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View Full Version : Is this growling worrisome?


Karen Jones
03-16-2005, 07:33 AM
Hi,
Our dog, Maggie, is a schnauzer/poodle mix, almost 2 years old. We adopted her from the shelter last September.
She has had some issues with getting anxious when people ring the doorbell, come in the front door, etc. (whining, barking at them, jumping up, etc.) but thanks to the articles and advice I got on DoggieDoor, she has gotten much better. We've worked with her on doorbell desensitization, sitting politely for visitors, etc.
Here's the latest thing: My son (10) has three friends who come every morning to pick him up to walk to school. They love Maggie and always want to see her when they come to the door. She used to bark at them, but now she runs to the door, tail wagging madly, and wants to go out on the front steps to see them. She lets them all pat her (I've taught them the right way to do it--on her chest or under her chin, not on top of her head.) While they are patting her and talking to her her tail is going madly, she's licking them, etc. However, today I noticed that she was also occasionally making a low growl while the patting, etc., was going on. Is this something I should be concerned about? Or just a sign of excitement?
Thanks,
Karen

Daniela Jantzen
03-16-2005, 08:49 AM
Hello Karen,

many dogs tend to growl when they are overly excited.
And although it might sound scary, it is usually just a display of pure joy.
However, to be on the safe side, I would try to keep the situation as relaxed and calm as possible in order to prevent little Maggie from overexaggerating any type of behaviour (which can cause quite a huge amount of stress in a dog by the way).
Keep the greetings procedures a bit shorter. Allow Maggie to come up to the boys, sit down and wait for her turn to greet them. But after a short hello and a few pats they should completely ignore Maggie thus helping her to settle down again.

Regards,
Daniela

Karen Jones
03-16-2005, 09:19 AM
That is really good advice. You're right, I think the whole thing is just a bit too much for her. Four 10-year-old boys can generate a lot of energy! Also, having them all sort of crowded around her is not a good idea, I know. Tomorrow morning I will try to calm things down a bit.
Karen