My girl growled at me for the first time!
 

So tonight I was holding my baby girl and kissing her little nose. She was very relaxed as she always is when I hold her. All of a sudden out of no where she let out a growl!!! I was shocked! She has never ever ever growled at me. Afterwards, she was fine again.


There are a few reasons I think may have caused this. Today, we received quite a bit of snow - we live in NC and never get snow so I know she is having a hard time with this. She won't use the bathroom outside well and she holds her feet up when she is out, so I know she's a little stressed.


Second, we adopted a new girl 10 days ago, so she's trying to adjust to that as well.


Has anything like this happened to any of you? Aggression from a baby that has never shown those signs previously?

My boy didn't growl at me but he barked. He rarely barks and the few times he does, he barks at the cat next door (he has no problem with cats in general but for some reason he's not cool with this particular one lol) and heavy thunder storms. But randomly one time I got home from work and let him out of his playpen like I always do, he sat there looked at me in the eyes and barked at me like three times before he did his usual cheering dance. I still can't figure out why. Maybe he was yelling at me for leaving him at home? But it wasn't the first time!

You want to stop that type of threat or it could escalate. If it happens again and if she's not play-fighting with you, no matter what her stresses, immediately correct her - stand up with a firm "No", stare at her and hold her gaze, point at her with your finger and move into her, backing her off until she gets down from the couch or bed, following after her and even standing over her for some time until you know she's gotten your message she was wrong to behave aggressively toward you and threaten you.

It should only take a time or two of that type of correction to get the strong message across that no growling at mommie is ever allowed in this pack. Growling in the circumstance you described shows some degree of distrust and is usually an attempt to take some control and dogs who are insecure or anxious will often try to control things they feel are out of their control. You want her to know you are always in control of what happens in your home and not she and you will kiss her or do whatever whenever you want anytime you want.

It's quite normal for dogs to have their moments when their lives are changing and up to us to guide them through it with correction where necessary should they act aggressively or threatening toward us as a result of their stress and maybe throw in some extra obedience training, maybe a week of a Nothing In Life Is Free program, extra exercise and life-enriching puzzles and games you play with them to help them re-orient themselves and their bond with us as their ever-trusted pack leader.

Not to me but to DH. I can take anything from her mouth but he can't , she growls at him. I think because he might be perceived as more of a threat than me. I just don't take something away , I approach her , and let her know what I intend to do , gently seize whatever she has , praise her ..........then give it back! Lol wellllll she's more willing the next time to release it. Especially if it's something I don't want her to have.

Otherwise it's just playful growls like if she's tugging.