Poodle Temper

Question
I have a 5 year old miniature poodle and he seems to have some real temper problems. He growls most of the time when people, including me pet him or try to love on him. He sometimes can get aggressive when you try to do this. What should I do about this?

Answer
Hello Dylan,
First off, you might consider getting your dog neutered if he isn't already.  It might help some with his aggression and it may calm him down some, also it would be a good idea to get him neutered because it makes your dog more healthy and less likely to run off.  

What you are going to need to do is to dominate your dog.  
***This is a tricky action to take with your dog, but unless you estabolish your dominance over your dog, he will continue to challenge you and claim his dominance over you.  If you don't thihk you can follow-thru with these actions please consult a Dog Behavorist or another Professional that can help you with it.***
When he growls or snaps at you, you need to position and hold the dog down in a submissive position (laying on the ground with his head on the floor) until he relaxes, look him in the eyes until he looks away, and when the dog decides to submit then you should just walk away and let the dog up.  You need to repete this everytime your dog tries to challenge you.  This shows the dog that both of you are the Boss and that the dog needs to respect you.  Even if your dog tries to bite or get more aggressive you need to continue to do this.  He can't be led to believe that he can get away with any aggressive behavior.  If he thinks that he can scare you by snapping, growling or biting, he will continue to get worse until he controls you.

You might also take him to the Vet to get him checked out, just to rule out anything that may be causing him pain.  If it hurts him to be petted then he may be acting like this so that you don't hurt him.    

You also need to start doing the "Dog Exam" with your boy.  To do this, start with him in your lap on his back with his head towards your stomach.  At first, just pet him and get him to relax in this position.  Rub his belly, talk softly to him, but don't let him dominate you or get up until you let him get up.  After a few sessions where you just get him to relax, you can move on to the exam part.  Start off by looking at his head.  Check in his eyes, ears (don't pull any hair or tickle the ear yet, just get him used to you being able to look in them) and mouth.  Hold his mouth and give a firm but gentle shake and tell him NO! in a firm voice if he tries to bite or pull away.  Praise and pet him if he will lay still for you and let you go over his head nicely.
Next move to his front legs.  Feel down the leg so that you get to know what the bones in the leg feel like, and then move down to the toes.  At first, just handle the toes, don't get near the toenails.  Play with them, spread them apart and run your fingers around the toes like a clippers would go.  Get up under the pad at the back of the foot and run your finger around the pad also.  Again, don't be afraid to get rough with him the moment that he starts getting roudy.  Nip it in the bud.  Praise him though if he is good letting you handle his feet.  Next you can go on to the toenails.  Give them a gentle pinch and click your fingernails on his toenails, as this will help alot when he goes to the groomer.  Lastly, you can do his barrel and his back legs.  
Do this in the evenings when you have TV time or whenever you have some quiet time that you can spend with him.  Not only does it help with getting him used to being handled, but it also shows him that you are dominate and that he needs to submit to you in a gentle and non-threatening way.

You might also think about getting him into an Obedience class.  It will show him that you are in control of him, but at the same time, it is something fun for the dog.  Poodles do great at Obedience, it gives them an out for all their energy, and most Poodles really enjoy it, plus it will make him a more behaved member of your family.

Be sure to praise him and give him positive attention when he does something you approve of, as this will let him know you are happy with him and therefore he will try to please you more.  
I hope this helps you some.  If you have other questions for me, please feel free to ask me.  

Thanks for using AllExperts.com,
Kim