SAMPSON SNAPPED at ME!

[Calimom]

How scary to suddenly have your loving doodle growl and snap at you! I love this forum because there is such good advice. I have not gone through this with Cali, but realize it could happen. I'm glad to know how to deal with it. Best wishes on getting the message across to Sampson.

[Mud]

Some good advice there, particularly from Linda. I suggest that everyone prevent this sort of thing happening by removing food from the mouths of their very young puppies and then returning it. Do this every day until the dog understands that the treat will be returned.

I spent several years training german shepherds which were on "last chance" because they had bitten people. Initially I'd make it clear to them that I was the Alpha dog. I'd just work them generally at heal, sitting etc and only give them one chance to get it right before correcting them firmly. I'd then move on to removal of food. By this time they usually so firmly understood their place on the ladder that there was no problem. Some of these beautiful dogs did not survive, not because they were savage dogs, but because when they were returned to their owners the dogs once again took charge.

Try not to let your dog see that you are scared. Always win!!!!! If you tell your dog to do something he MUST obey. Once you give a command do not give up because it is too difficult to get him to obey. If necessary manhandle the dog into doing what you ask so that he can then bee praised.

Does he attend obedience school?

Good luck.