hi im new to this site but am desperate for help i have a terrier/jackrussell cross who is about 3yrs old, he has a lovely nature but recently seems to be growling a lot at my son who is 11 when he comes near me for example say when i m asleep the other day he really looked like he was ready to bite him yet other times they play together quite happily, i really love him and would not part with him however im getting quite concerned incase he ends up biting him please help any suggestions ? benji

Hey,
Is the dog only growling when your lad goes near you? Or all the time?

If it is only when your lad goes near you then it could be because your the dogs 'leader' and he doesn't want anyone else to go near you.
When the dog growls, disaplin him, make sure he knows that he can't be growling at anyone.
x

He is not growling because he thinks YOUR the leader but because he thinks HE is the leader.
That has to stop.
First things first, do you walk him until he is tired every day? That will put him in a calm state and more amenable to training.
To re train him you need to stage the environment where the unwanted behaviour occurs.
Say its sitting on a couch and he is sitting next to you on the couch, your lads come up and he growls, you MUST immediately correct him. I favour the loud Shhhh and a push in the side. That distracts him. I would them push him off the couch and let the lads approach again. If he does it, repeat the SHHHHH and the push.
Let your son sit next to you and every time the dog reacts with a growl, repeat the lesson. Its a good idea to have the dog on a lead at that time.

A good way of establishing dominance is to NOT look at the dog. Alpha dogs do not stare lovingly into other pack members eyes. So no jumping up unless asked, no sitting on laps unless asked, no aggressive behaviour to other pack members because that results in SHHHH and a push.
He is a dog not a child, treat him like he is a dog. He will give you respect as the Pack Alpha. He will be happier when he doesn't have to be in charge.

Regards

Sally

Hi,
This did make me wonder, so i've done a little research and your right. I was thinking that he dog might think his owner as the leader so he doesn't want anyone to close but the other way does sound right. Thanks for correcting it

be consistent even when the problem has been solved you must keep up with training you did other wise your dog will fall back into the trap of thinking it is the leader, try when you and your son enter the house ignore the dog for at least 5 mins of it being calm, when you are ready then say hello to your dog, also try just before feeding him, sort dogs food out and also a snack for you and your son you and your son must eat your snack first infront of the dog and once you are done then feed the dog, this must be done all the time and by all house members.
hth.