Doodle Behaves "Defiantly"

[Leslie C.]

Well, LiliBear once again decided she was going to be full of herself in her last intermediate agility class session.  This was her first class in weeks and she decided to run around the whole indoor area as happy as could be .... but not listening to me at all.  The instructor actually called her behavior defiant.   Usually, she will run around with a happy smile doing her own thing at least once in the beginning of the class, but this was ridiculous and throughout the whole session.  She disregarded my calls to come here and seemed to shoot me an attitude of "catch me if you can".  The trainer suggested that I find an obedient class to drop into.  LiliBear has had 3 obedience classes (went through intermediate which worked on canine good citizen)..    My plans are to work on her recall, increase her exercise, practice some obedience exercises and work on my strategy to regroup my energy the next time she tests me so.  I know at one point I kind of gave up with her level of ridiculous behavior and the trainer took us through short obstacle stints.  Any other advice?  

Thanks!

[Kyoko]

Yay!!!

[Harley Girl & Linda Neff]

since leaving Harley off leash - she gets too excited - always biting at my pant legs, growling - her way of playing.  Not sure what to do to get her to stop this and pay attention and do what I want her to do....help!!!  Any ideas?

 

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

I don't think Harley is ready to be off leash if he is acting that way.  Put him back on the leash and work with him more!  Though by 2 years old he should be responding.  Curious to see what the others say.  Good Luck!

[Harley Girl & Linda Neff]

When I keep her on leash, she's biting at the leash, etc...

 

[Adina P]

That just means she needs more practice on the leash.  You can spray your leash with Bitter Apple to make mouthing it yucky or just give the leash a FIRM YANK out of her mouth every time.  Don't pull it out or cajole her to stop...just give a FIRM YANK.  And if he's just playing and wanting to run around where he normally would be OFF Leash, just use a longer 15-20 foot leash and don't hold the leash...let it drag around behind him while you stay near and prepare to STEP ON THE LEASH if he gets out of hand. 

 

Has she had any obedience training?  Does she respond reliably?  If not, that's probably the first thing I would address: getting her reliably trained. 

[Harley Girl & Linda Neff]

Well....since this last response, we have made our own jumps and weave poles and have practiced, practiced, practiced at home.  We not only got through the agility course 2x tonight but also did a jumper course 2x and Harley girl did GREAT!!  Big thing is practice practice practice.

[Leslie C.]

Great to hear!