I rescued a poodle off the streets, got him neutered and the vet thinks hes about 1 1/2 years old. For some reason he growls at my younger brothers (16 and 14).
He has a sweater on ( he has very short fur and its getting cold ) and whenever my brothers touch his mid back he tries to bite. Sometimes he just growls.
I dont get it because he is just one of the sweetest dogs i have owned.
He is very good with my young nephews ( ages 8 and 6).
2007-11-21 04:14:22 · 8 answers · asked by ♥purple♥haze♥ 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
* forgot to mention when they try to take his sweater off, he growls or tries to bite him.
He behaves very well behaved around me.
2007-11-21 04:16:42 · update #1
You didn't mention how long you've had your dog, but it sounds like been for only a relatively short time.
You dog is adjusting to his new pack (family). In the pack, there is always an alpha dog at the top. (It sounds as though it is you, which is good.) What isn't so good is that he is nipping at your brothers, who he considers subordinate. This is evidenced when they touch his back. (If you watch two dogs meet, quite often, one dog will put his head over the back of the other dog... he is saying, "I superior to you." I'll bet that he probably doesn't care to have his petted on the head by your younger bros for the same reason.
You need to teach your dog that he is at the bottom of the pack. One way is the NILF method... Nothing In Life is Free. See the link below. With your supervision and using the NILF method (remember... you're the alpha dog), have your bros feed him, take him outside, etc. Gradually have them pet him/touch his back (without the sweater). If he shows any negative reaction, both of you voice your displeasure (use an 'unhappy voice'). When he does not show a negative reaction, use your 'happy voice' and praise him. Basically, you're gently teaching him that you approve that your bros are superior to him.
You may also want to get the book, "Dogs Love to Please... We Teach Them How". It's out of print, but you can get it on Amazon for around $8.
One more thing... if he isn't used to the sweater, you may want to postpone the use of it until he is more comfortable in his new pack of humans.
Good luck!
2007-11-21 10:36:17 · answer #1 · answered by Charlie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your dog is probably afraid of your brothers. Could be he didn't know many boys in his prior home. Your brothers should not do anything that makes this dog growl and bite. It's not funny and one day the dog may bite them badly and you'll have to kill the dog.
You can help your dog feel better about your brothers, but it isn't easy and your brothers have to agree to leave the dog alone. You need to help your dog feel good about your brothers and the only way to do this is for them to leave the dog alone until the dog is ready to interact with them. If the dog is ok with them coming close to him, they could give the dog super good treats EVERY TIME they go near him.
You can visit this website for more information about helping a dog that is afraid or doesn't like people.
www.fearfuldogs.com
Please remember that this behavior will only get worse if your brothers keep doing anything that makes your dog growl. The growl is a dog's way of saying....please leave me alone, PLEASE! When they keep touching the dog it bites since they didn't pay any attention to its pleas to be left alone. If there was a training class you could go to it would help you learn how to work with this dog. The trainer could give you suggestions, but don't punish or yell at this dog for growling, just stop doing whatever makes it growl, until it can handle it.
www.fearfuldogs.com
2007-11-21 17:15:24 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You'll probably never know for sure why he behaves this way. Growling is concerning enough; attempting to bite is even more serious. You need the help of a trainer/behaviorist to help make the dog comfortable around your brothers.
2007-11-21 12:35:43 · answer #3 · answered by melissa k 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He has been bitten by another dog or abused by a former owner in that particular spot. Tender loving care and talking gently will make the problem go away. Our standard silver poodle who we adopted after four previous owners was the same way about being petted on the top of his head. When new people came into the house, we told them to pet him anywhere except on his head. TLC and time will take care of this problem.
2007-11-21 12:22:22 · answer #4 · answered by CrG 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Was your dogs just abandoned in the street? Maybe your dogs is still upset because his owner may have been a man? He probaly is just happy around kids since kids are sweet and gentle to animals.
2007-11-21 12:23:55 · answer #5 · answered by Mimi 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
this is probably a fear reaction. in any case, get vet clearance that he's ok (i.e. no pain in back area, etc) and then consult with animal behaviorist. if allowed to continue, he may bite. he should not be punished for this behavior. your best bet is to consult with a professional to try to figure out what's going on and how best to deal with it.
EDIT: i forgot the more important link....second one
2007-11-21 12:34:09 · answer #6 · answered by no qf 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He was probably from a family without men or boys. My dogs are all like that too.
2007-11-21 12:22:40 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
He was probably abused by a man prior to when you got him.
Have them feed him and give him treats, but other that leave him alone. Eventually he will learn that they aren't going to hurt him.
2007-11-21 12:21:57 · answer #8 · answered by Amanda I 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋