my puppy has two personalities

[shana]

Hi

I have a very complicated situation.

My 5 month old puppy is a sweetheart when I'm the only one around, I mean she loves to be petted, she loves when I play with her and her toys, she also likes to lick my hands after I pet her, she doesn't jump on me, she waits to eat until I release her with "ok", she sits and comes on command, she knows how to walk calmly on a leash, etc. and I know she is very smart because she has learned many of these things very quickly.

BUT, whenever she is around other people, she turns into a devil dog, really, even with my family who she sees every single day. I mean, she constantly jumps on everyone, nips their hands and shoes, if someone tries to pet her she will bite their hands or roll on her back keeping people away with her paws. If she is in the front yard, she will bark like hell to anyone that walks near our house, even if I'm outside with her, so I know it is not because she is bored or lonely.

We have another dog, twice her size and age, and whenever we leave them alone, she will play rough with him by going after his neck, or constantly jumping on him. If he has something in his mouth, she will take it from him by bitting him. And our other dog will just bark at her with no results. The only behavior I have managed to teach her when she is around our other dog is that she wont eat from his food bowl when we feed them at the same time, as this was a problem before, even if I make her wait by feeding him before her

I don't know what to do, everyone hates her and she is just a puppy. I have tried trainning her in different places with different people, but she keeps on jumping and nipping on everyone even if they turn the other way without paying her attention. She also "listens" to my commands in different places but if there are any people/dogs near us, she just wont listen.

Please help me

 

[Roxy's CD]

I had this problem with Roxy. A behaviourist told me it was because we spent too much time together and she didn't have enough "fun" experiences with other people.

Try getting her to spend more time without you with your parents. Make sure it is fun time! ex) practicing sits with plenty of treats or playing with a favourite toy.

As for the other dog, of course I can't say for sure because I haven't seen it, but the way you describe it sound exactly how Hades plays with Roxy. He jumps on her, bites her neck and ears, and if Roxy has a toy he's constantly nipping at her face and trying to pull the toy away. He's never hurt Roxy and when she's had enough she firmly tells him and he either leaves her alone, or pesters her more and we schedule a little time out! LOL, Hades will go to his kennel with a toy and Roxy can have some relaxing time! LOL

I would definitely get your parents to start spending some quality time alone with her though. Training, walks and plenty of praise and treats. Then you can come back into the picture once she realizes that your parents are fun people and she has to listen to them too!

Sorry that's all I have, I'm sure there will be others with more ideas for you

 

[poodlesmom]

Your pup is still young but it sounds like you are doing a wonderful job with her on her training.

One of the things that can create some of the problems other people are experiencing with her is that everyone has to be on the same page when it comes to training. She knows she can't jump on you but if others let her, even occasionally, jump on them this tells her it's OK. If she is being a "devil dog" have them completely ignore her. Even them telling her "no" is giving her the attention she is looking for. Consistency is the key. It's a great idea for your parents to do some training sessions and walks with her too. That will help her understand that she needs to listen to them as well.

Another thing you are seeing is that she is not following your commands when there are distractions around. This is totally normal and to be expected. Keep up having training sessions without distractions and also throw in an occasional one with just some minor distractions. As she starts responding well with the minor ones you can slowly increase the amount of distractions. Slowly over time you will see improvement.

I am sure you will continue doing a fantastic job training your pup and she will be as loved by the rest of your family as she is by you!

 

[shana]

thanks

I will try that, she does spend too much time with me if she is not with me, she is in her crate, or in the backyard by herself or with our other dog, but no one can stand her unless I'm holding her, so she pretty much never spends time alone with anyone other than me.

I have increased distractions, it works if people or dogs are on sight but not close enough, but if for some reason they come near us, she will loose focus inmediatelly, so I will work more on this.

Its funny but I do almost the same thing as you do with Roxy, they need several times-out per day, or they will start a bark fight, even if they are only playing

I will also talk to family and friends to let them understand why she is been like this and hopefully we'll get through this

 

[kidsanddogs]

I don't know if you are able to get to some group training sessions, but I think that would help. Your dog would get experience away from home, with your trainer and other dogs as well, and there would be lots of distractions. Your trainer will most likely have experience with your problems. In my experience, the more you socialize your puppy, the better behaved they are.

It does sound like you are doing a wonderful job training your dog. But even the best trainer still takes their dog and works him around other dogs and distractions. If you can find a class with a positive trainer, I would recommend that you sign up. Also, if it works out you might continue your classes to advanced and then even some specialized ones like a tricks class. The more, the better.

Make sure that your pup is getting lots and lots of exercise. Dogs usually behave better when they don't have a lot of built-up energy.

Good luck, shana, and keep up the fantastic job!