Dog Behavior Problems

Visitor Questions about Dog Behavior Problems

Untrainable?

Hello, I am writing this because I have a few issues.

I'm having problems with my Rotweiller/German Shepherd male dog. He's one year old, not yet neutered, and excessively stubborn. Although we've been trying to house train him from the time we brought him home, he still insists on going in the house. He also has a tendency to completely tear up the house if we don't put him in his crate when we leave. It looks like explosives went off in the house, even if we only leave him for an hour.

We can't leave him outside, because he barks from the time he is put outside until he's brought back inside. He is also very stubborn, and does not like to obey commands, although he does know them. If I tell him to sit, and he doesn't feel like it, he'll look at you until you make him sit. If he feels like listening, he'll sit. It is the same with all of his commands.

What can we do to get his behavior to be more acceptable? I've lived with dogs since I was two years old, and have raised quite a few, but this guy has me at a loss. Please help me. ~~ Jim

Expert Reply

Hi Jim,

I feel your frustration. Let me offer a few suggestions.

Regarding following commands, I think you should take the decision whether or not to obey out of your dog's control. Give him the command then immediately position him to match. You will be establishing your rightful dominance, but in a positive way. If you are very consistent, he should become conditioned to respond immediately.

You might want to consider enrolling him in basic obedience classes. Whether it's the first time or a refresher course, it will be good reinforcement. Some dog obedience schools also offer to have one of their professionals train your dog for you. It's something to consider.

Regarding house training, I would start again from square one as though he were a puppy and take him out very often so he has less opportunity to go inside. You will also need to thoroughly clean areas where he's already soiled or he will be drawn back to these spots to repeat his offense.

I also recommend having him neutered immediately. It won't completely solve the house training problem, but he will have less desire to mark territory in your home.

Now, about tearing up the house. You mentioned that you do crate your dog when you leave, but that he tears up the house if he's left to run free. There is no harm in crating your pet when you are gone. In fact, you may be keeping him from injuring himself if he were to chew on a live electrical cord, or an item that could poison or choke him. I say crate him, but remember to give him some quality attention when you return home.

Hang in there. I think you should see some progress if you give these suggestions a fair try.

~~ Kelly

Puppy Nips Owner During Walks

Hi, I have a four month old Shih Tzu/Maltese mix. When I take her for walks she walks behind me until we head back, then she starts barking and trying to nip my calf. She also tries to nip my five-year-old Pekingese.

I tried the alpha roll, but it didn't work, and now after reading your article I know why. Can you please tell me how to handle this situation?

Thank you~~ Marianne

Expert Reply

Hi Marianne,

Some dogs get overly excited on the trip home and lose control of themselves. Your puppy is very young, but you need to establish loving dominance over her now so that she will not even consider nipping you a possibility.

First, take her for her walk without bringing your other dog along. As you begin to head home, walk with a purpose and do not give her attention for the barking. Do keep control of her by the leash. If she attempts to nip you, then stop walking, give her a firm but short upward tug on the leash and yell "NO". Your tug should only be hard enough to startle her and disrupt the behavior. It shouldn't be hard enough to lift her off the ground at all.

Practice this with her for several days until she gets the message that you are in charge. Then add your other dog back into the walks. Repeat the same corrections if she attempts to nip your Pekingese.

I hope you find this advice helpful, and thanks for your question.

~~ Kelly

My Female Bullies My Male

I have an eight-year-old male Maltese and an eleven-month-old female Maltese. Both dogs are neuter/spayed.

The male is twice the size of the female, yet he runs from her and will hide in the bedroom. Most of the time he tries to stay out of her way. Whenever we try to pet or play with him, she will try to chase him away.

I feel so bad. He is like a real little boy to us, and it hurts to see him afraid of her. I don't know what to do.

~~ Lynn

Expert Reply

Hi Lynn,

More than anything, you need to enroll your female in obedience. She is definitely an Alpha bitch, which means she has taken charge of the pack. Your male dog is obviously not an Alpha, and he is overwhelmed by her behavior.

Training her will give you the upper hand. Then you can give her the command to sit or lay down when she is being obnoxious. I promise you'll love her even more once her training is complete. It's also not a bad idea to enroll your male in training as well if you have another household member who can work with him. I believe the extra socialization will give him more confidence, and with both dogs trained you should be able to achieve peace in the pack.

Thanks for your question~~ Kelly