ect..
but to be sure you might want to take it to the vet. maybe something is bothering her
2007-07-27 11:06:56 · answer #8 · answered by .. 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
on her way back does she shake the tennis ball on the way back she is mimicking kiling somthing small in the wild
2007-07-27 11:06:52 · answer #9 · answered by RIP pepper 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
sounds like she is just having fun with herself
2007-07-31 10:04:26 · answer #10 · answered by cheri h 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋