I have a 12 week old Rottie, most of the time he's good but there are times when I have to stop him from doing certain things that he growls. I lure him away from what he is doing and this usually works, although I am afraid that when he gets older that this luring will no longer do the trick. I know that he will try and push me as he gets older but I don't want to let him think that he can stat now. W

Hi there

Sorry tohear you are having problems with your rottie pup.

I have a few ideas which may help.

Firstly try to work out why the pup is growling. For example is it because he is playing (presumably not though) or because he feels that the objsect he has got is very important to you, and therefore much more importatn to him too.

I have just recently attended a case (as a spectator) where a cocker bitch was aggressive when her onwer tried to take things away. This was nfact a mixture of attention-seeking (she was left alone alot) and fear, as the owner always got cross and chased her, then told her off. The dog began to feel that if all this was so importatn to her owner then well, she had better hang on to it then!!! This was in effect what the onwer had taught her!

It's not always easy to "think dog" but if I were you, I would try a "nothing in life is free" programme, ie. whatever you do for the dog, she has to do something for youwhether it's to sit, or give a paw, or whatever. She does this first, then you feed her, or put her lead on or whatever. For a while, don't lerher initiate fuss; ignore her or ask her tolie down, then after a few moments, callher to you and give thedesired fuss. This approach tends to make the pup generally more interested and respectful of you.

Check your body language andmake sure you are not in any way threatening, You don;t need to be at all. If you mean that the Rottie is funny near the food bowl too, just drop in an extra tasty treat as you go past and the dog will soon be desperate for you to go near the bowl. It works, at this stage.

Also get a good book ontrainng 9or preferably go to apdt.co.uk and get a trainer) and try Bruce Fogles training books and get tips on how to get your pup to "leave" or to "give". Then if there is a prolem you can simply giv ethe command andreward. You are then in control and the Rottie is wellbehaved and a credit to you and dogdom in general!!!!! <vbg>

Well this may help, do get a good trainer if you have more trouble or are stuck. Good luck anyway.

lindsay