male 10 month old, always tries to lead me

[MonkeyGirl]

Good morning everyone,

My almost 10 month male Newf (Ozzy) has such a strong drive to lead me throughout the house. He will either grab a drawstring, shirt or pant leg and "walk me." He matches my walking pace and seems very proud.... This happens mostly at home only and pretty much 100% of the time. I must admit it can be very annoying at times and I am obviously doing something wrong because he does not respond to my corrections (telling him no, stopping and firmly saying "no mouth" but to no avail, redirecting with a toy, eventually I end up opening his mouth and removing the clothing). I have never experienced this before and am wondering if anyone else has?

Thanks for reading!!!!

 

[Darwinsnewfie@1855]

Ella tried that all the time when she was that age. It's cute for a couple weeks, but can get out of control real quick. Some trainers told me it was a mouthing issue and others told me that she was trying to dominate me because I was not taking on the leadership role. It took many months to correct because I let it go on too long. I would recommend teaching him the drop it command. I just practiced getting Ella to drop everything she wanted to pick up and rewarded her with a treat when she complied. Now I usually say drop it and she obeys on command, however, sometimes she still tries to be the boss and runs away when she gets a hold of something really good. Btw....Ozzy is sooo adorable, I can see how it must be hard to take anything away from that sweet face.

 

[mcme]

Dublin does it when he's really excited. When my husband has to work late, Dub will grab the strap of his briefcase when he gets home and trot down the hall with him. Since it's just occasional and cute, we've never tried to stop him, so I'm not much help with that. All the time would get old. Maybe put him in a sit or down and reward him when he holds it instead of mouthing? I'm sure others will have more suggestions.
He sure is cute!

 

[AngusMcDubhsMom]

Ahh, yes. All of my Newfs tried that at some point. My Gracie was herding me or guiding me at 4 months. Has he been to any basic obedience classes? That should help you get some direction and control; but ultimately you have to teach him to "drop it" or "leave it" or as suggested make him sit or some other activity to redirect him. Whatever works for you and be consistent about it.

 

[R Taft]

I just put this in puppy nipping.... I treat it the same way, I teach "off": I also have treats with me when my dogs are puppies and lure them off.... I get the treat and as they come off to get the treat I say "off"... eventually they also learn the word off and you say "off" they come off and you reward. If you have a really horrid little one that has the biting sort of as a learned behaviour ( or as in your case grabbing and pulling)... I get a little spray bottle with some water and a few drops of either geranium oil, lemon grass or lavender... all harmless as they are essential oils and spray, not near the eyes, but near the nose again not close and only once is all I have ever needed to do this. it will work and after that even picking up the bottle will work or just the pretend action with your finger. I had a singleton pup, who had no littermates and she had no idea... she is now the softest mouthed pup. urshie is just one, she will take your hand, which I like for water training, but is soft. I also teach gently... she knows she has to soften or get ignored... I think it is harder when you have kids in the mix as they often pull away and scream... real no no's as the dogs think of it as play and it excites them, which leads to a more powerful bite... I still allow the dogs to take my hand, I just do not accept it hurting...

I actually love redirecting this as these are the dogs that make great water rescue dogs... so I think teaching the "off" is how I would go. And also sometimes asking for it, so there are times he is asked to do it... put it on cue. Things you put on cue become a great thing to do for the dog
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