my labrador/chow seems to be testing his limits. he is going to be 2 on valentines day. i have had him since the day he was born and had to bottle feed him because of the death of his mother. he is very vocal and can be a fun loving dog. lately he has been doing things he isnt suposed to such as chewing, jumping, and if u stop him from what he is doing and ignore him for his bad behavior he will just stay right by you and bark this high pitch nerve racking bark. just these past to days if he does not get it his way he will nip you on your butt. one member of the family finds it funny and does not stop it he just encourages it. if you tell him NO he wil bark at you and if you try to grab him to tell him NO he will play that little you cant catch me thing an d shout a playful bark. about 4 months ago we got another labrador (purebread female) it hasnt affected him in any negative way. i am afraid he may turn on us and hurt somebody. why is he doing this and how do i control it?
2006-12-26 05:05:15 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
I would take the following steps
1. make sure the dog gets pletny of exercise- take him for a walk morning and evening- more if possible
2. get a rope or leash on the dog prior to issuing any commands.
3. never give a dog a command that you cannot or will not enforce. now that you have a leash on him from step 2- "cannot enforce" should now not be an issue but you must have the will to enforce the command.
4. limit the dogs location in the house. this is very difficult if the dog has had free reign. I always start my dog in the garage until he/she proves they can behave, then they are allowed in the kitchen while I'm there to prove they can behave, then maybe they will be allowed in the television/computer room, etc. etc. After a few years, the dog may be allowed in the rest of the house.
The problem is that your dog missed out on social skills and submissive behavior if its mother died before these skills were taught- no its up to you.
WARNING: I had a retriever that also missed out on early lessons from mother and litter mates. He listens now but he tried to bite me several times and I had to roll him on his back and bear down with much force on his neck (all while avoiding his knashing teeth). He submitted and now understands that I am the master.
2006-12-26 05:49:01 · answer #1 · answered by MrWiz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many dogs start to develop dominance behaviors around this age, whether or not they have been neutered. However, if he hasn't been neutered, it will probably be worse, esp if the other dog you got hasn't been spayed. He may think you are equals, esp since he was bottle raised and didn't have his Mama to put him in his place. If you didn't do any obedience or socialization with him, he has probably been angling to be the dominant member of the family for a long time, and now he is going after it in earnest, partly to be sure he gets to breed the female. If he isn't neutered, do it now, as well as spaying the female. Then start training classes with both of them, and preferably all members of the household, to be sure that everyone understands the dogs' place in the hierarchy of the household. You are right to be concerned, and you should act now. You don't want him to become a true biter, which he may if he gets too frustrated, or if he learns that he gets his way with these behaviors. BTW, obedience classes are like kindergarten, and your older dog needs more than that. You need to find a good trainer. Good Luck!!
2006-12-26 05:25:29 · answer #2 · answered by Annie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He sounds like he is jealous. Labs mature at a slower rate then other dogs - but are VERY smart. He is wanting attention - good or bad - he doesnt care. I use a mixture or Apple cider vinegar on my dogs. I rescue and adopt over 100 dogs a year - and when training and getting rid of bad behavior - you ahve to find what is causing it first. Spend at least 2 hours a day just traingin - the "silly" things such as sit - down - stay. Labs love to learn - when not learning - they get in trouble. He sounds like a very loyal and loving dog - he just wants attention. Try that - and if you spray the apple cider vinegar mixture - start out with a 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water. This is very weak - but it will get his attention. If no response - make the mixture stronger. This does not hurt the eyes or nose and is safe for the dog. Good luck!
2006-12-26 05:14:46 · answer #3 · answered by liltygarwolf 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've said this before concerning 1-2 year old dogs - they are teenagers, and they will test their limits. He is trying to assert authority over you and your family. You cannot let this happen - you must be the authority, or else your concerns about his ability to hurt someone may very well turn out to be validated. Is he neutered? Has he been to obedience classes? Both are good first steps. It is important that every member of your family consistently condemns his bad behavior and rewards him for his good behavior.
2006-12-26 05:15:12 · answer #4 · answered by maguire1202 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sure you're correct that your dog is trying to test his limits and that the solution is for everyone in your family to show him who's in charge. Since you've already reached the stage where you're afraid what he might do, it sounds to me like you need to seek expert help and Cesar Millan from the Dog Whisperer show is the best.
I pasted a couple web sites below, so you can learn more about his techniques for yourself. If you Google "Dog Whisperer" you'll find lots more information about him.
You might learn enough to get started just by watching the "Dog Whisperer" show on TV.
Good Luck!
2006-12-26 05:17:01 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds to me like the arrival of a new dog has affected him. I would give him extra attention. Longer walks and more playtime that involves activities that will stimulate the dog both mentally and physically.
A dog who's energy has been spent will not cause too many problems other then maybe snoring.
2006-12-26 05:12:31 · answer #6 · answered by KJ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like your dog needs a professional trainer to me. I had to send my dog to Man's Best Friend because I was unable to train him. It was not that my dog was a bad dog I was a bad trainer.
I am not saying you have to go to Man's Best Friend but someplace like that. They teach you dog how to behave and they teach you how to control your dog.
They will also be able to tell you if there is something wrong with your dog.
2006-12-26 05:11:56 · answer #7 · answered by Axel M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you answered your own question. Obviously the introduction of the female dog HAS affected him. He is trying to put you and your family in line in the order of "his" pack as he sees it. He is trying to dominate you and let you know that HE is the boss and deserves all of your attention.
Work with him to discourage dominance. If you search in Yahoo Answers for Dog Dominance questions, you'll get a lot of helpful info.
Good luck!
2006-12-26 05:09:58 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Watch the Dog Whisperer (Ceasar Millan) on the National Geographic channel (Friday nights). Excellent advice on dog training.
2006-12-26 05:07:40 · answer #9 · answered by Smoothie 5 · 0⤊ 4⤋
Be stern and give rewards and consiquences. Treats and stern punishments.
2006-12-26 06:16:35 · answer #10 · answered by poniexpress4ever 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋