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Any suggestions on helping our smallest dog not growl and snarl at other dogs?

Our smallest pup (around 13lbs, half yorkie/half rat terrier) has some social problems around other dogs. He gets better the longer he knows them and is around them (he doesn't do it with our other dog now...years later), but it's especially bad at meet and greets or when we have a new dog staying with us.

He is 9 years old and spent most of his life as just me and him. We didn't get another dog until 2 years ago so he is very attached and protective of me, which makes him not very friendly and social around other pups.

Anyone have any suggestions as to how I can help him not growl and snarl when meeting new dogs? It definitely comes off a bit embarrassing when meeting new clients. :/

Thanks!!!

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Does your dog growl, snap, snarl, lunge or otherwise threaten passing dogs or people on walks? Perhaps the dog has had bad experiences that make this behavior understandable. Yet it's embarrassing, and raises concerns the dog will injure a person or dog. What can you do? Can this problem be cured?

Lindsey J.

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Tara and Jeremy V.

Don't pick him up when he does it! That makes mine much worse! Push his neck down to the ground like a momma dog would, and force him to submit in front of the new dog. Seemed to help with mine!

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Cherish E.

DO NOT make your dog "submit." If you have a sitter or trainer that suggests this, run away-fast. They are going to make your problem much, much worse.

A dog growl is a warning. Your pup is showing you and the new dog that they are uncomfortable with the situation. By punishing your dog for growling, you are putting yourself and other dogs in harms way.

Comments

To clarify, yes, you are the leader for your dog and they will look to you as to what is appropriate behavior or not. It is your responsibility to promote a calm and submissive state for your pet. Some dogs certainly do need to be redirected to submit if their behavior becomes too aggressive.

Marie S.

Physically holding the dog down is a terrible idea. Please seek the guidance of a FF trainer.

Cherish E.

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Any suggestions on helping our smallest dog not growl and snarl at other dogs?

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