Dog just growled at DS

[mynameisnotmichaelcaine]

Dog is nearly 3. She has never growled at anyone before, although sometimes she growls at things (eg a big snowball in a field). DS(10) and her were just sitting in an armchair together. She was not asleep. He moved to stroke her chest and she growled loudly. He immediately moved away from her and she jumped down from the chair and onto my lap. She is now happily asleep on my lap. DS is upset because it's not really clear why she reacted like this. Obviously I didn't tell her off, as I know that growling means "I don't like this". DS also knows this but he's not entirely sure what it is he did wrong 😞

I know none of you can actually know why she did this, but what is our best strategy going forward, other than ensuring DS is not alone with the dog?

Our dog only ever did this when she wasn't well.

What a well rounded dog she is and a sensible child 🙂 She just said ‘please don’t do that’ and removed herself.

Personally I tend to only to give my dog attention beyond a quick ear scratch if she elicits it. For whatever reason your dog wasn’t happy and she told you. Going forward there probably were very subtle signs before the growl but they can be hard to spot and asking to a child to is a big ask. I’d just discourage him from touching her unless she asks if in that quite close situation. It may never happen again but if it does then you listened last time so dyes unlikely to escalate.

As it’s so out of character I’d suggest a vet visit, maybe she’s in pain and was trying to stop him touching her where it might hurt?

Pain? Guarding her space? I would vet check first.

Curiously, what breed is your dog?

Just be very alert and cautious for DS sake, what breed is dog?

Dogs and cats don't generally like being stroked on their chest/ stomach because their organs are more close to the skin.
Reassure your child this is the reason and to stick to back/ neck stroking..

Definitely a vet check up in case of unexpected pain. Other than that, it sounds like your dog and son did exactly the right thing and moved away. Dog alerted it was unhappy, son moved away and let dog do what it needed to.

Is it safe to assume that the tummy rub has happened with no issues previously?

A growl is a good thing, it's a communication. It's a 'leave me alone'

Thanks all 😌 It's resource guarding that I'm worried about because she's a cocker spaniel and I know they are very prone to it. However she has never shown any signs of this before, and she got onto the chair with DS rather than the other way round, so it wasn't him invading her space iyswim.

I wonder if she might be in pain, as she did yelp earlier when she got under a very hot outdoor shower attachment that was intended for my footwear (I thought she was inside!) However I can't see anything on her skin, and she has just allowed me to touch her all over.

I will definitely reinforce the message to DS that the dog was just communicating that she didn't want to be touched right then and he did well to listen to her.

Thank you all for your very helpful comments.

Absolutely - yes - he's always giving her tummy rubs and cuddles which she normally jumps up to ask for, so that's why he was so taken aback

He did brilliantly! And you not telling her off and allowing her to choose to move away and change chairs will help to prevent this escalating.
Dog training advice and support on FB have great advice around resource guarding if that’s what it was.

We never let our cocker on the couch or the chairs, it was the first thing our dog trainer said and repeated it each lesson. He also doesn’t like his belly being rubbed. I’d say yes just don’t leave them alone and tell your son no matter what films say, not all dogs like belly rubs! Well done to you both though!

I’d take her to the vet as a precaution. Particularly given that as a 3 year old cocker she is slightly more at risk for rage syndrome.

Either something is different, or the dog is having an off day. We all have them from time to time, so hopefully it doesn't become a regular thing.

As everyone has said, get her to the vets for a check-up but as a one-off, this wouldn't really worry me too much - especially as she then chose to remove herself from the situation and your DS is old enough (and was smart enough) to stop what he was doing.

Any dog can have an off day - maybe she's tired, maybe she was in a bit of pain, maybe she was just really comfortable and didn't want to be touched.

It sounds like you all did everything perfectly. Yes, maybe worthwhile getting a vet check if you suspect other issues are at play.

Otherwise keep doing what you are doing and maybe work on the bond between your son and dog through training, walking, commands etc. between the two of them. This can help reinforce their good connection, rapport and relationship for them.

Yes, she's been doing some wait training with him for treats just now. It has been a while as it's normally DD and I that take her out, although DS often gives her her meals.

Thanks again to everyone - I was really upset, which I know is a bit ridiculous, but you have allowed me to put the incident into context and calm down. I have talked DS through your excellent advice and he feels better about the situation too. The internet can be such a wonderful resource and I am very grateful to you all for giving me the benefit of your experience.

One of mine growled at me really viciously when I went to cut her nails once. She had something caught in her pad and was scared I would hurt her. I found it. Took it out and she was all cuddles. Could be as simple as the hot water made her a tiny bit sore. But so good you’ve listened to her. Behaviour is communication. You’ve shown her she can trust you.

Something similar happened to us recently. Turned out our little pooch had meningitis and was in tremendous pain.

Just wanted to come back to this in case it helps others. It ended up being a totally isolated incident, so I assume the dog was in pain. Thanks again to everyone for your excellent advice.

Not sure this is correct. All my dogs have enjoyed a tummy tickle and my current girl actively encourages tummy rubs. My current boy goes crazy for a chest scratch, pawing me when I dare to stop.

I will say that burns hurt more as time goes on than they do at the time.Are you sure the dog wasn't scalded?