Butt wiggling and biting - help!
She has one very bad habit, however. Something will set her off, her rear end will start wiggling and by the time it's a full blown wiggle she is jumping on me, biting / nipping at my shirt, pony tail, etc. She does not do this to my husband. The most common things to set her off are 1) If I correct her - she will do what I ask, but then go into wiggle mode and spaz out, 2) If I want to talk to or pet my Lhasa, she will try to get between us and if I push her away, 3) Apparently just the tone of my voice when I speak to her. If I turn my back to her she pulls on the back of my shirt and nips my rear end. She seems to focus on my upper arms, rear, and unfortunately, my chest. Telling her "down", pushing her down, trying to get her to calm down all make it worse. I've tried getting her to lie down and she will, but as soon as I let go she's back up and doing it more. She doesn't bite hard, but it's enough to pinch and depending on where she gets me it hurts! It seems that this is more of a nervous behavior than an excited behavior. Any idea why she does this, and what I can do to get her to stop?? Right now I either have to put her in the kitchen for a time out or get my husband to get her to stop, and I want to be able to do that myself. Any advice would be welcome - thanks!! |
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| She is viewing as a fellow pack member as opposed to an alpha. And guess where she wants to be in the pack?
I suggest you be the primary caregiver - feed her, give her treats, let her out. Let her figure out that you really are in control. Take her to obedience class - they think it is fun, but it will help you learn to control her. And the instructor may be able to see some contributing behaviors that you aren't even aware of doing. The wiggling is a sign of excitement and an indicator that you need to calm her down or at least don't escalate it. Speak in a lower, deeper tone of voice and be sure it is calm. The higher pitch is more like littermates. Good luck on the jumping - I have one that is still having difficulty with it when she is very excited. But most of the time she is fine. |
| Dixie does that exact same thing. Her triggers are when she is happy and excited. It is her expressing her excitement and happiness. Nothing more.
I don't use any physical corrections and she absolutely knows that I am the provider off all good things. It is a behavior that she enjoys, but needs to learn that is not acceptable. I turn away when she comes jumping at me, but then she will get my elbows, butt etc. I had bruises on my arms from her happy nips. I also have her sit, and then verbally release her. If she is too out of control I leave that area. I have seen her do it to her new mom and dad, too. You need to make sure that she knows exactly what it is that is not acceptable or she will just be confused and will try different ways to show you her joy, or more of the same. If you correct her and she doesn't know why she may start to fear you, or get stressed around you. You also need to show her what type of behavior you want instead. You may want her to re-direct her attention to a stuffie or a rope toy to save your arms! Or ask her to sit befroe she gets ANY attenion form you,,,positive or negative. |
| Yup, you definately need to be a bit more "alpha". I recommend the book "The Dog Listener" by Jan Fennell. All the above suggestions are right out of her book and really do work!
When she get excited you absolutely (to the best of your ability) IGNORE HER. Do not give her any reinforcement to the behavior. Time out, not in her crate, is a good idea. Don't allow her to be in the room with you if she is getting excited. But most importantly you need to learn how to get her to behave. If your husband does it it only reinforces his role as alpha and yours as subordinate. |
| Yep Ollie does that to me, when I turn my back, or try to eat - he constantly wants my attention and its not like his lordship doesn't get any !!
The only way I stop his is by telling him: " right thats it ollie, ni-nights" and he immediately jumps on the sofa and looks the other way - Ollie do you really think I can't see you, he thinks he's turned into invisible dog - it works everytime. |
| Thanks, everyone. It's what I suspected. I'm planning on enrolling in obedience classes next week, and am trying to implement all of your suggestions.
Thanks again!! |
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