How to stop my dogs growling?

Question

Okay, so I have a dog named Woodie. He is around 6 or 7 years old, and he is a mutt. He looks like a cross between a Rat Terrier, a Jack Rustle[sp?], and a Mini Pin.

About a year or so ago he just started growling alot.

Backstory:

One of our family dogs passed away, and my sister got a dog. Woodie didn't care for him but wasn't mean. So as time wen't on about a month and a half after my sister got Rufus [new dog] my dog started growling at him whenever he would pass by him and it just gradually got worse and worse until he was doing it literally every single time Rufus would just walk in his direction or pass him or anything! He get's stiff, yet his ears go back. It's got to the point now where he is starting to growl at the other dogs in the house [we have 6 altogether] and in the mornings when my mom or sister enters the room he sometimes growls at them!

It's so hard for me because after so long my family is becoming aggressive towards my dog! They yell at him consistly for his growling and sometimes try and kick him! I, of course being the dog daddy I am yell at them and tell them that if they find the need to kick him I may find the need to kick them, and they have stopped that but they still find the need to yell at him and If I am not quick enough to make him stop.

I love him so much. He is my constant companion. He has helped me through so much by just being there and he loves me unconditionally, as most dogs do with their owners.

I have tried alot to make him stop-

Yelling :[

Flicking his nose when he does it

holding him down with my hand around his neck when he does it

puting him in my room alone when he does it

ect. Nothing works.

I do not have the money for a trainer or a ride to classes or anything either.

I will also mention that Rufus has become increasingly dominant this past year. He tries to hover over my other dog, and get's into fights with all the dogs in the house and even took a chunk out from my moms Great Dane's side.

Things to know:

My dog is practically my shadow

He is frightful or loud noises

He RARELY growls at female dogs

He just started growling one day out of the blue

We have a pack leader dog, the one who passed was not the dominate.

I know this is all over the place and I apologize, I am just trying to get everything down and try and correct the issue before it comes to a place that I don't wan't it to be at.

Answer 1

Wow. You are very knowledgeable about dogs. Much more than many of the people who post here.:)

With that many dogs in the house , there is bound to be friction.

Your dog is a territorial kind ( I have a Jack), and wants you to himself.

he's lucky to have you.

Correcting him as you are and supervising him is good.

I would crate him when you are not home.

You may have to muzzle him in the house - a muzzle he can drink from and remove it when he is on walks with you or in tour room with you.

Good luck.

Answer 2

you may want to check ur dog for thyroid problems, a lot of dogs that are all of suddent become irritable have thyroid problems, once u've ruled that out then you need to start training ur dog urself by researching as much information as you can, from books and online resources, and believe me if you ask questions here, you have to have thick skin, ppl on Y!A are not always willing to help but to instead talk smack.  ignore those and continue looking for wat can help you, good luck.

Answer 3

Is he neutered?  If not, that will reduce his aggression towards other male dogs.  If he is, then I suggest you seek your vet's help, there may be something else going on here that needs a professional's help.  Good luck.

Answer 4

try spraying bitter apple or lemon juice every time he growls. avoiding his face but body. and simply, tell him no. yelling at him won't do anything since dogs think yelling is barking. and u can also try put a leash on him and qickly pull it up every time he growls, of course tell him no at the same time. if he stops the growling, pet him and give him some treats.

Answer 5

alright so your dogs your buddy but hes aggressive, huh. you want to try distacting him or snapping him out of it. try watching shows like the dog whisperer or its me or the dog. hope i helped!  

Answer 6

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