Puppy possessiveness?

Question

Hi..I'm noticing signs of possessiveness with my 4 month old Havanese. She takes her toys and runs away with them (like we are going to take them away). When she plays with my mom's 7 mo old bichon, she will literally take a toy out of the bichon's mouth even if she has her own toy. If the bichon is drinking water in a bowl, my pup will push her out of the way to get the water. If I am petting the bichon, she will jump right in and kiss me and push the bichon out of the way. She never growls, barks, or goes to bite. Any suggestions on stopping this behavior? My husband and I are planning on having a family soon and I don't want her to jump in the way of a baby. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

**She doesn't show any signs of possessiveness with me and my husband**

Thanks!

Answer 1

She is being dominant and the queen of the castle! ;) Of course, it is normal, she is trying out her limits, 'how far can I go?' Because she is still a puppy. And the good thing is, the younger she is the better you can teach her things and make her behave.
Everytime she tries to come between you or anybody else (even your moms bichon) and pushes them away, you need to punish her by pushing HER away and saying out loud NO! But it has to happen immediately! Dogs forget very quickly. If she is not responding, you can pinch her skin a little bit while you push her away (I know it sounds cruel, but that is exaclty what Momma-dog would do or even the leader of a dog pack. And believe me, they are usually not as gentle with the puppies) And do not forget, you probably have to repeat yourself a lot!!! ;)

I would already do sit-exercises with her (I started with my puppy when she was 8 weeks old). It helps changing her behavior a lot! And they let go of the dominant behavior after a while. But keep in mind, she will always try you!

Make it a challenge for her: Everytime she wants her favorite toy or a treat (try less treats) tell her to sit. Say it out loud: "SIT" and ALWAYS in the same tone. Soflty push her down by the hip area, she might bend her legs right away to sit down, maybe at the first time you need to help her out manually.
Again, lots of repeating. Patience is a very important thing in animal training. It's ok if it doesn't work right away, try it a couple of times, then repeat it in an hour or two. You will eventually get there.

Is your mothers dog submissive? If so, than it might be a reason too that your puppy is being so dominant. Usually puppies obey to older dogs. But you can help your mothers dogs confidence.
Make it clear to your puppy that you don't want her to have that toy (again, by pushing her away and saying NO). You want the other dog to have the toy, so take it away from her and say NO. Get her attention, make her watch that you are giving the toy to the other dog. If she immediately goes for it again, get in her way and push her away from you again. The same goes for the water. And remember, always use the same tone in your voice. Best when it's a really low, dark tone. She'll be depressed for a little bit, once she figures out that she can't be boss anymore. You are the pack leader, you basically decide who gets the toy and who drinks first (for example).

I hope I could help you a little bit. And I appologize for any incorrect spelling (I'm not american).I wish you good luck with your puppy. Remember, you can try different methods too. Whatever helps you and your puppy best :)

Answer 2

She's 4 months old!! She's acting like a normal, rambunctious 4 month old puppy! When she gets to be too much for your bichon, the bichon will put her in her place. (I think she's smart enough to be able to tell the difference between a dog and a baby - besides, she'll be older by then and not acting like the baby she is.)

Answer 3

your puppy has signs of dominance, well.. who is the alpha dog in your pack? if it is not the human, its not your puppy's fault, who pays the rent and bring the food? who is the leader? then with that in mind make your point across, I recomend you to read the book of Cesar Millan, he has a website, he is fantastic at training people to do better pack leaders, do your homework in research about being a good pack leader, your dogs will be more happy.

Answer 4

Get a spray bottle and fill it with plain water and give her a squirt or two when she misbehaves.