Another incident with Murray this morning

So this morning Dh & I were getting ready for work. In our living room we have hard wood floors and an area rug that Murray usually hangs out on and chews his bones.

He was on the rug, not doing anything. DH went to go grab his bone which Murray wasnt even chewing and Murray tried to get there first and grabbed the bone. (possesive) he didnt act agressive, DH thought nothing of it. He put both his hands on Murrays back to rub his back to pet him.,. For whatever reason Murray was still in his "i am going to get my bone possesive thoughts" and went for DH!

I was in the bedroom and I swear I have never heard this dog so vicious. Eric moved his hand real quick so Murray got his shirt cuff. But then Murray went for his leg!!!! Again Eric moved so Murray got his pants. But it just sounded so vicious.

Then its wierd, everytime we have had an incident he will almost immediately calm down and realize he was wrong. He walked over to DH with his tail between his legs, and licking his lips in an Im sorry way. and then he rolled over on his back, which is totally submissive.


So I will be sure to tell the trainer about this tomorrow. I swear for $850 this dog better be an angel!

Re: Another incident with Murray this morning

Trainers can help with possessiveness. Usually the dog needs to be taught boundaries, and made to learn commands so they become more obediant.

Tell the trainer, and let us know what he says. I believe a rule of thumb for those with puppies is to take stuff away from them while eating, playing so they learn it is YOURS, not theirs. I know, doesn't help you now but I don't think it is too late to work on this.

Re: Another incident with Murray this morning

Posted by Goobster


Tell the trainer, and let us know what he says. I believe a rule of thumb for those with puppies is to take stuff away from them while eating, playing so they learn it is YOURS, not theirs. I know, doesn't help you now but I don't think it is too late to work on this.

Re: Another incident with Murray this morning

I know - there are so many things we should have done differently when he was a puppy. You live and you learn ya know.

Re: Another incident with Murray this morning

Is the bone rawhide? Many dogs become possessive over rawhide. I would remove from household. Also, when Murray is not playing with his toys, they should be picked up.

Re: Another incident with Murray this morning

its tough bc he is so picky with his bones. He doesnt like toys, only chew toys, certain flavors, etc. its a nightmare to find him stuff he likes. Or I just waste my money. I try to make them exciting for him and throw them in the air, etc but stuff he doesnt like, he just wont chew.

I dont think its a rawhide. I get them from the $1 section in pathmark.

Re: Another incident with Murray this morning

You can still work with him even though he's not a puppy anymore.
Just take away his toys or bones here and there while he is chewing them. If he growls - reprimand him....you can still teach him that you guys are the Alphas.

Re: Another incident with Murray this morning

I have seen the $1 toys at Pathmark..believe they are rawhide.

Re: Another incident with Murray this morning

I have a very possessive dog. We can never really stop training it out of him. We have figured out what he values most and he does not get those things anymore. Ideally, I would love to be able to train him to take a marrow bone and not growl at anyone who walks by him. We have made progress with his rubber toys. We reinforce that we have control over the toys, and we take other steps to establish that we are alpha. It is a tough battle. I am once bitten twice shy but I try not to show my dog any fear. We worked with a trainer and we would like to bring him back once in a while.

Re: Another incident with Murray this morning

thanks for the advice everyone. on goes the training.