Post#20: Adopted Maltipoo is growling at child

Question:

Our 3 year old dog Lucy is food aggressive. Even after we take her food bowl up she will growl at my 8 year old son when he is on the floor playing in the other room. What's the best way to stop her from being food aggressive? Aren't Maltipoos supposed to like kids?

Thanks, Kim

Answer:

Thanks for messaging us with your questions. We just answered your first question regarding barking in Post #10. Now that we are seeing this second question, it seems very clear that this Maltipoo needs some serious training. A Maltipoo growling at a child in the household is, most likely, something far more than just food aggression.

While it is not uncommon for dogs to be protective of their food, this is a step above that. Growling is never to be taken too lightly. It is a dog's clear warning that a bite is not far away. If only adults were involved, we'd suggest some at-home strategies, however with a young child, we'd strongly recommend personal one-on-one training with a licensed professional dog trainer. This Maltipoo - no doubt through no fault of her own, was not raised properly and has an incorrect perspective of hierarchy. This is not going to get better on its own. Your Lucy needs precise, serious training to re-learn her place in the 'pack' and to display proper behavior.

We'd suggest contacting your local SPCA for training classes or doing a web search for trainers in your area. While group classes are great for commands and other elements, training for aggression toward family members should be done in your home.

Love, Hugs & Maltipoo Kisses,

The BuyMaltipoo Team

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