My Dalmatian is lunging at my family. Please help me.
Before I start, this dog saved my life. I have never had something that loves me so much and always wants me. She is the best sweetheart any other time. I’m not sure what is happening.
Cookie is 3 years old, we got her from a coworker in February because they didn’t have time for her. We took her in and she became a part of the family. She goes everywhere with us. To the park, on the boat, in the car. You name it. She will lightly hop up on two legs to give you hugs and kisses.
However, she is very territorial. She will growl at my kids who are both 8 year old boys. They are rowdy and I tell them to come in gently for pets and do not charge at her face. She will growl when they are coming down the hall towards my room. She will lunge but not attack.
She has growled at the kids, my husband goes to correct her, and she will snarl at him. She will not do it to me.
Today, my aunt is watching my kids while my husband and I are at work. My husband gets a call. same situation. She growls at the kids, aunt corrects, she lunges and bites her.
I do not know what to do. I try not do give harsh punishment, because I know that will turn into just biting instead of warnings. I try to tell the kids to approach her kindly, but they just have to enter the room and she is tense.
Also to say she does this with just about everyone. She will growl when anyone enters the home, even me until she sees me. I know it’s a guard thing but I don’t know how to let her know she is safe with us.
Please help me. I want to reverse this and not rehome her. That is the last thing I want to do. I want her to know she is loved in this home and there is nothing to worry about.