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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Scared of our dog and I'm not too sure I still want him

61 replies

Kayzr · 25/10/2011 19:20

We have a golden retriever. He has just turned 1. He is a nice dog except for he barks a lot outside when he hears neighbours etc. Someone reported him to the dog warden who came and said that the barking wasn't too bad and just to try and bring him inside when he does start to bark.

But for the last week when I have gone to get him in, he has been growling at me. He seems to crouch down and starts to growl at me and bark. Its really scaring me and I am so sick of crying about him.

DP works away for 5 weeks at a time so its just me at the minute. I am also pregnant which is worrying me as well about the growling.

OP posts:
TheCountessRoyalofBlood · 25/10/2011 19:22

I am sure that someone with more doggy experience will be along soon, however where is he when he is growling at you? In a dog run? Does he growl at you inside?
I think I might be concerned too though as our dog is a softie bt is a little bit scared of ds who is 1.

Kayzr · 25/10/2011 19:23

Its outside he growls, he goes under the table and growls at me and then will run around the garden barking and growling.

I also have 2 boys who are 4 and 2 and he has occassionally growled at them when he has a treat and they go near him.

OP posts:
FearTricksPotter · 25/10/2011 19:27

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MangoMonster · 25/10/2011 19:28

Have you tried taking him to some training sessions?

Kayzr · 25/10/2011 19:28

He's been to training classes and had a trainer come to the house but this is really new.

OP posts:
FearTricksPotter · 25/10/2011 19:32

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

TheMonster · 25/10/2011 19:33

Can you offer a treat as a bribe for him to come in?

MangoMonster · 25/10/2011 19:37

I think training is the key too otherwise he could become unmanageable. I personally think dogs are like children and need boundaries and consistency. I wouldn't give up on him yet... Unless you really can't handle it all, I know it's hard with kids and being pregnant when you're partner isn't around.

Kayzr · 25/10/2011 19:42

Mango if there was just me I think he would go but its knowing that the boys and DP would be heartbroken.

OP posts:
mycatsaysach · 25/10/2011 19:43

sounds like teenage behaviour - more training needed

has he been neutered?

rainbowinthesky · 25/10/2011 19:44

Is he getting sufficient exercise and mental stimulation? Not popular I know but I know I couldnt cope with a 4, 2, baby and a puppy.

Kayzr · 25/10/2011 19:45

No he hasn't. Our vet said not to do it before he was about 18 months because it could stop him maturing properly.

OP posts:
TheMonster · 25/10/2011 19:48

That's strange information. Six months is fine.

mycatsaysach · 25/10/2011 19:48

well kayzr my lab went through a phase like this at about 4/5 months and that was when our vet advised us to have him neutered.he is now such a friendly softy.
i do sympathise it is a bit scary but getting the op and more assertive training (for us) was the key.

DogsBeastFiend · 25/10/2011 19:51

It's possible - and I can't say anything more than that without seeing pooch in action so to speak - that he's basically telling you to feck off because you're asking him to do something he doesn't want to do. Most dogs don't think much of doing anything which doesn't benefit them. There is no reward or purpose in coming indoors but there is a purpose and a reward in barking... it scares all the would-be nasties away. So, you telling him to get indoors produces the canine equivilant of "Feck off, why should I!".

The trick is not to force him into obeying by raising the voice or dragging him in (especially not the latter) but to make it worth his while. So, next time go out there with his very favourite toy or, as he's a goldie, better still his favourite, smelliest food treat all call him to you. Praise him when he gets to you, tell him to sit and offer him a treat when he does. Then, with another treat within sight and smell range, command him to go indoors using whatever word you normally do. You may find he goes without question, in which case follow him IMMEDIATELY and just as fast shut the garden door and give him the reward. If he doesn't go of his own accord, call him to follow you in by showing him the treat and then give it to him IMMEDIATELY he is in and the door shut. And as ever with dogs, repeat, repeat, repeat consistantly. You may like to use the clicker in this - I don't so can't comment on how to integrate it with my own way of doing things but if pooch is clicker trained already I'm sure that will make it easer for you both.

I'm no trainer, I rescue, all I can say here is that the above has worked for me with several dogs (my own, foster ones and those in rescue) and with others I know too but when in doubt refer to/back to a qualified trainer who uses reward based methods.

If the crouching is of the paws outstretched on the ground, bum in the air variety then he's inviting you to play - but still training him to come in upon instant command is worth instilling in him.

The problem you describe is very easy to overcome but it DOES take consistancy. Make sure both you AND DH/DP use the same method of training him to come in EVERY time, no matter how busy you are, and whilst training him do NOT let children let/call him back in.

Don't give up, they drive you nuts sometimes, dogs do (I know, I have 3 big uns!) but a little time invested now will bring huge rewards for years to come. Again, if in any doubt, get straight on to a reputable trainer or behaviourist. He's coming up to teen years, this is the hardest part of owning a dog from the POV of behaviour and the age at which so many are dumped in rescue... and if only those owners had nipped problems in the bud with consistant training rescue would be a lot less busy and I'd shed a lot less tears.

Kayzr · 25/10/2011 19:52

He's going to be done when DP gets home from work but thats 4 weeks away. I can't drive so can't get him to and from vets.

OP posts:
MangoMonster · 25/10/2011 19:52

Think he needs to be neutered ASAP.

DogsBeastFiend · 25/10/2011 20:00

PS - re treats and your lads. Simple solution and very important thing to do... pop him in a crate with the door open, give him his meals in there and treats, drop kibble in there for him to find, together with his blanket etc. Put crate in an out of the way place as poss, NEVER use it as punishment or shut the door on him if at all possible, and certainly don't shut him in until he's totally cool about the crate and goes in there willingly. Make it his safe place where no-one CAN disturb him whilst he has treats and the ONLY place he is allowed to have them.

And then teach your lads that they must NEVER EVER go near the crate whilst pooch is in it or touch his things.

Works very very well for loads of families and probably far more acceptable to most that my own rule to my (now teenaged) DC which was "If a dog bites you don't come running to me because the chances are you will have deserved it". :o (Which admittedly also worked!).

Lastly, yes there is an argument about not neutering too early because of development issues and I know that a breeder on here whom I respect for her sense of responsibility will disagree with me BUT I would say, as a rescuer who sees so many problems like this at your pooch's age, that it would be a very good idea to neuter him now. He won't calm instantly, it will take months, but the chances of it making a positive difference are very high indeed.

LeBOOOf · 25/10/2011 20:05

I would just echo the idea of making yourself your pup's Go To Gal- the one who he adores and gets everything lovely from. I know you are feeling pretty pissed off with him and scared, but if you can fake it till you make it, and be bright and enthusiastic around him when playing etc, and give him lots of praise and affection (and tasty treats) for ANY good behaviour, then he will want to please you and be much more obedient.

itspeanutbutterjellytime · 25/10/2011 20:08

Oh God

DogsBeastFiend · 25/10/2011 20:08

Another thing (sorry to go on) - have you contacted your breeder for advice? He/she should offer a full support service and may be able to get a far better understanding of the situation and behaviour via a phone conversation than is possible by this type of "conversation".

Please may I ask you too to have a contingency plan for getting to the vet in case of emergency when DH is away? As I said, I have 3 dogs but no car (can't afford both, you can guess where my priorities lie!) and live in a village. Nearest vet is 3 villages away so I have cab numbers by the phone and the cost of a taxi always set aside in the house so that even if I have no cash in my purse I can get a dog to the vet if need be. Would hate to think that pooch got injured or was ill and you weren't able to get him to a surgery.

DogsBeastFiend · 25/10/2011 20:10

Why would Vallhala flame you, Peanut? Confused

itspeanutbutterjellytime · 25/10/2011 20:10

No, flame the OP. She gets very upset on these threads, I think she's involved with rehoming dogs like this.

DooinMeCleanin · 25/10/2011 20:11

She's already on this thread peanutbutter and has given lots of lovely, supportive advise. Infact I second what she said.

Also if he won't follow the treat pop a house line and guide him in, be sure to treat him once he is inside. Don't react to the growling any attention could be seen as a reward/game.

chickchickchicken · 25/10/2011 20:11

i assumed peanut was just looking for a row rather than helping OP

OP - i agree with above re neutering and training.