I have tried redirecting her, but she comes back twice as hard. If I say "no", she will growl at me and jump at me as if it is a game. I say "off" when she tries to jump on furniture, but she keeps going anyway. Please help me.
Joslin from Houston, TX
Although I don't have any specific advice, I would recommend reading either "Animals Make Us Human" or "Animals in Translation" by Temple Grandin. She's a professor with wonderful insights into the animal world (primarily cattle, horses and dogs). She has autism and sees many parallels between animal and human behavior. "Animals in Translation" has several sections on hyperactive dogs. (03/01/2009)
By Nell's Mom
Your puppy isn't trying to hurt you. She thinks you are playing with her. You must distract her and get her occupied with something else. For example swing one of her toys and when she takes it, you say "good girl" and give her a small reward. We dice cheese in about 1/8" cubes for rewards.
By flapdoodle ann.
I think your puppy is just going through what we call "puppy puberty". She's testing you just like our human kids do. My advice would be is to just keep redirecting and correcting her when needed. Being consistent is especially important at this time. Be sure to also praise her well when she does what you ask. In my experiences, puppies do much better with lots of praise every time they do what we want them to. Even if you didn't ask her to do something. For instance, if she sits in front of you when you get home instead of jumping on you, then really praise her with a "good girl, good sit!"
Also, be sure to give her plenty of, rough and tumble, outdoor exercise time so she can burn off some that puppy steam.
Good Luck to you. (03/01/2009)
By Jo
We have a 3 year old Rat Terrier/Border Collie. She was such a horrible puppy that we wanted to return her within hours. Our solution for the biting was a muzzle. Yes, I thought it was cruel at first, but eventually we just had to show her the muzzle and it would stop the bad behavior.
Also you can use an herbal medicine called "Calm Down". This works wonders. Good training and age will help too. Hope this helps and good luck. (03/01/2009)
By samaree
You need to declare dominance over the puppy, which you obviously have not done. The dog believes it's in charge. With that breed of dog, you need to nip this behavior in the bud while it's small. Flip the puppy onto its back and lay across her, hold her neck so she can't move until she relaxes. This may sound cruel, but it is not. Dogs need to know who is the Alpha in the home, and it ought to be the human. It won't hurt her. Get some obedience training for her, ask your vet for advice. (03/01/2009)
By Wendy
She probably needs to be exercised. If possible take her for a long walk or use roller blades. Even a treadmill will help. Dogs like that have a lot of energy and need a way to burn it up. With regular walks she will use up all her energy and be more relaxed at home (03/01/2009)
By LEONA LABINE
We inherited a one year old chocolate lab who had apparently never been disciplined by his former owner. The biggest problem we had was his jumping whenever he got excited. One day he jumped as high as my husband's head. At that point, I put him on the floor on his side and held him by his neck until he was completely submissive. He has never jumped again. (03/02/2009)
Have you ever watched adult dogs with puppies? One thing that a lot of people don't pay attention to is how the adult dogs discipline the kids. Typically an adult dog will place a paw on the top of the puppy's head and force them to the ground. They will hold them there for a moment then let them go, if it continues, they do it once again.
Good luck and happy puppy time. (03/02/2009)
By Carrie Hulce
Joslin, check with your vet before taking her on long walks. We have boxers and our vet told us that short walks are great, but long walks should wait until they are at least 6 months old. (03/05/2009)
By Jodi
Add your voice! Click below to comment. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!