Puppy growling.

[leejaysmum]

I have a 9 week old West Highland Terrier that growls every time she is picked up or petted. She had done this for the past 3 weeks - since we got her on the first day really - and is progressively getting worse, as in the growl is now beginning to turn into a snarl. Shes a very healthy puppy and is in no discomfort as we have had her checked by the vet, and she plays and wrestles very happily with our 10 month Border Terrier for hours on end. Im afraid that if we leave this behaviour it may turn into something more nasty. We have tried petting her little and often, but she seems to hate being handled! She fights and growls until she is put down again. I find this bizarre as Im an experienced dog owner, but have never come across growling in a pup as young as this. Am i worrying needlessly or should I be concerned at this young age? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[LoftyLottie]

Does your vet practice have anyone who deals with behaviour therapy. Ours does. It would be worth looking one up so this can be curbed whilst she is so young. I don't know why. Perhaps she just isn't going to be a dog who likes to be handled but the growling and snarling needs nipping in the bud.

[brenda]

She is still very young , and it may be her way of establishing herself in your domestic scenario.All animals can be trained by the use of food , so maybe get her food ready , let her see it and then stroke as you give it to her.FOR the rest of the time speak to her but don't handle -- may work.good luck.

[kita1]

So she was 6 weeks old when you got her?

Where did you get her from?

It sounds like she has not been handled much by the breeder and instead has bonded more with the other pups/dogs (hence why she will play so much with your other dog). Its possible she has been reared outside with minimal human contact that would make her react in the way you describe.

You need to be patient. I would try to get her playing with you more than the other dog (give them time out from each other). Spend time just sitting with her on her own, you could do a bit of gentle training using treats, get her to 'sit' etc. then give her the treat and praise her.

Basically you need to build up your relationship with her (away from the other dog), otherwise she will become far too dependent on the other dog and will look to him/her for leadership all the time.

I would avoid picking her up as much as possible, some small dogs hate being picked up.

Try and get her to come to you as much as possible, rather than you approaching her and when she does approach you make it pleasurable for her.

You do need to get it sorted out as in the future she is going to need grooming on a regular basis and possibly clipping as well, so you have to make this as stress free as possible. With this in mind I would start gently grooming her with a soft brush now.

[lankeela]

Have you been back in touch with the breeder? They may be able to give you some advice as to how the rest of their dogs/pups are. What was the mother like to handle?
Did the pups live indoors and have access to other people? Have you started to brush her yet to get her used to being groomed? Does she let you stroke her?
I am afraid if this continues she will end up being very difficult to handle and I would seriously be considering returning her to the breeder.