He’s so irresistible and touchable. He attracts human hands wherever he goes. However, he’s not a touchy-feely dog.
If approached when out, people want to touch him. They walk into his space, lean over and put out their big hands towards him. He objects
Why would a normally loving dog suddenly growl or bite only one person when touched? Elvis’ aversion to being touched seems unpredictable and it’s getting worse. It’s being touched only by the young man who has always been loving and kind to him. Elvis seems perfectly happy with other people Read more
Why has Rogue started growling at Jasper, and how can they prevent this tension from developing into real conflict? The couple have two lovely dogs that used to get on like a house on fire. There may be a problem between dogs beginning however. Rogue, a Romanian rescue and the Read more
Why does Snoopy bite when his warning signs are ignored, and how can the family prevent him feeling the need to escalate? Their goal is ‘for Snoopy not to bite’. What brought this to a head is that he bit their 7-year-old nephew. MY goal is ‘for Snoopy not to Read more
Why does Theo guard and growl when aroused, and how can his humans reduce the behaviour by changing their own actions? Today’s online session was for a young Cocker Spaniel called Theo! My namesake! Cocker spaniels that guard and growl I frequently work with Cocker Spaniels that guard resources and Read more
Why is Bella defensive with the younger dogs, and how can the family reduce her need to snap and snarl? Bella has always been a bit defensive when approached by other dogs. She just wants to be left in peace. The four-year-old Cocker Spaniel lived in harmony with older Cocker Read more
Why is Blue growling at Teddy and Teddy barking back – and how can careful introduction change how they feel about each other? Here is another story where introducing puppy to an older dog is proving to be a problem. My last case of introducing puppy to an older dog Read more
An online consultation. Why would a rescued puppy become afraid of one person in the family? They believe Daphne, rescued with her puppy siblings from a well in Hungary, is a Posavac Hound. She is now six months old and they have had her for two months. Her journey from Read more
Why would the small dog remain constantly jumpy even when nothing obvious is happening?
Little Bouncer is jumpy. He’s constantly on edge.
I would guess this is in this little Havenese’s genes, though not a general breed trait. It’s certainly not the fault of the family, a couple and their daughter aged ten.
Why would a friendly dog snarl and show his teeth when someone tried to groom him?
Ollie won’t let anyone groom him. He absolutely hates it. The Border Collie has developed tangles inside his back legs and behind his ears which need to be cut out.
The only way a groomer can work on him is to muzzle him and then use force. The otherwise very friendly dog completely changes personality. He becomes aggressive, snarling and showing his teeth.
His last visit to a groomer was a year ago now.
Within a few minutes of being with them, I discovered two things that may be relevant. He had been jumping at me in a very friendly fashion. When his feet were on the floor I gently put my hand out to touch him behind his ears.
Immediately I saw his teeth. He growled, backing away.
Oh! I didn’t expect that. (more…)