Ask Me Help Desk - Dog growls--is it talking, or aggression?

Our 2 year old, 12 lb. terrier mixed breed is a talker. Barks, yips to come inside, or when he wants our attention. We are concerned because sometimes he growls at us. Mostly me, or my 15 yo son. But occasionally others, husband and 3 young adult men. It is usually if he is sleeping and you disturb him, or if he is resting and you start to pet him.it is never about food. If he is near my husband and I just "look" at him and he senses I might come pet him he may growl. It is usually a low growl and he always looks sheepish when scolded. He tried to mount a male dog at the dog park recently and he growls and lunges at guests in our home and we have to put him outside. He is not neutered because we were told it could change his personality. Will neutering him help this behavior?

Hmmm, sound like some aggression to me and not acceptable.
Neutering him will help but he may also need some training and you'll need some instruction on dealing with this behavior.
There are more dog people here with loads of good training advice so check back often.

Thank you. I am so glad I found this site. You helped me tremendously with the other problem. We had been trying to figure it out. We have never had a dog that is a talker. We were not sure if he is displaying his annoyance, or what. We correct him always by scolding. He slinks away in shame. But will do it again. I will try to watch the site. Thanks again.

I'm a cat person, but read the dog board religiously. Neutering changes personality but in a good way, plus it will give the dog (or cat) a longer, healthier life. Like LadySam mentioned, additional training will be needed. The dog experts here are excellent, so please do your best to check back during the next 24 hours or so to read what they suggest. Also, read some of the older threads on aggression and watch for comments by Alty especially. I suspect she was a cute little pup in another life.

Hi Maddy,

I'll get right to the point, and I also have a few questions I'd like to ask. Answers to these questions will really help figure out a plan.

Neutering him will definitely help, especially with the humping and aggression he shows to other dogs, and you as well. But, it's not a magic cure. This is a behavior issue, as well as a hormonal issue. But do make the appointment to have him neutered.

Now for the questions.

How often is he walked, and how long is he walked for?

Do you have other pets in the home?

When he growls how do you scold him?

When you play with him, what sort of games do and your family play?

We'll start there and work our way up. :)

Walking - only sporadically. We have a large (3,500 sq ft) house and large yard. He gets lots of exercise between running all over the house and going into the yard frequently throughout his day. We were going to the dog park about once a week until the recent incident when he was aggressive and then tried to mount this dog.

It was one time only. The other dog had a history of not getting along with others according to its owner. Henry has always gotten along wonderfully. It was a first, but it really concerned us so we packed it up, took him home, and have not gone back.

Pets- We have a sweet tempered long haired chihuahua. Had him about 2 years before we got Henry. He did not bark, at all, ever. We only knew he could because we heard it once, or twice only. Now he barks because of Henry's influence. We also have a new kitten almost 2 months now.

Henry gets along splendidly with both. No rough play with Skyler, the chihuahua, but happily and gently plays with the kitten, and they both seem to immensely enjoy themselves.

Scolding - We firmly tell him no and to stop. Use a gruff voice. My 15 yo son just walks away puzzled and kind of disgusted as we are sort of tired of our dog doing that. Mainly me and him, although it has been done to all of us at some point.

Play - we throw toys is all. We do not play rough with pulling the toys, or letting him play bite us cause my son researched the internet and said we should not. He said if we did that, it would encourage aggression. So a very long time ago we did, but we stopped.

Sorry for it double posting. Not sure how I did that :-P

[I fixed it. This new platform we're on sometimes does that. -ed.]

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Walking - only sporadically. We have a large (3,500 sq ft) house and large yard. He gets lots of exercise between running all over the house and going into the yard frequently throughout his day.

This could be part of the problem. Many people think that having a large house and yard, and letting their dog have access to that, is enough. It really isn't. A walk is so much more than getting exercise.

I'll put it in a human perspective. If you were never allowed to go out, had to stay in your house or yard all day, only socialize with your immediate family, and no one else, you'd go nuts. You'd get grumpy. I know I would! ;)

For a dog, a walk is the chance to see new things, smell new smells, meet and greet new people and dogs. A dog that isn't walked every day, for at least 1 hour a day, will bark more, show aggression. That's the only way he can tell his people that he's not happy.

Please don't take this a criticism. It's not. Many people feel the same way you do, and don't realize that the problems their dog is expressing may be largely because the dog isn't being walked.

I have no doubt that he's getting enough exercise running around in your yard. But, he's not getting what a dog needs. That may be why he's showing aggression.

Not being neutered is another factor, and really, I cannot be critical about that. I have had dogs all my life, just lost my two older boys within the last 5 months. Both were neutered at 6 months, because I know the health benefits and behavior benefits. But, I have a 3 year old beagle, have had him from 3 months of age, and he's not neutered. It really wasn't something we chose. We just couldn't afford it. A lot happened right after we got him, and he's the first dog I've ever had that wasn't neutered at 6 months. I can tell you that he is the only dog I've ever had issues with. That says a lot. Our new puppy will be going in, along with our beagle, when the puppy turns 6 months. I learned that lesson the hard way. My other dogs, all neutered at 6 months, were very well behaved, docile, and wonderful. I had a lab cross and a border collie cross.

Last of all. Your pup is a terrier. Terriers are bred to hunt. They may be small, but they are all hunters. It's in their genes. Because of that, they can be more aggressive, and need a firmer hand. That's most likely why he only growls at you and your son. You two are the weak links in the pack (no offense). One thing I would really suggest is to read up on the terrier breed. This is a breed that has been around for generations. What they do, hunt, is bred into them, and cannot be bred out. It's in their DNA. It doesn't matter if they live in a barn or a penthouse. They have to do what they were bred to do. I'm not saying that you should accept the aggression, because you shouldn't. But, your pup will be more aggressive because of his breed. You can work with that though, but he'll always be a terrier. I understand. I have a beagle, also a hunting dog, and a scent dog. Tons of fun. ;)

My recommendation would be to first get him neutered. Really, this is so important, not only for his health, but to settle him down. This isn't even an option.

I would also suggest daily walks, 1 hour a day. Let him get out of the house and yard, smell the smells of the great outdoors, and don't be afraid to let him meet people and other dogs. When he's neutered you'll want to let him heal, but after he has, daily walks. This is also no an option.

Try that and see if there's a difference in his behavior.

If there isn't, and I really do want you to give this a good try. Not a week, or 2, but a few months, before and after the neuter, then I would suggest a personal trainer.

The trainer will teach you how to "handle" your dog. When I say a firmer hand is needed, I'm not suggesting that you punish your dog, I don't advocate any form of hitting, and what you're doing now, a firm "no", is exactly the right thing to do. But if I had to guess, I'd guess that when your dog growls, you're afraid. You may say "no", but your first reaction is most likely "why is he growling. I'm afraid he'll bite me. What is wrong with this dog". In order to "handle" your dog, you have to make him see you as an authority in the household. Not a litter mate, but the pack leader. Boy do I hate sounding like Cesar Millan, but out of all the other nonsense (in my opinion) that he spouts, I do agree with the pack leader mentality.

I can tell you this. This isn't going to be easy, there is no quick fix, and you may never have a dog that's completely what you expect him to be. But, if you're willing to do what I've suggested, I do think you'll have a dog you can live with.

Now, I would really like to see pictures. That's what I charge. :)

Wow, sort of wrote a book there. Sorry. :(

Thank you so much. You have helped me a lot. The reason he was not neutered is because my son was worried his personality would change because he had heard that.
This little dog with his joy and spunk helped our family immensely. Briefly... we went through Hurricane Katrina, relocated to a new state and then a child unexpectedly died. Hope that's not TMI, I say that to let you know we had a hard time being happy at our house for a while. Then in enters Henry full of joy and happiness every day, bounding through life and making us laugh when we thought we never would again :-)
Hey, he was cheaper than a therapist! :-) Anyway, we are all so attached to him, we were worried if his personality changed we could not bare the thought of losing our joyful, funny guy. People at the dogpark said their personality does change. Thoughts on that?
By the weak link in the pack, you mean he thinks he can dominate us? Yes, that makes sense. In the beginning it was only me. My family blamed me and then their older sister came over and he growled at her to. So we jokingly decided he was sexist :-) at least they quit blaming me for Henry's bad behavior.
He adores my husband and if he is sitting by him and I even look at him like I could come up and disturb that in any way, he looks at me and growls. Yes, I guess Henry thinks he is the King around here :-)
You did not say anything about the playing. My husband informed me that he does play rough with Henry. Should he stop that?
I am going to make the appointment for the neutering on Tuesday. Actually, the kitten is scheduled for her neuter that day. The clinic informed me his personality would change which was why I held off and did not schedule him for Tuesday.
Okay, I am trying to figure out how to post pics. Let me see if I can. What do I click on to do that? Or do I copy and paste?

Another thing, you really made me understand a lot about the walking by putting it in that perspective. Yes, I guess I would get grumpy if I never ever had a chance to get out :-)

Can't help you there, gives me trouble too.
Alty will know.
I would have hubby to not play rough with him in the future.
It sounds like Henry (love the name, I once had a Henry J) has been a wonderful addition.

Put the photo on your hard drive. Go to the answer box at the end of this thread (like you are going to respond) and click the button below it that's called "Go Advanced," then click the little paper clip at the top of the frame. Use "Browse" to find the photo on your hard drive and just follow through from there. Alty had typed up good directions recently, but I can't find them.

Henry is the wiry haired one I was asking about.
Skyler is the very sweet tempered and calm chihauhau (I didn't know they came like that until our daughter got him).
Coco is our brand new kitten of 3 months old.

And you guys are awesome! Thanks for all the help :-D

Cute crowd! Love the one with Henry and the kitten playing on the couch.

Nice job figuring out how to post pictures! Your pups are darn cute. (As a cat lover, I already know the kitten will be in charge.)

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This little dog with his joy and spunk helped our family immensely. Briefly... we went through Hurricane Katrina, relocated to a new state and then a child unexpectedly died. Hope that's not TMI, I say that to let you know we had a hard time being happy at our house for a while. Then in enters Henry full of joy and happiness every day, bounding through life and making us laugh when we thought we never would again :-)
Hey, he was cheaper than a therapist! :-)

I'm so very sorry for everything you've gone through, but I completely understand the joy a dog can bring. Our family has had a tough year as well. Not nearly what you've gone through, but we lost two of our dogs within 5 months of each other. One was 16 years old, Indy, could no longer function, so we made the toughest decision in the world, and had him put to sleep. Five month later our 10 year old border collie, Jasper, suddenly became ill. Within a week he went from a very healthy happy dog to a dog that couldn't even lift his own head, and had lost 20 pounds. The vet told us there was no hope, so once again we found ourselves making that tough decision to let him go. A few days later we realized that we couldn't be a one dog home (we still had our little trouble maker Chewy, the beagle), and that Chewy also needed a friend. So we brought a new puppy into our lives. He is now 3 months old, has been with us for a month, and he has brought a smile back on our faces, the faces of our kids, and Chewy's as well. They're best buds.

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Anyway, we are all so attached to him, we were worried if his personality changed we could not bare the thought of losing our joyful, funny guy. People at the dogpark said their personality does change. Thoughts on that?

I wouldn't call it a personality change. I'd call it a change in demeanor. He will always be your spunky fun pup. Of course with age he'll be less spunky, but his personality is who he is, and it won't change because of a neuter.

I'll put it to you this way. My husband had a vasectomy a few years ago. We have 2 kids, had one horrific miscarriage where I almost died, and decided that we couldn't risk another, so off to the doctor he went. No, they didn't cut the entire "package" (talk about TMI! ;)) off, but it was still a surgery, and much like what your pup will go through. My husband is still the flippant, funny, caring man that I fell in love with.

The main change a neuter will have on your dog is that he will be more calm, less aggressive, and actually easier to handle. The first week or two he will be down in the dumps. It's a surgery, and I won't lie, it will bother him. But he'll be given pain meds, and with rest, he'll be himself again in no time, just a better version of himself.

I also have to mention that from a health standpoint, a neutered dog will live longer, so you'll have that little bundle of fur in your life for longer than you would if you choose not to neuter.

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By the weak link in the pack, you mean he thinks he can dominate us? Yes, that makes sense. In the beginning it was only me. My family blamed me and then their older sister came over and he growled at her to. So we jokingly decided he was sexist :-) at least they quit blaming me for Henry's bad behavior.
He adores my husband and if he is sitting by him and I even look at him like I could come up and disturb that in any way, he looks at me and growls. Yes, I guess Henry thinks he is the King around here :-)

Your husband is Henry's person. I am curious. When you approach your husband and Henry is with him, and Henry growls, how does your husband react?

Henry has to learn that he isn't the leader of the pack. He does feel that he's the dominant dog. Your family are his pack mates. In a dog pack, the dominant dog bosses around the less dominant dogs. So, growling at them, even pinning them down and nipping them, is acceptable in a pack. You really have to elevate yourself in the pack where Henry is concerned.

I do have one suggestion that may also work, but it's a lot of work, and has to be done right, also, it would only work if you can be at home with Henry, so this can be done all day. Umbilical training. This is where you put a leash on Henry, tie the leash around your waist, and you two are literally joined at the hip (well, it's at your hip, not really his). Carry about your day to day activities, washing dishes, cleaning, doing laundry. Wherever you go, Henry goes.

The reason umbilical works (sometimes), is that the dog will have to follow you. In wild packs, only the leader is followed. The rest do the following. I would do this for a few weeks, until Henry follows you without the leash.

Something to consider. I won't lie, it's a lot of work, and unless you can completely commit yourself to it, which many people can't because they have to work, etc. it won't work.

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You did not say anything about the playing. My husband informed me that he does play rough with Henry. Should he stop that?

Your husband should definitely stop playing rough with Henry. Men tend to think that they can play rough with a dog, and then when they say no, the dog understands that it's time to stop. That's not the case. Dogs are trained how to act in a home. They don't know how to live with humans, and they don't know what humans want. They have to learn. Once you allow a behavior, the dog thinks that behavior is acceptable. They don't have an on off switch. They don't understand that biting is only okay when you're playing. If biting, nipping, or growling is okay during play, then it's okay all the time. It's really all or nothing.

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I am going to make the appointment for the neutering on Tuesday. Actually, the kitten is scheduled for her neuter that day. The clinic informed me his personality would change which was why I held off and did not schedule him for Tuesday.

I would really urge you to make the appointment. You're doing the best thing for Henry, and for your family as well. Keep in mind that Henry won't calm down, or be less aggressive, immediately. It will take a few weeks, even months, for all the hormones to be out of his body. So you won't see an immediate change.

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Okay, I am trying to figure out how to post pics. Let me see if I can. What do I click on to do that? Or do I copy and paste?

Adorable pictures! I can see his personality in his eyes. I know it will still be there once he's fixed. You are a very lucky family to have that little fur baby in your lives, and he's so very lucky to have a family that cares about him so very much. :)

Alty,
I wanted to thank you for your help when I had asked this question. We got our dog neutered. He has the most wonderful personality now. He has maintained his sweet and fun behavior, but the aggression has subsided dramatically. We are so happy and I wanted to thank you for the advice as you helped us so much. I have a cat question that I posted today. Not sure if you know about cats. But we have a new dilemma cause we spayed the cat also. Anyway, I wanted to thank you for your help. We very much appreciate it :-)

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Originally Posted by maddy6

Alty,
I wanted to thank you for your help when I had asked this question. We got our dog neutered. He has the most wonderful personality now. He has maintained his sweet and fun behavior, but the agression has subsided dramatically. We are so happy and I wanted to thank you for the advice as you helped us so much. I have a cat question that I posted today. Not sure if you know about cats. But we have a new dilemma cause we spayed the cat also. Anyway, I wanted to thank you for your help. We very much appreciate it :-)

You just made my day! Thank you so much for coming back and letting us know how Henry is doing. I'm so happy that you not only took the advice given, but that it worked for you. Henry is a very lucky dog. :)

I'm not a cat expert. I have had cats in my life, but don't really have a lot to offer advice wise. I will look at your question though, there may be something I have to offer. But, we do have wonderful cat experts on this site. I'm sure you'll get great advice from them.

Again, thank you so much for coming back. You've shown me why I do this, and I have to say, it's not always easy, most people don't take the advice offered, or get mad because the advice isn't what they want to hear. You not only listened, but you took the advice, and you've done far more for Henry than you'll ever know by doing that.

I hope you stick around. This site isn't only about asking questions, it's about answering them as well, and all the experts that answer started by coming here to ask a question, then they stuck around, found the questions they had knowledge in, and showed their expertise. Why not look at some of the questions, see if there's someone you can help. I hope you do. If not, I hope you at least keep us posted on how Henry is doing, and your entire family as well. :)

Alty, the post right before this I had somehow missed. The information about umbilical training and all the other good information. Actually, I couldn't find this site again and spent like 30 minutes this morning trying to figure out which one it was because I wanted to tell you how thrilled we are. Henry has even started being very affectionate. We also knew something was up when my 15 yo son said Henry walked into his room, looked at him, and wagged his tail. My son's jaw dropped. Mainly because Henry used to have the audacity to walk in my son's room and look at him and growl, LOL :-), I know it isn't really funny, but we were amazed at how much he thought HE was the boss sometimes. Anyway, he has drastically changed in 2 1/2 weeks so I am sure it will continue to improve. We are trying to be consistent with walking, still working on that.
AND I have bookmarked the site so I can come back regularly. I hope someone knows something about the cat :-). Anyway, you're awesome and we took all of your advice and followed it AND you knew what you were talking about :-) thanks again :-)