[HOT ROCKIN' METAL GODDESS] Tuesday, May 19, 2009 4:18:05 PM
Hmmmm. I could be totally off base on this, but it sounds like you are the alpha - Derek respects you and does what you say. I don't think he thinks of Craig the same way. Our German Shepherd saw me as the leader of the pack. He did what my husband said most of the time, but if he was keeping Wolfgang away from me because I couldn't have a puppy underfoot, Wolfgang challenged him by growling at him. BIG time no no. Mark got right after him immediately and I came to see what what going on. I made sure to back my husband up and Wolfgang got the message. When I had my boys, we had to make sure that he understood that he was at the bottom of the pack. Don't get me wrong, we love him dearly and he is definitely a part of our family, but he knows that he answers to all of us. The boys can take anything out of his mouth, even a steak bone and he won't do anything but look up at you and hope you give it back to him. I think Craig needs to establish his dominance and all of this will be resolved. I hope the book helps you like it did me. Good luck and keep us posted!! [Show/Hide Quoted Message](Quoting Message by joedraper from Tuesday, May 19, 2009 3:28:08 PM)
joedraper wrote:
Thanks HRMG Derek turns one next month. The hard part of all of this is that he was toilet trained AND went to and graduated from puppy school with flying colours.. I think that him and Craig need to work on their relationship but Craig is pretty sick of trying to not upset the dog all the time. The kids and I love him dearly and so far, that is his only saving grace. If it was happening to me, I think I'd feel the same way that Craig does. He's been pretty patient I just hope that we can crack this problem. He's a totally different dog when Craig isn't around and trust me, he doesn't even raise his voice to the dog so idk..
I'm going to try find that book online and that together with Guido's suggestions.. maybe we'll be succesful!
HOT ROCKIN' METAL GODDESS wrote:
I completely agree with Guido, crating works! I don't know if Derek is a puppy, but our breeder/trainer recommended a book: How to Raise a Puppy You Can Live With. I used this book to train Wolfgang and it worked wonders. It can also help with older dogs too because you train them the same way, it may just take a lot longer to break them of their bad habit(s). I think you may be right about Derek challenging your husband for leader of the pack by peeing on his stuff. Ever watch The Dog Whisperer? He amazes me... he has helped so many dogs that may have otherwise been given away, or worse. His big thing is establishing leader of the pack through taking them for a walk on the leash. This book goes through that too. I really think it will help you.
joedraper wrote:
Unfortunatly, Derek is winning no fans in this household. I managed to convince Craig into giving him one more chance and so far he's come into the house.. Pee'd all over the kitchen and band room and yesterday he came inside and Shat on my son's bed.. Not sure how much longer I can put up with this..
