Posted by muttz on February 17, 2003 at 18:44:11:
In Reply to: Re: big dogs growl, little dogs growl posted by mommacude on February 17, 2003 at 09:38:05:
:Thanks very much. Maybe I am just reading him wrong. I just didn't have the growling with my previous dog. I have read on the www.bichon.org site that you shouldn't play tug of war at all with small dogs, do you agree with that? It says that creates aggressive behavor and can throw off their bite. So I think based on that I was concerned we started bad habits. I wouldn't mind the growling so much if it wasn't that his peronality for play just gets on my nerves. I feel terrible saying that as I want to be "friends" but most of the time I just don't feel like I've bonded with him. And a few of my friends that are dog lovers tell me he is a very irritating dog. We just got some bad habits established I guess.
:I'm glad to hear you think that some in-home training would help. I don't want to have to find him another home as my husband and daughter are very attached to him. I like him a lot better when he's sleepy and I can pet him. :)
:Thanks again,
:Christine
Have you only had older dogs before - or otherwise very mellow dogs? A 14 month dog of almost any breed will want to play play play, and tug of war is one of their favourites.
Many people say you shouldn't play tug of war as it creates aggression. However, many others see it as a great fun dog thing. I'm in the latter. You should win more often than the dog (preferably all the time - but I must admit - my dog does ocassionally beat me!). And you decide when to play and for how long (after you've had enough you put the toy away). I must admit I do break the rules occasionally... and allow my dog to run around the house "killing" his tug toy by shaking it around!
Some say tug games are actually a bonding experience between dogs and owners - as in the wild dogs actually tugged food together - not to see who gets the food - but to rip it up together.. all very bonding etc.
I don't know. What I would suggest is that you might wish to limit tug games. Maybe there can be other games you can play? Hide and seek with a toy is great. Put your dog in a sit/stay and go hide his toy in the house somewhere. Then release him with a find command. The first few times, you might do this is in one room - so he can see where the toy is... after a while you can extend the search area! This is a favourite in my house (particularly if I use a biscuit bone instead of a toy!).
I think YOU need to do some more training and walking of your dog. Sometimes it takes time to bond with a dog. Lots of walks and training sessions will also tire him out so he sleeps more instead of being a crazy player. More walks could be all the little one needs!
And yes, I really think you will find training very beneficial. After in-house training, I really think you and the dog would benefit from classes - one where they can help him get over his fear etc of new things.
And remember, he is still young and full of life. You obviously prefer a more mature quiet dog. In a few years time I'm sure he will quieten down. Just remember, its not his fault he is a young, excitable, full of life dog! (some of us mad people actually prefer our dogs that way!)
