Dogster Answers
› Behavior & Training
› Methods of Training
Growling? What should I DO?
Recently within the last two weeks my Shiba Inu has started to growl at me when I try to discipline him for random things such as getting in the garbage, fighting with my other dog, jumping up on people etc.
My form of disciplining is a firm NO and depending on what the incident was a firm tap on the bum.
It seems he is trying to be dominant. How can I counter act this? Is it Normal?
Asked by
Kaede
on Nov 10th 2008
Tagged
in Methods of Training
Status
- Cast your vote for which answer you think is best!
Answers
Normal? Yes. Acceptable? No.
It sounds to me like your pup is testing his limits - and is not getting your message.
If discipline results in growling he has NOT accepted the boundary you wanted to set. Accepting would mean he stops the undesired behaviour and shows polite (some say submissive) body language - head lowered, ears and tail relaxed etc.
Judging from the picture you have (he is ADORABLE by the way) he doesn't know how to behave politely yet. Grabbing and pulling the leash - NOT good.
The good news is: you can teach ANY dog to be polite, a pup like yours is actually begging to get some guidelines.
Important to remember in the case of a strong willed pup: Be consistent, rinse and repeat as often as neccessary and NEVER get angry or frustrated (that will backfire with a venegance!)
So, if he growls after having been told "No" reinforce your message untlil he gets the idea that all you wanted was for him to stop.
You can paw-mail me for more info (character limit)
Bonnie Brilynn
answered on 11/11/08.
Helpful? 
/
3
Sorry to hear your having such a problem. i had this same problem with my new puppy a while back. he was only 8 wks old and had a really bad aggression problem. i was devistated. worried that i wouldnt be able to keep him. i posted my question here about what to do and got some really good advice. my puppy would growl if we got too close to his face, or leaned in on him to pick him up. i tried several different things, but what worked for me was when ever he would growl, i would grab the scruff of his neck, like where his mother would carry him, and hold him down to the floor for like five seconds, or until he rolled over on his back. it usually didnt take long. it hurt my feelings to do this to him way more than it hurt him, im sure. i would just hold him there and he would cry, but give in, after about five or six times of this he learned that i was the leader. he was treating us like littermates, and i had to establish that i was the head dog, ha ha , i hope that this can help you.
Sir Damian the Beast
answered on 11/11/08.
Helpful? /
1
Don't hit your dog, pin him to the floor, Alpha roll... seriously people? These methods are outdated, not founded in any type of science. They MAY work for some dogs but for others are seriously damaging and make things worse. Alpha rolling is a great way to make your dog terrified of you or a great way to get bitten.
When he jumps up on people, have them completely turn their back and totally ignore him. Smacking him, yelling etc. is STILL attention, regardless of good/bad, and that's what he's looking for. Remove attention and when he finally stops and sits, reward and praise.
Don't just focus on what your dog does wrong - remember to reward when he does right.
He's growling because he feels threatened by you, because he doesn't understand your discipline, not dominance. A growl is a warning, you want to stop the reason he growls, not stop the growl, a dog who is punished for growling will learn to just skip the growl and go right to the next step - a snap. Please PM me.
Kolbe
answered on 11/11/08.
Helpful? /
2
I agree with Kolbe.
You might also start to teach him an incompatible action.
So instead of jumping on people, start to work with him, and get him to sit to meet people. Then you can reward him instead of punishing him.
~Emma~
answered on 11/12/08.
Helpful? /
0