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Originally Posted by Sadgirl  He has growled when I’ve approached him or petted him in some situations and usually growls if either of us touch him just after putting his bowl down. He has never progressed past this growl- although with my reprimand it only gets louder. He adores my husband, but has this occasional issue with me. ...since there are those moments he warns me with that growl. I cannot accept...threats when I approach. |
Because it sounded as though their was growling in other situations besides the food bowl I thought the note about
MANAGING FEAR AGGRESSION and the link may be appropriate.
[quote=fostermom;818367]Weily,
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I guess the question then arises...is this dog demonstrating guarding or fear aggression...I would think (if this is guarding) her attempting to continue petting this dog while he eats would make it worse...I was thinking about suggesting to her that she carry around treats and when the dog starts to react to her approach, toss it a high value treat and then walk off so that the dog starts associating her approach with treats (counter-conditioning)..but I'm not a behavioralist or trainer, I "just" foster dogs and have some of my own...seems like it MIGHT be a good approach...but trying to do this over the net is really hard.
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I concur, trying to help over the net is hard. The idea of carrying treats around is wonderful, catch dog doing a behavior you want and toss or give the treat. I am not a behaviourist nor am I trainer, all I know is what worked with Greta. We were always carrying treats around to reward good behavior and condition behavior we desired, ie: hold treat at nose-she glanced-we treated (this one learned at basic obedience); I pet (no matter how short it was) without a growl response-we treated, my husband and I hug without a growl response-immediate treat; and so on. Whenever there was a growl gave the Aaa-aaa, and turned our back, or walked away--whatever was appropriate for the situation.
Sadgirl,
Best wishes to you, I know you can do it. It does take work and time but is so rewarding and well worth it.
Dawn