Recently, I guess about the last 6-8 months he’s started growling at me for no reason. An example would be touching his blanket or not opening the door fast enough. So I left her in there–it’s where she’s sitting right now. They have become best friends fast. Have you taken him to the vet to rule out any pain he may experience when laying on his side? Growling is one way your dog communicates with you. If there has been any transfer of one home to another, this dog is under tremendous stress and confusion! The first thing you need to REALLY accept and understand is that German Shepherds are TRULY one person dogs. Humans simply expect a dog to instinctively behave according to human rules — period. It started where she would hit you in your calf when you would walk in front of her. You could also contact a local GSD rescue and see if they have any suggestions for you. I stood up and told him no and he stopped. He has always been a little mouth dog lol. The two are associated yes, but they are not the same thing so please don’t be confused. Perhaps Dad would be open to helping you transition the dog to being more fond of you by transferring things like the care and feeding of the dog to you for starters. She has recently over the last month started showing her teeth and low growling when certain people pet her (one is my nine yr old son). She is well trained listens to only me but shows submissive behavior towards me like ears laid back and tail low. Please help!!!! Early in our watch stage I contacted a high profile dog behaviorist-trainer who I admire greatly. Why Does My Rottweiler Puppy Bite Me? Having had my share (and more!) If your dog growled at you when you need them, you take his food away. Whenever I go near my dog to play with him, I have to check first if he’s willing to respond. I try to tell them he just doesn’t like it so don’t. Hey! Now, let’s give our attention directly to Freddy and Brody …. i don’t know what to do! As I tell almost everyone, the first thing I suggest when your dog starts exhibiting new unwanted and/or possibly dangerous/aggressive behaviors is to have him thoroughly vet checked. A dog’s behavior normally doesn’t change to something like this for no good reason so I’d be adamantly looking for medical reason(s). It’s easy to do. I’m not telling you to take unsafe actions around him. But, don’t stare if your Rottweiler has signs of aggression since staring at a dog’s eyes can be perceived as an act of aggression and cause it to become defensive. Another time he was laying on the floor in entryway and my husband (he The probability of Riley being a resource guarder has been mentioned to me by more than one person (including a professional animal behaviorist) over the past few months and so I’ve just recently started to research it for myself. You can learn more about a dog’s silent communication signals from books such as On Talking Terms With Dogs by Turid Rugaas (links to her website) and other good books on dog behavior. I am now wondering if he sees Amanda as Dolly’s resource guardian and the issue stems from that because thinks she should be his too. He also likes bossing us around by showing his teeth whenever he wants to get what he wants, although of course my parents wouldn’t like that. When my bf went to get cleaned up, Lou climbed on the bed and laid right up against me. and makes it hard to get him out there without giving him a treat. I don’t want to go in my crate. Last year when he turned 1 y.o., his foot got accidentally trapped in the screen door while playing on his own. Well, this certainly doesn’t sound good but at least it’s isolated to just one human activity. Some background first…Dolly is a five year old border collie papillon mix. A good program is meticulously tailored to the individual dog, so please get professional help rather than trying this on your own. but I do not know what to actually do about it. If it turns out that he’s got health issues, deal with those accordingly which of course may or may not cause the growling to stop depending on other things. Do you agree or disagree with anything I’ve said? Kindle books are a few dollars cheaper than book-books and I don’t need to be at a computer to buy or read Kindle books! He started growling. They just “zing” each other verbally and it’s over and what they’re saying is “leave me alone.”. We have a specialist for that, our regular vet’s x-ray equipment just isn’t good enough to do the job. Put the garbage out of temptation’s way. And it only happens when I eat. That one obviously has a bias against Rotties!) At the time we had Curly an older spitz and 3 years ago he died at 16 of kidney failure. especially while confining them which is what you’d be doing. I am left with more of a bruise than a serious bite, but it still smarts and not only that it’s a bit off-putting (SCARY!) It is a behavior that can be modified through counter-conditioning. I’m not suggesting punishment, just positive corrections. afraid he will bite someone. I gave him puzzles, treat toys, bones, etc. I have no problem whatsoever with that and that’s how it needs to be. We found that once we got home from work, let him out of his crate, he was very bored and we tried to play with him, but it wasn’t enough. I sure don’t like the visual I’m getting from this picture. Dolly went through severe separation anxiety and so we got Gimli at 8 weeks old. Putting him in situations that you know make him reactive is not fair to him and not safe for your family or friends. But starting over the last week or two, she has grown territorial and “aggressive” at nighttime. When my kids or grandkids come over I have to either crate him, shag him out to the yard or put him on the other side of the gate in order to hug them. He did it his whole life and freaked a lot of people out. What you deposit in them you get back 7x more. Dog growling is simply a method of communication – it’s your dog trying to tell you something. Dogs growl for a variety of reasons, ranging from pain to anxiety to protection to play. I will not have her put to sleep and re-homing her would be a disaster, because the new owner might think, “I have to put that dog to sleep!” and I don’t have a gun, so I can’t shoot her (and I wouldn’t any way). I think it took us about a year to finally be comfortable that she’s just yakking and we are not afraid of her whatsoever. Keep a log of the incidents and see if there’s a pattern. We have had him since he was 6 weeks( I know too young but the breeder told us the wrong age when we got him). People need consequences and so do dogs, it’s one of the ways we and they learn but physical correction is not what we believe in here. What you’ve got then is a no-win situation that will recycle itself any time the dog feels it’s necessary to keep someone away — and that someone may not always be the burglar breaking into your house. Puppies growl and bite because that is how they communicate with their mother and siblings, and you are a new species he/she has never seen before. We wish you the very best of luck with your boy and really hope you find a good solution! I have told my husband that we should get a behaviorist and checking with the vet as well, sooooo I DON’T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO! Ensuring a dog isn’t suffering from a health issue is always the first step in dealing with behavior issues because so often a health problem is or at least is part of the trigger. You don’t have to get physical in order to provide consequences, there isn’t much to be gained by this except to put fear into a dog. It’s a very on and off thing, and we haven’t had this happen before. She weighs about 20 pounds. Never reprimand him. He’s been growling at her, but it’s when she gives him affection or when he comes to receive it. I won’t argue that this is a scary behavior. Does that mean this is the case with every dog? Many Rottweiler owners claim they own a “Velcro dog” because their dog just has to stay attached to them. I don’t agree with once a day feeding any dog, but that’s me. Should I keep every room sufficiently lit at night? Please don’t take this wrong but I’m getting a huge red flag about this family member. Repeat this for as long as it takes her to learn permanently that growling will not get her out. Unfortunately, the strength and power of this breed can make him potentially dangerous when put into the hands of an irresponsible or confused dog owner. Assertive does NOT equal physical violence, I refer only to attitudes and mannerisms. After realizing it’s a problem and needs to be stopped and fast I gave my dog a command to stay in the hallway and not come through the doorway. Know that most dogs don’t growl before biting, they just simply bite. If I were constantly looking over my shoulder because I was afraid my husband was going to physically correct me for something, how does that make me feel safe? How? I love him to pieces. You would not blame a person for protecting themselves, you can’t blame your dog for this either. My feeling as to why your Louie bit your boyfriend is that your boyfriend approached a very excited dog who was focused on what was exciting him and your boyfriend tried to stop his excited behavior by touching him while in this very excited state which not only startled him but interrupted what Lou thought was right in protecting his family. Example of a possible “dog thought process”: “Mom wants me to go in my crate. If he’s got an infection it may be painful to pee and so he holds it until he can’t anymore because he knows peeing is going to hurt. Something painful to a dog can cause them to growl. thanks for any help and we need it! When are dogs are “out of control” excited by something they are “in the zone” of being able to concentrate on just that one thing. It suggests that something be done and that it shouldn’t be this or that, but it is NOT at all helpful if one is looking for help in addressing the problem. She is a cutie, but we ultimately liked her because she played at Louie’s level. How I Taught My Dog She Didn’t Need to Growl at Me. Since he doesn’t growl at me from distance. It obviously has had some trama that has caused fear in it. Put the shoes in the closet, take away from view anything he’s not supposed to have. Unfortunately, that does create a bad situation by Zeus learning that by growling you “go away” which you already know. The problem with this is that unless you’re educated in the silent alternative warning signals a dog displays with their body language it’s real easy to miss these signs. All dogs should’ve been taught from young that that is not acceptable. so I’m wondering/worried that I’m deemed a threat in the dark. Understand that growling is just a way of communicating. You didn’t mention what you do to correct the growling when it happens. Once you learn more about what both breed’s issues can be you can move forward from there going in directions that follow what your own specific dog is doing nor not doing. I recently noticed that when I am eating my food in the living room he comes near me and starts growling at me. If the vet tells you he’s too young to have hypothyroidism (mine did) you can correct him on the spot. Is there a valid reason your dog is still not spayed? we have this beautiful Great Pyrenees named Lucy…she is our family’s joy and we all love and adore her….but recently she has begun resource guarding. One of the things recommended to help dogs learn good behavior is the hand feeding method that Freddy mentioned. I'm Alessia, owner of a rottweiler/beagle mix named Lucas (aka Lucifer - you can put two and two together on why he gets that nickname). Laughing can cause this to happen as well, so think of it in terms of a bodily function that’s a) out of whack due to a physical or mental issue or b) you’re causing your dog to pee by yelling and scaring him. I do remind you that you must feel safe that he’s not going to take that growl further. Dolly is very well behaved and will stop when told. Give a warning that you are going to pick up the pup and do it gently, treating immediately so the dog learns to enjoy being handled. The very first time she does not growl, let her out immediatly. Your sweet, beloved dog is growling at you, your kid, or your other dog – and you fear the worst. I can’t think of one single thing that makes laying on his side so important that you cannot just honor this for him. I received an email from a dog owner by the name of Freddy who’s asking for help for his dog Brody’s new-found growling behavior. It might not make it worse, but it won’t solve the problem. He’s learned that if he growls you’ll go away. My suggestion is that you get your dog to the vet for a super-thorough checkup including blood-work for hypothyroidism. Home More advice Pets & Animals He is 5 and he nearly 6 years old I always been there for him when he was a puppy but I amscared if he bites me and dont know what too do can anyone help me The first thing I’d do is have your vet do a very thorough examination including the blood test for thyroid levels and any other medical conditions your vet knows to be triggers for this kind of behavior change. entry way and will sleep there after supper, but when it is time for bed For Ex: he is allowed in the When he growls, his hair stands up and he puts his ears back. Monday Myth: My dog growls at me when I try to move him from his resting place. Trust me, your dog does not think you set a trap for him with the door incident. Unfortunately, your totally understandable fear is at least part of the reason you’re having difficulties making a good relationship with your boy. Could she have learned that by growling she gets someone to play with her? The puppy may growl when people approach his food bowl, or his bed for example. The heavy impact of his body against the door caused his left foot to slide under the door, and so he was trapped. Once you’ve found the triggers for your puppy’s growling, you may begin training your puppy. I just imagine me having to wait 24 hours for my meals and that doesn’t sit real well with me. I like to write a lot and take loads of pictures, so blogging is right up my alley. It would be great if you had a friend or relative he likes and has a more adult household. K9 Police Dog Starved to Death in Officers Home, Owner Shoots His German Shepherd for Relieving Herself in the House, Police Dogs Die After Being Left in a Vehicle, Thank you to Rescuers of Dogs used for "Trunking", Trapped in a frozen puddle in a basement – dog gets 4 prosthetics after losing paws to frostbite, 20 Pet Friendly People Foods Safe for Dogs, Pet Safety Alert – Window Fire Rescue Stickers for Pets, Your Breed – Unique Breed Specific Dog Clothing, Accessories & Gifts, The Adventures of a Belgian German Shepherd Dog. A trip to the vet would be my very first step, he may have a urinary type infection. I’m happy to hear you’re going back to working with a trainer but keep in mind that dog training is not the same as dog behavior. Why do you jump to the conclusion that he’s doing wrong rather than there may be something physical or mental causing this? He seems to be doing this more often and I am just Pay attention to your Rottweiler’s body language and the situation you are in when they growl. My puppy is 4 months old German Shepherd cross Rottweiler and when you stroke him he sometimes growls. My suggestion is that you research on your dog’s chewing problem. com This site receives a small commission from all affiliate links and third-party advertising. Even though his behavior strikes me as simply behavior issues, I would still visit the vet (YOU take him not dad) get him checked over real good and include a blood test for thyroid levels. Just do not expect this dog to transfer his total loyalty to you because in his mind that belongs to your dad. It doesn’t, it makes me afraid to do things and trashes my self-confidence all to pieces. I don’t know what’s wrong or why he reacts that way. I love him to pieces and I would do anything for him but I am uncomfortable with him especially when it comes to the kids(whom he has grown up with). I do know that Chows are a lot like the German Shepherd breed in the respect that they’re both protective breed dogs with a very strong protective instinct. Moving a dog from one home that he’s lived in and loved to another that isn’t “his” is just a very difficult transition for a dog to go through. Petting on top of the head is sometimes a dangerous place to pet some dogs. It was annoying because we were trying to sleep. I don’t know why he does this. For example you mentioned he growled at your son but gave no information as to the circumstances surrounding the incident. I would much prefer it if Riley felt it was only necessary to be pro-active if some bad guy wanted to do me harm. Could someone please tell me if I am doing wrong or what he is going through. At our house Riley and Nissa’s favorite is me, Gracie’s is my husband even though he only sees her a day or two all week long and I’m the one providing 90% of her care and time with her. I guess she also did this with her first litter also. So today was my brothers birthday and my dog who is a palmarion terrier suddonly is barking and biting my brother is this normal should i get this checked out or what and when i go to the kitchen and see him he is looking like he sees a murder in front of me and i dont want to do anything to my dog but i mean what do i do please help me. Until you get a handle on Brody’s issues, for safety reasons I hope you will consider crating him, locking him in a bedroom or even muzzling him when people come over. And, only toward me. You have to research both breeds because she’s a mix so everything she’s made of comes from both breeds, you can’t choose one over the other for any reason. It’s up to the puppy’s ‘parents’ to show him/her what is okay and what isn’t and to discipline him in a fair and loving way so that he can grow up to fulfill his potential. This may help you to learn how to keep other triggers from affecting your dog. If someone plucked you out of your home and plunked you down in another without your permission … how would you feel? That will more than likely encourage the behavior when he doesn’t get what he wants. We really hope that everything works out and that your child and furkid are safe. Since then he’s done it once again, this time because he was laying on the floor near my bed and I poked my head down there and asked him if he was awake. With your back to him call him to you and have him sit next to you so you’re not making direct contact with a frontal view which is much less threatening to some dogs. 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