She's turning into a Monster!

L

lawsjl

Forums Regular
Happy New Year Everyone!

I do understand that all dogs go through their adolescent stage, but I think I am experiencing overkill or just a normal puppy?

Phoebe now almost 11 months (spayed) seems to be getting incredibly unruly. I am not sure how to handle it.

She has always been very food motivated and still is...however when I am training with her and the session is over (just her and I at home) she go nuts because the food ends. She starts lunging and nipping in the air. She also nips sometimes during training; no contact just her head forward and a quick bite. I have been ignoring it but it's getting worse and I don't know how to correct it.

She has also started with my son jumping on his lap as soon as he sits down. Being there was no invite to do so he puts her down. She jumps on the side of the chair and does a lunge bite at him (actually nipping at times) and if ignored she starts biting the cushion of the chair or the ottoman and even the carpet.

I am really not sure how to redirect this behavior or to nip it before it becomes habit.

I love working and training with her until the end of a session...yikes! Her habits are becoming demanding for sure.

I was going to do a puppy class and didn't because of the distance to get there. I wonder if that might help? I will not let the distance be a factor if it will help.

Help,
Lisa and Phoebe ( who looks like an angle, but beware).
 
You poor thing....I am pretty sure consistent structured training and firm but gentle correction will help with her rebellious teen aged adolescent ways. They seem to go through many phases much like our kids did, (and do even at 19 :uhoh:) then settle down.

I'll be interested in what the other far more experienced ppl here advice/suggest!
 
It sounds like out of control play to me, they all go through it. It doesn't sound any worse than with other adolescent dogs, just that her behavior isn't being dealt with in a way that gives her any feedback so that she knows when her behavior is inappropriate.

Typically you ignore the bad behavior of a young pup. At 11 months old she's old enough to understand when her behavior is or isn't acceptable, if and when you let her know.

I don't think she really means to bite, she's just being frisky and unruly.

As soon as she starts making that biting gesture during training, end training and totally ignore her for a minute or two, turning your back to her. All of this behavior she's exhibiting is attention seeking. She needs to learn that when she does that unwanted behavior the fun and attention stops.

When she does it at the end of training, calmly take her by the collar and put her in another room till she calms down. It doesn't have to be for a long time, even just 10-15 seconds. If she starts acting up again when the door opens, shut it again and leave her by herself. If she's good when you open the door, give her lots of praise and attention.

You can do this when she's jumping on your son's lap and/or biting furniture and the carpet too.

The important thing to remember is to always be calm, don't get angry or frustrated. When you remove her to another room, do so with neutral emotions. When she's good, let her know with happiness and praise.
 
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