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Originally Posted by ScootieBootie  A dog growling is actually giving you a warning. If you punish the dog for growling, you actually teach the dog that his warning signs are not headed, and are not useful. This means that in the future, the dog will skip the "niceties" of a warning and go straight to a bite.
It is much better to do positive behavior modification to achieve a confident dog who does not feel threatened or feel the need to "protect and guard" his belongings.
I would be careful about the alpha rolling. So many people look at that as the "cure all" for dog's behavior issues, but it can lead to other problems.
I just want to give ya'll a heads up.
As far as the dog growling at your 10 year old, I suggest getting her (the 10 year old) involved in walking the dog daily and basic obedience commands with the dog. This will help the dog to see her as a leader and learn to respect her.
Also, making your dog work for everything (food, attention, toys, walks, etc) by asking the dog to do something first (sit, down, roll over, etc) will also help enforce the pack leaders in the home. Everyone has to be on board for the same treatment for it to be most effective. |
Please, please don't use the alpha roll on your dogs!
The Alpha Roll was developed by the Monks of New Skete back in the 70's. It was so abused they finally came out and explained that it was never intended to be used by pet owners, only by professional trainers for the worst cases. It is now considered obsolete.
In nature the only time a dog will roll another dog on its back to to try to rip open it's belly to kill it. Being forced into this position puts a dog in to "fight for my life" mentality and is a good way to get bitten. It can also make aggression much, much worse.
Please try a more modern method of training like NILIF.
I'ce attached a few links for you.
Alpha roll - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia The Alpha Roll - LoveToKnow Dogs Nothing in Life is Free Basic Training Techniques | The Humane Society of the United States