Rebellious Puppy Problem

[Jen & Carley]

Carley (18 weeks old) started basic obedience classes last week.  She is learning quickly and well, and it's a lot of fun working with her . . . But, she has been having snapping, growling tempertantrums directed at me and the leash. 

 For example, We were working on heal with an automatic sit, and she sat but all sideways (she's supposed to sit parrallel with me), so I reached out and scooted her bum over so she was sitting right.  She took offence at that and started leaping around, growling and snapping.  I asked her to "down" and when she didn't I used the step on the leash method to make her.  she calms down and it's as if it never happened . . . until the next time.  It usually happens when I correct her. 

It's like she's a rebellious teenager that just doesn't like being told what to to and how to do it.  I really want her to understand she Can Not argue with me, especially with her teeth! 

Any suggestions on how to truely cement in her mind that I am Alpha, once and for all?  I hate having to re-establish that fact every couple of days. 

[Adina P]

You've got a little strong willed dood there :-) 

I don't think proving your 'Alpha' status is what is needed.  Dogs aren't trained simply because they believe their owner is some sort of boss/alpha...they are trained by a ton of practice and a chance to see both what 'right' and 'wrong' lead to.  (Right and wrong as defined by YOU). 

She's a puppy still and while that is not an excuse, you have to remember it's quite rare for a dog to quit challenging and be 'done' with training at such a young age.  So 'cementing' yourself as anything won't happen just yet.  She will probably continue to ask questions and challenge and test you. 

In any case, what will work best is for you to always give the same answers.  Sit always means sit.  Down always means down, and so on.  Eventually she'll see that you are a solid rock and consistent and she knows what to expect from you and you don't waiver.  With lots of GOOD practice the tests will gradually lessen and then stop (hopefuly :-)).

Also when teaching heel with an auto sit, how did she learn to sit parallel to you?  Was it part of the teaching so she knew exactly what to do?  Have you tried heeling next to a wall so she physically can NOT move her butt away from you?  That sometimes helps.  Do you praise when she gets it right?  Does she understand precisely what you are asking of her?

Hang in there, and keep up the good and consistent work and she'll get better.

[The Pooky Professor]

I believe she is entering what I like to call "Terrible Teens" this can last up to 2 years old! During this time energy levels peak, barking, digging & chewing begins. They go from being a cute puppy to becoming rebellious, challenging your authority & not listening. Exercise is the number one thing you can do.  Unfortunatly youre going to havew to re-establish your suthority when necesarry. Keep on training her, make her work things such as a sit or a down for food, opening doors etc you are the parent dont take no crap from her I know its frustrating but it will eventually pass as longas youreconsistant! good luck!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

First of all, I think it's great that you're working on training with Carley.....she's at a perfect age for it.  I'm not sure what method you're using with her, and to some degree your response to times when she gives you a crooked sit or refuses the down should tie in with your overall training methodology.  Are you using corrections, reward or both?  Are you using a training collar?  As for seeing you as Alpha "once and for all"....I believe that you have to show your dogs all the time that you are their leader, and you are the one making all the rules.