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Question about Puppy Growling Joey, now 13 weeks, is finally fully vaccinated and can be "out and about". When he gets a bit stressed about new experiences (toddlers, postmen), he growls. I know it's innocent and he's not about to bite or anything. My question is: how should I respond? I don't want him growling. |
I would probably put a few pennies in a small metal container to carry around and shake it (not too hard) if he growls. I do believe he needs to be socialized much more and quickly before he gets much older. Take him around many of your friends and family. Allow him to experience different situations and other small dogs and set up some play dates so that he can socialize with them as well. Socialize your little dogs as early and as much as possible and you will have a pet that other people enjoy. :) |
Thank you for your reply, YorkieUSA. He's only been allowed out for the last few days so yes, he is a bit behind in his socialization. I am definitely working on that - taking him to parks, etc. I will try your noise-maker idea. Thanks again for your reply! BTW, I love the quote in your signature!!! |
yes, YorkieUsa got it. I was in my 2nd puppy training class yesterday and we acutally sat in groups of 4 exchanging every 2 minutes our puppies. All this to get them use to others. And dont act scared and bark and growl.. Take him out, i guess start with friends house. Let them hold him for about 5 minutes. and you will see the barking will stop. |
Oh, that sounds like a good exercise (trading puppies). I forgot to mention that we start puppy socialization classes in a week and a half. |
I think I would go about the positive re-enforcement method instead of the negative(i.e. coin in can). More than likely he is not growling because he is mean, more than likely he is scared. I think you need to teach him that strange people are okay. Take the puppy out more often. Let people pet him and give him treats or even hold him(after he is confortable with the first two). Teach him there is nothing to be scared of. |
Yes, I think you are right that he is scared. This is all very new to him. Maybe I should ignore the growling for now while he is getting used to so many new things. If he doesn't get over it, then I could try the noise-maker. Thanks for your help! |
I wouldn't totally ignore the growling. I would just say "NO" in a firm voice and then intoduce the person. Get the person to offer a treat or something really good to eat. If your puppy behaves and not growl, then give him big praise followed by more reward from either you or the stranger. |
Okay, thanks! |
I agreed with yorkieagility. When he growls tell him NO, dont ignore it. Now is the best time to teach him. I think the puppy classes will do him a lot of good. Good luck. |
Thank you! As we continue to get out more, he is doing better - not so afraid of different people and less growling. I'm asking friendly strangers to give him a treat that I hand them so that he learns good things can come from strangers, too. He's doing better. :shade: |
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