No reaction to a growl

Baruch · 08-05-2008, 01:49 PM

what does it mean if your puppy (mine 17wks) does not react to another dogs growl?

My sister had to move in with us this week because she sold her house faster than expected, and brought along her male golden retriever. Her dog will loose patience with Baruch because he will just lick him excitedly all over and won't stop. The golden is patient but getting irritated with the puppy and will growl. I ofcourse I seperate the two. I would expect the growl to deter Baruch but he shows no reation. Does he not know what a growl means?

GunnersMum · 08-05-2008, 02:01 PM

How old was he when he was taken from his mother and littermates? Has he had any interaction with other dogs since coming to live with you?

It is very rare that an adult will harm a puppy. I would have kept a close eye on them and let your sisters dog teach him some manners on what is acceptable behaviour and was is not.

Baruch · 08-05-2008, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GunnersMum

How old was he when he was taken from his mother and littermates? Has he had any interaction with other dogs since coming to live with you?

It is very rare that an adult will harm a puppy. I would have kept a close eye on them and let your sisters dog teach him some manners on what is acceptable behaviour and was is not.

He was 8 1/2 wks old. I watched him play with his littermates and they were rough. I also have 2 small dogs Baruch plays with but they do not growl at him. I take him everywhere, 2 different training classes, festivals, parks. He is very playful, I just don't know if I should let my sisters dog teach him or should I just remove him from getting bit? My sisters dog has progressed to showing his teeth and I thought for sure he would bite Baruch but didn't and Baruch just kept on licking, licking, licking. He just doesn't know when to stop, is bad for a puppy of his age to get bit?

GunnersMum · 08-05-2008, 02:29 PM

Without knowing your sisters dog and it's level of socialization with other dogs I wouldn't say it's good for your puppy to get bit by it. But with a dog that is socialized - it is good for your puppy to be taught acceptable behaviour. An adult will first growl their displeasure, then bares it's teeth, if still no response then they will nip. The nip on a socialized dog will not "hurt" the puppy physically but will make it step back and pay attention to the growls and teeth baring.

Linda H · 08-05-2008, 03:14 PM

Usually, and that is a big usually, they will just snap at a puppy and not actually make contact.

**sebsyd** · 08-05-2008, 04:05 PM

I think that your puppy is acting just like a puppy!! He is exuberant and happy. The golden will show him by growling, barring his teeth, or nipping him gently. The puppy will get the hint. The golden may also shun the puppy, that is turn away from him and ignore him. You can try to say "enough" to the puppy when he is really aggravating the other dog and capture his attention with a toy or treat to defuse the situation. The pack usually takes care of themselves without human interference. However, I would moniter their play. It may be that the golden is not used to playing with puppies and has no tolerance. You don't say how old the golden is, that may play a part in it. I think that they will get used to each other (with supervision) and will be good for each other in the long run. Good luck. Let us hear how it progresses.

Baruch · 08-05-2008, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sebsyd

I think that your puppy is acting just like a puppy!! He is exuberant and happy. The golden will show him by growling, barring his teeth, or nipping him gently. The puppy will get the hint. The golden may also shun the puppy, that is turn away from him and ignore him. You can try to say "enough" to the puppy when he is really aggravating the other dog and capture his attention with a toy or treat to defuse the situation. The pack usually takes care of themselves without human interference. However, I would moniter their play. It may be that the golden is not used to playing with puppies and has no tolerance. You don't say how old the golden is, that may play a part in it. I think that they will get used to each other (with supervision) and will be good for each other in the long run. Good luck. Let us hear how it progresses.

My sisters golden is 7-8 yrs old. He does try to shun/ignore him and then eventually growl. I just didn't know how or when I should intervene.

**sebsyd** · 08-05-2008, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tferraro

My sisters golden is 7-8 yrs old. He does try to shun/ignore him and then eventually growl. I just didn't know how or when I should intervene.

I'd only interfer if they started to actually fight or if the golden bit the pup. The golden sounds like he is older and has never had to deal with a small puppy. This may be good for both of them. I hope so.

**BlackandTans** · 08-05-2008, 06:08 PM

Yep sounds like the older pup needs to teach the younger one how to behave. That is all. If the Golden has just done warning barks that should mean just that. Giving your pup a warning that he is annoying him. I would let the older dog teach your pup some "manners" as I guess it is said. Just be there to watch it and intervene if it ends up being more then just a quick putting the pup in his place and starts being a full out fight. This is probably going to end up being good experience for both of the dogs.