Mr. Silverman, one of my co-workers is looking for a behaviorist to help with some problems with their recently adopted American Eskimo Dog. They adopted him a little less than four months ago and some of their concerns are: his barking, his growling, his sudden loss of hearing when he escapes out the front door (last one said tongue in cheek). I have an Eskie myself and have made some suggestions about the barking, which does not seem to be working to their satisfaction. As for the growling, Mason will give a low growl when meeting someone new, he doesn't snap he just growls, but he doesn't stop growling after a few minutes. He will allow visitors to pet him, but continues to growl, he will even growl when getting belly rubs. I think they are concerned that the behavior means that he is uncomfortable, and are afraid that although he has not shown any aggression toward people they have invited in and introduced as friends he may in the future. Any suggestions for them?
Thanks.