PLEASE - how do i stop my dog growling, it is driving me insane!

[Moonstone6]

Hi,

My dog is a westie and he's about 1 1/2 years old. Je's always been a bit growly but just lately he's doing it virtually 24 hours a day/ He does it at any little tiny noise throughout the night, and at anything that comes on the telly.

I've tried firmly saying NO each time, ive tried an ultrasonic sound buzzer thing each time he does it, ive tried the "supernanny" route of putting him in his bed every time he does it, and he just then sits in his bed doing it.

I've taken him to the vets and he's not in pain or anything, so i really dont know what to do.

Any advice on how to stop this??? I'm starting to really lose my patience with it now, i'd understand if there was a dog barking or something but now its just over anything.

Thank you

[divegirl]

Sounds like he's just got in to a bad habit. Try squirting him with water when he does it,in conjunction with a firm 'NO' then give him something to play with to distract him. And repeat and repeat and repeat. Dogs learn through repetition.

Lisa x

[kita1]

You could also try totally ignoring it. Don't even give him eye contact.

At the moment you are giving him attention when he growls - even if it is negative, so in effect you are reinforcing the growling.

Some dogs (like kids) just want attention - no matter what. Every time you say 'no', put him out of the room or on his bed you are responding to him and he is getting contact from you.

He may see it as 'I growl and mum comes running!!'

Totally ignoring it may just make him think that as he is not getting any response it is not worth the effort.

[craft1948]

My westie will argue with you until you give in so I try and ignore him. If he's growling I'll tell him to shut up......he'll stop and then mutter away.......my builder thought it hilarious but it can get on your wick.

[Moonstone6]

Thanks guys. I think i might try that! Not sure my partner will be impressed with listening to growling at 3 in the morning and trying to ignore it, but i'll have to have a firm hand with him too hehe.

That is just like mine craft! He now knows when he's done it that he has to leave the room of his own accord, but he'll sit outside the door doing instead hehe.

[woofgang]

yup, the best (but most difficult lol) way of extinguishing unwanted behaviour is to ignore it...works with husbands too.....

[Moonstone6]

hehehe - agreed!