[Nicole74]

I'm wondering if all of this growling issues has Bailey trying to move herself up in the pecking order in our house. She is being very bratty and now doing some resourse guarding. :doh:

I've been working very hard with her using calm and positive reinforcement. Bailey is pushing her limits. The kids and I have been hand feeding her and giving her lots of treats for simple commands like sit, wait and come.

I've come across a few posts and it seems like this is the age where they start misbehaving.

 

[BeauShel]

Sounds like the age. You can also use the NILIF Nothing In Life Is Free method. If she starts to growl when she has a toy and you try to take it, use a high value treat to take the toy away. If you try to push it by grabbing it away, it will actually make her guard her stuff even more.

 

[Oaklys Dad]

They can test your patience some times. Just keep doing the things you are doing and you will make it through.

 

[Nicole74]

Sounds like the age. You can also use the NILIF Nothing In Life Is Free method. If she starts to growl when she has a toy and you try to take it, use a high value treat to take the toy away. If you try to push it by grabbing it away, it will actually make her guard her stuff even more.

I've been doing the NILIF ever since she has come home. I will do the trading with high value treats. She rarely ever takes anything that is not hers.

They can test your patience some times. Just keep doing the things you are doing and you will make it through.

You bet we're gonna make it through! Hopefully we all will be well enough for the behavior specialist to come out next week. She is sure testing my patients, I'm greatful for the kennel when she needs a break.

 

[FlyingQuizini]

What is she doing that you're describing as "bratty?" Much of puppyhood/adolescence is best handled by managing the dog's world so she has as few options for trouble as possible. The flipside of that is that she ends up practicing good behaviors.

 

[Mindy72183]

How old is she now? Trapper listened better to me when he was about 4 months and now he likes to ignore me sometimes. He's just over 6 months. He's pretty rambunctious. They say the teenage stage can be difficult but get through it and you'll have a wonderful friend so hang in there!!

 

[Nicole74]

What is she doing that you're describing as "bratty?"

Bailey was chewing nicely on her bone this morning, my 8 year old walked by Bailey and she snapped at her. Bailey has done that to the cat's too. She also has been escaping out the door in front of hubby and running free outside.

Much of puppyhood/adolescence is best handled by managing the dog's world

I wish I knew how to do this properly. I have no idea if I'm doing things right or not. I'm trying my best at it.

 

[FlyingQuizini]

Bailey was chewing nicely on her bone this morning, my 8 year old walked by Bailey and she snapped at her. Bailey has done that to the cat's too. She also has been escaping out the door in front of hubby and running free outside.

I wish I knew how to do this properly. I have no idea if I'm doing things right or not. I'm trying my best at it.

Hey, there's no one RIGHT way to raise a puppy... Give yourself credit for looking for help!

Couple suggestions:

1. Since you know Bailey is going through a strange phase right now, I'd limit bone chewing to when she's in her crate and the kids are under watch so that they won't approach her while crated. Either that, or stick with whatever might be a "lower value" bone that she's was less apt to guard. While you're waiting to hook up with the trainer, you want to try and keep her from rehearsing the unwanted behavior.

2. Regarding the door darting... I actually covered that in one of the training tips segments I did for the local news media. I'll post the link to the story rather than repeat it all. Let me know if you have any questions on it.

http://www.nbclosangeles.com/station/shows/knbc/dog-bites/52875782.html

-Stephanie

 

[Nicole74]

How old is she now?

5 months 3 weeks and 2 days old.

I'll post the link

Thanks! I clicked on your name after watching the link and watched the other video's too. Thanks for the suggestions too!

 

[momtoMax]

Hey I don't know what happened to your other post re: behavioralist...did that work out for you? Is everything going well in that area? Just an aside.