CHRISTINE SULLIVAN

Thank you for all the information Adrienne! I have been working a lot with my daughter regarding letting the puppy eat and sleep in peace. In general, our home is a peaceful environment so I don't think that she is overly stressed. I have to admit though that the growling is disturbing me. She doesn't only growl when she is disturbed while resting. She also growls when I pick her up if she doesn't want to move. For example, when I am getting ready to leave and it is time to go in her crate. If she doesn't come with a treat so I pick her up. (She is in good health so I am not worried about underlying health concerns). When she growls I stop what I am doing, so I am afraid that I am teaching her to growl to get what she wants. If food rewards don't work, and we are supposed to only use positive reinforcement, then what are we supposed to do? Your story about the Rottweiler growling made me scared that if I do the wrong thing that she will lash out someday.

Hi! I am a new dog owner. I have a 3 month old female golden retriever puppy. She has been growling lately. I have determined that it is mainly when people approach her when she is chewing a bone or when we disrupt her when she is sleeping (for example, if she is asleep on the floor and I need to put her in her crate). Yesterday she actually bit my 5 year old who approached her when chewing her bone (I think she thought my daughter was going to take it). I read what you wrote about respecting their growls and giving them treats when they are chewing a bone. I guess I just want to know if this behavior sounds out of the ordinary and I should get outside help, or if this sounds like normal puppy behavior? She is otherwise sweet and well behaved (for a puppy). Thanks for your help.