my GSD pup is 3 months. he has been great so far but i cant help but notice when i play with him he at times starts to bark and growl in an angry intonation.It most often occurs during prey and bite play. Should i make anything of this?
Mike J Schoonbrood Webboard User Reg: 04-30-2005
Posts: 2784
Loc: Toronto, ON
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A couple breeders I've talked to refer to this as "social aggression" and actually look for that trait when deciding on a pups suitability as a working dog. I don't know what other people would make of it though, be interesting to see some US based breeders opinions of "social aggression"? I've seen it on pups as young as 5 weeks old.
I'm with Dan. I have had a puppy get like that too, while playing in this manner, and he turned out to have a lot of the traits most look for in a working/sport prospect. Heck, even my childhood cocker spaniel growled when playing tug o war... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Don't think it has much to do with weak nerves; "weak nerves" seems to be a catch-phrase lately; maybe we need to clarify what is meant by this phrase, because I just can't imagine that *all* these dogs really have weak nerves... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />
Just seems like it's a bandwagon everyone's jumping on lately. If I was truly concerned about my pup's nerves, I'd seek ONLY professional opinions from trusted trainers/evaluators. It can get dangerous when people mis-evaluate dog temperaments. Not saying anyone in this thread is doing that-just saying while we're on the subject of nerves, be careful who you listen to. The wrong advice could have dire consequences.
Anne Vaini Webboard User Reg: 07-14-2005
Posts: 775
Loc: Wisconsin
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Your puppy bitework possibly could be too rough? Look away from your pup, give with each counter and spend a little more time into my arms. That could correct the growling if it is caused by too stressful of play.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> That's why I said I wasn't being specific to this thread; the "weak nerves" thing just brought up something that's occurred to me lately. I can't get over how many "trainers" tell people their dogs have weak nerves, and the people freak out, causing much more harm than if they'd just carried on and treated their pup normally. I've heard of people doing this intentionally to sell their own dogs, so I just wanted to throw that out there that if someone has a nerve concern, they need to be careful who they seek an evaluation from.
Yeah, I'd have to agree with you on that. Also the 'low prey drive' issue (some people I've talked to, not on this board, seem to automatically classify a pup that won't chase a ball in a field as 'crap'). I guess a good philosophy is to keep your ears open, listen to everything and everyone, and evaluate your own dog honestly.
Oh, Lord. Don't get me started on that one <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />...we'll have to open a new thread. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
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what do i make of my dogs growl
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