Hi! New here and a new, first time Lab owner. We have been Waiting for her forever, and we finally brought her home 5 days ago! Her name is Calla. We've had her 5 days today. She's eating, playing, wresting with our other 2 small breed dogs - often times most seems fine. However, on at least 5 occasions, while holding her, she growls under her breathe - to the point that it scares me. (I have visions of having a mean/aggressive dog!!) she has even Done this to me, the mom of the home - when she did to me it was when her face was newer mine. I can't pinpoint why - but it doesn't appear to be sweet, growl as if she's grunting... It sounds like she's going to lunge and bite! It's not during play. We got her from a breeder, very well known, where others we know have gotten their labs. They all rave about their temperaments. Is this something I should be concerned about or is this normal? I don't want to be afraid of her! What is best way to correct her and for her to be a sweet loving dog that I've always dreamed of!? Thank you!
Re: Growling 9 week old puppy - yikes! She is just a baby and just like all baby things they have cross moments. I've lost count how many times my kids smacked me, shouted at me and even bit me at times when they were cross or frustrated, and I've had puppies do much the same. If a pup growls, snaps at, wriggles frantically or all three together while I'm holding it, I just tell it not to be so silly, while calmly continuing to hold it, until it stops, then I put it down. I won't let it think the way to get me to do what it wants is to do anything we perceive as "naughty", so I just wait until I get the behaviour I want, then it can go on it's merry way. It is perfectly natural behaviour though and doesn't mean the pup will grow up vicious. The worst pup I had for this was a little black Lab pup, who was just like an angry Tasmanian Devil as a youngster; she is now a working Guide Dog and as lovely as can be .
Re: Growling 9 week old puppy - yikes! Thank you! I want to make sure that we are handling her right so that she doesn't feel like her growling behavior is acceptable. (Like I said it wasn't during play and it's happening frequently which is why it concerned me enough to ask if it's normal). After having been bitten as a child by a dog, I want to be sure ours is raised well and loved, And not aggressive in a mean way. I've done much research on the best family dog and the lab was very high on the list. She's adorable!!
Re: Growling 9 week old puppy - yikes! Hello and welcome from me and my two dogs , Jules advice is spot on , one of my old Labs was like a baby crocodile as a pup , they do grow out of it, honestly
Re: Growling 9 week old puppy - yikes! I'm sure Calla will grow up just fine . Just keep calm, and reward her good behaviour, whilst not letting her get away with pushing you around, and she'll soon come to realise which behaviours get her what she wants . Same for if she wants a cuddle or to play; I only pick them up if they are sitting calmly, not when they are climbing up my legs...and I only play when they bring me a toy and offer it to me nicely, not when they are hanging off my trousers legs...LOL. At this age, it's just all about them getting what they want by offering the right behaviour, you just have to show them which behaviour gets the reward
Re: Growling 9 week old puppy - yikes! Very good advice from Jules there Stay calm and stick with rewarding the good behaviour while firmly ignoring the bad, and you can't go far wrong... It will take a few months, but she will calm down and become the loving, gentle dog you want. Hang in there, and don't hesitate to shout for a bit of advice! Love the name - like the lily?
Re: Growling 9 week old puppy - yikes! Welcome to the forum from me, Hattie and Charlie. Enjoy your puppy x
Re: Growling 9 week old puppy - yikes! Hello there,naughty Calla!i missed this stage as we took delivery of our yellow boy at 5 months and he's our first dog...enjoy the forum,you will find lots of help and advice Best wishes Angela x
Re: Growling 9 week old puppy - yikes! Hi we have a yellow dog "Max" who was 9 weeks on Tuesday, although he hasnt growled at us, during play he does get rather boisterous with our youngest daughter. I am fairly sure he is just playing and has even tried to have a nibble at her. We check him doing it straight away and if needed would put him back in his crate to calm him down. Good luck though, from reading this forum loads of pups seem to go through a very similar stage.
Re: Growling 9 week old puppy - yikes! Welcome to the forum to you and Calla I am no expert but i have rule with dogs and animals "unless its not working dont fix it " . I dont mind things they like which are ok with me . This includes walking infront of me but not pulling , going out of the before me etc etc . I would resonate what most have said here , i think Calla is just used to the Den . Good Luck with him and enjoy this phase . Cheers vish
