just got a dog... who might be a problem.

[mrchapel]

You mentioned he was a beagle/rotweiller mix? That's quite an interesting combination. I used to have a beagle, and beagles are very, very particular. They enjoy their own space. When they want to be around you, they will come to you

When they wish to be left alone to sleep or otherwise relax, they will go off in a corner or some other place they have deemed their own (they will find this in short order). As others have expressed, it is generally a stupid idea to attempt to pet a new dog (new as in still establishing who's the boss) while they are sleeping.

With our beagle, who passed a few years ago due to renal failure, we would always softly say his name if he was sleeping. He understood that we wished him awake for some reason and was happy to respond to us. This sounds exactly like our first encounter with our beagle. She went over to the corner to take a nap, and I went over, attempted to pet her, and was greeted with some nice whites and a mean grin; until a few minutes passed and I called the dog over she was fine. I startled her to say the least, and that's exactly what you did. Be mindful of that, as it is true with any animal.

 

[Toiletduck]

A lot of dogs at the pound come from "troubled" histories. ie, abused, perhaps kicked around on the street etc. They might have that kind of learning to defend themselves programmed into them, it might take a long while to get them to fully change their behavorial habits/responses

 

[designprofessor]

There's a program on NPR that I think gives great pet advice. Pet Talk?
I did more wrong than right with my pets. Theres alot I would do different this time around.

I want a bulldog....