Why does the dog growl at family members?

Answer 1

There are a number of reasons why a dog may growl at a child. She may have had a harsh upbringing, or she might have become very stressed living at a shelter for even a short period. She may be fearful, unsure of herself and distrusting of strangers, even small ones. There is also the possibility that sometime in the past she was harmed or frightened by children, even if they meant her no harm. By the way, although we don't want our pets to growl at kids, in a way it's actually a good thing; it shows that the dog has restraint and is able to give humans a warning when she doesn't want to be approached. A dangerous dog would simply attack a child who irritated her.

To deal with this issue, try building Sweetie's self-esteem. Praise her when she follows commands and when she quietly accepts strangers. Buy her a toy that dispenses small treats when she pushes it around and explores it; because she will succeed at "scavenging" food, she will build her confidence. A confident dog is much less apt to be afraid of people.

A trainer who uses positive methods may be able to help your animal reduce her fear of children. Also, a product called a Thunder Shirt is available commercially to help dogs feel more secure in potentially frightening situations.

Answer 2

It can be A) aggressive B) untrusting C) dominant. If the dog sometime's growl's and doesn't other time's it's most likely aggresiveness/dominance. If it just grows and wags it's tail then it's just a way of saying "hello". If the dog starts getting work seek help or get books. Their's tons of dog books out there.

Answer 3

A dog growls when it is angry.

When it is playing Answer A growl is a warning usually as a precursor to an attack or when it is frightened. It can develop into a warning bark or lead straight to an attack.

Answer 4

They bark at little kids most likely because they believe they are the boss. I have a chihuahua and since the beginning I have kept him on the ground and he has grown up around big dogs and thinks he is one-he will bark when someone pulls up in the driveway but is very nice to people and kids as long as they are nice to him. Thats the key train them on the ground.

Answer 5

No dog should be allowed to growl at a baby. You need to do some serious obedience work here. Attend a local obedience class near you. Take your dog on lots of walks, once a day for at least 30 minutes. Let your dog know you are the dominant one and leader of the pack and growling is not even thought of. The obedience class will teach both you and your dog how to establish the pecking order here. In the mean time do not take your dog too near children. It would be good for your dog, after you attend the obedience class, to walk on a 6 foot leash with a choke chain on, around children to get use to them but make sure you have good control of your dog first and not too close. Correct him quickly and sharply if he acts aggressive in any way around the kids. Make sure all children know better than to touch him or look directly at him. Hopefully you can work this out of the dog by establishing dominance and getting him use to kids and their loud ways, but always under a leash & choke chain, never let him free around children.

Answer 6

Assuming you mean an actual high pitched scream and not verbally berating your dog...

This can happen for you several reasons, one being that the sound is hurting their ears or the dog finds it annoying. Dogs also respond to pack aggression and stress, behaving in a similar way to their pack leader, i.e. the pack leader attacks something the other dogs will also attack it, it's a hunting/defense instinct. Also the dog may have been inadvertently trained to respond with a growl.

If you're just verbally punishing your dog and he's growling at you then you have a problem, with your dog and your training techniques.

Answer 7

Because the owner did something or they were in an abused home. Or maybe they are being playful.

Answer 8

A dog growls and barks so it doesn't have to bite. It's a warning.