is it normal for dogs to go through a rebellious stage?

Question

my dog is just over a year old (shes a mutt) and was very well trained but a little hyper and lately (past 3 weeks) she has been getting in to everything and not listening she steals my daughters snacks and even peed in the house i am trying to be patient but i need to know if this is going to last and if i can maintain her training through it and one day she will remember that she is supposed to listen

i do try the dominancy thing by (firmly but gently) holding her down by straddling her so she knows who is the alpha but she appearantly loses her mind a few hours later and acts up again

she is spayed and has been since about 4 months old (i think) and i trained her myself and i dont think it attention or lack of exercise she brings me her ball when she wants to play and goes to the door when she wants out so some things have stuck from training i am pretty sure shes just being a "teenager" and i was wondering if thats normal

Answer 1

It is completely normal for dogs to 'test' their position in the pack. The key is to remain consistent and firm with your training, but using positive reinforcement techniques only. It has been proved that negative punishment and trying to dominate your dog does not work, it causes more problems that it solves and is a very old fashioned way of dealing with things. Think about it, if someone wanted your respect would shouting at you and trying to dominate you work? No! However if someone treats you firmly but fairly you would have much more respect for them - well the same is true with dogs.

The period you are going through is almost a 'make or break' situation. If handled correctly it will set you up for an extremely happy life for you and your dog. If handled incorrectly, you will cause all sorts of problems.

Take a look at the Karen Pryor website mentioned in the post above. She has also written a book called 'Don't Shoot the Dog' which gives great advice and background on positive training. If you really have a problem, go to a trainer or behaviourist who should be able to help you out.

Answer 2

Please do not do what the answer above recommends! This is dangerous and several of my aggressive clients became aggressive just this way. (It's called the Alpha Roll, the Dog Whisperer does it, and it's just plain dangerous for you and for the future of your life with your dog.)

She needs positive reinforcement training. You will need to evaluate her environment and figure out what you want her to do instead of what she's doing now and then set about making that worthwhile for her. Training isn't just a 6 week class at PetSmart- it needs to continue for the life of the dog... although as she gets older there will be fewer things that need to be trained because you will have already done it. There's a lot of good stuff here including a list of trainers: www.karenpryor.com

If she is getting into things in the house she will need to be restricted from having access to them. For example, if she digs in the trash, either don't let her in the room where the trash is by closing the door, or put the trash in a cabinet she can't open.

Make sure she has plenty of things it is okay for her to play with or destroy- if you don't she'll destroy yours. Consider dog toys disposable- don't worry if she chews them up. That is what they are for.

This is an age when behavior problems can surface, but with proper training you can get past it.

If she is not spayed, I would do it as soon as possible.

Answer 3

Yes, but it's usually from not enough exercise or from boredom and lack of attention. When my dog wants attention, she'll stare at me for about 15 minutes. Then if I don't pay attention to her, that's when she will start getting into things. IE; dragging dirty laundry around the house, she will pee in the dining room, shred random paper if she happens to find any on the floor. You must be consistent in everything you teach her. And taking the time to go through her training routine at least twice a day for 15-20 minutes. It shouldn't take long to break her habits. Make sure she get exercised and played with and things should be fine.

Answer 4

I'd suggest you see a behavioural trainer and tackle these problems one by one. You could also have her behaviour assessed to find out what sort of character you're dealing with.
Please be aware that spaying can increase dominance in dominant females; any dominance or aggression issues should be dealt with before spaying.
http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=spaying+increases+dominance+%2B+dogs&btnG=Google+Search&meta=

Was there a significant event 3 or 4 weeks ago, any change in the household? Did anyone have the flu for example? Events like this can cause a naturally dominant dog to have a go for the position of top dog.
Get some support with this one, she sounds like a handful! Hopefully its a stage and she'll grow to accept her position if you're consistant in your attitude.

Answer 5

Yes this is normal - she is going through adolescence.

Please, please don't roll her over on her bag and pin her down in an attempt to dominate her! This position does not work and does not teach a dog anything. You will frighten your dog - best case this will destroy your relationship with her, worst case it will make her aggressive and cause her to bite someone (possibly your daughter).

Be patient over the next couple of months and carry on with lots of positive training (using treats, rewards and loads of praise when she gets it right). If you have put in the groundwork she should get over this phase and become less rebellious soon.

Answer 6

Has she suddenly started doing this? if it is sudden, then perhaps shes doing it to get attention etc. It could just be a phase though.
You are right to do the dominance thing. Have you tried just shouting at her if she misbehaves? I read in a book that you can calmly put her lead on, wlk her into a small dark place with you and wait in silence for about a minute. She should be have.

Answer 7

Oh yeah, my girl rottweiler pup is eating our garden fencing at the mo. I think they grow out of it, she shows no "dog shame" when we tell her off and she does it over and over again. She is trained, but I have another girl - a mutt if you like - and she was naughty until over the age of 2.
We keep her away from the garden at the mo, and if she does go in there, we make sure we're there or she has plenty of things to keep occupied. Apparently girls can be naughtier than boys, which seems to be case with my dogs as our boy is v.good!

Answer 8

I think it is completely normal especially your dog has some dominant breeds in her mix. My rottie puppy is extremely well trained but when he hit 9 months he tested everything I said. I just remained really persistent and rewarded him for good behavior. His rebelliousness passed and hes back to being a good boy. Must be the "terrible two's" of canines!

Answer 9

Has she been spayed? If not, she could be coming into season which would explain her behaviour. Otherwise, she's just being a teenager & testing the imits to which she can go. Just carry on with her training, don't let her get away with things, if you tell her to do something, make sure she does it. & be patient - she will improve again.

Answer 10

When my dog does this type of thing I can always trace it back to something she's mad about. Like not going with if my hubby and I leave together. She's 11 years old and she's been like this her whole life. She just throws an occasional fit. When she was younger she would tip over the bathroom trashcans. Now she doesn't have enough energy to do that I guess. Stick with it..... could be just a phase. Doggies are funny like that!