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Thread: Growling?

  1. #1
    "Sorry" Woody's Avatar
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    Growling?

    We have noticed that when Ovie laying down on the couch or bed he will growl a little when you try to snuggle him. Putting your head on his side for example he will start to growl. He hasn't growled any other time. Only when this happens. He is fine to jump on you and snuggle but doesn't appear to like you resting on him.

    Any ideas or thoughts?
    Thanks Everyone!!

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  2. #2
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    Brooks will make noises that could be interpreted as growl when you rub his butt, and will do it sporadically when you touch/rub other areas.

    Does it seem like a warning type growl, or is he showing teeth???

  3. #3
    Senior Dog Sue-Ram's Avatar
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    If he's growling at you for any reason when he's on the bed or couch, I would revoke his privileges. I think any new dog should go to obedience classes regardless of their age.
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    The only time I've ever heard Sunnie growl at a human was when the little girl next door tried to sit on her when she was lying down. Sunnie has aches and I figured it was that...she loved that little girl. Since her mother was on board with respecting the dogs, she was admonished and told to never sit on a dog again.

    I'm wondering now if Sunnie might have done that with us in the scenario you describe....but I don't want to test anything since Sunnie definitely has aches and pains nowadays. I'm thinking she wouldn't, though.

    Is Ovie aware that you're there before you touch him or are you waking him up? Some dogs will growl, or worse, if awakened suddenly.

  6. #5
    Best Friend Retriever
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    I'm no dog behavior expert, but if it was me, I'd take it as a warning & not do that. It might be "pushing" him a bit too much....maybe to him it seems o.k. if snuggling his way happens on his terms, but maybe if he feels trapped in any way, or if his "space" is being invaded, especially while he is resting, he might be giving a warning that he is uncomfortable with that kind of attention....? How to fix it, I have no clue!

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  8. #6
    Senior Dog Jollymolly's Avatar
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    Molly would do this when she was younger near her hips. So I am wondering if its an area that might be sore. I did work on rewarding her anytime I got near to that area. Now she pushes her butt and hips into me.

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    Senior Dog Snowshoe's Avatar
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    No snuggles then. Maybe it's too soon for that much familiarity? I saw the photos but maybe when he's snoozing he just wants to be alone. Maybe he has a hurt? Personally I think it's a good idea to not allow dogs on the bed or chesterfield at all when they are first new to your house, puppies or especially rescues. One local rescue asks that. Those are YOURS, no dogs till that idea is firmly established.
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  11. #8
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    He's a new dog in your household and perhaps he's getting too many privileges too soon, he may be confused as to where his place is in his "pack".

    I would not allow him on the couch or any other furniture if he has started to growl...you really need to nip this right away and not let it to continue.

    We never let our dogs on the furniture, they always had their own beds and that's where they would rest or sleep. Their own place. We didn't allow them to jump on us either.

    I think Obedience Classes is a great place to start. He needs to know who is in charge and respect that...he will be a happier dog.

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  13. #9
    "Sorry" Woody's Avatar
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    Thanks again everyone.

    He hasn't showed teeth or move his lips. Seems just like a warning growl that he doesn't like being smothered. We are going to give him space for awhile in that regard.

    I don't think it has to actually being on the furniture as it happens on the floor as well.

    Who knows what has happened in his past? He is fine in every other way and makes big steps with each day as far as being more playful or less skiddish for example.

    I am looking at obedience courses. I had a trainer for Cooper way back who turned his and our life around so once things normalize (real life stuff) around here I am going to give him a call.
    Thanks Everyone!!

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    Senior Dog janedoe's Avatar
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    If his thyroid hasn't been tested, you may want to do that too.

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