Hi from Ft. Lewis, WA

[HeatherR]

Hi,
My name is Heather I am 25, I have two kids seven and nine. My husband is in the military and we are currently stationed at Ft. Lewis, WA. We just got a 8 month old black lab/aust. sheppard. She is a very nice dog, but seems to be having some growling issues. I know we just got her and she is still getting used to us. When we are all in the room with her she is fine, but if one of us goes out and comes back in she starts to growl. She hasn't snapped at any of us, but I don't like her growling at my kids. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to break her of this?

[Novel]

How old is she? How long have you had her? Was she from a shelter? If so, did they do any temperament testing?

btw, welcome to Global Paw. There are some wonderfully helpful people here and you will make it through this!

[HeatherR]

She is 8 months old. We just got her yesterday, and no we got her from another family who had kids as well and two small dogs. I know it is a big adjustment for her, and I think she will be a great dog, but hoping to break her of growling soon.

[DogLover8]

Welcome to Global Paw!

[britishbandit]

Welcome aboard!

[Swiftwind]

Hi Heather, welcome to Global Paw!

It sounds like your pup is just nervous/anxious about being in new surroundings - which is totally understandable. I trust that you are supervising your kids when they are around her. I'd give your pup a few days, or a couple of weeks to settle down and adjust to her new home. I know that when I brought Abby (my Chihuahua) home the first night, she was absolutely terrified and very possessive of her treats (snapping and growling). These days, Abby is a wonderful dog, that can even be trusted around infants.

Did you ask her previous owners why they decided to give her up?

[HeatherR]

That's kind of what I thought too, and no I don't leave her alone with my kids, she even sleeps in my room with the door closed. I did also find out today that she is in heat as well, so looks like I wont be able to get her fixed yet. I am thinking that may be part of her moodiness too. The family that i got her from said they didn't have the time for her. I am thinking though they may not of been able to afford her seeing she is a little on the thin side as well. They said they have never had any problems with her.

[IceyBlueSibes]

Welcome aboard!

I agree with Swift. It sounds like she's just needing time to adjust. This is all strange to her. She doesn't know anyone in the house -- her only defense right now is to growl.

What do you do when she growls?

I'd have your kids become very active in her schedule. Have them walk her, feed her, let her outside, give her treats, etc. All while supervised of course. But she needs to understand that good things will come from the kids.

[HeatherR]

I basically just tell her "Sheba No" and just keep repeating it until she stops. I just think that if i stay firm and consistent she will get the point. Once she is around the girls for a minute she is fine until they go away and then come back. I have had them each take her on walks and they do give her treats, so im hoping she will get used to them soon because my kids safety is always number one. Has anyone done any of the obedience classes? I know they offer some at like Petsmart. She doesn't seem to like other dogs right now either, and we live in a military community and everyone has a dog. We would also like to take her to the park and the lake eventually, but right now can't get through a walk. I know she is in heat and that probably has a lot to do with it as well but she just has to hear another dog and the hair on her back is standing. Her last family had other dogs as well so I really thought she would be good with other dogs. I hope once she is out of heat and I can get her fixed she will mellow some.

[blues brothers]

hi and a very big warm welcome to you

[briarlow]

Her being on heat and in a new home will mainly be the problem. You will have a dog there that will be extremely intelligent with the two breeds in her, I'd get your children to do fun tricks with her as I'm sure that she'd love it.

Hope all goes well.

[Cassiepeia]

Welcome to Global Paw! And just to add to everything else. Be VERY careful now that she's in heat. Males will go above and beyond what you think dogs are capable of just to get to a bitch in heat. Do not take your eyes off her for a second.

Cass.