Why is my dog mean/nasty to me.

[Victoria]

MY dog has a tendencey to grawl at me while i'm in my bed and he scares me because he doesn't grawl in a playful manor it's like hes' ready to bite me. he actually bit me one night while i was sleeping I moved my leg and he nipped my foot. How do I help change this behavior? Cause I don't know what to do and I shouldn't become scared of my dog at times. thank you to anyone who can help me!

[Trish McMillan]

Hi Victoria,

Is that your dog in the picture?

If a dog growls at me over furniture, I do two things:
1. Do not allow them access to the furniture until this problem is dealt with (keep a leash on and physically remove dog in an unemotional manner, cover furniture with upside-down carpet runners so it's pointy and uncomfortable, crate dog at night)
2. Teach the dog to happily get off furniture on cue. Say "Off" and toss a treat on the floor. Then start saying "off " and don't toss the treat until he's on the floor.

General obedience training and a "Nothing in Life is Free" program are also good additions for dogs like these.

Trish