Growling at my son....

by Naudia
(Mcminnville. Oregon )

We just got Crash like two days ago. He's a labrador and Corgi mix. Very cute dog. He's about 10 months old.

We had some problem with him recently. One is he growls at my four year old son whenever he wants to get his toy from him. My Fiancee and I always play with Crash and he seems to have no problem with us touching and playing with his toy. I have no idea if my son has done something to him that made him the way he is. He had come from a family of two kids and they said that he's great with kids.

Crash has no other problems with my son it's only with his toys. I read online and it said to give him a treat with his toy in front of him to let him know that it's okay to have a human touch your toy. The thing is, is that he only does it to my son. I was scared to let my son do it cause I didn't need anyone, especially him getting bit. What do I do?



Hi Naudia
Crash is telling you two things here - firstly, that he's possessive of his toys, and secondly that he thinks he's your son's equal, in terms of status.

This is perfectly normal behavior, especially for an adolescent male, but it's something you're correct to be concerned about, and it does need to be dealt with.

It's quite common for puppies to see children as their 'littermates', and to treat them in the same way. If you've ever seen a litter of puppies squabbling over toys, you'll get the picture! Of course, Crash needs to learn that your son is of a higher status in the 'pack' (your family) than he is. Once he accepts that, he will give up his toy readily to him, just the way he does to you and your fiance, that's because he recognizes your authority.

It's a little tricky because your son is only 4 years old, but you need to have him take some responsibility for taking care of Crash. Particularly in terms of feeding him, and asking him to obey basic commands for treats. Dogs are pack animals and they respect the one/s who are in control of the resources - and food is the biggie.

Have your son pour the food into Crash's bowl, and ask him to 'sit', once he obeys your son he can give him his food.

However, giving Crash his food is different to trying to take it away, or approach him while eating. Don't allow your son to be near the dog's bowl or try to put his hand into it or anything like that. Dogs that are possessive with their toys are also often possessive with their food too.

During the day, have your son ask Crash to 'sit', or 'down' or whatever he knows how to do, and then he can give him a treat.

If Crash ISN'T one of those dogs who gobbles food from your hand and takes the fingers with it, have your son feed him one meal by hand (one fistful at a time) every couple of days.

All these things will teach your pup that your son is higher 'on the totem pole' than he is. The idea of giving Crash a tasty treat in exchange for his toy is a good one and is effective, but at this point I wouldn't advise it be done by your son as it's possible that he will get bitten. Once Crash has accepted his 'authority', it will be different.

I hope this helps some, best of luck with him!