An issue. With the pup.

[allsierra123]

She is starting to growl at my two kids. They were watching tv on a beanbag my son tried to push her over she gave a nasty growl to him. Not really sure the correct way to deal with this. I have yet to have a dog behave like this.

[angelbears]

Not a trainer and I can barely control my guy when he is in one of his moods but he has never snapped or growled at us, no matter what an ass he is being. I will get physical with Cane, I will not get physical with the female rescue, Ziva. I can look at her funny and she will summit, funny thing is I think she is meaner than Cane but I have to handle Cane much rougher.

At the very least, the next time the pup growls at any family member, I would jump right in the middle and in no uncertain terms let it be known this is not acceptable. How you communicate that is up to you and your dog. Use what ever force you have to, to make it very clear to your dog, that your family has a pecking order and he is on the bottom of it(unless you have a cat, LOL). I would have the kids feed the pup. I would have them put the pup in a sit, stay and put the food down then have them release the pup. I would make her work for treats from the kids. Of course for now, it would have to be supervised. I would also cut out any rough play between the kids and the fila, maybe later that can resume once she has learned where she stands but until then I would cut it out.

Yes, Fila's have hard temps. and they should hate outsiders but NEVER family, they should never show aggression towards family. She is young and I would guess still uncertain of the pecking order. She must be taught now. if you put it off I think you are just looking for a time bomb.

Keep us posted & good luck!

[allsierra123]

Update on this my first reaction was to do as you said which I did. Snatched her and swatted her. After that she was no long allowed up there with making sure she knows she is lowest on the totem pole. I also have been having them just lead her around by the collar and telling her no and then reinforcing it. So far she hasnt done it again. it was rough on her I could tell she was was a little offended that I corrected her so sternly But I think she got the point she has even calmed down a bit in her play and I notice she keeps kind of looking over and checking with me as if to see if she is playing with them ok. As far as rough play they dont play rough with her she bites them as they run through the house. So its going to be a training process on both ends. but I think she is getting what is expected of her I made her lay in the middle of the floor I gave her a toy and made her stay they while they ran around like wild indians as long as she didnt bite she was allowed to run too.

[aceoutdoor]

Was she sleeping when he tried to push her over or was she fully awake?

[allsierra123]

I would not say fully awake. But she was awake. or that how it looked from my point view.

[aceoutdoor]

I am not making excuses, but filas, especially females can be grouchy when they are physically disturbed while sleeping or recently woke up. I have heard a few growls in this situation, which should never result in an actual bite, ever.

[aceoutdoor]

Regardless this behavior should be met with a very loud and demanding NO!!!!!!

[allsierra123]

Yeah she didnt actually bite but the growl was blood curdling to say the least.