Nana Annie
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 1, 2005
- Messages
- 916
I have been training and showing dogs for over 30 years. I can guarantee you that a dog growling should be taken seriously, especially when it is being considered for a household with children. Growling is a form of aggression.
I stand by my statement that this dog shows some signs (from what the OP described) of having some dominance issues that are serious enough to recommend an expert trainer evaluate the dog before accepting it into a home with young children.
It would only be an extra hour of the OP's time to bring a trainer to meet the dog and get an expert evaluation of it.
Here is a short explanation of dominance aggression:
Types of Aggression
Dominance Aggression: Dominance aggression is motivated by a challenge to a dog's social status or to his control of a social interaction. Dogs are social animals and view their human families as their social group or "pack." Based on the outcomes of social challenges among group members, a dominance hierarchy or "pecking order" is established.
If your dog perceives his own ranking in the hierarchy to be higher than yours, it's likely that he'll challenge you in certain situations. Because people don't always understand canine communication, you may inadvertently challenge your dog's social position. A dominantly aggressive dog may growl if he is disturbed when resting or sleeping, or if he is asked to give up a favorite spot, such as the couch or the bed. Physical restraint, even when done in a friendly manner, like hugging, may also cause your dog to respond aggressively. Reaching for your dog's collar, or reaching out over his head to pet him, could also be interpreted by him as a challenge for dominance. Dominantly aggressive dogs are often described as "Jekyll and Hydes" because they can be very friendly when not challenged. Dominance aggression may be directed at people or at other animals.
Note that a dominantly aggressive dog can be the friendliest dog in the world when not challenged. It is only when it is placed in a position where it perceives his social status is being challenged is when you see the dominant behavior.
The fact that this dog displayed classic dominant behavior when rolled on its back to scratch its tummy and when picked up raises red flags for me.
It may be nothing, but does the OP want to take that chance? Aren't her children worth this extra hour?
We just got our new puppy, Whitley, from Craigslist and she is wonderful. Wish you the best on your search; sounds like you are working hard to make this a good experience for all of you!
