Sam is a really big softie , hasnt got a mean bone and is usually very tollerent indeed to the point of allowing himself to be bullied by other dogs at times . However, yesterday morning, he did not turn the other cheek . We occasionally meet a lady on our walk at Golitha, she has an elderly GSD and a young one who is about a year old . The youngster is totally out of control , runs rings round the owner and other dogs too, charging into them , taking their toys and generally being a pain in the bum : They were there yesterday , Sam and I were doing some lovely water retrieves , Millie was swimming around but not interferring with us when the youngster charged up behind me, almost knocking me off my feet, then ran into the water , jumped on Sam and snatched his dummy . I was amazed and quite pleased that Sam swam out of the water, chased the dog , grabbing hold of the end of the dummy which was hanging out of the dogs mouth and then growled I have never ever heard Sam growl before so it was quite a shock , the hair was up on the back of his neck , the youngster immediately let go of the dummy and Sam brought it to me, looking mighty pleased with himself too , I reckon taking his beloved dummy was just a bridge too far
Re: His first ever growl ! I am impressed. He's clearly not going to tolerate any disrespectful behaviour for young dogs!
Re: His first ever growl ! And I'm sure Sam noticed that the young 'un barged into His Mummy, too, which would be completely unacceptable! Good for you, Sam...
Re: His first ever growl ! How dare that young GSD try to make off with your dummy Sam, you tell 'em xxx
Re: His first ever growl ! Well done Sam. Big softies are only a push over when they want to be. Manners must be learnt right Sam?
Re: His first ever growl ! A lesson and manners learned, taught by the patient Sam, who knew when to admonish ;D
Re: His first ever growl ! I was quite shocked to hear him growl , he is usually such a big soft lump , hopefully the youngster might have learned a lesson, somehow I doubt it : I actually feel quite sorry for this young GSD , the lady admits that he was an impulse buy and she wishes she didnt have him, her older bitch wont go anywhere near him, he is destructive because he is untrained and bored to death . The lady was in tears one time I met her , said she was in despair , I suggested training classes, she said that he had been dismissed from the last one as he was out of control . I have even gently and carefully brought up the subject of rehoming to someone who is more experienced and has the time to train him, he is a beautiul dog for sure, but she said she would feel too guilty if she did this . Its a catch 22 , keep him and the resentment will escalate as he grows stronger and bolder , even potentially a danger to others , or rehome to someone who can bring the best out of him instead of the worst, shame .
Re: His first ever growl ! It must be very difficult for her Kate. I don't think she should feel guilty if she rehomes him. She could take time to find a home she feels is suitable. Better that than him remain untrained and as you said possibly become dangerous to others. I think she might feel guiltier then. :-\
Re: His first ever growl ! well done sam. no way was you allowing him to steal you dummy and get away with it i was only thinking the other day kate, jasper as been growled at by little dogs, yet i have never heard him growl th
Re: His first ever growl ! I really felt for Sam , all the time he growled, he was looking at me as if he was in trouble and was wagging his tail , he didnt like the meanness coming out at all , poor love
Re: His first ever growl ! I don't think a growl is meanness, in dog language it just means 'go away'
Re: His first ever growl ! Sam was giving the youngster the signal that he had stepped over a line. Glad the youngster backed down and Sam got his dummy back!
Re: His first ever growl ! [quote author=Stacia link=topic=6741.msg91325#msg91325 date=1403721691] I don't think a growl is meanness, in dog language it just means 'go away' [/quote] Lola would not cotton on to that! Feel free to teach her some manners Sam lol
