New dog growling at me - advice?

Charlie Bucket said:
As some of you may know, I tragically lost my best friend a month ago, to idiopathic epilepsy. He was my dog of a lifetime and I miss him everyday.

We adopted a new dog a couple of days ago, she is a 4yr old Collie. Been in the same home since a pup, but they are getting on and can't give her the attention she needs.

In 99% of ways she is as good as gold, a real sweet thing. We just seem to be having a problem. She will get up on the couch/armchair (I don't mind this as a general rule) but when I try to move her or get her 'off', she becomes quite aggressive, snarling, growling and she has even snapped at me a couple of times.

I have been firmly telling her NO! With my finger, then repeatedly asking Off! Until she obeys, then feeding her a treat and giving her lots of fuss. I have to do this from a few feet away, as if I get any closer she starts to snarl.

Am I doing the right thing? I want to get off on the right foot, and she has a forever home with us that I would like to be happy and content.

Thanks in advance for any replies :)
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Our rescue collie does the same thing, think it is partly because they are unsure of themselves and become defensive. Ours snaps and growls if you go to get his collar, but we then found out that if you have a lead in your hand he does not, so it is association. Ours will just not go through a door if you are anywhere near it.Yet he is the most loving and nice natured dog I have every had the rest of the time. When working witth a rescue you just do not know what they were allowed to do previoulsy and how they were repremanded, so it is trial and error.

I find the best way is to give the dog plenty of space so he does not feel threatened, then use a really encouraging voice and a treat to encourage him to come to me rather than try and move him.

Good luck, I am sure you will find a way to solve it.
 
CaveCanem said:
That's not really an argument by AAD standards :p nobody has used the words cruel, barbaric or evil yet :p

You're quite right, do what suits the individual dog. Keep up the good work :) but I wouldn't overcook her, just a couple of sessions a day so the sofa doesn't become a big deal :)
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YET is the word CC..I will bung in collie=flying lesson,job done!:D:D
 
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