Ive got a 2 year old black labrador called mia, she is a lovely dog expect a few major problems, and we have tried everything from training to one to one, the main problem is her aggressiveness, she will be sat calm and chilled and then suddenly start barking, putting her teeth on you, but not biting, but she is catching and breaking skin, she wont stop barking once told off with a firm no, she started off with wagging her tail and no hairs raised on her neck but now her tail has stopped wagging and her hairs occasianly raise on her neck. As if she is working up thr pecking order to try and be e dominant one. The other problems consist off digging up the garden (so we put her on a lead when going in the garden) as we dint have any control over her once told off for digging or ripping up plants, she doesnt eat for days on end untill you hand feed her, we have gone over a week with it, she bounces up at who ever walks through the door and we have tried to just ignore her which has failed after a month of trying. We are just at a lost cause and many grey hairs later! Any help will most be appreciated Gareth
Re: Help! Hi Gareth, Without observing a dog in this kind of situation, it is very difficult for anyone to advise you. But, I will say that it is most unlikely to have anything to do with dominance. The vast majority of dogs have no interest in dominance whatsoever. It sounds as though this might be a case of mixed signals between you and the dog, who is trying to play and get your attention, and becoming frustrated because she is not getting the response she is looking for. But it could be something more serious, which is why I think you should have a session or two with an experienced and up to date behaviourist. Your vet should be able to recommend one. In the meantime, I recommend you keep her mentally occupied with some regular training sessions, preferably using hands off, force free methods. And also spend some time catching her in the act of being calm and relaxed, and reward her for this behaviour These articles might help Teach your dog to relax How to cope with an over-excited puppy How to play safely with a labrador Let us know how you get on
