Marilyn wrote:>> >
Has anyone had any experience with a puppy (now 14 weeks) that will nip and
growl. He is with 2 children 4 and 6. He does this unprovoked. He is
loving most the time, but has these moments.
Having worked with aggressive dobermans, boxers and rottweilers for many
years, I don't believe that aggression, especially in puppies, is ever
"unprovoked" except in cases of neurological problems, like a brain tumor or
some physical disorder that causes pain. The puppy may be reacting towards
the kids as peers, as has been suggesed. And the growling and nipping is
simply puppy play. Or the children could be provoking the reactions, i.e.,
running thru the house, jumping up and down, waving their arms, screaming,
teasing the dog toys, etc. Growling and nipping may not be unusual in these
cases. It's hyper-excited, possibly defensive behavior. I would train the
kids in addition to working with the puppy. I would tell them that whenever
the dog starts getting excited and growling and/or nipping, that they should
stop moving and ignore the dog. Actually turn their backs and freeze. The
dog should then be picked up by an adult, removed from the situation and
given some "time out" in its own place (crate). The children should be
instructed that while the dog is in his own place they are not to bother
him, talk to him attempt to interact with him in any way. Time outs for a
young puppy could be 15 minutes. Longer periods may be necessary. When time
is up, just go and open the puppy's crate door and walk away. After a while
the dog will learn if he wants to get away from the children, he can go to
its own place and they will leave him alone. In addition, he learns that
inappropriate behavior will result in being removed from his people. I
don't believe in hitting a dog, especially around the head/face. It can
make him head shy and/or result in defensive behavior. And in the case of
larger dogs, it's a really good way of getting bitten, bad. I find the
consistent use passive negative reinforcement combined with short
"time-outs" works far better. In other words, if you don't play by my rules,
you don't get to play at all.
Susan Jackson
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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