Hi Jack
Thanks for the reply, my response is threaded through the post.

"Handsome Jack Morrison"
wrote in message news
On Mon, 04 Aug 2003 20:12:00 GMT, "badgirl"
wrote:

Ok, here's the problem:

I have a 3 1/2 year old Rottie (we think he might be mixed with Lab
too because his face didn't widen) who is becoming *growly* as he
gets
older and he is skittish/easily startled.

http://www.amrottclub.org/growl.html

"In general, a Rottweiler is a quite vocal animal who tends to
grumble
when being petted, handled and played with. A normal grumbler,
without
ulterior motives, will grumble low in his chest or throat and no
facial movement will accompany the sound. In other words, he is not
baring his teeth. If he does, you may have an altogether different
problem on your hands.


It's not that grumble/talking thing, he does that too and it's an
altogether different thing.

"Problems with grumbling that escalate to growling usually begin
because the owner is unaware that this behavior exists in the breed.
Hence, the first time the young puppy grumbles it is met with what
is
known as a reinforcing behavior from the owner. In other words, the
owner backs off from the puppy, retreats and/or stops what he is
doing
with the puppy."

We didn't use any corrective action when he was just *talking*. H
didn't start his growling/ wanting to bite thing until about 6 months
ago. I had a few friends with Rots so knew to look for that and that
this breed does have a tendancy to be quite *talkative*


If it's possible, have an experienced Rotty owner have a look at
your
dog and see if it's anything to be concerned about. It might be
nothing, and it might be something to really worry about. If that's
impossible, try contacting a local Rotty rescue group for some help.

Good idea, I think I'll do that. I have a few numbers of rescue groups
I can call (spent 3 days a couple of weeks ago on the phone with all
of them actually) If any of them have the time (which it didn't sound
like they would) I'll ask for help there too.


Second problem: He is getting more and more *growly* (dunno how
else
to explain it) like if someone comes to the door he will bark and
growl and behave like he wants to bite...

Are you absolutely certain of that?

Unfortunately I am positive ;(


Perfectly safe dogs exhibit that same behavior, Jen.

If he behaves like he might actually bite, it's probably time to see
a
*professional* trainer, preferably someone who's experienced with
Rottweilers. At least he'll be able to tell you if it's anything to
worry about, and probably do it for little or no fee.

Anyone have any advice for me? (without biting my head off please,

I don't think you're capable of handling this one by yourself, Jen.


I think you're right ;( I will make some calls and contact a few
people.

Too much is at stake; you have small children, right?

PS: Do you think it's fair to ask for help, while withholding
potentially very important and *critical* information?

For example:

"He is an inside, family dog and has been raised with love and
respect
and I have figured out the root of the problem and fixed it (please
don't ask, it is a real sore spot right now)..."



All I can say to that is I have removed the problem and now it's time
to help my puppy heal. I just hope it isn't too late.
I don't want to give any details because it's an entirely different
can of worms and had been a problem for years before we got my dog. I
just wasn't aware it was an issue until after Magni started having his
problems.


--
Handsome Jack Morrison
*gently remove the detonator to reply via e-mail

Thanks Jack
Jen