Disciplining Your Dog

I saw there was a post earlier today about not believing in hitting your dog. I don't like to hit my dog, Snickers, either, although I have done it once when he growled at my son. My son loves to play with Snickers, but he puts his head on him or lies next to him and Snickers freaks out. I don't think he would ever bite, but once in a while if you tell him to do something, like get off the bed he will get mad and show his teeth and growl. He has also stolen food from my son and when I told him no he growled. These last couple of days I don't know what has gotten into him, but he has been growling a lot over these things and I am getting a little worried. Any advice? How do you discipline your dog?

Re: Disciplining Your Dog

You have to re-establish dominance. When he growls, you can either roll him over onto his back and kind of hold him down - tell him NO just before you do this so he knows that you are doing it because he is growling. Also, I found when Misty did that play biting or growling, I would use an old trick from when I had my dobie - grab the top of his snoot and sort of wrap his lips around his teeth, when he bites down he will be biting on himself and will stop instantly. You can also practice taking his food away and putting it back while he is eating or taking a treat away and giving it back always telling him NO if he growls or snaps.
Good luck - it shouldn't be that hard, he just started doing it and is just trying to establish himself as pack leader.

Re: Disciplining Your Dog

i second Gerty

Re: Disciplining Your Dog

I third Gerty.

Re: Disciplining Your Dog