8 mth Lab growling

[krakadawn]

That's a pretty good answer Welch. Like many situations on the net, we only get a glimpse of a situation and usually need more info first hand to respond accordingly.
The real gem in your answer though is 'indirect pressure'. Many will not understand the concept but it is highly effective in teaching and maintaining high level retriever skills. This compared to the 'old' fashion direct method is often debated but direct pressure as we know it now in all retriever circles is much less effective.
Growling by the way is part of a larger issue more aptly described as vocalizing. We work on dogs from the outset to minimize vocalizing whether it's whining in a duck blind or plain barking. Unfortunately early habits established can be difficult to deal with later on.

[yellow dog]

Well I have to be blunt with you. What the heck are you talking about ? I am merely describing my experience that worked for me many times and others as well. I have been commended on always having well behaved happy dogs that listen because of the correct technique used.You can read all the latest dog behaviour articles you want but to say someone is wrong based on a proven technique that has worked many times over is foolish. I am not talking about an 8 month old dog that growls when playing. It really doesn't matter if you agree with me or not but people on this forum also have advice that will work besides yourself. Reading your article above offered no advice to the forum member that posted this thread ? You simply gave vague pieces of information that didn't amount to anything .

[welsh]

I am not talking about an 8 month old dog that growls when playing.

That's unfortunate, because that's the topic of the thread:

Does anyone know why a dog will all of a sudden start growling.....he hasn't been shown any anger towards him or abuse......he can be playing or just laying there getting rubbed ....

The OP is concerned because his 8-mo-old Lab is growling, while playing and at other times. This is why I suggested that an 8-mo-old dog that growls while playing is probably not showing aggression, but simply normal (if undesirable) play behaviour.

Reading your article above offered no advice to the forum member that posted this thread ? You simply gave vague pieces of information that didn't amount to anything .

I think I explained quite clearly why I hesitate to be specific. I hope the OP will share some additional details.

[Snowwalker]

Ceasar Millan is the man, period. He understands the pack which is key to a well balanced, mentally stable, happy dog.

What you don't see on his show is how many times he does really get bit.

[Deerslayer99]

Ok wow.....lots of suggestions here.....when playing yes he growls but it is a different growl, not the same as when he just starts to growl.....this growl is very low, deep and loud....he doesn't show teeth, has never tried to nip but it scares the hell out of me.....I can pet him and rub his chin when he does it but I am still weary of him when he is doing it.....his ears lay low and he wags his tail sometimes and sometimes it is down not moving.....I can ignore him when he does it, show him who is boss by speaking very loudly in a mean manner then he will come up right after being a suck.....then a short time later he does it again right out of the blue

[Jakezilla]

What you don't see on his show is how many times he does really get bit.

Dogs bite and horses kick. If you mess with either long enough it's going to happen.

[Sharon]

Ok wow.....lots of suggestions here.....when playing yes he growls but it is a different growl, not the same as when he just starts to growl.....this growl is very low, deep and loud....he doesn't show teeth, has never tried to nip but it scares the hell out of me.....I can pet him and rub his chin when he does it but I am still weary of him when he is doing it.....his ears lay low and he wags his tail sometimes and sometimes it is down not moving.....I can ignore him when he does it, show him who is boss by speaking very loudly in a mean manner then he will come up right after being a suck.....then a short time later he does it again right out of the blue

This would really concern me. I would suggest getting professionally help...John Wade in London is good.

http://puppydogobediencetrainingwithjohnwade.ca/

http://www.askthedogguy.com/

[welsh]

...his ears lay low and he wags his tail sometimes and sometimes it is down not moving.....I can ignore him when he does it, show him who is boss by speaking very loudly in a mean manner then he will come up right after being a suck.....then a short time later he does it again right out of the blue

And you have no idea what sets him off? If it is happening at random then Sharon has the answer: see a pro.

[Blackwolf]

Most animals at one point or another challenge their master. Usually I look at them and tell them to "give it up" Most times they do. I had a Llama challenge me a week ago. Teddy went to spit at me when I approached him. I shook my head and told him to "cut it out". He kept on gurgling, and turned his back to me. I kicked him and when he went to bite me, I smacked his nose. He stopped and turned around and put his head under my arm to apologize. I then took him for a walk. Same with horses and dogs, though I usually never hit them, its kind of useless when you think about it. I let Teddy know I was not happy and he stopped. Teddy is almost 350 lbs of really nasty stuff if he wants to be. He has killed 11 coyotes and 3 cougars, and chased off a few bears.

[Sharon]

Most animals at one point or another challenge their master. Usually I look at them and tell them to "give it up" Most times they do. I had a Llama challenge me a week ago. Teddy went to spit at me when I approached him. I shook my head and told him to "cut it out". He kept on gurgling, and turned his back to me. I kicked him and when he went to bite me, I smacked his nose. He stopped and turned around and put his head under my arm to apologize. I then took him for a walk. Same with horses and dogs, though I usually never hit them, its kind of useless when you think about it. I let Teddy know I was not happy and he stopped. Teddy is almost 350 lbs of really nasty stuff if he wants to be. He has killed 11 coyotes and 3 cougars, and chased off a few bears.

TRue , but if you read all the Op's posts, this is beyond that.