Barking and Growling

Discussion in 'Labrador Behavior' started by alschwahn, Dec 19, 2017.

  1. alschwahn

    alschwahn Registered Users

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    Aspen will hump this pillow that we have and I guess we haven't really tried to stop it because he doesn't hump other dogs. But last night he tried to hump my boyfriend's leg and we told him to stop and go lay down. He did, but then he came to me and started barking and growling at me like he was mad that we told him to stop. It was the first time I've actually been a little scared of him, even though I know he would never intentionally hurt me. He didn't have his lips curled and it wasn't aggressive growling, but almost like a low whine, or a long groan if that makes sense...I am thinking he was just frustrated, because then I did some training with him and he settled down again.

    Should I be worried about this?
     
  2. Karen

    Karen Registered Users

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    I wouldn't be worried; I would think that he is frustrated that his game has been stopped.

    I must say I don't allow toy/pillow humping, because I'm afraid it will become a habit. If Merlin gets a bit over-excited and 'humpy' with his toys I just tell him to stop and offer him a distraction instead. I think you were right to do a bit of training with him - get his mind onto something else! Aspen is six months old, right? So he is just becoming sexually mature. If it were me, I would gently discourage the pillow humping...
     
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  3. kateincornwall

    kateincornwall Registered Users

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    I agree with Karen , I always discouraged humping , nothing more embarrassing at times and you really don't want to encourage it , distraction is the best route x
     
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  4. Boogie

    Boogie Supporting Member Forum Supporter

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    Me too. Keir is sixmonths old and I always distract him to prevent a habit forming. If he’s left alone I don’t leave anything ‘humpable’ with him.

    :)
     
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