Comments

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  LucyR April 9, 2018 at 9:41pm

  ...but it has to be done immediately when the growling occurs, just like potty training!  Waiting for 2 minutes, you lose the teaching moment!
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  LucyR April 9, 2018 at 9:40pm

  Robin Richardson:  No....growling is not an option.  I am a positive trainer and believe in it, BUT....sometimes a doggie needs to be told "No" and not in uncertain terms.  If he were my  pup, when he growled I would take him by his collar and say in his face "KNOCK IT OFF". and remove him from the situation.  Give him a time out by putting him in another room if necessary.  When Ozzie was a pup, he growled at me when I tried to remove a toy that was dangerous for him.  He growled at me.  He got the above treatment and that was the end of the growling, period.
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  Nancy, Charlie, and Jinkxy April 9, 2018 at 9:33pm

  Presley, she should not be warning you or your husband as you are in charge of her not the other way round.  I am not an expert at all but it seems to me that dogs come to some maturity thing at about 2 and many aren't as accepting and also try to assert their dominance.  I would consult a trainer - even an on-line one to get their advice on handling the problem, before it might become a big problem.  Doggy Dan is an on-line trainer that many of us here on Doodlekisses have used. He uses videos so you can actually see what he wants you to do.
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  Robin Richardson April 9, 2018 at 7:58pm

  My 2 yr old doodle, Presley, has always let the grandchildren know when she’s had enough by growling at them, not showing teeth. In the last 6 months she has started doing the same with my husband and I if she’s laying down and we try to move her over. The other day I gave her some dodgy ice cream and she growled at me when I tried to take it. She’s never done that! Should I be worried?
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  Adina February 9, 2014 at 6:49am

  Stephanie, WHERE is he at night? In your room? Run of the house? Crate?
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  Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles February 9, 2014 at 6:29am

  2 Years or 2 months? I assumed he was a pup.
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  Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles February 9, 2014 at 5:27am

  How about a nice long walk before bed? That might tire out a pup and the humans. Are you crating him? Maybe try leaving a big stuffed kong in his crate for when he gets up. If he is very young, it might just be something he needs to outgrow. It's just like having a young baby in the house. Like LucyR, how old is he?
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  LucyR February 8, 2014 at 5:41pm

  Hi Stephanie,  How old is your pup??
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  LucyR February 1, 2014 at 7:10am

  Pam, Monks of New Skete is not so popular anymore and not recommended by most trainers.  Please-no alpha rolls!!!!  You can do much better with other approaches.  There are new totally positive ways to train a puppy that do not utilize dominance and corrections.  I suggest googling Patricia McConnell.  She has a number of excellent dog training books.  The focus now on training puppies (and is a good one, IMO) is building a relationship with your dog in a positive way rather than drill drill drill with exercises.  Compulsive training is no longer well-regarded and may be harmful to your pup.  My favorite is Denize Fenzi of "the dog athlete".  She has a new book out now that focuses on how to build a relationship. Dog Sports Skills Book 1: Building Engagement and Relationship. She also has on-line classes that are excellent http://www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com    We have worked personally with Denise and she is he best teacher/trainer we have ever had.  Karen Pryor and Ian Dunbar are also well-respected experts in dog-training and have published books.  Good luck with the pup. 
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  Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles February 1, 2014 at 4:23am

  There is nothing wrong with spoiling our pups but giving them the right early guidance and training, in conjunction with love, will ensure they are the happy and well behaved adult dog that will love you back, forever. In the beginning they are blank slates and early training is very important for them to learn manners and how to get along in the world. They will respect you more with your direction than being allowed to rule to roost. Once they know the basics, of whichever method you choose, they will be happier. Congratulations of your new pup and remember, you have about a year of guidance ahead of you.