Re: Growling When Picked Up

In Reply to: Growling When Picked Up
Category:   Aggression
Posted by:  Angela
Posted on:  November 26, 2002 at 23:27:34

: We have a wonderful, neutered, 4 month old male JRT named Lewis. He has a great tempermant and we really enjoy him! However, we have noticed in the last few weeks, that he sometimes growls when he is picked up. What are your suggestions for stopping this? Right not, we are trying confinement.

: Thanks!

Response:

Dear Angela,

Physical discomfort can cause a pup to growl when picked up; Lewis may be reacting to his latest puppy shot or to an internal problem. Since he is due for his first rabies vaccination, I suggest you take advantage of this trip to the vet and have him thoroughly examined to rule out any medical reason for his behavior.

If he is healthy, then his growling is likely a reaction to "why" you pick him up...to confine him, to get him away from something he shouldn't eat/chew...i.e. negative things. Young pups are very quick to associate their behavior with ours. :-)

Consider picking Lewis up for no reason; if he growls, firmly tell him to "knock it off" or "quit." When he stops growling, put him on the floor and tell him to sit; the second he obeys, tell him he's a good boy, give him a treat and then walk away.