Who is REALLY in charge.

[Dixie May]

My GSD is 10 months old & a beautiful female. Love her to pieces!
Recently she has taken to ignoring commands, walking like a crazy puppy (even with her prong training collar on) & has regressed in doggie social skills.

When she is given a command she acts as if she doesn't hear it, or completely ignores it. Granted, the minute you grab a treat she is ready to listen. So far she has a better bond with my boyfriend (since she lives with him) but she will soon be moving in with Mom! He is going to grad school in a different state and I am worried that I am too late to be "in charge."

Any suggestions for first and foremost forging a stronger bond with Miss Dixie May & secondly for helping her see me as being in charge?

[KZoppa]

enforce commands given. She thinks she can get away with not listening. basically you tell her once to sit. If she ignores it, you enforce the command be it a tug up on the collar, a leash correction, or treat luring. Treat her like she is a new puppy. Encourage her to listen to the command. She's not listening because the commands havent been enforced. She doesnt feel its necessary to listen. If you're going to be taking over all care, you need to start now. You handle ALL feedings. You control her entire world. She goes outside to potty, you control when she goes out. Get into an obedience class with her. No, dont bring boyfriend along as she'll constantly be looking to him on whether she should listen or not. Work with her on working with you. Also at 10 months old, you essentially have a teenager.

Dont reissue a command. Sit means sit means sit ONCE. If you have to repeat the command, the dog can learn that you have to say the command so many times before she HAS to listen.

[Msmart]

I had the same issue which started around the same time frame but now at 13 months things have gotten a lot better. The only thing I did was whatv has already been said minus obedience class only because I have had her since a puppy. Enforce commands every time. And good luck.

[Dixie May]

Thanks so much!

I figured we had hit "teenage" stage but wasn't sure how to handle it.

Would it be ridiculous to have her on the leash at all times in order to issue corrections for now and then slowly take the leash away? I would really like to improve her focus on me. We're in an intermediate obedience class were she does great with me. As soon as we leave, back to her old ways.

[KZoppa]

Originally Posted by Dixie May

Thanks so much!

I figured we had hit "teenage" stage but wasn't sure how to handle it.

Would it be ridiculous to have her on the leash at all times in order to issue corrections for now and then slowly take the leash away? I would really like to improve her focus on me. We're in an intermediate obedience class were she does great with me. As soon as we leave, back to her old ways.

no its not ridiculous to have her on leash for corrections. I had to do something similar when one of mine forgot she was housetrained. Also if she's fine in class but acting out at home, step up your homework practice times a bit. Use normal situations to get her. She wants an ice cube? Make the girl work for it! and throw a party when she does a command without getting a treat for a reward. it'll help in the long run.

[Max&Bear Dad]

Couldn't agree with KZoppa more. To have to repeat a command is to negotiate. The pack leader does not negotiate. Having trained rather large males we've found that it's important to establish yourself as the leader. Period. If you must repeat a command, gently but firmly insist on compliance. Then wait a few seconds to heap praise, while not making eye contact. After a few seconds heap praise and let her know how pleased you are. I know that at 10 months the boys were at that stage that they really wanted to test our resolve. But they do thrive on pleasing the most important person in their lives.

[doggiedad]

train and socialize everyday, several times a day.
spent as much time with the dog as possible.

[kennajo]

Originally Posted by Max&Bear Dad

The pack leader does not negotiate.

I love this quote. Trying to get others to understand this is so difficult sometimes! You don't have to be mean just firm. Say it like you mean it and won't take "no" for an answer!

I moved in with my elderly mother (to take care of her and the house)after dad passed. I try to explain this to her because Rocky my 1 yr old GSD doesn't take her serious. I tell her to talk to him like she did us when she had enough of our "kid crap" She is slowly getting Rocky to obey her better.

[cliffson1]

Never give a command that you cannot enforce, and never give it a second time unless you are in process of making them do it. It doesn't take them long to figure out if they don't the first time they will be made the second time command is issued. Guess what....they start doing it the first time to beat you to making them do it. Then both of you are happy....they outsmarted you, and you got your command executed the first time.

[kennajo]

Oh and making them "work" for every little thing they want....be it "throw the ball" or "I want that snack" or" rub my belly" they have to earn it! I think it's funny what Rocky will do for an ice cube...lol He has learned to sit and focus on me then my cue word is "ready" and he will catch it in his mouth! We started this at Thanksgiving with mini marshmellows and now he loves ice cubes. In fact everytime we open the freezer he comes over and sits nicely waiting...hahaha