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Ok .... so Im some what newer to the Poodle breed. Ive owned Eli now for 1.5 yrs and have Sting which is 5 months old. (both Standards) My question is... has any other Standard Poodle owner's found that its normal for them to growl at children to "test the water" for say.
Example...last night Sting and myself are sitting on the couch comfortably and my 4 yr old came up to sit with us and slightly rested upon Sting and I thought he growled at my son. Then because I wasn't sure if I actually heard a growl, I asked my son to do that again. Sting very aggressively growled at my son for barley leaning on him. I quicky told Sting "NO" and made him get off the couch but still Im bothered by what happened. I know that Sting is perfectly fine, he's not hurting or anything like that. To me, Sting just didn't like that my son was going to impose on the couch and Sting's comfort. Eli once let out a very low growl to my 1 yr old because my son was bumping into Eli while laying on the floor. I was right there and it was very minor but still it bothered me.
Before owning Standard Poodle's, Ive owned multiple Amstaffs (Pit Bulls). Even though most of the general public views Pits as a danger, still to this day I have never had one Amstaff/Pit Bull EVER growl at my kids. I teach my kids to be respectful of the dogs and this has never been even a thought until now...with the Poodles. Im personally feeling disappointed that I have to deal with behavior like this from a breed I love so dearly now. I know some breeds don't have tollerance for kids but Standard Poodles are supposed to be excellent with children. I mean...for the most part the Poodle's are good but growling really concerns me since I have never dealed with this from any of our previous dogs.
Example...last night Sting and myself are sitting on the couch comfortably and my 4 yr old came up to sit with us and slightly rested upon Sting and I thought he growled at my son. Then because I wasn't sure if I actually heard a growl, I asked my son to do that again. Sting very aggressively growled at my son for barley leaning on him. I quicky told Sting "NO" and made him get off the couch but still Im bothered by what happened. I know that Sting is perfectly fine, he's not hurting or anything like that. To me, Sting just didn't like that my son was going to impose on the couch and Sting's comfort. Eli once let out a very low growl to my 1 yr old because my son was bumping into Eli while laying on the floor. I was right there and it was very minor but still it bothered me.
Before owning Standard Poodle's, Ive owned multiple Amstaffs (Pit Bulls). Even though most of the general public views Pits as a danger, still to this day I have never had one Amstaff/Pit Bull EVER growl at my kids. I teach my kids to be respectful of the dogs and this has never been even a thought until now...with the Poodles. Im personally feeling disappointed that I have to deal with behavior like this from a breed I love so dearly now. I know some breeds don't have tollerance for kids but Standard Poodles are supposed to be excellent with children. I mean...for the most part the Poodle's are good but growling really concerns me since I have never dealed with this from any of our previous dogs.