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my jack russel has never bit anyone and he is a really loving dog but he seems to growl and bare his teeth all the time. even if im petting him he will growl. if i kick him off the couch he growls if i move him when he is sleeping he growls if i put on my coat and say goodbye to him he growls in fact if he hears me say the word "growl" he starts growling its really annoying and i punish him alot for it but he just wont stop. he isnt growling out of anger it seems more out of frustration and if he is baring his teeth at me and i go close to his face he will start kissing me i just dont understand it. anyone have any ideas or have ever heard of somthing like this? i think it may be impulsive any help would be appreciated

>>my jack russel has never bit anyone and he is a really loving dog but he seems to growl and bare his teeth all the time. even if im petting him he will growl. if i kick him off the couch he growls if i move him when he is sleeping he growls if i put on my coat and say goodbye to him he growls in fact if he hears me say the word "growl" he starts growling its really annoying and i punish him alot for it but he just wont stop. he isnt growling out of anger it seems more out of frustration and if he is baring his teeth at me and i go close to his face he will start kissing me i just dont understand it. anyone have any ideas or have ever heard of somthing like this? i think it may be impulsive any help would be appreciated

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First, stop punishing him for growling. If it was going to work, it would have worked by now. There's a big risk it will make the growling worse and push him into biting. Ask your veterinarian to recommend a behavior specialist or trainer in your area to help you in person with the dog. This breed is small but very powerful and could badly hurt someone.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com