will be two years in Nov. and acting out
Chiquita has sure been giving me a run for my money this week. She's REFUSING to obey any commands and chewing on things she ought not. For almost a year she's had no interest in her soft chew toys and all of a sudden she's chewing them like she's an ANIMAL   She's being a real bully. Hubby tells me I'm giving her too much attention (and it is true that when her hair gets longer I just can't resist extra snuggles). If I have a treat in my hand Chiquita will run through her commands at lightening speed. Believe me she knows them. So DH decided best to give love as the reward. Well....it's backfired this dog won't do anything for nothing. A sit because you told me?!?? You gotta be kiddin' me....What do you make of this new found chewing? Dh's slippers might not make it to the end of the week. |
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| Tonks and Luna didn't get destructive, but they did get naughty towards 2 years old. And they are doing it again as we approach 3. They don't want to do their commands, and are getting a bit grouchy with each other. So we just knuckled down on the training every time they get this way. When we trained in the beginning, we purchased what was offered as a "lifetime training" package. For a reasonable price, my girls and I can drop in on any of 4 classes a week, for the rest of their shaggy lives. Lately, we've been going 2-3 times a week (as my health allows). Additionally, one of the girls that works at our dog training school offers dog walking, and I've hired her to walk the girls twice a week. They go through their commands on walks as well. With my being sick, I think the dogs are feeling a bit stressed, and its showing in their not being willing to do commands. My suggestion for this behavior is to step it up. NO treats until they prove they REALLY earned it. We got some Agility equipment for the back yard; I can sit ( i know its not traditional) and tell them to go from their table to jumps or other obstacles. When they do ALL of it right, they get a treat. Sometimes. The other day I raised the jump really high, and I had Tonks go over it, and then go back over it, and then back over it a third time. It was something new we'd not done before, so it stimulated her interest. I often think the same "sit, down' stay" can get boring for them. Can you try joining a training class? Maybe the help of a professional will straighten out your naughty sheepie; show them that you mean business! |
| Allison may be onto something. We had a neighbor who trained horses.....every so often I'd see him and a horse away from the property. When I asked why he said to "change their scenery, otherwise they become bored." Sounds like it is time for something completely new, exciting and physically demanding. She might be a little "stir crazy." Of course I assume she's not coming into season or other chemical imbalance. They just go brain dead every once in awhile and need a little nudge. |
thanks for the ideas. I do think ya'll are on to something. Now that I think about it, her best doggy friend moved from right across the street to four blocks away. I know...nothing right? But still somehow she is getting less play date time. Plus it's been really raining so she's been inside. She was really something this morning. I walked her but she was still bouncing in the house.  DH got home early from work and took her bike riding/running. He wore her butt out  She seems to feel much better. I think she's been so calm recently that I forgot she's still a puppy. Friday we are taking her to the doggy park and then on to the beach for the week. PRAY IT DOESN'T RAIN THE WHOLE TIME!!!!  So that should be something new. Maybe it is time for another class. Love the ideas. I'm going to look into it right now. |
| Yay!!! I find that my girls always resist new training at first. Stick with it! Once they finally "give in"; they love it!! For the first week of dog walks with our trainer, Tonks had a TERRIBLE attitude. I mean, MY GOODNESS; she had to walk in heel the whole time! Whats up with THAT?!? Today she was so excited to see our dog walker that her butt wiggled all the way out the door. Sometimes it can be about a power struggle; don't give in! Then they feel like they've won, and will try to get your to give in another point. Before you know it, your dogs rule the roost, not you! |
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