Small Dog Growls at People and Dogs

Monday, 24 September 2007

I have a Jack Russell Terrier, he is fantastic at home, but whenever I take him out, he growls at people and dogs, so I have to pick him up, am I doing the right thing ? Answer: Actually you are unknowingly rewarding your dog for his unwanted behavior by picking him up. This kind of aggression is defensive and is a learned behavioral response. When dogs discover that growling will cause people or dogs to back off, plus being encouraged by you comforting him, by saying words like "dont be a silly Billy" and picking him up. Unfortunately fear is mostly influenced by heredity and the environment. I would suggest that you attend a social dog class so that your pet can socialize with other dogs and people under the watchful eye of a professional person. It can be done in a few visits, both of you will enjoy and you will both have better lives. by David the Dogman David Klein FDTCB. F.inst D. Canine Behaviourist

 

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