Is it normal for our Boston Terrier to growl often?
Topics: Dog Breeds | 11 Comments »By admin | March 5, 2010
We have a boston terrier that growls often. He will fall onto his back (submissive behavior), but then he will growl when you touch him(“and show his teeth)? He also sometimes will growl when you pet him. We are not sure if this is normal for bostons, or is our dog showing aggressive behavior. We feel he may have some screws loose?
Our dog has had extensive training. We have over come many issues. Through training we have learned how to read many signs dogs give, he just seems to be so mixed up. That is why I thought maybe other owners with this breed may experience the same stuff.
Our dog has had extensive training. We have over come many issues. Through training we have learned how to read many signs dogs give, he just seems to be so mixed up. That is why I thought maybe other owners with this breed may experience the same stuff.
He is almost 2 years old
He is almost 2 years old
Posted by Blunt object on 03.05.10 10:16 am
“NORMAL”???
Sure,for ANY dog owned by the weak & brainless who refuse to TRAIN /DISCIPLINE their spoiled rotten beasts!
Posted by RuthAnn on 03.05.10 11:10 am
U do not say how old? This is not really acceptable behavior in any pet. U need to go to dog school and read some books. I like Cesar Milan’s books and tapes/CD
Posted by KT115 on 03.05.10 11:29 am
It sounds like he’s trying to exhibit fear. Typically rolling on his back would display submission, but because he’s growling, he’s telling you to back off, because he’s afraid.
You should try to praise him with a small treat every time he allows you to pet him without growling, and ignore him if you go to touch him and he growls. He’ll get the message very soon that you won’t tolerate his bad attitude, and you mean him no harm.
Posted by Plain Ole Sam on 03.05.10 12:22 pm
Yeah, that’s not good. He is showing aggressive behavior because something is making him uncomfortable.
Honestly, I’m not sure what to do about this, other than get an experienced trainer. Our Bostons don’t do this. Since we’ve had them, I think that I have heard them bark three times.
Posted by dani girl on 03.05.10 1:00 pm
No, this really is not acceptable behavior. Sometimes when dogs are in pain they growl. Perhaps you should take him to the vet. He may have something like a toothache or arthritis. If you take him to the vet and nothing is wrong you will want to begin some behavior modification training. Ask your vet for more advice on this subject.
Posted by cassity d on 03.05.10 1:47 pm
breed has nothing to do with it,it is part of his personality. but as long as he is not biting or lunging at someone he is not a danger.
some dogs just growl for the hell of it. my shelty growls and wags his tail at the same time. he also douse this other sound,while it sounds very much like a growl to most people,my family and Those who are around him alot can tell the difference,we call it “humming” or “hrumphing”.
he may just be telling you he doesn’t want to be pet at that moment,maby he gets grumpy.
there is however another reason this could be,if he dous it more often at a particular aira of his body it is possible that he has an enlarged organ or some sort of tumor. keep an eye on him,i hope this is not the case but it is possible.
i wish you the best of luck and i hope i have been helpfull
Posted by Josh on 03.05.10 2:13 pm
A Boston Terrier’s a tiny dog, and plenty of small dogs are scared of new people if only because it’s intimidating. If they’re scared, it makes sense to react that way. Try sitting down, staying closer to his level.
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Posted by PrivateName112 on 03.05.10 3:09 pm
sounds like he needs a spanking…
just kidding. contact petsmart trainers and let them train your dog for you. thats what i did to my dog.
Posted by Arnold on 03.05.10 3:18 pm
Seek professional advice as this problem could escalate if not handled correctly. It sounds as though he is rolling over in submission and then warning you to leave him alone. It’s important if he is signalling to you to leave him alone, that you do that otherwise he may have to indicate even more obviously that he is unhappy and bite. Once a dog bites in these circumstances it is hard to teach them not to once it becomes a successful strategy for them. You need to be shown in a practical way how to handle this. Don’t use punishment – it might make you feel better but he will feel worse. When he rolls over on his back this isn’t an invitation to stroke him otherwise he wouldn’t growl or show his teeth.
He is showing normal dog behaviour (unacceptable to humans) which you must learn to read better otherwise it won’t improve and it will get worse. Another dog would read his signals and back off when he displayed this behaviour. Please don’t let anyone tell you he is dominant and to punish this dog. A vet could tell you if he has a mental problem.
Posted by Karen H on 03.05.10 3:25 pm
This is not normal for any breed. It looks like your Boston is taking over and trying to be the boss. Hopefully you will not let him do this, or you will have a dangerous dog and a potential liability. Contact your vet for a checkup and then get him into obedience school and follow their advice. I would never accept this behavior.
Posted by The Boston Terrier: an Overview | Terrier Dogs Training Tips on 03.05.10 5:54 pm
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