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Sleep aggression, but only for a second or two??
Have had Zeus for about four weeks, he's a rescue and just perfect ... BUT ... has this crazy thing going on. When he is sleeping with us and in a very deep sleep I can pet him, everything is fine. But if he feels us role over or move our legs, he has a second or two of complete aggression where he snarls and snaps and then realizes everything is ok and goes back to sleep. I've been "bothering" him during the day and at night when he sleeps with us, ie, petting him or touching his feet and he's fine. Its the strangest thing, if it keeps up obviously he'll have to sleep on his own bed, but I'd like to see if anyone has advice or experience with this?
PS-Let me clarify "bothering" I gently pet him and sometimes touch his feet, but he has never been startled while he's sleeping. He normally will stretch and roll over for me to pet him.
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Zeus
on Oct 9th 2009
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in Aggression
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Answers
When Deogie sleeps with us, he like Zeus is great with the above blanket touching but if he is sleeping and something touches him under the blanket he gets a bit confused. I think he thinks when I go to bed I turn into just a head....BOL. He doesn't snarl, but he jumps off the bed, not sure what it was. Maybe it's the fact they can't see what's touching them under the blankets.
Hopefully, you can find some solution. Nothing better than sleeping on the edge of the bed while your dog is stretched out snoring away.
♥ DEOGIE ♥
answered on 10/9/09.
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Firstly, stop purposely bothering him when he is asleep. He is probably startled. Try calling his name or waking him before you pet him or “bother” him. How would you feel if someone touched you every time you got into a deep sleep?
Secondly, if his snarling bothers you, make him a place at the end of the bed where you won’t be touching him when he is deeply asleep and finally give him some time to get to know you. Who knows what his past is, it will take some time for him to learn that you won’t hurt him or do anything bad to him like throwing him away or tie him to a fence and leave him as his previous owner did.
Good Luck
Fritz
answered on 10/9/09.
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Many trainers I've known will say that this is a behavior that cannot be "trained away" and is sometime that some dogs do and some don't. Maybe the behavior will stop when he is 100% comfortable in your home, or maybe it will continue for life. The bottom line is, if it isn't a bother or a danger to you, "let sleeping dogs lie" so to speak. However if you are in danger of being bitten or are afraid, you should get him his own bed to sleep on next to yours, then everonye is happy and safe : )
Gypsy
answered on 10/9/09.
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Harley was doing this when I first brought her home from the shelter. If I would get up abruptly and slightly touch her leg she would growl-while she was still waking up..bol. Then she would wake up and be sweet..want her tummy rub and be her normal loving self. It hasn't happened in months. I think she needed to get into her comfort zone and adjust to her new home and surroudings. Zeus maybe still adjusting as well. He might be protecting himself until he adjusts. Like the other answerer said, if it doesn't stop and you are afraid, get Zeus his own big comfy bed to snooze on! Best of luck!
Harley
answered on 10/10/09.
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