Is This A Puppy Behavioral Problem?

Question

I'm not sure if its a problem. I read that chihuahuas love to please and that to not pay attention to them is like death for them. Imagine my shock. I'm not exactly a get up and go person who can pay attention to my 3m old puppy constantly. :( I get down on the floor and play with her some, she sleeps with me every night, and she cries if I leave the room without her, but she doesn't listen to a thing I say. She doesn't come when called even though she knows her name and understands what I want. Unless she wants me, she ignores me and does what she wants to do. It isn't because she's stupid. She's very smart. She fetches (when she feels like it), she understands sit, dance, and she will jump through a hoop for a treat. But otherwise, unless I have something she wants or she wants my attention right then, she ignores me / runs amuck / does her own thing. Is this normal? Does my puppy not like me? Or is it merely something that will go on until she's older or gets training?

Answer 1

You need to start training her now. She is not minding you because she does not think that she needs to, and she needs to be taught that she is supposed to mind. I would enroll her in a puppy socialization or basic obedience class.

Answer 2

Hello, I had the same problem with my dog but it came from giving to much attention to him when he was a puppy. Don't think it is a behavioral problem . Just wait it out she is only 3 months I would wait until she is about 1, and if she is still doing those things then maybe u should consider training school . Gucci is fine now but it took alot of hard work. He's almost 2 and he is a good boy now.

Answer 3

If you have not tried formal training with her, then I'd say that is the key. All dogs should get obedience lessons to learn the essentials: sit, heel, come, stay, down, leave it, drop it, etc. The tricks like dance and jumping through hoops are adorable, but they won't help you in situations where her obedience is required, like crossing a busy street, or getting her to drop a chicken bone that she stole off your plate (both possibly life-threatening situations).

Check out your local shelter, ASPCA, or PetSmart store for puppy and obedience classes that use positive reinforcement techniques. It's one of the most valuable things you will ever do for your dog and you'll never regret it.

Answer 4

Your chihuhua is the leader of the pack, when it should be you. That's what's going on. You let her do what she wants to do, and she knows she can get away with it. As a Papillon breeder and owner, I would advise Canine Good Citizen training for you puppy. Pick up a copy of the book "The Canine Good Citizen: Every Dog Can Be One!" from your local library. I have used this guide for my strong-willed Papillons, and it works like a charm everytime! Good luck with your chihuahua, and remember, she's only 3 months old, and she can learn fairly quickly. Take time with her and have patience with her, and be persistant in training. If possible, take her to a Puppy Class. Obedience is not just for big dogs! Little dogs should be obedient too. Just ask Gizzie...=) (Gizzie is my 4 year old Papillon, weighs a whole 4 pounds too, has his Champion title, and has passed the Canine Good Citizen test and has his certificate). If you need additional help, please let me know. I have a lot of advice and guidance for you and your puppy. Good luck!

Answer 5

It is mostly normal. The biggest thing that you need to do to get her to constantly listen to you is to just constantly train. The more training you do with her the more she will listen to you in the long run. At the same time though, remeber she is young and so will be a little wild til she grows up.

Answer 6

It is a puppy thing. You need to be consistant with your training.. If you give treats for somethings then do it for all good behavior only. Puppies are like children they need constant attention and proper discipline. Reward her when she does come to you when you call her but only when she comes the first time you call her. Positive reenforcement works best... Do not reward for bad behavior that is negative reenforcement.

Answer 7

You are not the master, the puppy is.

There is not an easy solution for this. Have you ever watched the "Dog Whisper" television show before? Chances are if you watch 4-5 episodes, you'll see a problem very similar to yours.

My dachshund is the same way. We love our dogs too much, sometimes.

Answer 8

You could use her seperation anxiety as negative reinforcement for her bad behavior. Clear out a closet, bathroom or laundry room and put her in time out when she keeps running amok and disobeying you... say "NO! you must LISTEN!" and put her away for an hour or two. Don't let her crying fool you, she's not so much sad as she is trying to do whatever it takes to tame and control you. The smartest dogs train their owners. ;) You'll notice when you have children, they use much the same tactice to get what they want... DONT encourge her by caving in!

And when she's good, shower her with all the attention and doggy treats she can stand.

Answer 9

You must train your dog on a daily basis. You must! Your dog needs to start the training now not later, use lots of yummy treats and make sure you reward with a happy tone in your voice.

Answer 10

it is customary of Irish Setters. they're searching canines. The canines would think of the shadow is a deer or some thing. ALL Setters are obdurate and hardly pay attention. there is not any longer something you're able to do approximately that, that's the character of the breed.