Growling Dog...any ideas?

[DetentionGrrrl]

When our son was born (19wks) we made sure our Jack Russell wasn't left alone with him, and just allowed him to see and sniff the baby so he got used to him. He's a very boisterous dog, but not nasty at all. We did worry he'd be jealous, but i think we've got their relationship about right.

BUT it's worked too well- when my MIL had my son last week, the dog was fine with her, but growled and wouldn't let her near the baby. Any ideas? I don't want the dog to attack some innocent person.

my parents lab did this a couple of times ,guarding the 'puppy' as he probably saw my son , we just pushed him out the way and told him off which worked with a dim lab but a terrier has alot more brain so how about distraction ,give him titbits when people go near the baby

Hello there, I have a jack russell too, she is 7 months old, I am 17wks pregnant, and have been thinking about introducing the dog n the baby etc.. I think she could get jealous? Have you any tips? I think if she growled like your dog, I might tell her NO, or just move her to another room? Not sure sorry. I know a site that could help though, its a doglistener site, very good advice etc.. If you would like to take a look its www.doglistener.co.uk.

Twinkle

I'll be in a similar situation in March. Dog will be two and half by then and is a Jack Russell cross. Will be interested to read tips.

I think if mine growls and won't let people near the baby, she'll be put on the lead to start with. Might try the shaky bottle to stop the growling, then treats when she stops.

Good luck.

Buy a book called 'Don't Shoot the Dog' by Karen Pryor.
Costs about £5 and can be read in a few hours.

Applies to people as well as animals.

Recommended text for my MSc in Applied Behavious Analysis.

I'd second buying 'Don't Shoot the Dog' - it's not a traditional training manual at all but it does give you a lot of insight into how dogs' minds work. It also tells you how to train a cat to play the piano and how to get your dh to tidy up willingly .

The problem with using reprimands and a shaker bottle is that you do actually want the dog to tell you (growl) when he is stressed. Punishments will remove that warning but not the root cause, so you may find he suddenly bites without warning.

If he were my dog I would set up several sessions where I made sure I was in control (ie dog on a loose lead) and have someone stand at the entrance to the room where the baby was, and either use a clicker or a particular word (like 'yes' or 'good') to praise the dog for being quiet and calm while the person was at that distance, and give a treat. Then build up so the person can approach closer, until they can come and hold the baby etc with no problems. You have to do it slowly though and not rush it - keep within the dog's comfort zone. I am always recommending Pamela Dennison's 'Complete Idiot's Guide to Positive Dog Training' but what the hell I'll do it again . It has a chapter on just this kind of problem.

You just need to distract the dog with treats whenever anybody else wants to go near the baby. He then learns that it is a positive experience to let others be with the baby and it's not his responsibility to guard it all the time. You must however reinforce the rule that growling is not allowed in your home. As well as being a sign of stress occasionally, remember it is also a sign of dominance. Your dog is basically telling you that he's in control of the situation, not you.

That's what I thought Dawnybabe. My immediate instinct when my dog tries to control anything in the house is to immediately take control back.

My friend has a JRT who is very possessive of her DD and my DD too. He will growl if the DH of the family goes near either of the girls. Also he is very possessive of the telephone, and barks and growls if anyone goes near it!