My 1 year old Mastiff is quiet back chatty, growling and snarling when we stop her from doing something that she wants to do but doing what we find unacceptable. We make her go to her bed or out in the garden when she gets like this, but im not sure we are dealing with her attitude properly.  Usually with seconds of us telling her off she calms down to her placid self again, ears back etc like butter wouldnt melt.  This normally happens when she is being told off in front of visitors which makes it very embarrissing for us and our guests,  she looks so fierce and agressive at that time.  Is this a problem or my dog just being a normal 1 year old?  Thanks

Yes this is a normal reaction to being told off and yes it could become a problem.  Instead of stopping her doing whatever it is you don't want her to do look at ways of preventing it in the first place and/or give her alternative incompatible things to do instead.  That way you can praise her and reward her for doing it right instead of telling her off for doing it wrong which is probably making her confused, frustrated, and angry.  If you get cross she'll get cross back.  If you stay calm so will she.  Stay positive.  Teach her what you DO want not what you DON'T want.

HTH

Sally

I would let the dog know that this isn't acceptable. "Knock it off" I wouldn't tolerate it or let it go on. You can do other things throughout the day to let the dog know that he does not choose how things go. Have him earn his toys by sitting or earn his treats, dinner etc by doing some "work" then praise and give him the things. Are you working on some obedience skills? This also really, really shows him who is the leader. Make it positive and fun....lots of treats. Make him see that "working" for you is the greatest, looking up to you for direction pays off big time. But he must respect the rules and you need to show him firmly, but kindly what the rules are and are not.

Also, if you have to take something from him, reward him with something else, a toy, a treat, praise. You can also take something from him and give it right back so he doesn't feel so threatened. But you shouldn't allow that attitude from him to continue. You don't want to come down on him too hard, but "eh eh eh" or "no!" Then don't EVER forget to praise and reward for his good behavior. Make it sooooooooo  worth his while to behave, sooooooooo much better than what he gets by not behaving. But my philosophy is different than some people's here. I, at the same time let the dog know in no uncertain terms what isn't allowed followed by showing them what is acceptable and rewarding lavishly. I don't dwell or emphasise the "no" but do show them and then I emphasise the praise big time. I show a contrast between the two. Try to develop a very confident, leadership quality that will just exude out of you, just from your presence.

That definitely could turn into a serious aggression problem if you don't start showing the dog now that he is not in charge here. Good luck.

Carrie