I Need Help, Mr. Pooch Growling at Dad

[eddiejjr]

I have had Mr. Pooch, eight months now, I rescued him back in Jan. 2017. I have a serious problem: he is always growling at my 96 yr. old father. I know my Dad, does not play with him, but after eight months being in the house he wants to go after Dad and growls at him all the time. I am at wits end not knowing what to do. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Ed

[yorkiemini]

Has he had a basic obedience course? I ask this because they teach a command called "leave it" that tells the dog to cease with the current thinking.

Also you might contact a behaviorist trainer to help with what is going on with your pup. Wondering if maybe your pup just does not want to share you.

I think others will come on board with their ideas.

[eddiejjr]

Thank you. He was a rescue that was abandoned, and had/has many issues. I am retired and being on a fixed income, can't afford the Behavioral Specialist. Thanks, I will try your suggestion. But, I do love him.

[dottiesyrky]

Could he be defending you? Does not want to lose you and guards you?

[dottiesyrky]

I was told by a trainer to always have the person bring in a treat when they come in to make the dog associate the person with goodies. Seemed to work for me when I had a similar issue. But you have to be consistent!

[eddiejjr]

Thank you Dottie.

[sandy simpson]

Hi My Yorkie Daisy is a rescue. She barks at my husband when he enters the roon. She has Jojo my other Yorkie barking too. I tried shaking a can of beans..no. then I squirted water. Not much change. When im not here they don't bark. Yorkies are barkers, I hope you can get them to stop. I have the same issues here.

[yorkiemini]

I think the great idea is great!
Have your Dad give The treats!

[yorkiemini]

I think the great idea is great!
Have your Dad give The treats!
But be careful he doesn't get nipped!

[dottiesyrky]

Right! But you can always throw the treat on the ground ahead of you until you feel safe. I never had my dog bite if there was a treat nearby!

[canana]

I agree with everyone who suggested treats from you dad. I would first have your dad toss a treat in front of Mr Pooch each time he sees him. Then, with time, once Mr Pooch stops barking and seems less hesitant, have your dad offer a treat to him by hand. I think if he's a rescue, he's probably a lot more sensitive, especially since you don't know his background and what he's experienced. But with lots of patience, I'm sure he'll turn around.

Just to give you an idea...
Scottie is a suuuuper paranoid dog, ever since I brought him home at 5 months. He was fearful of all men. Whenever we visited my fiance's home, he'd bark non-stop at fiance's dad. We visited often, but the barking still persisted. His dad loves animals, so each time, he was still friendly to Scottie. I didn't want to bother with getting his dad to help train Scottie to stop barking, since it seemed like a hassle when we were just visitors. It took Scottie an entire year before he discovered that his dad was safe and actually loved Scottie a lot! Now, he's super loyal and is excited every time he sees him.

With my brother, Scottie also barked a lot. I got him to give Scottie a treat each time we saw him. But what Scottie almost loves more than treats is a really good massage. I told my entire family this. They've all given him a good back massage and Scottie has grown to love them all.

Anyway, Scottie is just a little paranoid boy. But he was easier to manage as he wasn't a rescue. My long-winded point is just that it takes time, some take longer than others. But know that Mr Pooch will eventually know your dad is 'safe' if you do the treat thing. Just keep at it!

[eddiejjr]

Thanks a million all. The advice is much appreciated. Thanks again, Mr. Ed and Mr. Pooch.

[matese]

Yep, I have to agree with the treats, have dad toss a treat at first each time he enters the room, after a while Mr pooch will associate dad with goodies, then your dad can offer it to him, let Mr Pooch go to him and take it out of his hand. You will have to have dad keep his pocket filled with treats lol, dogs are creatures of habit, once you start something you have to keep it up. Good luck and Welcome to YT.

[dottiesyrky]

Yes, isn't it the truth, do something once and it becomes a habit!

[dottiesyrky]

I agree with treats in the pocket, but I often find mushy treats in my hubby's pockets after laundering! Ugh!