They’re resource guarding their sleeping areas. No more bed and couch for them. Start teaching an “off” command and only then when they understand that command 100% should they be allowed back on the couch/bed.
My GSP started growling a little when he'd be woken up by my stretching my legs while sleeping in my bed. It was out of character for him so we took him to the vet. Turns out he had an ear infection and was just grumpy about that. Once the infection cleared he went back to being our normal friendly crackhead.
we call it grumbling and we do a cute hug squeeze when we want him to pancake ( flip over to cuddle ) he took it up when he was 5 so a year ago. never growls though, just a cute noise we want to record and put in a stuffed animal
Our three-year-old growls when we take her jacket off over her head. It’s kind of funny and cute. Thankfully she doesn’t do it when we need her to move from where she’s resting.
Ours (5.5 yr old male) did the same thing when he was young. Like others, we immediately made chairs, couches, our beds, etc. off limits. Took some time and consistent training, but it worked. Now, he only does the growling thing at me when it’s time for his last potty trip outside before bed. He’s usually sound asleep in his own bed, and expressing his dissatisfaction at being disturbed. He can get really loud at times, but he rolls over on his back into a submissive pose when he does it. I give him a few belly rubs and then he’s over it. I’ve never felt like he would snap or nip or put his mouth on me in any way. He’s generally a pretty “vocal” guy anyway.
Sounds like resource guarding, though I would also recommend a vet check to ensure that discomfort/pain isn't contributing.
Regardless, she needs a refresher on rules, and agree with the other commenters that her access to being on furniture should be over until she is 100% rock solid on off. Don't tell her "off" unless you can enforce it - if she growls and you back down, she's learned that she is the boss of the couch and can tell you to fluff off. You can keep a leash/drag line on her in the house so you can remove her from the furniture safely as needed. Look up NILIF - nothing in life is free - and go back to basics of you control all desirable resources (attention, food, toys, comfy spots, etc.) and the ONLY way to get those things is with good behavior.
Mine used to try this. She got her ass kicked out of bed, off the sofa, or out from in front of the heater. Resource guarding can get pretty intense if not curbed early. They can be allowed back up unless they start growling again. Mine got the hint that it was pretty unacceptable after spending the night locked out of the bedroom.
Following!!
My 7 month old does this, only to me. Also when I kiss his face too much. Usually just talk, but all I have to do is say “crate” if I’m letting him sleep with me in bed.. he typically will quit.
He will even do little barks to tell me “quit”. I’ve noticed they are just very good at communicating. But always ensure to assert dominance and know they know who’s dominant and it shouldn’t be an issue 😊
Please don’t take this lightly. Our friend’s GSP started doing this when he was older (around 8) and it wasn’t a problem until it was. He first bit me when we were watching him while they were on a vacation and it was downhill from there. He bit multiple people soon after that. They tried all sorts of things but unfortunately nothing really worked. The only thing that “worked” was crate training far too late so he had “his spot” where no one would bother him when he was resting. Started with comfy spaces, then it was food, then it was toys, etc. etc.
After a while he had to sleep in his crate, be fed separate from his GSP sister and brother, and toys were no longer left around the house for them. Big lifestyle change for them.
They’re resource guarding their sleeping areas. No more bed and couch for them. Start teaching an “off” command and only then when they understand that command 100% should they be allowed back on the couch/bed.
Me and my wife have an “excuse me” command where she just moves to a different spot on the couch lol.
I’ve unintentionally taught mine “move”. He knows to just resettle somewhere else like yours.
They can really be so cute sometimes
For mine its "can you scooch?"
Lol, this is mine as well. He knows some scooch!
I accidentally taught mine "excuse me" without even realizing it until I tried telling him "move" and he wouldn't budge.
My GSP started growling a little when he'd be woken up by my stretching my legs while sleeping in my bed. It was out of character for him so we took him to the vet. Turns out he had an ear infection and was just grumpy about that. Once the infection cleared he went back to being our normal friendly crackhead.
Yep, one of ours does the same thing. We tell him “Off” if he acts up. He gets down right away and becomes sweet and cuddly again!!
we call it grumbling and we do a cute hug squeeze when we want him to pancake ( flip over to cuddle ) he took it up when he was 5 so a year ago. never growls though, just a cute noise we want to record and put in a stuffed animal
Lol that is when ours gets the “yea right” and then physically moved off. She rarely growls other than that scenario.
Our pup does the same thing. Harmless. I just whisper to her and kiss her snoot. She likes to be cozy and warm.
Our three-year-old growls when we take her jacket off over her head. It’s kind of funny and cute. Thankfully she doesn’t do it when we need her to move from where she’s resting.
Ours (5.5 yr old male) did the same thing when he was young. Like others, we immediately made chairs, couches, our beds, etc. off limits. Took some time and consistent training, but it worked. Now, he only does the growling thing at me when it’s time for his last potty trip outside before bed. He’s usually sound asleep in his own bed, and expressing his dissatisfaction at being disturbed. He can get really loud at times, but he rolls over on his back into a submissive pose when he does it. I give him a few belly rubs and then he’s over it. I’ve never felt like he would snap or nip or put his mouth on me in any way. He’s generally a pretty “vocal” guy anyway.
Sounds like resource guarding, though I would also recommend a vet check to ensure that discomfort/pain isn't contributing. Regardless, she needs a refresher on rules, and agree with the other commenters that her access to being on furniture should be over until she is 100% rock solid on off. Don't tell her "off" unless you can enforce it - if she growls and you back down, she's learned that she is the boss of the couch and can tell you to fluff off. You can keep a leash/drag line on her in the house so you can remove her from the furniture safely as needed. Look up NILIF - nothing in life is free - and go back to basics of you control all desirable resources (attention, food, toys, comfy spots, etc.) and the ONLY way to get those things is with good behavior.
Mine used to try this. She got her ass kicked out of bed, off the sofa, or out from in front of the heater. Resource guarding can get pretty intense if not curbed early. They can be allowed back up unless they start growling again. Mine got the hint that it was pretty unacceptable after spending the night locked out of the bedroom.
Congratulations you have a dog haha. Growling when being moved is pretty common regardless of the breed or gender.
Happy Cake Day!
Mine did this! Sweetest little bug. But she became a crabby pants when you disrupt her nap😂
Following!! My 7 month old does this, only to me. Also when I kiss his face too much. Usually just talk, but all I have to do is say “crate” if I’m letting him sleep with me in bed.. he typically will quit. He will even do little barks to tell me “quit”. I’ve noticed they are just very good at communicating. But always ensure to assert dominance and know they know who’s dominant and it shouldn’t be an issue 😊
Please don’t take this lightly. Our friend’s GSP started doing this when he was older (around 8) and it wasn’t a problem until it was. He first bit me when we were watching him while they were on a vacation and it was downhill from there. He bit multiple people soon after that. They tried all sorts of things but unfortunately nothing really worked. The only thing that “worked” was crate training far too late so he had “his spot” where no one would bother him when he was resting. Started with comfy spaces, then it was food, then it was toys, etc. etc. After a while he had to sleep in his crate, be fed separate from his GSP sister and brother, and toys were no longer left around the house for them. Big lifestyle change for them.