7 month old doesn't like me preparing human food

F

Fragglejh

Forums Regular
I'm pretty new to sheltie forum (only posted once) and I just knew that as soon as I said my Sheltie doesn't bark that much that I was tempting fate.

So, my problem is this. Whenever I go into the kitchen and start preparing food be it anytime of the day, my Sheltie starts barking at me and this escalates into full on jumping with the addition of trying to dig through my pants (a sight to see! (not my pants, :wink2:). I've gone through the 'does she want to go out? Does she want food?' stuff and even if she is fully fed, watered and toileted the behavior continues.

We put a gate on on the entrance of our kitchen when we first got her, mainly so that I could keep an eye on her for potty training. Now I've used this to put her behind as I just can't ignore the jump/bark/dig combo(I have certainly tried). She has now figured out how to get through this (not fixed to the wall, a moveable gate) and the fun continues.

I have also tried putting in her crate for some time out and she usually settles down with the whine/bark continuing at regular intervals. If you let her out she goes right back to driving me nutty. I really don't want to have to do this everytime I need to make food.

Its only been happening for a couple of weeks but I'm getting tired of it. She is normally a really sweet girl who likes to play and watch what we are doing. I've checked out some of the other posts and seen the use of spray bottles and even had a neighbor suggest putting her on her side until she calms down. Don't really want to go down either route.

Anyone else had problems with food prep patience testing?
 
Sounds like she is real puppified. Just wanting to hang out with you and also trying to reap the benefits of some fallen food.

Personally I wouldn't worry about it and just crate her for the duration of food prep. In my opinion she should grow out of it soon. Just feeling her oats, so to speak.

Everything is new to your pup, she is learning the ropes just like you are. And I could have guaranteed that she would start barking the minute you said that she never barked. hah. Our little merle years ago did the same thing. One day after months of nothing at all she barked and it scared her so much that she backed right against the wall with a shocked look on her little face.

Yeah, I would'nt spray her or anything, you don't want to punish her for just being energized in her brand new world. Shelties are smart, she will figure it all out. Just be patient.


Have a happy puppyhood, Calgary.


Best,
Kate
 
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Shelby would carry on like crazy when we would wipe down the table or counter top (I think maybe the breeders kids would play with her with a rag). It would drive us crazy. We would just try to ignor her and when she would behave we gave her lots of praise and treats. She learned her boundaries and she no longer does this. Once is a while she will try but I just put her in a sit stay and then she stops. I think they just like to test you to see what they can get away with.
 
I'm sorry, but, I can't help but giggle!!!! My Sadie jumps up and hits me in the rump while I'm getting their food ready! Then, as I'm picking up their food bowls for distribution, she jumps straight up and backwards. It's hilarous to watch!

Seriously though, I would just crate her and remove her from the situation.
 
Tessa use to jump up and pull my top, when dishing up their food. so i decided, ok Tessa, if you want to stand on hind legs and jump...i will have you stand on hide legs and walk backwards. so now when i am dishing up, Tessa walks backwards, Kayla spins. Suzi looks at them like ''are you crazy'' and Sugar trys to do both, spin and walk backwards
( got me a circus dog)
 
I echo what the others have already said and quite honestly I am going through the same exact thing right now! Our 5 month old Toby AND 2 1/2 year old Megan do that as well :o

Btw...pictures pleeeease :biggrin2:
 
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