A little puppy help

[Susie Vetter]

"I am new and need a little help

I have my wonderful new little girl, Jersey, 3.5 months old right now.  Suddenly she has gone from cute and cuddly to asserting herself by jumping up, grabbing clothes and growling like I am one of her tug toys. I am at a loss. I say "no" and she just growls louder.  She was housebroken in a week and crate trained in two days. She is by all rights perfect, but this is making be crazy. Anyone have thoughts?

By the way, thanks to all of you for your welcoming thoughts and comments. They were very much appreciated."

[Susie Vetter]

Thanks. We started today and boy did I learn allot. I look forward to teaching her. The trainer is impressed with how quickly she picks things up. I just hope I can continue it.

[Meridith and Lola]

One quick remedy is put some coins in a  soda can and shake it when she is doing something like that.  Don't let her see it (put it behind your back).  It worked amazingly fast and didn't have to use very often after the first few times.

[Sara & Trix]

Trixi was the same a month ago.  She is now 4.5 months old and has since realised that I don't play with her when she barks or growls.  One day, she was driving me so crazy that barked back at her - scared her quiet HAHA (only on doodlekisses would I ever admit to doing that - but sometimes you have to improvise!)

[Tina, Clover, Plus 5 More]

You are not alone, lol.

[Susie Vetter]

Thanks to everyone for your comments. The time out really works well. I have the perfect place for that. Starting puppy class tomorrow. The first time I can't wait for time to actually fly. Oops. She just stepped on the remote, just a second....there we go. Thanks again for all your very constructive comments.  Will let you know what happens and how it might help your "kids"

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

As Laurie said - welcome to Puppyland. And Congratulations!  Jersey is a healthy puppy, she is gaining confidence and wants to play.

 

 Here are some tips:

 

Make sure Jersey gets lots of exercise and lots of sleep, if she is not eating or sleeping she will want to play.  She is trying to get you to play.  When she jumps growls or grabs at you, give her a toy for her mouth and then a short play - tug or fetch or just attention.  Cuddling is not play.  Play is active.  You cannot play with her all the time, but you need to play with her a lot.  That is how she learns.  Short play - 2 minutes if you don't have time, 20 minutes if you do.  She is old enough to make "sit" and "find it"and "fetch" a game, so that's play. Both are rewarding to her because she gets a toy and your attention.  When she is awake and active, but you are busy, tie her to you or near you with ten feet of light cord and give her a couple of toys.

Always have a toy handy when you have a puppy, it saves your hands and teaches them what is okay to put their mouth on.  Rubbing, patting, cuddling occurs only with a toy in their mouth or their mouth closed and them quiet, but the toy is ready if they just have to have something in their mouth.

 

Puppyland does not last forever, so be sure to enjoy it.  You will laugh so hard at Jersey's antics as she grows.