Dog Community

Growling and biting...?

Posted : 6/19/2006 2:55:30 AM

My sister went over to give Cyrus a cuddle today, and he snarled and bit her (more of a nip, not enough to draw blood or anything). This seems to happen a lot. At first I thought that he must be in pain (she mostly touches either his shoulders or flanks), but when my dad or I pet him there, he actually seems to like it.

We have tried time-outs and a myriad of verbal reprimands, etc., but he just keeps on reacting to her affectionate gestures in a hostile manner. She is very enthusiastic about petting and cuddling him, but has never been ungentle with him. The only difference between the way she handles him and the way my dad and I handle him is that she cuddles him more, picks him up, kisses him, hugs him...etc...

Is the NILIF program something done throughout a dog's life? I became complacent and eventually stopped when he seemed to become more obedient (eg., faster to perform, and so on). My sister gave him a time-out alone in the bathroom for snarling at her before, and it seemed to work. Now, however, it's like he has become desensitized to her verbal reprimands and time out.

Any adive would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance.

mudpuppy

Posted : 6/19/2006 8:43:23 AM

you know, to a dog, being directly approached head-on, hugged, kissed, picked up, and having someone lean over them to pet them: these are seen as very aggressive, scary behaviors by most dogs, NOT as the gestures of affection the human intended.

justine_lim

Posted : 6/19/2006 2:41:36 PM

Thanks for the reply.

He has been around my sister for several months now, and seemed to have grown accustomed to her frequent handling/petting/etc. I have been leaning over him to give him pets since he was a little puppy, and what I get from him are tail wags and asking for more when I stop.

I am a little confused now...should I ask my sister to alter her behavior towards him, or do we start from the beginning and slowly accustom him to it again?

Once again, thanks for the reply.

cakana

Posted : 6/19/2006 9:16:05 PM

Is the NILIF program something done throughout a dog's life?

I think it's probably good to practice it at all times, but I understand how we all become complacent and sometimes, it's not a problem. In your case though, I'd definitely revisit the NILIF program and include your sister in it too. Maybe have her feed Cyrus for awhile, making him work for his food, and see if that helps. I'm not sure what Cyrus is going thru, but he may just be acting testy cause he knows he can. Having him earn his food/treats from your sister might be the reminder he needs. Good luck!