Quote:
Originally Posted by Ladylavender  Whether you know or it not, every time you put him down when he begins to snarl, you are reinforcing this behavior.
He is getting what he wants. Whatever you are doing is not what he wants. Putting him down and letting him go and not completing the task is what he wants. So unintentionally you have let him know that when he does this snarl/growl thing he will get what he wants.
So my best advise to you is when this starts, you will need to lay him down on his side and hold him that way until he gives up the snarl/growl and relaxes. Then you continue with the task at hand. And you continue to do this until he becomes compliant or submissive and allows you to do what you are needing to do.
Never ever back down. This is a show of submissiveness on your part to any dog. |
Thanks for the encouragement!! I thought I should make him submit but did not know if I was being cruel. Also, since he is so small I did not want to take the chance of hurting him. I also worried about his feelings toward me if I did hold him and continue with the combing, etc. I don't want him to hate me as he is very loving and loyal. But I will take your advice and see how it goes. Again, thanks for the advice.