Kristy_Sea;214381 wroteHey Bill,
I actually think you are 100% right about the behaviour and the position she was angling for with it. She was by far the dominant female in the litter. Hopefully you want to talk more 'dog' I'm really interested to hear more about Queenie, so if you're willing, please do write more.
As for Larry and I...
We've already naturally started down the road to re-asserting my position as pack leader before I realized what some of those behaviors meant and I'm certain that she is well on the way to understanding that I am in charge. Though I'm pretty sure she thinks she's second in command, which will be funny when Ryan comes back from MN this week.
The steps I've taken: (I'd truly welcome any corrections or suggestions)
1. Basic commands: she's mastered sit, come, fetch and 90% on drop (we're now working on how to greet other people without jumping up and stay)
2. I've adopted the 'push on' attitude when she is in my way, both for the pillow and also for our walks..as she'd been jumping up a bit. I just walk on (which has lead to some gentle, but hilarious tumbles for her) or I lay down exactly where I want to be. (She gets out of the way before my head hits the pillow)
^^I'd esp love any feedback on that strategy, she's my first jumper.
3. I make her sit and hold her to stay while I place her food in her kennel, I also randomly take away things like bones, for a minute or two and reward friendly obliging behaviour. (she does not get aggressive when I do) I return the toy after a command.
4. We do not play tug of war, ever and I will not allow others to do it with her.
If you have anything to add, I'm all ears..or if you would I'd love to hear more about what you and Queenie are going through. (Or any other pet owners on the forum!)
I'd love to keep the thread going and talk about dogs. I suck at talking poker strategy, so at least here I can contribute! Others might bore with it, but there's always something else to read.
My thoughts:
1. Jumping when meeting people. Tell your friends to completely ignore her when you meet on the street or they enter your house. They give Larry no attention whatsoever until she's settled and calm. You should be doing this as well when you come home. Just walk in and start doing what you usually do. If she's jumping, tell your friends (or yourself) to raise their knee up enough to block her. You are NOT kneeing her in the chest, but blocking her followed up with a quick "NO".
Jumping while you're walking..I think you're doing the right thing. Forward motion, just keep moving. She jumps and tumbles, c'est la vie. She'll eventually get it. Just keep 'assertively' moving forward. When you stop, she's getting attention which is why she's jumping on you.
2. Sort of ties into what you mentioned in 1. Around your house, don't tip toe over the dog if they are in your way. Tell them to move. "Push on" as you said. If they are standing in your way, walk right through them. You're not going to hurt them, they will move. We have a friend who is a Great Dane breeder (yes, she's a pro, not a backyard breeder). At any one point in time she can have as many as 15 of these giant beasts in her home weighing between 150 and 200lb. You can't be expected to climb over them all the time as that's all you'd be doing. They move for you or they get stepped on.
3. Not much to say here. You're doing it right. You own everything, she owns nothing. She can borrow her toys, but if you want them back she gives them up immediately. Food and bones are good ones to work on this with. If there's anything they'll protect it's food and bones. Only time Bob ever growled at me was when I tried to take a bone away. If they're growling and you're not comfortable taking the object away, remove them from the object and then take it away.
4. Again, you're doing it right. Lots of people play tug of war with their dogs, and wrestle with them and it works out ok. I used to wrestle with Bob all the time. Never had a problem. But if you're dog has dominant tendencies and you haven't established that you're the boss yet... You're asking for trouble. I knew someone who said "your dog never wins battles like these. Ever. Even if you lose, you'd better act like you've won."
Considering your personality Kristy (not sayin' anything bad here), I don't think you'll have many problems you can't deal with. Always be assertive, not aggressive. Don't let little things slide, address them immediately. If you're working on training, do it in small bursts. Dogs have short attention spans. If you get frustrated, stop. If you're tired, stop. Always end training on a positive note, never on a negative. Makes it more rewarding for you and your pooch. They'll be more interested in engaging training the next time.
Queenie's doing great. She skulks and slithers around the house following me and staying out of Bob's way. She doesn't like not knowing where I am at all times. If you walk towards her she panics and backs away and hides til you go past, then follows you to wherever you go.
The big thing is that she hasn't freaked out when we've left her alone. I'm sure that'll happen at some point, and I've accepted that. Push on.
