Ask Joey-My New Shelter Dog Growls at My Son!
My New Shelter Dog Growls at My Son!
Dear Joey,
We got our mixed breed dog Max from a shelter. He is 3 years old and was found as a stray. We actually got him for my 10 year old son Kyle. The problem is, he growls at Kyle sometimes. What can we do?
Melissa Grayson
The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) psp
Dear Melissa,
Thelma & Louise movie Kudos for you for choosing a shelter dog! I wish more people would give these wonderful animals a home.
There are a few things that may be going on here. First, Max may be trying to figure out his place in the family and where he lies in the chain. Since he hasn't growled at you, he has figured out that you are the leader of your "pack". He may be trying to show dominance over Kyle and move himself up in the pack order.
The Vault of Horror rip
To help Max see that Kyle is above him in your pack, have Kyle feed him. If Max does not know how to sit on command, that should be the first command you teach him. They learn this pretty quick if you use food as a reward. Just say the command, push the dog's butt down in a sitting position as you say it, and then reward him with praise and a small tid bit of food. After a while, your dog will sit on his own when you tell him to. Once Max knows how to sit on command, have Kyle give him the sit command before he feeds him. Also for awhile, don't allow Max on the furniture, but of course, let Kyle sit on it. Max will soon get the hint that Kyle is higher than he is and hopefully the growling will stop.
Another good thing is to put Max in an obedience training class and have Kyle be his trainer in the class. It will help reinforce that Kyle is the boss.
Since Max is a shelter dog, you don't know what his history was before he came to you. He may have been teased or abused by a child in his former home. For this reason, watch Max when he is around Kyle for safety reasons. Make sure Kyle is gentle with Max, and isn't using loud and jerky movements around him. It is good for them to play together though. If Max likes playing fetch, have Kyle throw a ball, frisbee or toy for him to fetch.
Hopefully these ideas will help you all out. If it doesn't, ask your vet for a recommendation for a consultaion with an Animal Behaviorist. Good luck!
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