Disciplining puppies...

[GAD]

Sounds like you've got yourself a VERY alpha personality pup (not to mention smart). Don't fret - be persistant and it will pay off in ways you can't imagine.

Your pup WILL love you best, once it figures out that you are the Alpha of Alphas.

In her mind, she is the Alpha, and no one can beat that - it would take a VERY alpha female to tame her, a job I don't envy, but one I'm familiar with.

Cozy was as Alpha as you could get. She would kick other pups off the nipples so she could have her fill. Our breeder looked at us when we decided on Cozy (We had pick of the females) and said "Are you SURE you want that one?"

Here's another trick for you. Don't laugh now...

Spit in her food. Make her sit before eating, then pretend to eat from her bowl while she watches. Spit in her food, then give it to her. Make her stay (if you can at this age) and wait until you say it's OK for her to eat.

You see Alphas always eat first, then the other pack members get what's left over. When the other dogs eat, they taste the alpha's spit in their food.

Yes it sounds obnoxious, but it was the only thing that ever made Cozy respect my wife. It worked miracles for us.

Of course the best part is the stories you get to tell your friends afterwards. My wife used to have to suck on each dog treat before she gave it to Cozy - quite funny to watch. I still chuckle thinking about it.

We have friends that, to this day, still call my wife the Alpha Bitch.

The result? Cozy is the most loving, respectful, wonderful dog I've ever known. It was a LOT of work - upwards of two years in reality, but she is my angle-girl now.

Don't give up, and don't think for a minute taht she doesn't love you - she does. She needs to respect you too. The fact that she is still being a pain means she DOES respect you, but as an equal. Make her know you are the queen!

Good luck.

GAD

 

[Lynne]

You're doing well, Amy, so keep it up! And another good tip from GAD!!
One that's worked for me is a scruff shake and the command "Eeeeaaaaasy", in a low, drawn-out tone. It also sounds like tummy rubs- Rory on her back and you over her- might be a good idea. One of my babies now, at 6 weeks, does NOT like to go over on her back for me, so it's become a daily routine. She settles down when I scrootch her chest. And I let her up when *I* am ready, not when she is. She has to be calmly lying there for me to release her. She'll learn!! And so will Rory!
Keep up the good work!
Lynne

 

[AmyPC]

Oh, the weird and wonderful ideas I'm getting from this site. I'll definitely be spitting in her food

And slobbering on her dog biscuits.

I am LOVING this advise!

 

[Jeannie]

Here is some advice I have not seen yet. When I got Samantha from rescue, she was already one year old and VERY dominant and aggresive. She would bite for any reason. If she wanted it--it was hers and if I tried to take it she would come at me with her teeth bare trying to bite and growling. Here is what a trainer in my area told me to do. It is called quiet submission or if you do it forcefully aggressive submission. Make her lay down on her side with her feet away from you. (for safety) You will probably have to pin her down at first by putting one arm on her neck and one at her flank. While she is in this position really get in her face and growl and shout at her. DO NOT LET HER UP UNTIL SHE RELAXES AND GIVES UP HER STRUGGLING. It may take a few minutes at first. I did this a few times a day. When she is biting use the agressive method--grab her by the throat and lay her on her side VERY forcefully and really growl and yell at her in her face. This may sound stupid, but it really works. Remember as long as you are on top you are the apha. If you every watch wild animal shows even in play the alph is on top and the submissive one is lying on their side. It will take a few times. At first I had to use the aggressive method on Sam quite a few times. Now I can just lay her down with one hand. Another note--this is good for teaching "play dead" in the future. I was told by many people that Samantha was too aggressive and should be put down, but I refused. Now she is a Delta Certified therapy dog, and has 2 CD titles. I take her to day care centers to give the kids rides in her wagon. One day a 4 yr old was pulling her tongue out of her mouth and laughing. Sam just layed there. Good Luck Let us know when you win your battle

 

[Jeannie]

I forgot one thing. While you are pinning her down, sometimes it helps if you use your elbows on her body (neck and flank area) and grab her feet with your hands. That way she cannot get her legs back under her and try to get up. Also remember you are also on the floor kneeling over her.

 

[AmyPC]

I've been away for the New Years so I haven't checked the site lately.

Thanks for that advice jggrosch - I had heard something like that before (was it here? Can't remember

) and have tried the holding down method a few times but she has always struggled for ages so I have always ended up letting her go after she has been still for a couple of seconds. Thanks for explaining it in detail though because using the proper hold will probably help me.

As I said, I've been away for a few days and Rory has been here with the rest of the family. So far she has only been nibbling rather than biting and has been quite good. (except with the using the house as a toilet thing - but that's another thread

). She seems a bit more matured. And she's grown i that time, I swear!

 

[Jeannie]

Amy,
Yes, you have to wait till they stop struggling and give up completely to you. If not they are still WINNING and that makes them the alpha over you. Even if it takes 5 mintes or longer do not give up to her. I have had dogs struggle and get so mad that they potty all over, but I still don't give up. (I use this technique while grooming very unruly dogs. Eventually the owners don't understand why their dogs let me comb them and not them--I think this is the reason and usually I only have to do this once)

Goood luck to you
Jeannie