[EvilNessCroft]

*Sigh* I don't know why but this morning at the park, Molly's old and bad behavior returned!

She was chewing a stick like usual, then got up and zoomed around a little. After that she started to bite the leash and ran to me to bite by feet! I said 'NO' Once, she didn't react. Then I told her to 'SIT' Then again, didn't react. So I grab her collar and tried to make her sit but she decided to lie down and roll in the grass (I almost broke my fingers 'cause they were still around her collar) Then I decided to let her at it and I ran the opposite direction and called her happily (which was really hard because I was pretty frustrated) Then she followed me and I told her to 'SIT' again... AND she FINALLY DID IT! ... Ouuuf..... :uhoh:

What was that all about?! I was kinda worried, she didn't do this behavior since she was 6-7months old...Do you think she was testing me or something?... What should I do if she does it next time???

 

[Our3dogs]

Boy oh boy, you could have been describing my Logan when he was around that age. They definitely go through phases where they want to test us and just really push our buttons. I think you handled it well. You distracted her and got her to focus on what you wanted. When Logan would go through a phase like this I would usually start right back in with obedience training 101 exercises. It did help reinforce that I was the boss and help get him back on track. There were moments when he was in the act of throwing himself to the ground and not wanting to pay attention or mind, that I would finally haul him up off the ground and into a sit position. I would then put both hands on the side of his face, grab his furry cheeks, make him look me in the eye, and then give him a strong verbal correction. One of the great trainers I have used for years once told me to do this and get the direct eye contact with him; then whoever looks away first looses. It was funny to watch Logan do everything he could not to look at me. When he finally did, he knew he had lost. Don't worry, I was not being abusive with him, but it was affective when he had just gone beyond the point of listening.

 

[EvilNessCroft]

Boy oh boy, you could have been describing my Logan when he was around that age. They definitely go through phases where they want to test us and just really push our buttons. I think you handled it well. You distracted her and got her to focus on what you wanted. When Logan would go through a phase like this I would usually start right back in with obedience training 101 exercises. It did help reinforce that I was the boss and help get him back on track. There were moments when he was in the act of throwing himself to the ground and not wanting to pay attention or mind, that I would finally haul him up off the ground and into a sit position. I would then put both hands on the side of his face, grab his furry cheeks, make him look me in the eye, and then give him a strong verbal correction. One of the great trainers I have used for years once told me to do this and get the direct eye contact with him; then whoever looks away first looses. It was funny to watch Logan do everything he could not to look at me. When he finally did, he knew he had lost. Don't worry, I was not being abusive with him, but it was affective when he had just gone beyond the point of listening.

Thank you so much for your reply! I will try this next time!

After she finally came to me and sat, I did practice some obedience. I mostly practice Sit & Stay, and Down & Stay. I really didn't want this playtime at the park to end as a bad experience. So we left when she was sitting calmly, then I praised her alot and we got back home!

 

[Our3dogs]

Perfect. Yes, it is always best to try and end on a positive note. After I posted my original message I laughed to myself as I thought back to Logan in his training classes. I remember telling the instructor how he can act like such a brat at home and not want to listen. I am not sure she totally believed me since he was so good in class. Then he pulled the stunt of throwing himself on the ground, etc. The instructor actually laughed and said "he is acting just like a 2 year old throwing a tantrum". That is when she told me to haul his furry butt up off the ground, make him sit and do the eye contact thing and a verbal correction. I am sure the rest of the class was laughing "with me" and not at me. LOL

 

[EvilNessCroft]

LOL! But your Logan did grow out of it, right?! God I hope so! :