Hiya, its been a while as Bailey has been a very good puppy but recently we have noticed that things have gone a little wrong again. When he is playing or takes something he shouldnt like socks, underwear and other items of clothing when we try to get them off him he becomes snappy and growls at us. Last night he did it to my husband and snapped at him and we feel that if he didnt quickly move his hand away that he may have even bit him. Hard to type this as we have never experienced anything like this with our other three dogs and it scares me. Can anyone suggest what we are to do. Much appreciated. Gail
How old is he now Gail ? I`m guessing that he is in his " teenage years " when this behaviour does often manifest itself . It happens when the puppy starts to feel its feet and try our patience, getting a little too full of themselves and cocky . Its rarely actual aggression , more a case of wanting to get their own way , much like a teenager saying " Its not fair " . As with bad behaviour in children where any attention is better than none , he is best dealt with in a calm but firm manner, I know this isn't easy when they are being such devils but for you to react is adding fuel to the fire . Try a trade , so he gets something he shouldn't , instead of trying to take it away, try offering a treat, something really special, bit of cheese or sausage . You aren't rewarding bad behaviour by doing this , because if he drops the item when asked to, in exchange for a treat, you are rewarding good behaviour . Its teaching him the Drop trigger , you could even offer a squeaky toy if he isn't food orientated , anything to catch his attention when you say Drop at the same time . He will get over it, with some fun training , don't despair please .
Many thanks for your response. Bailey is 10 months old now nearly 11. I have done the treat thing but thought that he did more mischievous antics when given a treat but I agree he does drop the item. What it was yesterday, which was as the saying goes "the straw that broke the camels back" my little niece left an empty tin of rice on the bench, Bailey eye balled it and got it down. He wouldn't drop it and so Hubby got treat, he snatched the treat but then snarled at hubby as he reached for can and then grabbed the can and ran. Then it got a little nasty. Hubby shouted, Bailey snarled and I ran. Normally he is a cute, a little mischievous but adoreable puppy. Thank you again. Gail
Hi Gail , the trouble with shouting at them ( although its hard not to I know ) is that they see this as you joining in with the game, because that's what it is to them , all a big game . Reinforce the SIT , let him see the treat but don't offer it until you get the sit . Try to keep your voice calm , this will help to diffuse the situation and in turn, calm him down . Again , I know its hard, but if you relax, he will be more relaxed as they definitely pick up on our stresses . Good luck and keep us posted
Good morning Kate, last night improvement with your suggestions, not so much with hubby though. (decided to mussle husband and not Bailey (hahaha)). It certainly did improve his behaviour. This morning, however, he used my house as a race track from conservatory to lounge and in the process collecting as many toys in his mouth as he could. I defused this situation very quickly and when i left to come to work what a difference in his personality, he was more playful and loving and even decided to lie down pawing me. Wow. I will keep you updated. Many thanks again for your help. Gail
You`re very welcome @GailBatey so pleased that you can see an improvement, now just your hubby to train
I've started the hubby training book, this is the first line of it: Ygygygygugughghbhvtdrstbkjkkjgtdtdhknkjkj
