Re: Growling on bed

In Reply to: Growling on bed
Category:   Behavior Problems
Posted by:  Candice Jaboneta
Posted on:  April 29, 2003 at 23:46:55

: Our JR is five years old and we have had him for about 1yr. and 4mos. My ? is that at night our JR sleeps in his bed which is at the foot of our bed but he jumps on our bed in the middle of the night and sleeps on the top of our bed between my husband and I. We do not have no problem with that, but latley in the middle of the night if we make a sudden move he growls. Any suggestions as to what we should do???

Response:

Hi Candice,

Personally for me, it all depends on the type of growl. If it's just a grumpy growl, I usually just ignore it. This breed is pretty vocal and likes to let you know how it feels. :)

On the other hand if it's a vicious type growl, that means the dog is no longer allowed on the bed and has to sleep elsewhere. This should also include not being allowed up on the couch. Being able to sit and lay where humans do is a privilege, not a right.

If it is indeed the nasty growl then you will have to move his bed out of your bedroom, or crate him at bedtime.

Doing this teaches a dog that he is lower in the pack order. Some dominant dogs, if given bed and couch privileges, start to believe that they are the alpha of the house. This can lead to aggression towards its humans, which is never acceptable behavior.