Well I'm not a Cesar Milan believer. I choose to read those who have actually studied animal behavior like those I listed above. Pack and alpha theories have long been debunked by the experts. Just because he's on TV doesn't mean he's right.
Dogs should growl when they feel threatened. Growls are a GOOD THING. They are a warning to you that the dog is alarmed or threatened and the next step is to bite. It's the only defense a dog has. First they will try to get away from the situation. Then they will growl, then bite. They have the right to be alarmed and afraid too! It's up to us to try to figure out why they are afraid and teach them it's OK. Some people discourage growling to the point that their dogs will bite without warning. There was a recent article in the Whole Dog Journal by Pat Miller called "The Gift of Growl" I might still have a copy of it around here somewhere if you'd like me to look? |