[BrittanyG]

Hi all. I had a question for anyone with experience with dominant breeds. I adopted a Rott mix about a month ago. He is a dream dog, and we have bonded something fierce. I have 2 kids, 8 and 3..both with ADHD. I am in the process of training them, but it doesn't happen overnight. My daughter is usually the one to get the warning growl, since she likes to get in his face and bark (she thinks she's a lil pup). My cousin got a warning growl for petting him with his foot the other night.

Now, I know a growl is better than nothing. But am I doing anything wrong by not punishing him for it? I know it's his nature, so I'm not freaking out..but at the same time it's a tad nerve wracking, knowing that if someone does something he doesn't like, he can do damage. What do you guys think?

 

[mandymmr]

I just recently lost my fullblooded rottweiler we had her for 10 years, I also have a doberman. Growling or snarrling is NOT tollerated in our house at all...PERIOD! Especially to little kids. This is something you need to nip in the bud NOW before it gets too late! Feel free to PM me with any questions!

These breeds you need to be the alpha dog, set boundried and rules!

 

[melgrj7]

I would work on desnsitizing him to being touched on different areas of his body, different ways. Once he is fine with you touching him all over and in different ways (like with your foot, hands whatever) work with other people doing it. I would NOT punish the warning growl, if you do there is a high chance he will just skip that step and go right to the bite. It would be best if you can work with a trainer on this, so they can show you what to do.

With your kids you can teach the dog to just get up and leave. If your kids start pestering the dog, lure him with food to another room and give him a stuffed kong or a bone and let him have some alone time for a bit.

Again, if you can find a trainer who can come and show you some things that would be best. You don't want to do anything that will make it worse. I would look for a trainer who actually works based on behavior and learning theory, not based on dominance techniques.