We have had 3 labs and a Dalmatian over the years. My husband always trained the dogs and took them to work. I am a nurse and worked real long hours so had more limited role initially but dogs always with me as exercise buddies and fun. Have 9 week female black lab and she seems to respond great to my husband without any food related reward. With me she grabs my pants, lunges, barks and growls at times. We are not allowing her on sofa or bed. She seems to want to jump on sofa with me and is very insistent to put it mildly. I firmly tell her no and place her on her bed in living room and try to give alternative which she usually could care less for and then it gets worse. I am losing it. I have used treat rewards with some success for sit and come. When I get her off my pants I have her sit, wait a little and then give reward. She is a maniac late evening. I am the one who takes her out twice at night and she is doing great with that and sleeping at night. Is it ok to have hubby take control of the situation at this time or should I keep trying?
Hi Stacey, welcome to the forum I'm sorry to hear that you're struggling. We've got lots of resources on our main site to help you find your feet. This is a good place to start. Puppies can be hard work. If you try searching this forum for terms like "puppy blues" and "crocopup" you'll find you're not alone in feeling how you do (far from it!) but it is a stage which will pass And definitely get your husband to help. It's not fair for you to struggle on alone with very little experience, if he's got lots!
Hello, definitely keep trying. At 9 weeks you’ve got a very young pup and you will have months of training to do. Trust the training and advice. The articles are helpful. I had a real crocopup and it took us a few months to get over it. Even if you don’t get quick or consistent results with your training keep at it as my girl can now put learning to good use, which she struggled with when she was a younger and more boisterous fun seeker! It happens but takes time, persistence and lots of rewards!!!
