Growling question? Looking for advice.

by Heather
(Massachusetts)

Our Coton, Domino (a little over a year and half years old), has begun growling at me (us?) at certain times of the day. This is a new behavior. He growls when I leave for work in the morning when I kiss my sons and husband goodbye. He growls when my sons kiss me goodnight. It is a pretty serious growl and he does not respond to us telling him, "No" or "Stop" which are commands he knows.

During these transitions in the past, he has just run up to us and wanted to be part of the hug or interaction. We have always acknowledged him and included him, but now he gets tense and growls. Looking for advice to handle this. Thanks!

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Jan 20, 2015
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Growling NEW
by: Anonymous

When my Coton gets too bossy around us I take him out for a car ride & store shopping in the shopping cart. It's an intimidating experience for him and he looks to me for protection. When we return home he's more submissive, appreciative and better behaved for several days.

In a family of four or so he has many masters. Check to see if consistency in response to the Coton is in order. Perhaps he's hearing too many no's (which just breaks his heart). Sometimes diversion (a refocus) is better than a "no".

I clap my hands to change attention/behavior. The startle works and then I praise for listening to the "clap". I redirect the focus into something positive. A walk per say.

Coton's need as much attention as the family. If the family is all too busy he may lose his sense of being important. I ensure my Coton gets his special time each day. Right after special attention time (our time) he settles down very content.

I try different things. One day it's going for car rides for "treats". Another day it's "jump the Holla-Hoop" lessons in the back yard. Another day its hair-cut & hand-shower time together. Another day it's "let's go buy doggie bones from the butcher" & on another day its let's go visit "Aunt Betty". I add variety. It's not just walking a dog.

Growling may also be caused by 'leather' coats or shoes. When ever my Coton sniffs "leather" (animal hide) he growls. I use lavender essential oil in a bottle, open the cap and let him "sniff" briefly. It breaks the scent of leather, changes the focus and lavender just so happens to "calm".

Sep 20, 2014
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by: Anonymous

you might look for a "Positive Training" doggie school class. They can help you encourage his good behavior while incorrect behaviors will disappear. PLEASE check into one of these in your area. Punishment does not work well with any dog especially Cotons. Would you like someone always just acknowledging your "bad" behaviors?
Do NOT go to anyone who wants to use a choke chain for correction.

Sep 19, 2014
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growling NEW
by: joyce/pierre

Try filling an empty can with a few coins & tape the top. When he growls shake the can and say no.

Sep 19, 2014
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growling NEW
by: Vicky & Jonah

PS The shipping is $6.99 under $60. Which also includes shampoo in the gals.

Sep 19, 2014
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growling NEW
by: Vicky & Jonah

Get yourself some Pet Corrector which is a can of compressed air & follow the instructions. It works for unwanted barking, jumping up, food stealing, aggression & chasing.

You can get it from WWw.ryanspet.com They have a catalog on line or will mail u 1. Even thou u pay shipping if u go in & ck prices u will find they r pretty much half the retail price.

They also carry stuff like Pad Tough which is nice if u walk or dog alot which protects their pads from weather. I forget where u r writing from but for anyone in snow country mushers cream works well.

Anyway u can get just about any treat, toy, supplement, medicines, clothes, grooming etc & I find cheaper then Amazon. PS they do not carry mushers cream but Amazon does for $11. Lasts a long time.

The catalog does offer more then posted online & I still enjoy browsing catalogs.

For any one who lives in AZ u can just go down to warehouse & shop the warehouse.

When young I used the air since Jonah hated when ppl left the house. Now when he went through the get up on the back of couch & scratch at window when ppl left I use the air horn can to bring his focus back to me.

Good luck.

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