HELP-Bumpy snapped at me

lanabana · 05-27-2008, 01:49 PM

I have had behavior issues two days in a row...someone help please. Bumpy is my 2 year 4 month unneutered male, my velcro boy, etc. Never had any aggression issues with people, loves everyone that comes in through the door. Two nights ago he got snippy with one of my other dogs that laid on him while he was asleep so he got up and came around to me. I reprimanded him for growling at Callie and he full on growled at me then. I grabbed his snout with a firm NO and he growled again and then went to another room to sulk. Fast forward to yesterday and he was acting like a maniac barking at a squirrel. Got snippy with my other dog who was trying to herd him into the house so I again gave him the sit command and went to grab his snout with a firm NO. He lifted his lips, showed teeth growled and snapped. He didn't move forward towards me when he was snapping but he was clearly trying to convey to me that he was boss. Never, ever has he done anything like this. My question is, is he questioning who is boss? What do I do? He knew he was wrong as he pouted, wouldn't leave my side, wouldn't stop kissing me after this, but clearly I need to stop this behavior. Help someone please. What did I do wrong and how should I have handled this better?

Lana

workingk9s · 05-27-2008, 02:20 PM

Get him into training.

GunnersMum · 05-27-2008, 02:28 PM

I agree with K9's - and get him neutered too.

As an aside, it sounds like his growling/snapping is after he's been *bothered* by your other dog. What is the pecking order in your house as far as his position on the totem pole? Is he above Callie? Perhaps it's Callie who needs to be repremanded for disturbing the alpha male? Just a thought. I'd ask a professional who can actually come and see how the dogs interact for their opinion and recommendations.

DLS · 05-27-2008, 02:28 PM

Neuter him!

DobeSpell · 05-27-2008, 02:56 PM

I had the same problem. Actually I believe I'll always have.
My dog snapped me three times so far, intentionally.
First time I was hugging him, got all over him. He tried to escape but I didn't let him. Then he just turned head and grab my face. I had two cuts, one just under my left eye and another one near right ear (my whole face was in his jaws). I had to go to emergency because bleeding wouldn’t stop (they had to glue the cut under my eye).

Then he snapped my hand because I tried to remove his head from the bed (my mistake, should’ve done that differently).

Third time he was sleeping and I went close to his nose to kiss him. He woke up and bit me (my mistake again).

First two times I gave him small corrections and firm No but third time I was very rough on him. I got so mad that I couldn’t control myself. He got strong corrections and I hit him and put in down position for half an hour. I felt sorry for him once I calmed down.

Since then I didn’t have any accidents.

We asked trainer about King and I was told that he’s ok, I’m the one who’s doing mistakes.

DobeSpell · 05-27-2008, 02:57 PM

My dog is unneutered too.

**sebsyd** · 05-27-2008, 03:27 PM

Neutering may help, but this is agressive behavior that really needs to be nipped in the bud. Talk to a behaviorist or a trainer and see what suggestions they may have first. Never hit him, as Dobespell said she did!! All that is is a lack of self control. Shake him from the scruff of his neck and tell him "no" forcefully. Let him know that this is unacceptable behavior. Good luck with this problem and please post us as to the results.

DLS · 05-27-2008, 04:00 PM

DobeSpell and lanabana, Why are your boys not neutered?

DobeSpell · 05-27-2008, 04:15 PM

Well I just couldn't do that. Before I got dog I always promoted fixing and all that... but with King it is diferent story. I'm just not comfortable doing it. Feel bad

.

berkdogg · 05-27-2008, 04:32 PM

I think many here are missing the point. In the cases of growling, the dog was clearly disturbed by another dog. Would you have any dog roll over him and him not say anything, for goodness sakes, you have a Dobe. You shouldn't want him to be a push over. As for yourself, you need to re-exert your alpha status. Be mindful that he is eating after you, that you give him permission to eat, you are the one who initiates play, and that you are keeping his sleeping quarters separate from yours. I think giving him the big snip for being grumpy is a bit extreme.