Can anyone give me advice why my 5 month old Westie keeps snapping at my nana when she goes near him? When she comes in the door first thing in the morning he is all over her, around her feet and making her feel welcome but during the day he growls and goes to bite her. Could it be becasue she picks him up? Only she can't get down on her hands and kness to him all the time.
He's not always like this, usually he's a loving dog with a lovely nature.
Why do you think he snaps?
Thanks

My male Westie (19 mths) growls if i go to pick him up when he does not want picking up. He will let you when he wants too though. I just leave him. Growling is a warning after all.
Budmag

What if they don't growl? The other day my border terrier snapped at my nephew for no reason and they had been playing happily together in the field earlier on. I think perhaps the dog had just had enough fun for one day - he's not used to kids normally - but I don't know. He gave no warning whatsoever, just snapped. I think maybe situations that aren't the norm maybe stress them out a little. I don't know how often your nana comes visiting but my dog isn't used to different people all the time. I think perhaps your nan shouldn't try and pick your dog up but just talk normally to him and give him a wee treat when he behaves. He probably will get used to her in time - but just be aware - that's my motto!!

CG

Hi Copper Girl,
Dogs usually don't growl before snapping because they've been taught not to. :( They almost never bite without warning - it's just that we humans don't read their body language. Did the dog's pupils dilate? Did it lower its ears? These are all distress signals which we must learn to read if we are to understand our pets.

Laura, Westies are very independent little dogs. I currently have my third Westie any my first Lab! I couldn't pick my Lab up if I wanted to :) , but I and anyone else can always pick my Westie up. It could be that he just doesn't want to be picked up! Just because we can doesn't meant we always should! ;)

I agree, we tend to pick up small breeds but not all the dogs enjooy it! I would say he is fed up with it - but do ensure he is happy to be handled in a general sense, eg for grooming etc.

Lindsay

Thanks for your advice. I think you're right about picking small breeds up, he's so cute you can't help it!