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Puppy Behavioral Issues!

2K views 3 replies 2 participants last post by  Chas 
#1 ·
Hi everyone!

I have a concern as to my pup's behavior. He just turned 5 months old and is also a large breed. Every time he is told no for either biting something (hands, feet, rugs etc) or for doing something he is not suppose to be doing, he snaps back at me and starts to growl and bark. He is wagging his tail slightly as well. Then when I get up or walk towards him to reprimand him, he shoots like a bolt and runs off, but eventually will come back and repeat the above. I am almost sure he knows who is alpha. I am the one in the household to feed him, take him out, play with him, train with treats, and take him to the dog park. He is socialized and does great with other dogs. Could this be a phase as they call the "Teenager Phase" that puppies go through or a dominance phase? If so, any suggestions on how to correct this issue?

Thank you.
 
#2 ·
Ooh yes it absolutely could have something to do with the increase in energy and mental needs as he heads into adolescence.

That behavior sounds like unwanted fallout from aversive use. It seems like he's trying to appease you with play then avoidance when you get closer to reprimand, dogs really can tell a lot from body language.

If you think he's being aggressive, absolutely get a positive reinforcement trainer to evaluate the situation.

I'd up the enrichment, exercise and management in the mean time. Set him up so you don't feel you have to reprimand him. If you're not supervising him pop him in a couple of ex pens with something interesting to do. I'd also start training tricks so he uses up all the brain power he suddenly has access to.

On the play biting, removing access to me was the only thing that stopped Echo from biting. She bit I left for a few seconds, repeated until I'd had enough or thought she needed down time.
 
#3 ·
Thank you for the input.

I usually use positive reinforcement with him by using high value treats, encouraging him to enter his crate with a treat, stuffed kong, etc. When I want to let him know I do not like the behavior, I usually say "No" in a low, but firm voice. And that's when he starts with the growling and barking. I don't want my puppy to be afraid of me in the long run or not want to be with around me or with me either. But also, I don't want to promote bad behavior.
 
#4 ·
@MCab24 I think you misunderstand me. Nothing about positive reinforcement has to be permissive.

Put it this way: Have you ever explicitly taught your pup what you mean by no?

At the moment I'm guessing it means "oh oh, they're angry" thus the appeasing and then fear.

If you want to continue using the word teach him it means "freeze" or "look at me". Otherwise it's just primate emotional runoff*, which is confusing.

I just give my pup a cue that is incompatible with the behavior she's performing, for instance if she's up on the counter I say 'off' which we have established to mean all 4 paws on the ground. After the fact I look at why she did the inappropriate behavior and work on that. For instance proofing the 'up' cue and not leaving chicken on the counter.

* The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs by Patrica MacConnell details this phenomena, it is an excellent book.
 
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