Adolescent Rebellion

[Puppy Madness]

Ernest is almost 8 months old now, and there may be some of you that remember a few months ago when he was just a little guy, that I posted in this group looking for advice for when he attacked me during walks.  I definitely appreciated the advice, and we got through that stage.  He went through a period of a few months with NO attacks and good leash walking.  Now, however, it has started up again, and I'm thinking it's because he's in the adolescent stage (he is also having a harder time responding to basic commands that came naturally before).  So today I write to you, with sore, bruised hands and arms, asking for more advice.  Basically, how do I get him to understand when I am angry at him?  Clearly he knows how to behave on a walk and is choosing not to anymore, and doesn't care when I talk to him sternly, ignore him, step on the leash to prevent him from jumping, etc.  He just goes about his business trying to eat me- and it hurts WAY more this time around now that he is stronger and has all of his adult teeth!  HELP? Can't even get him to sit at all when he's acting up. The only thing that's changed recently, is I've started to wear mittens because it's really cold where we live.  He does act like he wants the mittens, but even when I don't wear them, he has been misbehaving, so I don't think that's the whole problem.  Thank you!

[Mindy Rapp]

Lately when my puppy has been acting up, I spray her with a water bottle.  She doesn't like it and she'll stop what she's doing.  It's worth a try.  She goes through periods of crazy behavior too, usually when there's been a change in her routine it takes about a week of horrible behavior and then she calms down a little. 

[Tammy and Violet]

if inside use the crate.. put him in there to give you and him a break..thanks god for crates !! hang in there

[Gail and Bailey]

If you are not using a prong collar I would suggest getting one and go back to square one with his training.  Make him work for everything!  No dinner, treats, or love unless he follows a command first....like sit/stay.  Using a prong collar is a wonderful way to get his attention and makes walking on a leash easier.  Be sure to go to You Tube and research the proper way to use the collar in training.  He sure is a cutie!!

[Tammy and Violet]

good idea Gail....prong collar .make sure it is high on the neck behind the ears too

 

[Andrea]

Can you send me a link to your original question? I'm having the same problem with Archie who is 5 months. He turns into an evil teddy bear as soon as we go on our walk where he jumps up and bites and when I tell him no he gets pissed off and barks at me and then goes at it again!