If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
UPDATE: recent behavior changes & growling acceptable?
I am adding the update/more questions following the original post.........
Maui (who has a really bad ear infection and is medicated) has had two changes in life recently. First, he got a sister (Cali, of course) and secondly, he became a scheduled eater (2x a day not a free feeder). Today he snapped at my nephew when he got too close to the treat Maui was eating. Maui has never once tried to guard food or treats and he hasn't ever snapped at the kids for any reasons. Lately though, sometimes his attitude just seems "annoyed". He growls/snaps at Cali when he is sleeping and she tries to snuggle him. He even growls/snaps at me when I touch him when he's sleeping. I have recently discovered that Maui growls/snaps at Cali when he wants her to leave him alone or as his way of saying he's had enough of her for the time being. Is this type of growling/snapping an acceptable sign for him to give her when he's had enough or is it something I should discourage? I do want both Cali and Maui to be able to have a signal to the other that they don't really want to play but if the sign is growling/snapping could that cause problems? For example, will he start to do the same thing in other situations? The reason I ask is that he used to growl/snap at me when he was sleeping. He doesn't do that anymore because I would correct him for it. I had also been correcting him when he did it with Cali but now I am not sure if I should because then he just lays there while she tries chewing on him or wrestling him. I don't want him to feel like he has to play with her even when he wants time to himself so I think having a signal to her (like the growl/snap) might be ok. For what its worth, I correct Cali when she is clearly bugging Maui and he wants to play without her or sleep (I think she's slowly getting the hint). He also started acting "jealous". When anyone calls for Cali to come to them, he runs over and tries to get the attention. He is always trying to get more food (from the trash or the table which were habits he outgrew I thought) like he's hungry or something. He eats all his food when offered and looks for more at other times during the day (he scratches at his food container). I am trying to give him extra attention and individual time with me but I am not sure if that's making it better or worse. When the nicer weather is around, I will be taking Maui to a dog class so that will give us some one on one time. Also, I have a business trip next month that I might take Maui on (and leave Cali with my parents). Maui's overall behavior is better now. He seems less grouchy (now that the meds are done and the ear infection is gone) and less jealous. He still wants attention from everyone and doesn't always like when Cali gets it but he doesn't get in the way like he used to. Another thing, he had 2 accidents in the house in the past week (something he hasn't done in a very long time). I didn't see him do them but I don't think he was trying to mark anything (he only did that 2x before he was neutered a long time ago). He didn't do that again so that is good. Other things about him haven't changed, he still is excited to see me when I get home, he is friendly and greets people when they walk in the door, he is still very affectionate and still plays very well with Cali (though sometimes, I think it might be a little much for her so I keep the spray bottle around). He is eating well, drinking well, sleeping and playing enough. Since this is my first two dog experience, I am not sure how normal any of this is. I am also not sure of what to do next. If anyone has any input for any of this, please throw it my way. Thanks in advance. thanks to everyone for all the advice/comments they gave me about this situation earlier |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|