Is this the teen phase ???

1481 Views 9 Replies 5 Participants Last post by Bellidansa, Feb 28, 2008

Bellidansa

Discussion Starter · Feb 21, 2008

I normally have Tonga on car rides with the family, never had a problem...

Over the weekend, the weather was great so we went out..I noticed his behavior changed dramatically, he is now barking like a snarling monster at everyone which comes near the truck

..

I went to a drive through and he darn near jumped in my lap to confront the person in the window which was very embarrassing.

I had to jump out of the car a few times, my kids were in the truck and he was breaking his neck to jump out with me. I have never seen him behave this way...almost seems like I have a total different dog.

I will definitely have to invest in those dog barriers / dog seat belt harnesses.

Perhaps he is just getting older ?? I have never seen him behave this way. For me this is all about trying to understand my fur baby...

He hasnt been fixed as of yet, I am waiting until he is about 18 months to do that...he will be a 12 months. Next month.

I definitely need to put him back in doggie obedience class...

Any clues from my doggie professional friends ?

Thanks !

See less See more

Save

1 - 10 of 10 Posts

DSudd

· #2 · Feb 21, 2008

Rocky will give a warning bark if he is in the car and some gets to close, but only if DH or I are in the vehicle with him. It is not a continous bark. He will bark once just so the people basically know he is there. There have been a few ocassions where he has barked several times, but I have noticed that it is always at the same person and he will do it regardless of where he is or the circumstances. (For some reason, he just does not like this guy, never has since the first time he saw him, and he walks by our house on a regular basis)

Save

Bellidansa

Discussion Starter · #3 · Feb 21, 2008

Dsudd

I only strive for Tonga to do this....I have hope !

Save

StGeorgeK9

· #4 · Feb 21, 2008

I'm still waiting for Ava's behavior to change (she will be 2 in June)....she doesnt bark much at all, a stranger walked up to the car just the other day while I was in the store.....when I got back the lady was having a discussion with Ava through the cracked window, Ava was quite polite. Of course the lady was as well. Ava doesnt bark much at home either......only occaisionally, the last time she had a fit at the side door (about a week ago). I checked, told her I didnt see anything and went to bed, about 10 minutes later we hear police cars....My husband got up and told me later that the police circled our block for about an hour or so....weird huh? I guess if there is something wrong she will let me know. I keep waiting for her to become more suspicious....hasnt happened yet.

Save

JayneA

· #5 · Feb 21, 2008

I'd say get back into training as you say. There may be some of the teenager stuff but he could also be trying his luck as to 'I am boss when we are out' so training and a bit of NILIF might help.

Save

Bellidansa

Discussion Starter · #6 · Feb 21, 2008

Originally Posted By: JayneI'd say get back into training as you say. There may be some of the teenager stuff but he could also be trying his luck as to 'I am boss when we are out' so training and a bit of NILIF might help.

Jayne

Just the idea of someone "trying to control me" is enough to put my panties in a duff.....

You are correct, I am back to training....which I know will be a long life thing.....

See less See more

Save

JayneA

· #7 · Feb 28, 2008

Yup, if we aren't training them then they are training us!! Good luck.

Save

Bellidansa

Discussion Starter · #8 · Feb 28, 2008

Janye

You are VERY right on target with your statement !

See less See more

Save

MaggieRoseLee

· #9 · Feb 28, 2008

Quote:I definitely need to put him back in doggie obedience class...

You both need to get back into classes. The problem as I see it isn't necessarily the barking (seems like a new stage I would also STRONGLY discourage) but the fact when you tell him it's ok and to stop, he is disregarding your command and 'deciding' to continue. That's a leadership issue that he's deciding to take on OVER you.

And not saying you need to come down hard on him, just that there's tons of tiny stuff you may need to step up on with him as he matures. Sign up for those dog classes ASAP, gives you skills to handle this 'new dog' that's suddenly in your family. And start reading up on all the general leadership stuff. Great book is The Dog Listener by Jan Fennell and these articles have good info:

http://www.flyingdogpress.com/puppack.html

http://www.flyingdogpress.com/leadership.html

http://www.flyingdogpress.com/relationshipbased.html

http://www.flyingdogpress.com/selfpg.html

See less See more

Save

Bellidansa

Discussion Starter · #10 · Feb 28, 2008

Maggie Rose,

Yes, you are certainly correct in your assessment. We BOTH need to return to class.

Definitely ! Calling my trainer now ! Thanks !

Save

1 - 10 of 10 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month